The Wall Street Journal charges different prices depending on how you subscribe

The Wall Street Journal offers three main subscription tiers: digital-only, print-only, and print plus digital. The digital-only plan is the least expensive option. The print-only plan costs more because it includes physical delivery. The print plus digital plan bundles both and typically costs more than either alone, though the exact price varies by region and current promotions.

Prices change frequently based on promotional offers, your location, and whether you are a new or returning subscriber. The Journal does not publish a single fixed price on its website — instead, you see an offer price that may differ from what another person sees. This guide explains what the different tiers include and what factors affect what you pay.

Key Takeaways

  • The Wall Street Journal offers digital-only, print-only, and print plus digital subscriptions at different price points.
  • Introductory rates for new subscribers are typically much lower than the standard renewal price you will pay after the first term ends.
  • The price you see depends on your location, device, and whether you access the site directly or through a partner like Apple News+.
  • Print delivery is available only in certain areas, and adding print to a digital subscription usually costs significantly more than digital alone.

Digital-only subscription pricing

A digital-only subscription gives you access to WSJ.com, the mobile app, and the email newsletters. New subscribers typically see an introductory rate that is substantially lower than the standard price. After the introductory period ends — usually one month to one year depending on the offer — the subscription renews at the full rate.

The introductory rate for new digital subscribers has ranged from roughly $1 to $10 per month in recent years, though the exact offer changes weekly. The standard renewal price is typically in the range of $25 to $40 per month, depending on your location and the current rate card. You should check the terms before you subscribe to see what the renewal price will be, because that is what you will pay after the promotional period ends.

Print plus digital subscription pricing

Adding print delivery to your subscription increases the cost significantly. Print delivery is not available everywhere — it is limited to certain metropolitan areas and surrounding regions. If print is available in your area, adding it to a digital subscription typically costs an additional $15 to $25 per month on top of the digital rate.

Print-only subscriptions (without digital access) are also available in some markets, though they are less common than the bundled option. The print-only rate is usually lower than print plus digital but higher than digital alone. Delivery frequency varies: you can typically choose between seven-day delivery (Monday through Sunday) or weekday-only delivery (Monday through Friday), and the weekday option costs less.

How promotional offers and introductory rates work

The Wall Street Journal uses introductory pricing to attract new subscribers. The introductory period might last one month, three months, six months, or one year. During that time, you pay the promotional rate. When the introductory period ends, your subscription automatically renews at the standard rate unless you cancel.

The standard rate is what matters most for your long-term cost. Some subscribers cancel after the introductory period and then resubscribe under a new promotional offer, though the Journal has tightened restrictions on this practice. If you plan to keep the subscription beyond the first term, budget for the full renewal price, not the introductory price.

Factors that change what you pay

Your subscription price depends on several things the Journal controls. Your geographic location affects pricing — subscribers in different states or regions may see different rates. The device or browser you use to subscribe can also matter: subscribing through the WSJ app, the website, or a partner platform like Apple News+ may show different prices.

Whether you are a new subscriber or a returning one changes the offer you see. Existing subscribers who let their subscription lapse may be offered a reactivation rate that differs from the new-subscriber rate. The time of year and current promotional calendar also affect pricing — rates may shift seasonally or around major news events.

Bundled subscriptions through other platforms

The Wall Street Journal is available through Apple News+, which bundles access to the Journal with other publications and costs a flat monthly rate. Apple News+ pricing is separate from direct WSJ subscription pricing. Some credit card companies and employers also offer discounted or bundled access to the Journal as a cardholder or employee benefit.

If you have access through a bundled service, you typically cannot stack that with a separate WSJ subscription at a discount — you get one or the other. Check whether your employer, credit card issuer, or membership organization offers Journal access before you subscribe directly, because the bundled rate may be lower than what you would pay on your own.

What happens when your subscription renews

Your subscription renews automatically on the date it is set to expire. You will receive an email reminder before the renewal date. The renewal charge will appear on the payment method you provided when you subscribed. If you want to cancel before renewal, you need to do so through your account settings or by contacting customer service — cancellation does not happen automatically.

If you do not cancel and your subscription renews at the standard rate, you can contact the Journal to ask about a lower rate. The company sometimes offers retention rates to subscribers who call to cancel, though there is no may provide. Keeping detailed records of what you paid and when can help if you need to dispute a charge or negotiate a rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the introductory rate and the renewal rate?

The introductory rate is a promotional price for new subscribers that lasts for a set period — usually one month to one year. After that period ends, your subscription renews at the standard rate, which is typically much higher. Always check what the renewal price will be before you subscribe, because that is what you will pay long-term.

Can I get a lower rate if I call to cancel?

The Journal sometimes offers retention rates to subscribers who contact customer service to cancel. There is no may provide, and the offer depends on your subscription history and current promotions. It is worth asking, but do not assume a lower rate will be available.

Is print delivery available everywhere?

No. Print delivery is limited to certain metropolitan areas and surrounding regions. You can check whether it is available in your area during the subscription process. If print is not available, you can only subscribe to digital-only access.

What if I subscribe through Apple News+ instead of directly?

Apple News+ bundles the Journal with other publications at a flat monthly rate. This is separate pricing from a direct WSJ subscription. If you already have Apple News+, you do not need a separate Journal subscription. Compare the Apple News+ price to the direct subscription price to see which is cheaper for you.

Do student or military discounts exist?

The Journal occasionally offers discounted rates for students and military members, though these offers change and are not always available. Check the subscription page or contact customer service to ask whether a discount applies to your situation.