How to cancel news and magazine subscriptions
Guides for cancelling newspaper and magazine subscriptions — introductory rates that jump at renewal, notice periods and retention offers.
News subscriptions rely on introductory pricing more than any other category. A low first-term rate renewing at full price is standard, and the notice of the increase is easy to miss in an inbox.
That makes the renewal date the number that matters. Cancelling, or asking for a new rate, before the introductory term ends is what separates a cheap trial from a full-price year. Some publishers still require cancellation by phone or in writing, and print subscriptions can carry longer notice periods than digital ones.
Retention offers are common. If you want to keep reading at a lower price, the cancellation flow is often where the best rate appears.
Before you cancel: four checks
- 1.Find the renewal date and price. Check when the introductory rate ends and what the renewal price will be.
- 2.Separate print and digital. Print and digital subscriptions can have different terms and cancellation routes.
- 3.Cancel with proof. If phone or written cancellation is required, note the date and keep a confirmation.
- 4.Consider the retention offer. If you want to keep the subscription, the cancellation step is often where a lower rate is offered.
12 news & magazines cancellation guides
- How to cancel BlendleIntroductory pricing that renews at three to four times the initial rate is standard in this category.
- How to cancel Die Zeit DigitalIntroductory pricing that renews at three to four times the initial rate is standard in this category.
- How to cancel Financial TimesIntroductory pricing converts to the full rate at renewal, and the difference is substantial.
- How to cancel Kindle UnlimitedBorrowed titles disappear at the end of membership; purchased books remain in your library permanently.
- How to cancel MediumYour published writing and account are not affected — only access to member-only stories ends.
- How to cancel New York TimesSeparate products under one brand are separate subscriptions. People frequently cancel News and continue paying for Games or Cooking.
- How to cancel ReadlyIntroductory pricing that renews at three to four times the initial rate is standard in this category.
- How to cancel ScribdA pause is not a cancellation and resumes billing on schedule.
- How to cancel Spiegel+Introductory pricing that renews at three to four times the initial rate is standard in this category.
- How to cancel Substack (avg)Multiple small subscriptions are the pattern — individually trivial, collectively significant. Seeing them in one list is the whole exercise.
- How to cancel The EconomistAnnual subscriptions renew as a block and are generally not refunded mid-term.
- How to cancel Wall Street JournalRetention offers here are frequently large discounts. Only accept if you would subscribe at that price today.
Common questions
Why did my news subscription price go up?
Most likely the introductory rate ended and the subscription renewed at the standard price. Publishers typically notify by email before this happens.
Can I cancel a newspaper subscription online?
Many publishers now offer online cancellation; some still require phone or written notice, especially for print. Each guide lists the documented route.
Will I get a refund if I cancel mid-term?
Policies vary by publisher and by whether the term was paid upfront. The individual guides note the stated policy.
Other cancellation categories