How much does the Wall Street Journal actually cost? The WSJ actually has a very confusing system for pricing their subscriptions. Before you subscribe, it’s a good idea to do some research to know what you will be paying, and use a WSJ coupon to get the best deal.
How WSJ subscription prices are determined
The price you pay for a Wall Street Journal subscription depends on two factors:
- Digital and/or Print? Do you want WSJ Digital only, Print only, or Digital+Print?
- Promotion Length: As a new subscriber you have the choice of committing to a 3, 6, or 12 month promotion, which is paid up-front.
Wall Street Journal Subscription Prices
Here are the rates for each subscription option, as well as the total cost after the first year. These costs differ depending on on the initial length of the promotion you choose.
WSJ Promo: | Digital Only | Print Only | Digital+Print | |
---|---|---|---|---|
3 Months: View promo | Upfront Cost: $12 (Renews at: $37/mo.) 12 mo. total: $345 | Upfront Cost: $12 (Renews at: $37/mo.) 12 mo. total: $345 | Upfront Cost: $12 (Renews at: $39/mo.) 12 mo. total: $363 | |
6 Months: View promo | Upfront Cost: $111 (Renews at: $37/mo.) 12 mo. total: $333 | Upfront Cost: $111 (Renews at: $37/mo.) 12 mo. total: $333 | Upfront Cost: $117 (Renews at: $39/mo.) 12 mo. total: $351 | |
12 Months: View promo | Upfront Cost: $311 (Renews at: $37/mo.) 12 mo. total: $311 | Upfront Cost: $311 (Renews at: $37/mo.) 12 mo. total: $311 | Upfront Cost: $328 (Renews at: $39/mo.) 12 mo. total: $328 | |
*Prices don’t include tax
*Updated 5/05/17
As you can see, “Print Only” is the same price as “Digital Only.” It’s interesting to note that subscribing to both (Print + WSJ Online) only adds a couple of dollars per month.
Generally if you commit to a longer subscription up front, your total cost will be cheaper after the first year. In the case of the WSJ Digital + Print bundle, you save about $40 per year by paying for 12 months up-front compared to the 12-week deal.
What is the Best WSJ Deal?
To determine which subscription is the best deal, ask yourself how much of an initial commitment you’d be comfortable with.
When you commit to a shorter period of time, (like the “12 weeks for $12” promo) you get a lower initial rate, but the cost will be higher when it renews after the deal ends.
That means that:
- 3-Month Promo is cheapest SHORT Term: If you intend to cancel your subscription after a few months, the 3 month promotion is the best deal (lowest total cost short-term)
- 12-Month Promo is cheapest LONG Term: If you intend to keep your subscription for one year or more, then the 12-month promotion is the best deal (lowest total cost long-term)
Subscriptions: Pay More (Up-Front), Save More Long-Term
Hopefully the table above is clear in explaining the Wall Street Journal’s confusing pricing methods. In summary, the WSJ pricing model is much like most subscription-based products, in that you save more if you pay more up-front. This is true with everything from the Nutrisystem Diet Plans to match.com subscriptions.
If you are just testing the waters, (or afraid of commitment) you can’t go wrong with their 12 week for $12 deal. Remember, you can cancel your subscription anytime after the promotional period ends!
Best Rates are for New customers
As they say directly on wsj.com: “Our introductory prices are our lowest available rates, and are available only to new subscribers.”
It’s true, so if you plan to keep your subscription long-term, consider locking in for the cheaper, promotional rate as long as you can!