Cancel through your Wall Street Journal account settings

The fastest way to cancel is through your WSJ account online. Log in at wsj.com, go to your account settings, find the subscription section, and select the option to cancel. The system will ask why you're leaving — you can skip this or answer it — and then confirm your cancellation. Your access ends on your next billing date, not when ready.

If you subscribed through the WSJ website directly (not through Apple, Google, or another platform), this method works in minutes. You'll receive a confirmation email with your cancellation date. Keep this email in case you're charged again by mistake.

Key Takeaways

  • Cancellations made through your WSJ account take effect on your next billing date, not the same day.
  • If you subscribed through Apple, Google Play, or Amazon, you must cancel through that platform's app or account settings, not through WSJ.
  • The WSJ will send you a confirmation email showing your final billing date and when your access ends.
  • If you're charged after cancellation, contact WSJ support with your confirmation email and they will refund the charge.

Cancel a subscription bought through Apple, Google, or Amazon

If you signed up for WSJ through the Apple App Store, Google Play, or Amazon, you cannot cancel through the WSJ website. You must cancel through the platform where you bought it. Each platform handles this differently.

On Apple: Open the Settings app, tap your name at the top, select Subscriptions, find Wall Street Journal, and tap Cancel Subscription. On Google Play: Open the Google Play app, tap your profile icon, go to Payments and Subscriptions, select Subscriptions, choose Wall Street Journal, and tap Cancel Subscription. On Amazon: Go to Your Account, select Memberships and Subscriptions, find Wall Street Journal, and click Cancel.

The cancellation takes effect on your next billing date. You'll lose access when that date arrives, not when you click cancel. Each platform sends a separate confirmation — check your email from Apple, Google, or Amazon (not from WSJ) to confirm the cancellation went through.

What happens after you cancel

Your access to WSJ articles and the app continues until your billing date arrives. If you paid monthly, you have until the end of that month. If you paid annually, you have until the same date next year. You can still read articles you've already opened, but you cannot open new ones once the access period ends.

The WSJ does not offer refunds for partial months or years. If you cancel on the 15th of a month but your billing date is the 30th, you've paid for the full month and won't get money back for the unused days. Plan your cancellation around your billing date if you want to avoid paying for time you won't use.

If you're having trouble canceling

If the cancel button doesn't appear in your account settings, you may have a promotional subscription or a special rate that requires a phone call to cancel. Some older accounts or discounted plans have this restriction. Contact WSJ customer service at 1-800-975-8602 (available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time) and have your account email ready.

If you subscribed through a third party — a phone company, cable provider, or another bundled service — you must cancel through that provider, not through WSJ or the app platforms. Check your bill to see which company is charging you, then contact their customer service to remove the WSJ subscription.

Stopping unwanted charges after cancellation

If you're charged after your cancellation date, contact WSJ support when ready with your cancellation confirmation email. They will refund the charge, usually within 5 to 10 business days. Keep records of every charge and cancellation confirmation in case you need to dispute it with your bank or credit card company.

If charges continue after you've requested a refund, contact your bank or credit card company and dispute the charge. You can also request that your bank block future charges from WSJ. Have your cancellation confirmation email and your bank statements ready when you call.

Pausing instead of canceling

The WSJ does not offer a pause or freeze option. You either keep the subscription active or cancel it. If you think you might return later, canceling now and resubscribing when you're ready is simpler than trying to negotiate a pause with customer service.

Some promotional rates are only available to new subscribers, so if you cancel and come back later, you may not get the same price you had before. Check what rates are currently offered before you cancel if the price matters to your decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel my WSJ subscription when ready, or do I have to wait until my billing date?

You can cancel when ready through your account settings, but your access continues until your next billing date. The WSJ does not offer same-day cancellations or refunds for partial periods. If you need to stop reading today, you can straightforward stop opening the app, but you'll still be charged on your next billing date unless you formally cancel.

What if I forgot my WSJ password and can't log in to cancel?

Go to the WSJ login page and click "Forgot Password." Enter your email address and WSJ will send you a reset link. Once you've reset your password, log in and cancel through your account settings. If you don't have access to the email address on file, call WSJ customer service at 1-800-975-8602 and they can cancel for you.

Will I lose access to articles I've already read after I cancel?

You can still view articles you've already opened in your browser or app. You cannot open new articles once your access ends. Saved articles and bookmarks remain in your account, but you won't be able to read them unless you resubscribe.

Can I get a refund if I cancel in the middle of my billing period?

No. The WSJ does not refund unused portions of your subscription. If you cancel on the 10th but your billing date is the 30th, you've paid for the full month. Plan your cancellation around your billing date if you want to avoid paying for time you won't use.

What's the difference between canceling and unsubscribing from emails?

Canceling your subscription stops your access to WSJ articles and stops billing. Unsubscribing from emails only removes you from their mailing list — you'll still have access and still be charged. To fully cancel, you must go through the subscription cancellation process, not just the email unsubscribe link.