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How to Cancel The Economist

The Economist offers print, digital, and combined subscriptions. Cancellation requires contacting their customer services team by phone or email. Refund eligibility depends on your subscription type and remaining term.

Moderate
~10 minutes
News & Media

Steps verified March 2026

Quick Facts

Monthly cost

£15.00/mo

£180.00/year

Cancel online?

No — phone/letter required

Pause option?

Yes

Refund policy

Annual subscriptions may qualify for a partial refund for unused time. Monthly subscriptions: no refund, access continues until end of period.

After cancellation

Your account and reading history are retained but premium articles become inaccessible after cancellation.

What to Watch Out For

  • Requires a phone call or email to cancel - no online self-service cancellation
  • The Economist often offers steep discounts during the cancellation conversation

Cancellation Steps

Go directly to The Economist cancellation page
1

Check your subscription details

Log in to your Economist account to check your plan type and renewal date.

2

Contact customer services

Email customerservices@economist.com or call 0207 576 8448.

3

Request cancellation

Provide your account details and request cancellation.

4

Confirm refund eligibility

Ask about any pro-rata refund for unused subscription time.

Tips & Things to Know

  • Digital subscriptions via Apple or Google must be cancelled through those platforms.
  • Annual subscriptions may qualify for a partial refund — always ask.
  • The Economist Espresso app is a separate subscription from the main magazine.

Your Consumer Rights

  • Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, you have a 14-day cooling-off period for new subscriptions.
  • If you signed up online, requiring a phone call to cancel may breach the principle of proportionate cancellation processes under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel The Economist at any time?

Yes. Contact customer services by phone or email. There is no minimum term for digital subscriptions.

Will I get a refund from The Economist?

Annual subscribers should ask for a pro-rata refund on unused time. Monthly subscribers do not receive refunds.

What happens to my Economist account after cancellation?

Your account remains but premium articles are paywalled. The Espresso app is a separate subscription.

How long does Economist cancellation take?

The phone call or email exchange takes about 10 minutes. Cancellation takes effect at the end of the billing period.

Is The Economist Espresso app separate from the main subscription?

Yes. The Espresso daily briefing app is a separate subscription. Cancelling the main magazine does not affect Espresso and vice versa.

Annual Cost

£180.00

per year for The Economist

Cancelling saves you this every year