How to Cancel The Economist (2026)
Quick answer
If you subscribed directly through The Economist, you can manage and cancel your subscription online from your account's subscription centre; the publisher also accepts cancellations by phone, live chat, and email. Cancel at least 24 hours before your next billing date to avoid the next charge. The Economist generally lets you cancel any time and may refund a prorated amount for the remaining term, but several readers report having to confirm the cancellation more than once before auto-renewal actually stops — so always save the confirmation email. If you subscribed through Apple or Google Play, cancel through that store instead.
Ways to cancel The Economist at a glance
| Method | Available? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Online (subscription centre — direct subscribers) | ✓ Yes | 4 steps |
| Live chat (Contact Us) | ✓ Yes | 2 steps |
| Phone (customer service) | ✓ Yes | 2 steps |
| Email (customer service) | ✓ Yes | 2 steps |
| App Store / Google Play (if you subscribed there) | ✓ Yes | 2 steps |
How to cancel The Economist, step by step
Online (subscription centre — direct subscribers)
- 1Sign in at economist.comLog in with the account you used to subscribe, then open your account / subscription centre (economist.com/help/subscription-centre).
- 2Open 'Manage my subscription'Select 'Manage my subscription' to view your current plan and renewal date.
- 3Select 'Cancel subscription'Choose to cancel and follow the prompts. Watch for retention offers — you may need to confirm the cancellation more than once before it fully registers.
- 4Save the confirmationMake sure you see a cancellation confirmation and keep the confirmation email as proof, in case auto-renewal is later attempted.
Live chat (Contact Us)
- 1Open the Contact Us / help pageGo to The Economist's help section and start a live chat, which is often faster than calling.
- 2Request cancellationTell the agent you want to cancel, and have your Customer Reference Number (CRN) ready to verify your account.
Phone (customer service)
- 1Call customer serviceCall The Economist's North America line at 1-800-456-6086 (lines are usually open 24/7) and ask to cancel.
- 2Verify and confirmProvide your CRN, confirm the cancellation date, and ask whether any prorated refund applies to your remaining term.
Email (customer service)
- 1Email a cancellation requestEmail customerservice@economist.com requesting cancellation, including your name, account email, and Customer Reference Number (CRN).
- 2Keep the replyWait for a written confirmation and keep it as proof your request was processed.
App Store / Google Play (if you subscribed there)
- 1Check who bills youIf you subscribed via Apple or Google Play, that store handles billing — deleting the app does nothing, and The Economist cannot cancel it for you.
- 2Cancel through the storeApple: Settings > [your name] > Subscriptions > The Economist > Cancel. Google Play: Play Store > profile > Payments & subscriptions > Subscriptions > The Economist > Cancel subscription. The store handles any refund.
⏰ Deadline
Cancel at least 24 hours before your next billing date to avoid being charged for the next term.
💵 Fees
No cancellation fee. Subscriptions can be canceled at any time.
↩️ Refunds
The Economist generally allows cancellation any time and may refund a prorated amount for the unused portion of your term (subject to its terms of use). Refund handling differs if you subscribed through an app store, where Apple's or Google's policy applies.
The Economist cancellation — FAQ
Can I cancel The Economist online?
Yes, if you subscribed directly — manage and cancel from your account's subscription centre on economist.com. You can also cancel by phone, live chat, or email. App-store subscriptions must be canceled through that store.
Why did my subscription renew after I canceled?
Some readers report that the first cancellation attempt didn't fully register and they had to confirm more than once. Always make sure you reach a confirmation screen and keep the confirmation email so you can dispute any later charge.
Will I get a refund for the time I don't use?
The Economist may refund a prorated amount for the remaining term when you cancel directly, unless its terms are violated. If you subscribed through Apple or Google Play, any refund follows that store's policy instead.
Sources
This guide is independently written and not affiliated with The Economist. Cancellation terms can change at any time — always confirm the current policy on the official website before cancelling.