How to cancel The Economist
Cancel The Economist by phone or email. They don't allow online self-cancel. Retention discounts are real.
The Economist doesn't have a self-serve online cancel button. You have to contact customer service.
Email (easiest, written record): Send to customerservices@economist.com with subject "Cancellation request — [your name], subscriber number". Include your subscription number (find it on any past renewal email or invoice). Ask for written confirmation of the cancellation date and final charge.
Phone: 1-800-456-6086 (US), Mon-Fri 8am-8pm ET. International numbers at economist.com/contact-us.
Script: "I'd like to cancel my subscription. It's become too expensive for the amount I read."
Retention reps almost always offer a steep discount — commonly 50% off for 12 months. Some users have reported $89/year offers (vs the $189+ standard). Worth taking if you'd pay that price.
Digital vs Print + Digital: If you have the print bundle, you can downgrade to digital-only ($179/yr or $14.90/mo) instead of full cancellation. Same content, cheaper, less waste.
Group subscription via your employer: Many companies (consulting firms, banks, universities) have group Economist subscriptions. Ask your employer before paying personally — yours might already be covered.
Last verified: May 22, 2026