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How to read The Wall Street Journal free or for less

Almost all WSJ reporting needs a paid membership, though headlines, some newsletters and the daily podcasts are free. Many US public libraries and colleges pay for access their members can use at no cost. Apple News+ also carries a selection of WSJ stories in the US, Canada, the UK and Australia.

Last checked 6 Nov 2026. Offers change often, so confirm the price on the outlet's own page before you pay.

Quick answer

In the US, check whether your public library or college offers free WSJ passes. Elsewhere, Apple News+ is the simplest paid route that includes WSJ stories.

United States

Library

Free 72-hour passes with a public library card

Free

Many US public libraries pay for WSJ access. Cardholders claim a three-day pass on wsj.com through the library's website, using their card number and PIN plus a free WSJ login, and can usually claim a new pass when it runs out. Some libraries limit passes to local residents or cap how many are given out each day, so check your own library's WSJ page.

Reported by a reliable source; check before relying on it Source 1 Source 2
School / university

School-sponsored WSJ membership at partner colleges

Free

Many US colleges and universities pay for WSJ memberships for their students and faculty, covering WSJ.com, the app, newsletters and podcasts. Use the school finder on WSJ's higher-education site, or your library's WSJ guide, to get your school's sign-up link, then register with your school email. Students who already pay personally may need to cancel that plan before switching.

How to get it Confirmed on an official page Source 1 Source 2
Employer

Corporate subscription through your employer

Free to employees if the employer pays

WSJ sells group plans to organisations with 10 or more staff. Ask your HR team, company library or information desk whether you already have access.

Reported by a reliable source; check before relying on it Source
App

Apple News+ includes selected WSJ stories

US$12.99/month after a 1-month free trial

Apple lists The Wall Street Journal among its News+ newspapers in the US. You get a curated selection of WSJ articles in the Apple News app, not the full website. It works on iPhone, iPad and Mac only.

How to get it Confirmed on an official page Source 1 Source 2
Other

Free WSJ podcasts: What's News and The Journal

Free

WSJ's daily news podcasts are free in Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast apps, with no subscription needed. A few special feeds are for subscribers only.

How to get it Reported by a reliable source; check before relying on it Source

Canada

App

Apple News+ includes selected WSJ stories

C$16.99/month after a free trial

Apple's Canadian News+ page names The Wall Street Journal as one of the included newspapers. You read a curated set of WSJ articles in the Apple News app on Apple devices.

How to get it Confirmed on an official page Source 1 Source 2

United Kingdom

App

Apple News+ includes selected WSJ stories

£12.99/month after a free trial

Apple's UK publications list includes The Wall Street Journal. News+ gives you a selection of WSJ articles in the Apple News app, not full wsj.com access.

How to get it Confirmed on an official page Source 1 Source 2

Australia

App

Apple News+ includes selected WSJ stories

A$19.99/month after a 1-month free trial

Apple's Australian News+ page names The Wall Street Journal alongside The Australian. You read a curated set of WSJ stories in the Apple News app.

How to get it Confirmed on an official page Source 1 Source 2
Bundle

The Australian + WSJ + The Times digital bundle

Reported at about A$48 every 4 weeks, with half price for the first 3 months (Oct 2025)

News Corp Australia sells one digital subscription covering The Australian, The Wall Street Journal and The Times of London. Before this bundle, a standard subscription to The Australian already came with WSJ access. Check The Australian's subscribe page for today's price.

See the offer Reported by a reliable source; check before relying on it Source 1 Source 2

Questions

Often, yes, in the US. Many public libraries give cardholders free three-day WSJ passes that can be renewed, but each library sets its own rules, so check your library's website for a WSJ link.

Yes. Many colleges pay for free WSJ memberships for their students, so check WSJ's school finder first. If your school has no deal, WSJ sells a discounted student plan, reported at about US$4 a month.

Yes. Apple lists WSJ in News+ in the US, Canada, the UK and Australia. You get a curated selection of WSJ articles in the Apple News app, not full access to wsj.com.

WSJ comes with Apple News+ (A$19.99 a month) and with News Corp's bundle of The Australian, WSJ and The Times. WSJ's own store also runs regular discounts for new subscribers.

Yes. The daily shows What's News and The Journal are free in the usual podcast apps, and you don't need a subscription.