Guardian News & Media has outlined the comprehensive terms and conditions for its popular Digital + Print subscription package. This offering combines full digital access with a weekly print edition of the international Guardian Weekly magazine, providing a hybrid news experience for subscribers.
What Does the Subscription Include?
Upon signing up, subscribers immediately gain access to digital benefits, which primarily consist of an advert-free experience on both theguardian.com website and the Guardian Live App. This removes standard display advertising and promotional content for Guardian services. It is important to note that this does not extend to third-party hosted content, such as some videos, and 'Supported by' content—editorially independent journalism funded by external foundations—will still appear.
The print component delivers one copy of the Guardian Weekly magazine to a chosen address each week, 51 times a year, excluding the final week of the calendar year. The first print edition will arrive on the publication date specified during the checkout process.
Sign-Up, Payment, and Key Policies
Prospective subscribers must sign up online, create a Guardian account, and download the relevant apps. The subscription is personal and non-transferable, but account details can be shared with a limited circle of family and friends under a 'fair use' policy. The publisher reserves the right to lock or cancel accounts suspected of excessive or fraudulent sharing.
Payments are taken on a rolling monthly or annual basis, starting from the publication date of the first Guardian Weekly. The subscription auto-renews unless cancelled. The company reserves the right to change subscription benefits or pricing, providing users with at least 30 days' notice, during which time they may cancel.
Cancellation Rights and Refund Policy
UK and EU consumers benefit from robust cancellation rights. They can cancel their subscription within the first 14 days without reason and will not be charged. After this period, cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing cycle, provided notice is given before the next payment date.
Subscribers may also cancel if they are unhappy with material changes to the terms, benefits, or price. Refunds are offered on a proportional basis for an unused subscription period in specific circumstances, including if the service is withdrawn, for exceptional situations, or where statutory rights apply.
The publisher may cancel a subscription for breach of terms, such as payment failure or violating fair use rules, in which case no refund is given. They may also cease offering the service with 30 days' notice, triggering a proportional refund.
Delivery, Holidays, and Liability
While Guardian Weekly is dispatched for Friday delivery, exact delivery dates cannot be guaranteed in all regions. Subscribers experiencing persistent delays should contact customer services. The subscription allows for 'holidays' of up to six weeks per subscription year, with the paused weeks credited to the next payment. Digital access continues during these breaks.
The terms limit the company's liability, excluding responsibility for third-party advertising or issues arising from incorrect subscriber details. However, this does not affect statutory consumer rights which cannot be limited by contract.
For queries or complaints, subscribers are directed to the online Help Centre or can contact customer services via email or phone. The full terms are governed by English law, with specific provisions for subscribers in the United States and Australia.
