How to Read The Economist for Cheap?

Reading The Economist doesn't have to be expensive, with several strategies available to access its in-depth analysis and global coverage at a reduced cost or even for free. The most direct ways often involve leveraging specific discounts or public resources.

Unlock Student Discounts

If you are a student, you're in luck! The Economist offers significant discounts to eligible students, making it one of the cheapest ways to access their content.

• Eligibility: Students aged 16 and above, attending an accredited college, university, or high school, qualify for these special rates.
• Subscription Types: Eligible students can purchase a discounted Digital subscription. Even better, an Espresso subscription is available completely free of charge. Espresso provides a concise daily briefing on global news and markets.
• How to Apply: To find out more and apply for a student subscription, visit subscribenow.economist.com/student.

Leverage Public Libraries

Public libraries are an excellent, often overlooked, resource for free access to The Economist.

• Physical Copies: Many local libraries subscribe to the print edition of The Economist, allowing you to read it during library hours.
• Digital Access: Even more conveniently, many libraries offer digital access to magazines and newspapers through services like Libby (powered by OverDrive). With a valid library card, you can borrow digital issues of The Economist to read on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. This provides the full digital magazine experience without a personal subscription cost.
  • Steps:
    1. Obtain a library card from your local public library if you don't already have one.
    2. Download the Libby app (or OverDrive app) and sign in with your library card details.
    3. Search for "The Economist" within the app and borrow the latest issue.

Seek Out Promotional Offers and Free Trials

The Economist frequently offers introductory rates or free trials to attract new subscribers.

• Website Deals: Keep an eye on The Economist's official subscription page. They often run limited-time promotions, especially during holiday seasons or special events. These can include significant discounts on annual subscriptions for the first year.
• Free Trial Periods: Before committing to a full subscription, look for options that offer a free trial period. This allows you to experience the content and decide if it's worth the investment without any upfront cost. Be sure to note the trial end date to avoid unintended charges.
• Newsletter Sign-ups: Sometimes, signing up for their newsletter can unlock special promotional codes or early access to deals.

Consider Other Cost-Saving Strategies

While less direct, these methods can also help you read The Economist more cheaply over time:

• Check Credit Card Benefits: Some premium credit cards offer perks like magazine subscriptions or statement credits that could be used towards The Economist.
• Gift Subscriptions: If you know someone who already subscribes or is looking for a gift idea for you, suggesting a subscription to The Economist could be a great way to receive it at no personal cost.
• Content Aggregators (Limited): While not providing full access, some news aggregators or specific articles may be available through search engines, offering a glimpse into The Economist's reporting. This is not a substitute for a full subscription but can provide occasional free access to select content.

By combining these strategies, you can significantly reduce the cost of staying informed with The Economist's insightful global coverage.