How to Cancel New York Times
New York Times requires a phone call with a retention agent. Expect about 20 minutes from start to confirmation.
Subject of FTC lawsuit over deceptive cancellation. Web-only subscribers are often funneled to mandatory phone or chat agents.
Time to cancel
20 min
Methods
Website, Phone, Live
Phone call required
Yes
Retention offer
Yes
Why New York Times scores 85/100
Phone-only
You cannot cancel online. The only route is a phone call to a retention agent, who follows a script designed to keep you on the line and on the plan.
Hidden cancel
The cancel control is buried several clicks deep or styled to blend into the background, so most users give up before finding it.
Retention wall
A sequence of save offers — discounts, pauses, downgrades — must be dismissed one by one before cancellation is permitted.
Step-by-step: cancelling New York Times
These steps reflect the current New York Times flow. For the rich walkthrough with direct links, read our full New York Times cancellation guide.
- 1
Gather your account info
Log in to New York Times (or locate your account email and billing ID) before starting. Save a copy of the email confirming your current plan so you have evidence of the billing terms.
- 2
Call the cancellation line
New York Times requires a phone call. Call the support number listed in your account, select the option for "cancel my subscription," and be ready for a retention script.
- 3
Decline every retention offer
The agent will offer discounts, pauses, and downgrades. Say "please cancel my subscription" at each offer. Ask for a written confirmation number at the end of the call.
- 4
Verify the cancellation
Check your account dashboard for a "subscription ends on [date]" message. Take a screenshot. If a final confirmation email does not arrive within 24 hours, follow up via the same channel.
Cheaper alternatives to New York Times
If you're cancelling because the price is too high — not because the service is bad — these alternatives cover the same category for less. Links marked "sponsored" earn CancelDirect a small commission; the rest we list because they're the honest pick.
Frequently asked questions
Will I get a refund when I cancel New York Times?
New York Times does not guarantee a refund, but you keep access through the end of the current billing period. If you were charged after attempting to cancel, dispute the charge with your bank using the confirmation email as evidence.
Can I pause New York Times instead of cancelling?
New York Times offers a pause during the retention flow. This keeps your data but delays the re-charge by 1–3 months. If you are likely to return within 90 days, pausing is reasonable. If you are leaving for good, skip the pause offer and complete the cancel.
What happens to my New York Times renewal?
After you cancel, New York Times stops all future renewals. Your next credit card statement should show no charge from New York Times. Verify the first statement after cancelling to confirm.