Trying to get in touch with The Economist can sometimes feel like you're navigating international diplomacy, especially when dealing with common frustrations like billing disputes or trying to cancel a subscription, which many users on sites like Trustpilot complain about. Whether you're trying to understand the economic impact of the latest Taylor Swift tour or just fix a login issue, getting a hold of a real person is key. You can typically reach them via their phone number, live chat, email form, or even social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. For self-service, your first stop should always be the official site at www.economist.com.
Different Ways to Contact The Economist
| Contact Method | Details & Availability | Best for... |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | +1 800 456 6086 (Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm CST) | Urgent issues, cancellations, billing disputes |
| Live Chat | Via the website's Help Centre during business hours | Quick questions, technical support, login help |
| Contact Form | Available on the 'Contact Us' page | Non-urgent issues, detailed feedback, documentation |
| Social Media | @TheEconomist on X (Twitter), Facebook | Public complaints, general questions |
Customer Support Channels
a. đź“ž Phone Support
| Department | Phone Number | Hours (Timezone) |
|---|---|---|
| Subscriptions & Main Support (US/Canada) | +1 800 456 6086 | Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm (CST) |
b. 📧 Email Support
The Economist primarily uses a contact form on their website instead of a direct support email. This helps them route your query to the right department.
| Purpose | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| General Inquiries | Website Contact Form | Average response time is typically 1–3 business days. |
c. đź’¬ Live Chat or Website Bot
- Where to access: You can find the live chat option in the bottom corner of The Economist's Help Centre page.
- Steps to access: Visit the Help Centre and look for the chat bubble icon to initiate a conversation.
- Types of problems it handles: It's great for subscription questions, login problems, and technical glitches with the app or website.
- Escalation: If the bot cannot solve your issue, it will escalate the chat to a live human agent during business hours.
d. 📱 In-App Support
Both the iOS and Android apps for The Economist do not have a dedicated in-app contact feature. Instead, they direct you to the main website's Help Centre to access the contact form or live chat.
⏱️ Estimated Response Times from The Economist
| Method | Expected Wait Time |
|---|---|
| Phone | 5–20 minutes, depending on call volume |
| Email / Contact Form | 1–3 business days |
| Live Chat | Under 5 minutes (during operating hours) |
| App | N/A (redirects to website) |
🔍 Tips to Reach Support Faster from The Economist
- Call early: Try calling right when their phone lines open at 8am CST to avoid the midday rush.
- Use Live Chat for speed: For simple tech or account questions, live chat is almost always faster than the phone.
- Have your info ready: Don't make them wait while you search for your details. Have everything prepared beforehand.
Before You Call: What to Have Ready
Seriously, don't waste your time or the agent's. Before you even think about calling or starting a chat, make sure you have your subscription number and the email address you signed up with handy. Trust me, they will ask for it. If it's a billing issue, also have your billing address and the date of the charge ready to go.
Where to Quickly Solve Problems with The Economist
Here’s a quick guide to getting the right help without the runaround.
| If Your Problem Is... | The Best Contact Method Is... | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Cancelling a Subscription | Phone Support (+1 800 456 6086) | Be direct and firm. Online reviews suggest the online process can be difficult, so calling is the most reliable way to get confirmation. |
| A Billing Error | Phone Support or Live Chat | Have the charge date and amount from your bank statement ready. Phone agents usually have the authority to issue credits immediately. |
| App Not Working / Login Issues | Live Chat or Help Center | Check the self-service Help Center first for password resets. It's much faster. Use live chat for more complex technical glitches. |
| Changing Your Address | Online Account Portal (Self-Service) | This is the fastest method by far. Don't wait on hold for something you can update yourself in less than two minutes online. |
Additional Helpful Links for The Economist
For additional resources, check out the following official links:
Frequently Asked Questions about The Economist Customer Service
What's the fastest way to contact The Economist?
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Can I pause my subscription to The Economist?
Why can't I access all articles even though I'm subscribed?
Emma Sullivan
EdTech and Media Writer
Emma Sullivan is the EdTech & Media Writer at Pine AI, focusing on the intersection of educational technology, digital media, and consumer trends. With over a decade of experience as a technology journalist and an educator, Emma brings a unique, hands-on perspective to their analysis. In her full time profession Emma teaches digital literacy programs and reports for leading technology publications, where they cover the launch of major educational platforms and the integration of new media in learning environments. Emma is committed to providing readers with practical, insightful, and reliable guidance whether it's about saving money or practical subscription hacks, she wants to empower consumers through knowleddge.
