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?
Olivia Harper
Content Manager
Olivia Harper, a Content Manager with nine years of experience, creates user-focused guides on subscription services. Featured in Digital Consumer Reports, her work simplifies subscription terms and cancellations.
