Cancellation guide
How to cancel Wall Street Journal
Last reviewed July 15, 2026 · California ARL compliance: Unclear
If you're trying to cancel Wall Street Journal, here's exactly what to do — plus what California law requires them to make easy, and what to do if they don't.
The steps
- 1
Historically WSJ required calling customer service to cancel. Online self-service has improved but many users still report being routed to a phone line.
Is it actually easy to cancel?
Our observation
UnclearCancellation requires phone, mail, or in-person visit even though signup was online — inconsistent with California ARL.
What California law requires
Under California Business & Professions Code § 17602, any company that auto-renews a subscription for a California consumer must:
- Clearly disclose the auto-renewal terms before you sign up.
- Get your affirmative consent to the renewal — no pre-checked boxes.
- Send an acknowledgment email with a clear cancellation policy.
- Provide an easy online cancellation method — you shouldn't have to call, chat, or beg to leave.
If Wall Street Journal didn't do these things, any charges may be treated as an unconditional gift — and you may be entitled to a refund.
Charged after you tried to cancel?
Tell us what happened. We document patterns of Automatic Renewal Law non-compliance and can point you toward next steps.
Observations dated 7/15/2026. Cancellation flows change — if these steps are out of date, please let us know.