How Much Does the Financial Times Cost in the UK?
The Financial Times (FT) is the UK's premier business newspaper with digital plans starting at £35 per month for Standard Digital, making it the most expensive news subscription in the UK. According to the FT, the paper has over 1.3 million paying subscribers — predominantly business professionals and investors.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Digital | £35.00 | £339.00 | Unlimited articles, FT app, email briefings |
| Premium Digital | £55.00 | £525.00 | Standard + Lex column, curated emails, gift articles |
| Print + Digital | £65.00+ | £629.00+ | Premium Digital + daily print delivery |
The FT frequently offers introductory rates (£1/month for the first month is common). Trial offers provide the best way to evaluate whether the FT justifies its premium pricing. Student subscounts are available through university partnerships.
Compare all options on our UK News & Media subscriptions page.
Does the FT Auto-Renew?
Yes, FT subscriptions auto-renew monthly or annually. Introductory rates increase to standard pricing automatically. Check at ft.com/myaccount. The FT sends renewal notifications.
How to Cancel the Financial Times in the UK
- Sign in at ft.com
- Go to My FT > Account > Subscription
- Select Cancel Subscription
- Confirm — access continues until end of billing period
Cancel before your introductory rate expires to avoid the full £35+/month charge.
See also our guides to The Times UK subscription and The Economist UK subscription.
Is the FT Worth It in 2026?
The FT is essential for finance professionals, investors, and business leaders. For general readers, the price is hard to justify when The Times and The Guardian offer strong business sections at a fraction of the cost.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Gold standard for business and financial journalism | Most expensive UK news subscription (£35+/month) |
| Global coverage unmatched by any UK competitor | Paywall is strict — very few free articles |
| Lex column and market analysis | General news coverage is thinner than broadsheets |
| FT Weekend magazine is excellent | Standard Digital lacks some premium features |
| Essential for finance professionals | Hard to justify for casual business readers |
For general business news, The Times at £4-26/month covers most needs. The FT is specifically for readers who need deep financial market coverage and global business analysis. The Economist at £20/month offers global analysis in a different weekly format.
Track Your FT Subscription with Prunely
Prunely lets you add the FT to track renewal dates and introductory offer expiry. Track alongside all subscriptions — no bank connection needed. Prunely is free for up to 5 subscriptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Financial Times cost per month?
The FT Standard Digital costs £35/month (£339/year). Premium Digital costs £55/month (£525/year). Introductory offers (£1/month for the first month) are regularly available.
Can I read the FT for free?
The FT allows access to a very limited number of free articles per month (typically 1-2 via registration). Most content requires a paid subscription. Some articles are accessible via Google search.
Is the FT worth the price?
For finance professionals, investors, and business leaders, the FT is essential and often tax-deductible as a business expense. For general readers, the price is hard to justify when cheaper alternatives cover similar business news.
How do I cancel the FT?
Sign in at ft.com > My FT > Account > Subscription > Cancel. Cancel before introductory rates expire to avoid the full price. Access continues until your billing period ends. Use Prunely to set a reminder.
Does the FT have a student discount?
Yes. Many UK universities provide free FT access through institutional subscriptions. Check with your university library. Individual student rates are also available at reduced pricing through ft.com/students.