• Subscription FAQs

Subscription FAQs

My copy didn’t arrive or has arrived late/damaged. What should I do?

Your copy should arrive just after the cover date for UK addresses, and up to 14 days for overseas addresses. Please contact us if you are receiving copies later than this, or they are arriving damaged.

I subscribed, but haven’t received a copy yet – why not?

Please allow up to two weeks for delivery of your first subscription copy. If you’ve still not received your first issue, please contact us.

How can I update my address or contact details?

You can log in to manage your account here or if you would prefer, you can contact us.

When does my subscription expire?

If you pay by Direct Debit, your subscription will continue until you ask us to stop sending the magazine. If you pay by cheque, credit or debit card, you will find your subscription end date on the letter confirming your subscription and on your renewal letters. Alternatively, you can log in to manage your account here, where you can find full details of your subscription.

When will the first issue of my gift subscription be delivered?

Your gift subscription will normally start with the next available issue, unless otherwise specified at the time the order was placed.

How do I renew my subscription?

You can easily renew your subscription online by entering your subscriber number here or by signing in to manage your account here. Alternatively, please contact us.

If you’re paying by Direct Debit, or continuous credit card you don’t need to do anything, and we will continue to send copies out to you every week. If you pay by credit or debit card, or cheque, we will send you advice and renewal prices in advance of the end of your subscription.

What happens when my subscription comes to an end?

If you are paying by Direct Debit, your subscription will automatically continue with regular payments. If you paid by credit or debit card or by cheque, we’ll send you letters to ensure you have enough time to renew your subscription before it ends.

I want to cancel my subscription. What should I do?

Please contact us if you would like to cancel your subscription. If you are paying by Direct Debit, you will also need to cancel your Direct Debit mandate with your bank. Your subscription will continue until the end of the paid term. If you prefer to cancel immediately, simply contact us and we will arrange for a refund of all un–mailed copies.

How do I access back issues?

If you have digital access included with your subscription you will be able to access the archive by logging in with your subscriber number. You can order a back issue of the print magazine via our online shop.

How do I get digital access?

If you are already a subscriber and have downloaded our app you will need to select ‘Account’ from the app menu – you will then be able to enter your email address and subscriber number to log in.

How does a subscription affect your vendors?

If you don’t already buy the magazine directly from a vendor and would like to support us longer term by subscribing, please be assured that each and every purchase goes towards supporting The Big Issue’s mission to help the most vulnerable people in the UK to improve their lives.

As a social enterprise, we invest every penny we make back into the organisation. That means that with every subscription, we are supporting people in poverty to get back on their own two feet.

Big Issue vendors are amongst the most vulnerable members of our society – homeless or insecurely housed – facing poverty, exclusion, and physical and mental health issues. With your support, we help vendors to achieve financial stability and overcome social disadvantages holding them back.