How to read The Financial Times for free

How the FT paywall works

Paywall type: Hard paywall

The FT runs a hard paywall. Non-subscribers see the headline and a short standfirst, and the article text is only sent after you log in, so there is nothing hidden on the page to reveal.

Archived copies and gift links are the realistic options.

What works best for FT

The options most likely to work for ft.com links, best first:

1. Archive.today. The best first try. Widely shared FT stories are usually saved, and you can request a fresh copy if not.
2. Wayback Machine. Many FT captures stop at the paywall. It is more useful for older pieces and for checking whether a story changed.
3. Find a syndicated copy. Some FT reporting is quoted or summarised widely. Searching the headline can lead to coverage of the same story.

Results change as publishers and archives change. For a closer look at each option, see every method compared.

Legitimate free access to FT

• Gift articles. FT subscribers can share articles that anyone can read without an account. Links shared on social media are often gift links already.
• School and university access. The FT offers free access for many schools and universities. Students should check their institution’s library.
• Free newsletters. Some FT newsletters are free to sign up for and cover the day’s main stories.

If you read FT most days, a subscription is the most dependable option and supports the reporting.

Questions about reading FT

Guides for other sites

• The Wall Street Journal
• The New York Times
• Bloomberg
• The Economist
• The Atlantic
• Medium