TWP PrintSub is a billing descriptor from The Washington Post that appears on credit card statements when you subscribe to its print or digital newspaper delivery. The “TWP” stands for “The Washington Post,” while “PrintSub” or “Sub” indicates an active subscription charge. If you see this on your statement, it likely means you — or someone with access to your card — signed up for a Washington Post plan.
TL;DR: A TWP Sub or TWP PrintSub charge on your credit card is a subscription billing descriptor from The Washington Post. It covers digital access, print delivery, or promotional plans. If you don’t recognize it, check your Washington Post account, contact their support at 1-800-477-4679, or dispute it with your bank.
Last reviewed and updated: April 2026 — verified against current regulatory guidance and financial data.
This guide draws on analysis of billing descriptors, The Washington Post’s subscription terms, and consumer finance protections under the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA), reviewed for accuracy as of 2026. Whether you’re trying to identify a TWP charge on your credit card or need to cancel, dispute, or manage a Washington Post subscription, you’ll find clear, step-by-step answers below.
Table of Contents
- What Is TWP PrintSub?
- TWP Sub — Decoding the Billing Descriptor
- TWP Sub Credit Card Charge Explained
- What Is TWP Sub on Credit Card Statements?
- How TWP*Sub Appears on Your Statement
- TWP Promo — Promotional Subscription Charges
- TWP Promo Credit Card Charge — What to Expect
- How to Verify a TWP Charge on Your Credit Card
- How to Cancel or Dispute a TWP Subscription
- Your Legal Protections Under Federal Law
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is TWP PrintSub?
TWP PrintSub is a credit card billing descriptor used by The Washington Post to label charges for its print newspaper subscription. When your card is billed for home delivery of the physical newspaper, the transaction often appears as “TWP PRINTSUB” or “TWP*PRINTSUB” on your statement.
The Washington Post uses several descriptor variations depending on the type of plan you hold. Here’s a quick reference:
| Statement Descriptor | Meaning |
|---|---|
| TWP PRINTSUB | Print newspaper subscription (home delivery) |
| TWP SUB | Digital or combined subscription |
| TWP*SUB | Digital subscription (alternate format) |
| TWP PROMO | Promotional or trial subscription |
| TWPSUB | Condensed descriptor for subscription |
Many people believe TWP PrintSub is a scam charge. The reality is that it’s almost always a legitimate recurring fee from The Washington Post. However, if you never signed up, someone else may have used your card — or you may have forgotten about a free trial that converted to a paid plan.
TWP Sub — Decoding the Billing Descriptor
A TWP Sub charge breaks down simply. “TWP” is an abbreviation for The Washington Post, one of the most recognized newspapers in the United States. “Sub” stands for subscription. Together, TWP Sub tells you that The Washington Post billed your card for ongoing access to its content.
The charge amount varies by plan. As of 2026, common Washington Post pricing includes:
- ✓ Digital-only access: Typically $4/month introductory, then increases to around $10–$15/month
- ✓ Premium digital: Approximately $12–$20/month for ad-free reading and bonus features
- ✓ Print + digital bundle: Varies by region, often $10–$40+ per month depending on delivery frequency
- ✓ Promotional plans: Often $1/month or less for an initial period (typically 4–12 weeks)
If the amount on your statement seems unfamiliar, it may be because a promotional rate expired and reverted to the full price. This is one of the most common reasons people are surprised by a TWP Sub charge. Similar confusion often arises with other subscription charges — for instance, readers frequently question an Amazon Reta charge on their credit card, which also turns out to be a legitimate billing descriptor.
TWP Sub Credit Card Charge Explained
When you see a TWP Sub credit card charge, the transaction is processed through The Washington Post’s payment system. The charge typically originates from Washington, DC, which is why some statements show “TWP SUB WASHINGTON DC” as the location.
Here’s what a typical TWP Sub transaction looks like on your statement:
- Merchant name: TWP*SUB or TWP SUB
- Location: Washington, DC (sometimes abbreviated)
- Amount: Varies ($1.00 for trials up to $40+ for premium print bundles)
- Frequency: Monthly or every 4 weeks
- Numeric string: A reference number (e.g., 43989212) identifying your specific account
What most guides don’t mention is that The Washington Post sometimes processes charges through third-party payment processors. This can cause the descriptor to look slightly different across credit card issuers. For example, Chase might display “TWP*SUB” while American Express could show “TWP SUB 800-477-4679.” Both refer to the same merchant.
What Is TWP Sub on Credit Card Statements?
If you’re asking “what is TWP Sub on my credit card,” you’re not alone. This is one of the most common mystery charges cardholders encounter. The short answer: it’s a recurring subscription fee from The Washington Post.
Here are the most common scenarios that lead to this charge appearing on your card:
- You signed up for a free trial that automatically converted to a paid subscription after the trial period ended.
- You subscribed directly through washingtonpost.com, an app store, or a promotional offer.
- A family member or household member used your credit card to subscribe.
- You subscribed through a bundled deal (e.g., Amazon Prime included a Washington Post trial in some past promotions).
- Unauthorized use — someone else used your card information to create an account.
According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), subscription-based billing complaints are among the most frequently reported credit card issues. In its 2024 Consumer Response Annual Report, the CFPB noted that billing disputes related to subscriptions and recurring charges have trended upward year over year.
How TWP*Sub Appears on Your Statement
Credit card processors often use special characters in billing descriptors. That’s why you might see TWP*Sub instead of TWP Sub. The asterisk (*) is simply a separator — it doesn’t change the meaning.
Here are all the known variations of this charge, collected from real cardholder reports:
| Descriptor Variation | Notes |
|---|---|
| TWP*SUB | Most common digital subscription descriptor |
| TWP SUB | Standard subscription charge without separator |
| TWP*PRINTSUB | Print newspaper home delivery |
| TWP PRINTSUB | Print subscription alternate format |
| TWPSUB | Condensed version on some bank statements |
| TWP* SUB | With space after asterisk on certain processors |
| TWP*SUB + numeric string | Includes account reference number |
| TWP SUB WASHINGTON DC | Includes merchant location |
If you’ve noticed a similar mystery charge from a different merchant, you might find our guide on Solidgate LLC charges on credit cards helpful, as it covers another common subscription processor.
TWP Promo — Promotional Subscription Charges
A TWP Promo charge on your credit card indicates a promotional or discounted subscription from The Washington Post. These promotions typically offer a steep discount for an introductory period — sometimes as low as $1 for the first month or $29 for the first year.
Here’s how the TWP Promo cycle typically works:
- Promotional period: You pay a reduced rate (e.g., $1/month for 4 weeks).
- Auto-renewal: After the promo ends, your plan renews at the standard rate.
- Descriptor change: The statement descriptor may switch from “TWP PROMO” to “TWP SUB” once the regular billing kicks in.
This descriptor change catches many people off guard. They recognize the TWP Promo charge but don’t connect it to the later TWP Sub charge at a higher amount. If you see both descriptors on different statements, they almost certainly relate to the same Washington Post account.
TWP Promo Credit Card Charge — What to Expect
A TWP Promo credit card charge is legitimate if you signed up for a Washington Post promotional offer. These offers appear through multiple channels:
- ✓ Banner ads on washingtonpost.com
- ✓ Email marketing campaigns
- ✓ Social media advertisements
- ✓ Partner offers through Amazon, Apple News, or other platforms
- ✓ Direct mail or print advertisements
The TWP Promo charge on your credit card typically ranges from $0.99 to $4.00 per month during the trial period. Once the promotion expires, the charge increases to the standard subscription rate. If you spot a TWP Promo charge and don’t want to continue, you should cancel before the promotional period ends to avoid the higher rate.
To check your promotional terms, sign in to your Washington Post My Post account, navigate to “Subscription and Billing,” and review your plan details.
How to Verify a TWP Charge on Your Credit Card
Before you panic about a TWP charge on your credit card, take these verification steps. Most TWP credit card charges turn out to be legitimate. Here’s a systematic approach:
Step 1: Check Your Washington Post Account
- Visit washingtonpost.com and try to sign in.
- Use any email addresses you own — you may have signed up with one you don’t check regularly.
- Navigate to “My Post” → “Subscription and Billing.”
- Review your plan type, billing date, and payment method.
Step 2: Search Your Email
Search all your email accounts for messages from “The Washington Post,” “washingtonpost.com,” or “TWP.” Look for:
- Welcome or confirmation emails
- Billing receipts
- Promotional offer confirmations
- Free trial sign-up notices
Step 3: Ask Household Members
Someone in your household may have used your card to subscribe. This is especially common with shared family devices where credit card information is saved in browser autofill.
Step 4: Contact The Washington Post
If you still can’t identify the charge, call The Washington Post directly:
- Phone: 1-800-477-4679
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 7 AM–9 PM ET; Saturday–Sunday, 7 AM–5 PM ET
- Online: helpcenter.washingtonpost.com
Provide the exact charge amount, date, and descriptor. Their billing team can look up the transaction and tell you which account it’s linked to.
Unfamiliar charges from other merchants require a similar investigation process. For example, if you also see a Gosq.com charge on your credit card, the same verification steps apply — start with the merchant before disputing with your bank.
How to Cancel or Dispute a TWP Subscription
Canceling Your Washington Post Subscription
If the TWP Sub charge is legitimate but you no longer want the service, cancel it directly:
- Sign in at washingtonpost.com/my-post.
- Click “Subscription and Billing.”
- Select “Manage Subscription.”
- Click “Cancel Subscription” and follow the prompts.
- Save your cancellation confirmation for your records.
Important: If you subscribed through Apple’s App Store or Google Play, you must cancel through that platform instead — not through The Washington Post’s website. This is a nuance that many people miss, and it’s the #1 reason cancellation attempts fail.
Disputing an Unauthorized TWP Sub Charge
If you never authorized the charge and can’t resolve it with The Washington Post, file a dispute with your credit card issuer. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA), you have the right to dispute unauthorized charges, and your liability for unauthorized credit card transactions is capped at $50 by federal law.
Here’s how to dispute:
- Contact your bank. Call the number on the back of your credit card. Explain the TWP Sub charge is unauthorized.
- File a written dispute. Most banks accept disputes online, but a written notice provides the strongest legal protection. Send it to your card issuer’s billing inquiries address within 60 days of the statement date.
- Monitor your account. The bank must acknowledge your dispute within 30 days and resolve it within two billing cycles (no more than 90 days).
- Request a new card number. If you suspect your card was compromised, ask for a replacement card to prevent future unauthorized charges.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides detailed guidance on your rights under the Fair Credit Billing Act. If your bank doesn’t resolve the dispute satisfactorily, you can file a complaint with the CFPB.
If you’ve dealt with mystery charges before, our guide on unrecognized Cotflt charges walks through the dispute process in even more detail.
Your Legal Protections Under Federal Law
U.S. consumers have strong legal protections against unauthorized credit card charges. Here are the key regulations that apply to a TWP Sub transaction dispute:
| Law | Protection It Provides |
|---|---|
| Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) | Limits liability for unauthorized charges to $50; requires disputes to be resolved within 90 days |
| Truth in Lending Act (TILA) | Requires clear disclosure of all credit terms and billing practices |
| Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) | Protects debit card users with similar dispute rights (report within 60 days for full protection) |
| FTC’s Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act (ROSCA) | Requires merchants to clearly disclose subscription terms before billing and provide a simple cancellation method |
Under ROSCA, The Washington Post — like all subscription merchants — must provide clear notice of recurring charges before you enroll and must offer a straightforward way to cancel. If a company makes cancellation unreasonably difficult, the FTC can take enforcement action.
For additional context on how other merchants handle subscription billing, see our explanation of Workpoints Transaction credit card charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
what is twp sub
TWP Sub is a billing descriptor used by The Washington Post for subscription charges. “TWP” abbreviates The Washington Post, and “Sub” stands for subscription. This charge appears on credit card or debit card statements when you pay for ongoing access to Washington Post content — either digital-only or combined print and digital plans. If you see it and don’t recall subscribing, check your email for confirmation from The Washington Post or call 1-800-477-4679.
what is twp*sub
TWP*SUB is an alternate format of the same Washington Post subscription charge. The asterisk (*) is a separator character used by certain payment processors and credit card networks. It carries no different meaning from “TWP SUB.” Both indicate a recurring subscription payment to The Washington Post. The exact format depends on your bank or card issuer’s statement display system.
what is twp sub on credit card
TWP Sub on your credit card is a recurring charge from The Washington Post for a news subscription. It may appear after signing up for a digital plan, a print delivery, or a promotional trial that converted to a paid subscription. To verify, sign in to your Washington Post account at washingtonpost.com/my-post and check the Subscription and Billing section. The charge typically ranges from $1 (promotional) to $40+ (premium print bundles) per month.
what is twp subscription
A TWP subscription is a paid plan with The Washington Post. Plans include digital-only access (reading articles online and in the app), print home delivery, or a combined print-and-digital bundle. Most subscriptions renew automatically each month or year. You can manage, upgrade, or cancel your TWP subscription by visiting your My Post account dashboard. The Post also offers Easy Pay automatic billing through credit card, debit card, or bank account.
what is twp
TWP stands for The Washington Post, a major American newspaper headquartered in Washington, DC. Founded in 1877, it is one of the most widely read news publications in the United States. When “TWP” appears on your credit card statement, it always refers to a transaction with The Washington Post — typically a subscription charge for their print or digital news service.
what is twp promo
TWP Promo is a billing descriptor for a promotional or trial subscription from The Washington Post. It means you signed up for a discounted offer — often $1/month for the first few weeks. After the promotional period ends, the plan auto-renews at the standard rate, and the descriptor typically changes to “TWP SUB.” To avoid the full-price charge, cancel before the promotion expires through your My Post account or by calling 1-800-477-4679.
Take Action: Identify, Verify, and Resolve Your TWP Charge
A TWP PrintSub or TWP Sub charge on your credit card is almost always a legitimate subscription fee from The Washington Post. The key steps are simple: check your Washington Post account, review your email for subscription confirmations, and contact their support team at 1-800-477-4679 if anything is unclear.
If the TWP Sub transaction is unauthorized, you have strong federal protections under the Fair Credit Billing Act. Contact your bank, file a dispute, and request a new card number to prevent future charges. Act within 60 days of your statement date for maximum protection.
Don’t let mystery charges sit unresolved. Whether it’s a TWP charge, a TWP Promo charge on your credit card, or any other unfamiliar descriptor, reviewing your statements regularly keeps your finances secure and your budget on track.