FAQS
Subscriptions

What happens once I've purchased a subscription?

We will send you an email acknowledging your order within 24 hours.

Your first edition will start from the chosen issue at the point of purchase, and this will be confirmed in your acknowledgement email.

Private Eye magazine usually goes to press on a Monday night every fortnight. Subscriber copies are the first off the press on a Tuesday morning (before the Friday cover date). They are mailed the same day by Royal Mail's first-class service and should arrive next day, i.e. Wednesday morning in the UK. Please allow 3-5 working days to Europe and 5-7 working days to the rest of the world. Depending on when we receive your order in the mailing cycle, your first copy will arrive between 6 and 19 days after you have placed your order online (in the UK). Please allow extra days if we are mailing your copy abroad.

We will be running a three-week issue at Christmas, with the first issue of 2027 being mailed on the 5th January.

Can I purchase a subscription as a gift for someone else?

Yes, when placing an order you can specify the person you want to receive the magazine. The order confirmation email will be sent to you after the purchase. If you have the recipient's email address, we can send an e-card at the time of purchase or on a date you choose. You can also add a personal message to the e-card.

How do I change my address?

If you already have an account with us, you can update your address via the My Account area here: https://account.private-eye.co.uk.

To create an account, use the above link and select 'Create Account' and follow the proceeding instructions. Once logged in, you can update your details in the 'My Account' tab. Under 'Account Details' click the 'Update' button, amend the details and hit 'submit'.

If you are changing countries, please email subs@private-eye.co.uk or call 01858 438 850 to update email address.

How do I renew my subscription?

If your original order was a recurring payment, either direct debit or continuous card payment, you do not need to renew your subscription. Payment will automatically be taken unless we contact you.

We will also remind you 21 days before another card payment is taken.

If you ordered a subscription by paying a one-off payment, using a cheque or credit/debit card, we will send you a reminder by email and on the issue wrapping – giving you plenty of time to renew ahead of your final issue.

You can also set up an online account so you can manage your subscription.

Can I still pay by cheque?

Yes, please complete the renewal form that was sent with your issue.

Alternatively, please send your cheque for the correct subscription term to Private Eye, Tower House, Market Harborough, LE16 EF – with your details and customer number if you have it.

How do I update my payment details?

You can update your payment details online through 'Manage your account'; alternatively, please call our team to update. For security reasons please do not email debit/credit card or bank account details.

How do I cancel my subscription?

We are sorry to hear you want to cancel your subscription. You can stop your recurring subscription so no more payments are taken online by following the steps below.

  • Log in to My account
  • Click 'Manage order'
  • Select 'Cancel subscription' on the right-hand side and follow the on-screen instructions.
If paying by direct debit, please cancel your direct debit instruction directly with the bank, as per the Direct Debit Guarantee. Alternatively, you can contact us to discuss further.

Can I get a refund?

You can cancel your subscription within 14 days of receiving the first magazine. We will reimburse your payment, less a pro-rata amount for any magazines that have been sent to you.

Refunds can take up to 28 days and will be refunded to the original payment details.

What should I do if my magazine doesn't arrive?

We send all UK magazines by Royal Mail's first class delivery service. This service aims to deliver 93% of mail the next day. If your magazine does not arrive on Wednesday, please wait a few more days. If you still have not received it by Monday, please contact us to ask for a replacement. We will also report the issue to Royal Mail.

Delays can happen for several reasons, including postal problems or bad weather. Even if the weather is fine where you live, your magazine might be delayed if it is sent from an affected area. You can also check the Royal Mail website for the latest information and any known delays.

If you are an international customer, please allow up to 14 days ahead of contacting us.

Can I really manage my account online?

Yes! We want to make it as easy as possible for you to be able to update your address, payment methods or with regret cancel your subscription. We hope that by being transparent and ensuring there is no friction we can welcome you back in the future!

Do I have to manage my account online?

Absolutely not. We have a UK contact team who will answer any questions that you have either by phone or email.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
ONLY IN THE MAGAZINE
Private Eye Issue 1681
In This Issue
Nadine Phworries Writes exclusively for the Doolally Mail... Why the Burnham Bounce is a disaster for Burnham... Burnham U-turns ‘confident and decisive’... Why not enjoy a road trip through southern France?... Rogue AI bots nothing to worry about... Something we said was bad isn’t... Conspiracy update: King and Queen emerge from the Tardis special... Person on social media has no strong opinion about The Odyssey... My summer of 1976, as told to Craig Brown

Power struggle
Lady Liberty on America’s data centre wars

Local problems
Which is the rottenest borough of them all?

Debbie downer
The FA’s timid attitude to Fifa’s Infantino

Read these stories and much more - only in the magazine. Subscribe here to get delivery direct to your home and never miss an issue!
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20th August 2026
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Private Eye Issue 1680
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