Family Tree Shortcuts

How Much Does Ancestry.com Cost?

One of the most common questions people ask is if there is a cost to Ancestry.com, and if so, how much? This is a common inquiry, and the ironic thing is that there is no short answer. Here is everything you need to know about Ancestry.com costs and pricing.

Is Ancestry.com free?

Yes! Well, some if it is, anyway. Ancestry.com has loads of free databases. All you need is a registered guest account. Just be aware that while there are perhaps a hundreds of free databases, you only have a fraction of what’s really available. So it can be a good start, but if you’re serious about genealogy, you’re probably going to want to upgrade eventually, even if you start out with the free databases.

Ancestry Free Trial

Is the trial free? Does it include full database access?

Yes! With an Ancestry.com trial membership, you can have access to ALL of Ancestry.com’s records that fall within your chosen membership. For example, if you choose a U.S. trial, you have access to U.S. records. If you choose a World trial, you have access to all records that Ancestry.com has, regardless of country. Just be aware that if you don’t cancel your Ancestry.com subscription, it will bill after 14 days.

So how much does Ancestry.com cost for a full membership?

The prices can actually fluctuate slightly as time goes on, so it doesn’t make sense to put down costs here. In general, you can expect the prices to be about the cost of a couple videos — not bad, considering all of the records you’re getting! The World membership is a little more pricey, but if you have ancestors across the seas, it can be worth it. Just make sure you understand that you’re paying for the cost of your complete membership up front, not on a month by month basis (unless you choose the monthly subscription). The best way to find out current costs is to simply access Ancestry.com (such as by using the links on this page) and click either the “trial” or “subscribe” links at the top of their page.

Ho much is AncestryDNA?

Glad you asked! The AncestryDNA product is tied in with the regular Ancestry site and works in tandem with your subscription. However, it is considered a different product (just a one-time fee!), so check out our AncestryDNA cost page for more details.

How can I get an Ancestry.com coupon or discount?

Unfortunately, for a lot of people you can’t. Ancestry.com rarely offers discounts and even more rarely offers coupons. Why? They know they have an excellent product, so they generally don’t have to use promotions like this. Occasionally, there are specials where certain types of databases are free (such as a particular census or military record database). If you are interested in this, one of the best things you can do is to follow @Ancestry on Twitter or to simply check back from time to time.

What if I just want to start an online family tree without using their databases?

Oh yeah, that’s 100% free. You just need a registered guest account, but you won’t be charged anything. Start your tree below, and it will transfer over to Ancestry.com.

Sign Up for Ancestry Today