Open Access journals do not charge subscriptions to libraries or individuals. Some Open Access journals use a funding model based on article processing charges (APCs).
However, the majority of fully Open Access journals do not charge fees. You will most commonly find article processing charges when publishing in a scientific journal or a hybrid journal.
Open Access: scholarly literature that is free to read and often has various re-use rights
Article Processing Charge (APC): A fee charged to the author, institution, or funder to cover the cost of an article. This fee is in lieu of charging subscriptions to read the article.
Hybrid Journal: A type of journal in which some articles are published Open Access and others articles or not. Hybrid journals are typically longstanding journals that provide an Open Access option, and charge subscription fees.
Toll access journal: A journal that requires payment to access the scholarly content
Gold Open Access: Publishing Open Access
