diff --git a/rtv/__main__.py b/rtv/__main__.py
index fd04b91..bd68894 100755
--- a/rtv/__main__.py
+++ b/rtv/__main__.py
@@ -205,7 +205,7 @@ def main():
 
             # Authorize on launch if the refresh token is present
             oauth = OAuthHelper(reddit, term, config)
-            if config.refresh_token:
+            if config['autologin'] and config.refresh_token:
                 oauth.authorize()
 
             page = None
diff --git a/rtv/config.py b/rtv/config.py
index 36d3122..67dc05e 100644
--- a/rtv/config.py
+++ b/rtv/config.py
@@ -64,6 +64,9 @@ def build_parser():
     parser.add_argument(
         '--non-persistent', dest='persistent', action='store_const', const=False,
         help='Forget the authenticated user when the program exits')
+    parser.add_argument(
+        '--no-autologin', dest='autologin', action='store_const', const=False,
+        help='Do not authenticate automatically on startup')
     parser.add_argument(
         '--clear-auth', dest='clear_auth', action='store_const', const=True,
         help='Remove any saved user data before launching')
@@ -259,6 +262,7 @@ class Config(object):
             'ascii': partial(config.getboolean, 'rtv'),
             'monochrome': partial(config.getboolean, 'rtv'),
             'persistent': partial(config.getboolean, 'rtv'),
+            'autologin': partial(config.getboolean, 'rtv'),
             'clear_auth': partial(config.getboolean, 'rtv'),
             'enable_media': partial(config.getboolean, 'rtv'),
             'history_size': partial(config.getint, 'rtv'),
diff --git a/rtv/templates/rtv.cfg b/rtv/templates/rtv.cfg
index 837ee15..c85b152 100644
--- a/rtv/templates/rtv.cfg
+++ b/rtv/templates/rtv.cfg
@@ -31,6 +31,9 @@ subreddit = front
 ; Allow rtv to store reddit authentication credentials between sessions.
 persistent = True
 
+; Automatically log in on startup, if credentials are available.
+autologin = True
+
 ; Clear any stored credentials when the program starts.
 clear_auth = False