Preply takes payment from the student and holds it until the lesson is complete

When you book a lesson on Preply, you pay Preply directly—not the tutor. Preply collects your payment before the lesson starts and holds the money in an account. After the lesson ends, Preply releases the tutor's portion to them, usually within a few days. This system protects both of you: you know your money is find if something goes wrong, and the tutor knows they will be paid for work completed.

The amount you see quoted is what you pay. Preply's fees are built into that price, so there are no surprise charges added at checkout. Different tutors set different rates based on their experience and qualifications, and you can see the full cost before you confirm the booking.

Key Takeaways

  • You pay Preply before your lesson starts, and Preply releases the tutor's payment after the lesson is complete.
  • The price shown is your total cost—Preply's fees are already included, with no additional charges at checkout.
  • You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or PayPal, depending on your location.
  • If you cancel before the lesson, Preply refunds you according to their cancellation policy, which varies by how far in advance you cancel.
  • Tutors receive their earnings through bank transfer or PayPal, depending on their country and account setup.

Payment methods Preply accepts

Preply takes credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. The payment methods available to you depend on your country and which payment processor Preply uses in your region. When you add a payment method to your account, Preply stores it securely so you do not have to enter it again for each lesson.

If your payment method is declined, Preply will notify you and give you a chance to update it before your lesson. If payment is not received by the lesson start time, the lesson may be cancelled.

What happens to your money before and after the lesson

Your payment sits with Preply from the moment you book until after the lesson ends. This is called escrow—a neutral third party (Preply) holds the money to protect both sides. You cannot withdraw it once you have paid, but you are protected: if the tutor does not show up or the lesson does not happen, you can request a refund.

After the lesson is complete, Preply releases the tutor's share to their account. The tutor then withdraws it to their bank account or PayPal, depending on how they set up their account. This usually takes a few business days, though the exact timing depends on the tutor's bank and country.

Cancellations and refunds

If you cancel a lesson, whether you get your money back depends on when you cancel. Preply's policy gives tutors notice time—typically 24 hours. If you cancel more than 24 hours before the lesson, you receive a full refund. If you cancel within 24 hours, the tutor keeps the payment as compensation for holding that time slot.

Some tutors offer their own cancellation policies that are more flexible than Preply's standard policy. Check the tutor's profile to see if they have stated their own terms. If a tutor cancels on you, you always receive a full refund, and you can rebook with another tutor or request your money back.

How tutors receive their earnings

Tutors on Preply set up a payout method—either a bank account or PayPal—where they want to receive their earnings. Preply transfers the tutor's share of each lesson payment to that account after the lesson is marked complete. The tutor does not receive the full amount you paid; Preply takes a commission, and the tutor receives their agreed rate minus that commission.

Payout timing varies by country and bank. In most cases, tutors see the money within a few business days of the lesson. Some countries have slower banking systems, so it may take longer. Tutors can check their earnings and payout history in their Preply account dashboard.

Disputes and what to do if something goes wrong

If a lesson does not happen as planned—the tutor does not show up, the connection fails, or you have a serious problem with the lesson—you can contact Preply's support team to report it. Preply reviews disputes and can issue refunds or credits to your account if they find the issue was on the tutor's side.

Keep records of your lessons: screenshots of the booking, notes about what happened, and any messages with the tutor. This helps Preply investigate if you need to dispute a charge. Most disputes are resolved within a few days, though complex cases may take longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I am not happy with the tutor?

Preply's refund policy covers lessons that did not happen or had serious technical problems. If you are unhappy with the tutor's teaching style or pace, that is usually not grounds for a refund after the lesson is complete. Before booking multiple lessons, many students book a single trial lesson first to see if the tutor is a good fit.

What if my payment method fails?

Preply will notify you that the payment did not go through and ask you to update your card or payment method. If you do not update it before the lesson start time, the lesson will be cancelled and you will not be charged. You can rebook once your payment method is working.

Do I pay per lesson or do I have to buy a package?

You can pay per lesson—there is no requirement to buy a package. Some tutors offer discounts if you book multiple lessons in advance, but you can always book and pay for one lesson at a time if you prefer.

How long does it take for a tutor to get paid after my lesson?

Preply releases the tutor's payment within a few business days of the lesson ending. The tutor then withdraws it to their bank account or PayPal, which can take another few business days depending on their bank and country. In total, tutors usually see the money within one to two weeks.

Can I change my payment method after I book a lesson?

Yes, you can update your payment method in your account settings at any time before the lesson starts. If you change it after payment has already been processed, contact Preply support to let them know.