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How to cancel lingoda and get your money back (New zealand)

What is lingoda

Lingoda is an online language school based in Germany offering live classes in small groups and one-to-one private lessons with qualified teachers worldwide. You choose from flexible subscription plans, sprint challenges designed to build rapid progress, and pay-as-you-go class bundles. The platform operates 24/7, so you can fit learning around your schedule in New Zealand.

How lingoda works

You sign up for an account on the web or through the mobile app, select your language and proficiency level, then book live classes with real teachers. Lingoda tracks your progress through structured lesson materials, and you manage your subscription and billing through your online account or via your phone's app store if you purchased through there.

Why people cancel lingoda

Some learners find the cost adds up quickly or discover that live group classes don't suit their pace. Others struggle with time zones, feel the sprint challenges are too rigid, or realise they're not completing enough classes to justify the monthly fee. If you're considering cancellation, you're not alone, and cancelling is straightforward once you know the steps.

Pricing and what you're paying for

Lingoda's pricing varies depending on your plan type and how you purchase. Here's a snapshot of representative costs in New Zealand dollars.

Lingoda pricing table (New zealand)

Note: Lingoda displays prices in USD, EUR, or local app store currency. The NZD figures above are approximate conversions and may vary daily. Always check your account or receipt for exact charges in your billing currency.

Your consumer rights in new zealand

Before you cancel, understand what New Zealand consumer law protects you. The Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and the Fair Trading Act 1986 are your safety net.

The 14-day cooling-off right

Under New Zealand consumer law, you have the right to cancel most distance contracts (like online subscriptions) within 14 calendar days of purchase without giving a reason. Lingoda's own 14-day money-back guarantee aligns with this legal right. You must act within 14 days-after that, your right to a refund depends on whether Lingoda's specific terms allow it.

Pro tip: Count 14 days from the date you first charged, not from when you took your first class. Mark this date in your calendar so you don't miss the window.

Fair contract terms and transparent pricing

Lingoda must make cancellation terms, refund policies and expiry dates clear and prominent before you pay. If you discover hidden expiry dates on unused credits or confusing cancellation rules buried in fine print, the Fair Trading Act allows you to challenge unfair terms. Cancellation fees are only legal if they're reasonable and fair.

Refunds for services not yet started

If you've paid for classes you never attended, you're entitled to a refund. Lingoda's policy of refunding minus classes you've taken is fair and reasonable. However, after 14 days, Lingoda doesn't have to refund unused class credits-this is where their terms become stricter.

How to cancel lingoda on the web

Cancelling your Lingoda subscription online is the most straightforward route. Here's exactly what you do.

Cancel your monthly web subscription

1. Open a web browser and go to the Lingoda website (lingoda.com).
   • Log in with your email address and password.
   • If you're on a mobile device, you may need to request the desktop version of the website.
2. Navigate to your account settings or subscription page.
   • Look for "My account", "Settings", "Billing" or "Subscription".
   • This is usually found in the top-right menu or under your profile icon.
3. Find the active subscription and select "Cancel subscription" or "End subscription".
   • Lingoda may ask you to confirm your reason for leaving (optional feedback).
   • Read the confirmation screen carefully to confirm the cancellation takes effect at the next billing date.
4. Confirm the cancellation and screenshot or save the confirmation email.
   • You should receive a confirmation email within 24 hours.
   • Check your spam or promotions folder if you don't see it in your inbox.
   • Keep this email and your screenshot as proof of cancellation for your records.

Warning: Cancelling your subscription does not delete your account or progress. Your classes and certificates remain accessible until your final paid period ends. Your access stops renewing after the next billing date.

Cancel a sprint plan

1. Log in to your Lingoda account on the web.
   • Sprint plans are 30-day intensive challenges with completion bonuses.
2. Go to account settings and look for "Active sprints" or "My sprints".
   • If you don't find a self-service cancellation option, move to step 3.
3. Contact Lingoda Customer Support immediately if you want to cancel within the first 14 days.
   • Email support@lingoda.com or use the Help Center chat (available 24/7).
   • Clearly state you want to cancel your sprint plan and request a refund.
   • Provide your order ID or the email address linked to your account.
   • Ask for confirmation of the cancellation in writing.

Pro tip: Sprint cancellations and refunds depend on when you cancel relative to the 14-day window and your sprint attendance. If you cancel early and haven't attended many classes, Lingoda will likely approve a refund. After 14 days, refunds are at Lingoda's discretion.

How to cancel lingoda purchases on app stores

If you bought classes or a subscription through Apple App Store or Google Play, you cancel through the store itself, not through Lingoda's website. This is crucial: cancelling via the app store stops future charges but may not immediately close your Lingoda web account access.

Cancel an iOS (Apple app store) purchase

1. Open the Apple App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
   • Tap the profile icon in the bottom-right corner.
2. Tap "Subscriptions" (not "Purchases").
   • This shows only active and recently cancelled subscriptions.
3. Find Lingoda in the list and tap it.
   • You'll see your subscription status and renewal date.
4. Tap "Cancel subscription" or "Cancel free trial".
   • Apple will ask you to confirm; tap "Confirm cancellation".
   • You should see a confirmation and an expected renewal date in the past.
5. Screenshot the cancellation confirmation and take note of the date.
   • Your access continues until the current billing period ends.
   • No further charges will be applied.

Cancel a google play (Android) purchase

1. Open Google Play Store on your Android phone or tablet.
   • Tap the profile icon in the top-right.
2. Tap "Payments and subscriptions", then "Subscriptions".
   • This shows all your active subscriptions.
3. Select Lingoda from the list.
   • You'll see your plan, price and renewal date.
4. Tap "Cancel subscription".
   • Google Play will confirm the date your subscription ends.
   • Your access continues until the end of the current billing cycle.
5. Screenshot the confirmation page for your records.
   • Check your email (associated with your Google account) for a cancellation confirmation.

Warning: Cancelling via App Store or Google Play stops charges but does NOT automatically cancel your Lingoda web account. If you want to close your Lingoda account entirely, you must also log in to lingoda.com and cancel your web subscription separately, or contact support to request full account closure.

What happens after you cancel

Cancelling feels final, but your Lingoda account doesn't disappear immediately. Here's what changes and what stays the same.

Your access during the notice period

When you cancel a monthly subscription, Lingoda does not cut off your access straight away. You keep full access to all your paid classes until the end of your current billing period. If you were charged on the 15th and cancel on the 20th, you can still book and attend classes until the 14th of next month. This grace period is standard and fair.

Your account, progress and certificates

Lingoda retains your account, lesson history, progress tracking, and any certificates you've earned. Even after cancellation, you can log back in and view your completed lessons and achievements. This is helpful if you decide to return later or want to transfer your records to another platform.

Unused class credits and expiry

If you purchased a class bundle (e.g., 12 group classes), unused credits remain valid for roughly one year from purchase. After cancellation, these credits don't expire faster. However, once the one-year validity window closes, Lingoda does not refund the unused portion. Use your credits before expiry or request Lingoda's permission to pause them.

Pro tip: If you have unused credits, contact support before cancelling and ask whether you can freeze or transfer them. Some customers have had success extending expiry dates if they ask within the original validity window.

Will you get a refund

Refunds are Lingoda's most complex cancellation issue. Your eligibility depends on when you cancel and which type of plan you have.

The 14-day money-back guarantee

Lingoda offers a 14-day money-back guarantee on most purchases. If you cancel within 14 calendar days of your first charge, you receive a refund minus the cost of any classes you attended. For example, if you paid NZ$150 and took 2 classes worth NZ$15 each, you get NZ$120 back.

Pro tip: The 14-day clock starts from your purchase date, not your first class date. If you buy on Monday but don't attend class until Thursday, your 14 days end the following Monday. Mark your purchase date clearly.

The 7-day free trial

When you first sign up, Lingoda offers a 7-day free trial allowing you to take up to 3 group classes or 1 private lesson at no cost. Cancel before day 7 ends, and you're charged nothing. The trial converts to a paid subscription automatically on day 8 if you don't cancel, so set a reminder.

Sprint plan refunds and cashback

Sprint plans (30-day intensive challenges) often come with completion bonuses or cashback rewards. If you attend the required number of classes, Lingoda refunds or credits 50% or 100% of your sprint fee. Refunds from sprint completions are processed after the 30-day sprint ends and can take 2 to 12 weeks to appear in your account.

If you cancel a sprint before completion, refunds depend on your attendance and the day you cancel. Cancelling within the first 14 days typically qualifies you for a partial or full refund. After 14 days, refunds are not guaranteed.

Refunds after the 14-day window

Once 14 days have passed, Lingoda's refund policy becomes stricter. Unused class credits are not refunded; instead, you're encouraged to pause your subscription or use your credits before they expire. If you believe you have grounds for a refund (e.g., technical faults preventing you from attending classes, or misleading terms), contact support and cite the Consumer Guarantees Act.

How to request a refund

1. Contact Lingoda Customer Support within 14 days of your purchase.
   • Email support@lingoda.com or use the Help Center chat.
   • Include your order ID, the email linked to your account, and the date of purchase.
2. Clearly state that you want to cancel and request a refund.
   • Mention the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 if you're within 14 days and haven't attended many classes.
3. Provide evidence (screenshots of classes attended, or confirmation that you attended zero classes).
   • Lingoda's refund is calculated as purchase price minus the cost of classes attended.
4. Wait for Lingoda's response and refund processing.
   • Refunds typically appear in your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days.
   • Request a tracking number or order ID for follow-up.

Common cancellation mistakes and how to avoid them

Cancelling subscriptions can feel stressful, and small oversights often cost you money. Here are the traps Stopee sees customers fall into-and how you avoid them.

Cancelling through the wrong channel

You buy via Google Play but try to cancel through Lingoda's website, or vice versa. Cancelling in the wrong place doesn't work. If you purchased through an app store, you must cancel there. If you bought on the web, you cancel on the web. Always check your receipt or billing email to see where the charge came from, then cancel in that same place. When in doubt, contact support and ask which method applies to your purchase.

Missing the 14-day refund window

The 14 days pass quickly, and many people don't realise they've lost refund eligibility until it's too late. Mark your purchase date in your phone calendar with a reminder for day 13. Don't wait to decide-if you're even slightly unsure about Lingoda, contact support and request a refund within the window. Once day 15 arrives, you lose leverage.

Not keeping cancellation confirmation

You cancel online but don't save the confirmation email or screenshot. Days later, you're charged again and have no proof you cancelled. Always screenshot your cancellation page and save the confirmation email. File these in a folder labelled "Subscriptions" or forward them to yourself. If Lingoda charges you again, you have proof to dispute the charge with your bank.

Forgetting about free trials

You start the 7-day free trial and forget to cancel before day 8. You're suddenly charged for a full month. Set a phone alarm for day 6 (not day 7, in case you're asleep). Most phone calendars allow you to set alerts for specific days.

Cancelling the web subscription but not the app store subscription

You cancel your Lingoda web account but forget to cancel your recurring charge through Apple App Store or Google Play. Charges keep coming. Always cancel both places if you've ever purchased via an app. Check your app store subscriptions every few months to catch surprises.

Using stopee to manage your cancellation

Cancelling Lingoda on your own is possible, but tracking the steps, deadlines and refund eligibility can be overwhelming. Stopee is a consumer advocacy platform that helps you navigate cancellations step-by-step and escalate disputes if a company refuses to refund you fairly.

Stopee can help you by confirming your 14-day refund window, drafting a cancellation request email, and if needed, escalating to consumer authorities in New Zealand if Lingoda doesn't respond. Stopee has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscriptions and recover unfair charges. Whether you're within the refund window or fighting for credits, Stopee guides you through every step.

Common cancellation questions

Can i pause instead of cancel

Yes. Lingoda allows you to pause your subscription for up to 28 days. During a pause, your account is frozen and you're not charged. This is useful if you need a break but plan to return. Log into your account, go to subscription settings and select "Pause" instead of "Cancel". Your billing date adjusts when you resume.

What if i've paid in a different currency

Lingoda charges in the currency of your payment method or the app store in your country. Refunds are issued in the same currency. If you paid in USD but your bank is in New Zealand, the refund is converted back to NZD at your bank's exchange rate, which may differ from the purchase rate. Expect a small variance.

Do i lose my progress and certificates after cancellation

No. Your account, progress tracking, and certificates remain accessible indefinitely. You can log back in anytime and view your completed lessons and achievements. Cancelling only stops new charges and access to book new classes after your current period ends.

Cancellation checklist

Use this checklist to ensure you cancel Lingoda correctly and protect your refund eligibility.

Lingoda's contact details for cancellation

If you need to contact Lingoda for cancellation support or to dispute a refund, use these channels.

Customer support contact information

Email: support@lingoda.com

Help Center: Available 24/7 via the Lingoda website (live chat)

Registered office (Germany): Lingoda GmbH, Schönhauser Allee 103, 10437 Berlin, Germany

Response time: Email responses typically arrive within 24 hours. Chat support is immediate during business hours.

Pro tip: Always email support with your full order ID, account email and a clear request. Responses via email create a paper trail, which is helpful if you need to escalate to Stopee or a consumer authority later.

Escalation under new zealand consumer law

If Lingoda refuses your refund and you believe you're entitled to one under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, you can escalate to the Commerce Commission (comcom.govt.nz) or request a dispute resolution process through your bank. Stopee can guide you through this escalation and help you document your case.

Final word: you have the right to cancel

Lingoda's classes are valuable, but they're not right for everyone. Whether you're cancelling because of cost, time zones, or simply a change of plan, you have the legal right to do so within the terms outlined. The 14-day cooling-off period and the Consumer Guarantees Act protect you in New Zealand. The key is to act quickly, cancel in the right place, and keep proof of your cancellation.

If Lingoda makes cancellation difficult or refuses a refund you're entitled to, don't give up. Stopee has helped thousands of consumers cancel unfair subscriptions and recover their money. Stopee guides you through the evidence you need, drafts your dispute letter, and if necessary, escalates to New Zealand consumer authorities on your behalf. Whether you're cancelling Lingoda today or planning to take action next week, Stopee is here to make the process clear and fair.