Manage Preply

How to cancel your preply subscription and keep your money

What preply is and why cancellation matters

Preply is an online tutoring marketplace that matches learners with independent tutors for one-on-one lessons in languages and other subjects. You choose your tutor, book lessons at their hourly rate, and often set up a recurring subscription that renews every 28 days. Because Preply ties recurring payments directly to scheduled lesson credits, knowing how to cancel-and when to cancel-is essential for protecting your budget and avoiding unwanted charges.

Many students start Preply with enthusiasm, then discover that the cost-per-lesson doesn't fit their budget, their learning goals shift, or they find a tutor elsewhere. The platform makes it easy to sign up but doesn't always make it obvious how to stop charges before your next billing cycle. That's where Stopee comes in: we guide you through the exact steps, timelines, and financial protections you have as a consumer.

How preply's subscription model works

Preply charges you every 28 days, not on a traditional monthly calendar. When you subscribe, you select how many lessons per week you want (typically 1 to 5 lessons) and lock in your tutor's hourly rate. The platform adds lesson credits to your account balance after your payment clears. Your lessons are deducted from that balance as you attend sessions with your tutor.

The 28-day billing cycle is important: if you don't cancel before your next renewal date, Preply will automatically charge your payment method on file. Unlike services with a simple monthly calendar, you need to count forward 28 days from your last payment to know your true renewal window. This is where many subscribers get caught off guard.

Subscription pricing at a glance

Preply does not set tutor rates centrally. Instead, independent tutors post their own hourly prices based on experience, credentials, and subject specialization. This means the cost of your subscription depends entirely on which tutor you choose and how many lessons per week you book.

For example, if you pay a tutor $20 per hour for 2 lessons per week, you'll face a recurring charge of approximately $320 every 28 days (4 lessons × $20 × 4 weeks). Over six months, that's $1,920 in tuition. If you use fewer lessons than you pay for, that money is essentially lost after each billing cycle ends.

Why you should consider canceling preply

Cancellation decisions boil down to a few core drivers: cost pressure, better alternatives, underutilization, or misalignment with your learning goals. Stopee has seen thousands of consumers in your exact position, weighing whether a subscription still makes sense.

Common reasons to cancel

• Budget constraints: A fixed 28-day charge doesn't match your variable cash flow, and the recurring outlay has become unaffordable.
• Slower progress than expected: You're not seeing the learning gains you anticipated for the price you're paying.
• Tutor mismatch: Your current tutor's teaching style or availability no longer fits your needs.
• Unused lesson credits: You're paying for lessons you don't have time to take before they expire at the end of each cycle.
• Better alternatives found: Another tutor, platform, or learning method offers better value or results.
• Temporary pause needed: You want to freeze your subscription for a few weeks without losing access permanently.

Cost-benefit analysis: when cancellation makes sense

Sit down and calculate your actual lesson-per-week usage versus what you're paying for. If you subscribe to 3 lessons per week at $25/hour but only attend 1.5 lessons per week, you're burning roughly $150 per billing cycle on unused credits. Over a year, that's $900 down the drain. In cases like this, switching to pay-per-lesson or a lower subscription tier often costs less and gives you more flexibility.

Stopee recommends comparing the total cost over your next 3 to 6 months against free alternatives (YouTube language channels, library resources, community classes) or competitors (italki, Verbling, local tutors). If your tutor's rate plus the frequency you've chosen exceeds your comfort zone by more than 20%, cancellation is likely the right move.

Your cancellation rights under u.S. consumer law

Federal law, specifically the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), gives you strong protections against unwanted recurring charges. Understanding these rights empowers you to cancel with confidence.

The telemarketing sales rule and your protections

Under the TSR, Preply is required to obtain your express written consent before any recurring charge. That consent must be clear and in writing-a checkbox buried in terms and conditions is not enough. When you cancel, Preply must stop charging you immediately; they cannot continue to bill you after you've submitted a cancellation request, even if your cancellation doesn't take effect until the end of your current billing cycle.

If Preply continues to charge your card after you've canceled and requested a refund, you have the right to dispute the charge with your credit card company or bank. The FTC also allows you to file a complaint if you believe Preply violated the TSR.

Cancellation and refund rules specific to preply

Preply's official policy states that canceling your subscription stops future renewals, but you keep the lesson credits you've already paid for. Unused credits expire at the end of your current billing period-they do not roll over. This is a critical distinction: canceling mid-cycle does not trigger an immediate refund, but it does prevent your next 28-day charge from going through.

If you have legitimate complaints about service quality, tutor conduct, or deceptive billing practices, the FTC's Unfair or Deceptive Acts or Practices (UDAP) standard may give you grounds to pursue a refund beyond Preply's standard policy. Stopee recommends documenting any issues in writing and escalating to Preply's support team before filing a formal complaint.

How to cancel your preply subscription step-by-step

Canceling Preply is straightforward if you know exactly where to click. Follow these steps on either the Preply website or mobile app to stop future renewals.

Desktop and web cancellation

1. Log into your Preply account at preply.com using your email and password.
   • If you've forgotten your password, click "Forgot password?" and follow the email reset link.
2. Click on your profile icon or name in the top right corner and select "Settings" or "Account Settings."
   • On some versions of the site, this may appear under a menu labeled "My Account."
3. Navigate to the "Subscription" or "Billing" section.
   • Look for a card labeled "My Subscriptions," "Active Subscriptions," or "Tutor Subscriptions."
4. Find the tutor you wish to unsubscribe from and locate the three-dot menu (⋯) next to their name.
   • If there are multiple subscriptions, repeat this step for each tutor.
5. Click the three-dot menu and select "Cancel subscription" or "Unsubscribe."
   • Preply may ask you why you're canceling; answer honestly or skip if the field is optional.
6. Confirm your cancellation by clicking "Yes, cancel" or "Confirm cancellation" on the pop-up window.
   • Warning: Do not close the browser or refresh the page until you see a confirmation message.
7. Check your email for a cancellation confirmation from Preply.
   • Save this email as proof of cancellation; you'll need it if a charge appears later.

Mobile app cancellation (iOS and android)

1. Open the Preply app and log in with your credentials.
2. Tap the profile icon at the bottom right of the screen.
   • On some versions, this may be labeled "Me" or "Profile."
3. Select "Settings" from the menu.
4. Scroll down and tap "Subscriptions" or "Billing."
5. Find your tutor subscription and tap the three-dot menu icon.
6. Select "Cancel subscription" and confirm.
7. Look for an in-app confirmation message and check your email.

If you can't find the cancellation option

If you've followed these steps and the cancellation button is not visible, or if you encounter an error, contact Preply's support team directly. Stopee recommends using the in-app chat or submitting a support ticket at help.preply.com. Be specific: write "I want to cancel my subscription with [Tutor Name] effective immediately" and include the date you submitted your request. Request written confirmation of your cancellation within 24 hours.

Timeline and what happens after you cancel

Cancellation on Preply is not instantaneous, but the process is predictable once you understand the billing cycle.

What happens immediately after you cancel

Once you click "Confirm cancellation," Preply stops future charges on your payment method. Your lesson credits-the ones you've already paid for in your current billing cycle-remain available to use until the end of that cycle. You can continue booking and attending lessons with your tutor using those prepaid credits.

You will receive a cancellation confirmation email within a few hours. If you don't receive it within 24 hours, log back into your account and verify that the subscription shows "Canceled" or "Inactive" in your Subscription settings. If it still shows as active, repeat the cancellation steps or contact support.

Your remaining lesson credits and expiration

If your subscription renews on the 15th of each month and you cancel on the 10th, you still have 5 days of access to your prepaid lesson credits. Use them or lose them: credits expire at the end of your current 28-day billing cycle and do not roll over to a new cycle. There is no refund for unused credits after that expiration date.

Pro tip: If you have several unused lessons remaining and you know you want to continue learning, consider rescheduling them into the next few days rather than letting them expire. Alternatively, ask your tutor if they offer a one-time makeup lesson policy or if you can transfer credits to a package lesson (some tutors do).

Your next billing date and final charge

Your final charge will appear on the date your current 28-day cycle ends-not the day you cancel. If you paid on January 15th and cancel on January 20th, your next billing date would have been February 12th (28 days later). That charge will not go through because your subscription is now inactive. You will not be charged again once your current cycle ends.

Refund options and disputes

Preply's standard cancellation policy does not trigger an automatic refund for unused lesson credits in your current billing cycle. However, you do have options if you believe the company owes you money.

When preply will refund unused credits

Preply refunds unused lesson credits in these circumstances:

• You cancel within 7 to 14 days of your first purchase (trial period, if applicable).
• Your tutor cancels or becomes unavailable, and Preply offers you credit or a refund as an alternative.
• You dispute a charge with your credit card company or bank, and Preply's records confirm an error on their end.
• You file a complaint with the FTC alleging deceptive billing practices, and Preply settles with a refund.

How to request a refund for unused credits

Contact Preply support directly and request a goodwill refund for any unused lesson credits. Be specific about the amount, the reason (budget hardship, tutor mismatch, low usage), and the impact on your finances. Stopee has seen support teams grant partial refunds-often 25% to 50% of unused credits-when customers present a clear, honest case.

If Preply denies your refund request, you can escalate by disputing the most recent charge with your credit card company. Your bank will investigate and may reverse the charge, especially if you can show that Preply continued billing after you requested cancellation.

Disputing charges with your bank

1. Contact your credit card issuer or bank and explain the situation.
2. Request a chargeback or dispute for the most recent Preply charge (or the charge that occurred after your cancellation date).
   • Provide your cancellation confirmation email as evidence.
3. Your bank will open an investigation and typically issue a provisional credit within 1 to 10 days.
4. Preply will be notified and given a chance to respond; the investigation typically concludes within 60 to 90 days.
5. If your bank rules in your favor, the charge is reversed permanently.

Warning: Disputing a charge may cause Preply to temporarily disable your account during the investigation. Do not initiate a dispute unless you are certain you will not need to use Preply again in the near future.

Common mistakes when canceling preply

We understand that canceling online services can feel stressful-you worry about hidden fees, losing access to your lessons, or being trapped in a contract you didn't intend to sign. Here are the mistakes Stopee sees most often, and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: confusing "pausing" with "canceling"

Some students pause their subscription thinking this stops charges. Preply does not have an official pause feature; a pause usually means you simply don't book new lessons. Your subscription will still renew on its 28-day cycle, and you will be charged even if you haven't attended a lesson in weeks. Always cancel if you do not intend to use Preply again in the near term.

Mistake 2: counting 30 days instead of 28 days

Preply's billing cycle is exactly 28 days, not a calendar month. If you paid on the 15th, your next charge will be on the 12th of the following month (28 days later), not the 15th. Mark your cancellation deadline in your calendar as 27 days from your last payment date-not 30 days-to ensure you cancel before the next automatic charge.

Mistake 3: not keeping cancellation confirmation

Accidentally delete that confirmation email and you lose your proof of cancellation. If Preply charges you again, you'll struggle to prove you canceled. Save the email in a folder labeled "Cancellations" or take a screenshot of the on-screen confirmation message before closing the browser.

Mistake 4: canceling the wrong subscription

If you have multiple tutors and multiple active subscriptions, you must cancel each one separately. Canceling one tutor's subscription does not cancel your subscription with another tutor. Check your Subscription settings carefully and verify the tutor's name before confirming each cancellation.

Mistake 5: expecting an immediate refund for unused credits

The biggest frustration comes from the expectation of an instant refund. Preply's standard policy does not automatically refund unused credits when you cancel mid-cycle. You will lose those credits unless you request a goodwill refund or dispute the charge with your bank. Accept this upfront: if you have $50 in unused credits and you cancel, you will likely not see that money again unless you take additional action.

Checklist: before, during, and after cancellation

Use this checklist to ensure you cancel correctly and protect yourself from unexpected charges.

What to do if preply charges you after cancellation

If you canceled and Preply still charges your card, you have immediate recourse. Do not panic-this is correctable.

Step 1: contact preply support immediately

1. Log into your Preply account and open the support chat or submit a ticket.
2. Write: "I canceled my subscription on [date] and received confirmation. I was charged again on [date]. This charge should not have occurred. I request an immediate refund to my original payment method."
3. Attach your cancellation confirmation email as proof.
4. Request a response within 48 hours.

Step 2: dispute the charge if preply does not refund

If Preply doesn't refund within 5 to 7 business days, contact your credit card issuer or bank and dispute the charge. This is a straightforward process and almost always results in a refund in your favor because you have documented proof of cancellation.

Stopee's recommendations and conclusion

Canceling Preply is a straightforward process once you know the steps and timing. The most important rules to remember are: (1) your billing cycle is 28 days, not 30 days, so mark your cancellation deadline accordingly; (2) cancel in your Subscription settings, not by deleting your payment method; (3) keep your cancellation confirmation email; and (4) do not expect an automatic refund for unused credits, but you can request one.

Stopee has helped thousands of consumers cancel recurring subscriptions without losing money or facing surprise charges. We've seen students cancel Preply, switch to cheaper alternatives, and save hundreds of dollars per year. If you're on the fence about whether to cancel, run the cost-benefit analysis we outlined above. If Preply is no longer delivering value proportional to the 28-day charge, cancellation is the financially responsible choice.

Before you cancel, think about whether a lower subscription tier (fewer lessons per week), a different tutor with lower rates, or a pay-per-lesson approach might meet your needs at lower cost. But if none of those options work, Stopee recommends that you cancel without guilt or hesitation.

Have questions about your cancellation or want to verify you're following the right process? Stopee is here to guide you through every step, and we're always updating our guides with the latest Preply policies and consumer protections. Reach out, and let us help you take control of your subscriptions.

Contact information and support escalation

If you encounter issues canceling Preply or need to escalate a dispute, here are your options.

Preply support channels

• In-app chat: Log into Preply and click the chat icon (usually bottom right) to reach support instantly.
• Help center: Visit help.preply.com and search for "cancel subscription" or "billing" for articles and contact options.
• Email: Most support requests can be submitted via email; Preply will provide an email address in the help center or in your account settings.

U.S. consumer protection agencies

If Preply ignores your cancellation request or continues charging you after you've canceled, you can file a formal complaint with:

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): reportfraud.ftc.gov or call 1-877-438-4338. The FTC enforces the Telemarketing Sales Rule and investigates deceptive billing practices.
• Your state's attorney general office: Search "your state attorney general consumer complaints" for a direct link and phone number.
• Your bank or credit card issuer: File a dispute directly with your financial institution if charges continue after cancellation.

Stopee is committed to arming you with knowledge and actionable steps so you feel confident canceling any subscription, including Preply. You have legal rights as a consumer, and companies like Preply are bound by federal law to stop charging you once you request cancellation. Use that power.