Preply rules and policies explained in plain English

By FastBuySale Newsroom · 9 Nov 2026 · 10m ago

Why the rules matter

Many tutors join Preply to find students without having to market themselves. In exchange, they accept the platform's rules on how lessons are booked, paid and delivered. Knowing those rules from the start helps you avoid lost earnings, disputes with students and account problems. Policies can change, and they can differ by region or programme, so this guide focuses on the main ideas and points you to the Preply Help Center for current details.

Profile and approval rules

Tutors create a profile with accurate personal details, a photo, a video introduction, subjects taught, experience and pricing. Preply reviews profiles before they go live. Use a real photo of yourself, describe qualifications honestly and avoid including contact details or external links in your profile, since that can breach platform rules. Some subjects may require evidence of qualifications or certification.

Pricing rules

Tutors usually set their own hourly lesson price. New tutors often start lower to attract first students and raise prices as reviews grow. Remember that commission reduces what you receive, so set prices with your net earnings in mind.

Trial lessons and commission

When a new student books a first lesson with you, it is typically treated as a trial lesson, and Preply has historically kept the whole or a large share of the trial lesson payment as its fee for bringing the student to you. After the trial, Preply takes a percentage commission on each lesson, and that percentage can decrease as you complete more hours on the platform. Because these terms affect your income significantly, read the current commission explanation in the Preply Help Center and recheck it periodically.

Worked example: net earnings

This is an illustrative calculation, not Preply's actual current rates. Ana charges 20 dollars a lesson. If her commission on regular lessons is 25%, she keeps 15 dollars per lesson. If she teaches 40 regular lessons a month, she receives 600 dollars before any payout fees and taxes. If her commission falls to 20% after teaching more hours, she keeps 16 dollars per lesson, or 640 dollars for 40 lessons, an increase of about 6.7%. The percentage calculator on this site can help.

Lesson confirmation

After lessons, students are expected to confirm that they took place, and lessons may be confirmed automatically after a set period if the student does nothing. Earnings typically become available only after confirmation, so keep track of unconfirmed lessons and contact support if there is a problem.

Cancellations and rescheduling

Students can usually cancel or reschedule lessons free of charge within a set window before the start time, while late cancellations may still be paid to the tutor. Tutors are also expected to avoid cancelling and to give students notice when changes are unavoidable. Frequent tutor cancellations can harm your rankings and account standing.

Keeping everything on the platform

Preply's rules generally prohibit sharing personal contact details to move students off the platform or accepting payments outside it. This protects both tutors and students and ensures commission is paid. Breaching these rules can lead to suspension.

Payouts and withdrawal rules

Tutors can usually withdraw earnings to supported payment methods, which vary by country and may include payment accounts and bank transfers. Each method can carry its own fees, minimum withdrawal amounts and processing times. Before choosing a method, compare these costs, because withdrawing small amounts frequently can lose more to fees than withdrawing larger amounts less often. Make sure your payout account is in your own name, and keep records of every withdrawal for tax purposes. Tutoring income is usually self-employment income, so set money aside for taxes in the country where you live.

Reviews and ratings rules

Students can leave reviews after lessons. Reviews strongly influence how often your profile is shown and how quickly you attract new students. Platform rules typically prohibit offering incentives in exchange for positive reviews or writing fake reviews. Instead, focus on delivering helpful, well-prepared lessons and politely asking satisfied students whether they would consider leaving a review.

Lesson quality and conduct expectations

Tutors are expected to arrive on time, prepare lessons suited to the student's goals, keep a professional manner and use a reliable internet connection and quiet environment. Inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, harassment or repeated no-shows can lead to account action. Treat each lesson as a professional appointment.

Account suspension risks

Common reasons tutors face suspension include moving students off the platform, accepting outside payments, sharing contact details in messages before it is allowed, misrepresenting qualifications, repeated cancellations and receiving serious complaints. If your account is restricted, read the notice carefully and contact support through the official help site rather than through third parties claiming they can fix accounts.

Common mistakes new tutors make

New tutors sometimes set prices without considering commission, ignore unconfirmed lessons, cancel too often while juggling schedules or forget to block unavailable times in their calendar, leading to bookings they cannot attend. Others spend little time on their profile video, which is often the first thing students watch. Keep your calendar accurate, use the time zone converter on this site for students abroad and update your profile as your experience grows.

Subscriptions and lesson packages

Many students on Preply buy lessons in regular plans or packages rather than one lesson at a time, depending on how the platform currently structures payments. These arrangements can bring steadier income for tutors, but they also come with rules about how unused lessons, transfers between tutors and refunds are handled. Read the relevant Help Center articles so you understand what happens if a student pauses, changes tutor or asks for a refund. Clear understanding helps you answer student questions confidently and plan your schedule.

Availability and calendar rules

Your calendar shows students when they can book you. Keep it accurate, block times when you are busy and set realistic notice periods so students cannot book a lesson only minutes before it starts if you need preparation time. Many tutors set aside blocks of availability at regular times, which helps students build routines. When you travel or change time zones, update your settings promptly to avoid missed lessons.

Communicating with students

Use the platform's messaging tools for all communication, including lesson plans, homework and scheduling changes. Keep messages friendly and professional, respond within a reasonable time and avoid sharing personal social media accounts or phone numbers unless the rules clearly allow it. Good communication reduces misunderstandings and supports positive reviews.

Staying up to date with policy changes

Preply updates its terms and help pages from time to time. Read emails about policy changes, review the tutor terms every few months and check your earnings dashboard to confirm current commission levels. If a rule is unclear, ask support directly.

Handling disputes fairly

Sometimes a student reports a problem, such as a technical failure, a late start or a lesson that did not meet expectations. Respond calmly, explain what happened from your side and keep evidence such as lesson notes and messages. Preply support may review the situation and decide whether a lesson is paid, refunded or rescheduled according to its policies. Disputes are less likely when you start lessons on time, test your equipment beforehand and agree lesson goals clearly with each student at the start of your work together.

Building a sustainable tutoring income

Following the rules is only part of success. Tutors who do well usually specialise, such as business English for professionals or exam preparation, and keep students long term through structured progress plans.

Keeping simple records

Note each lesson date, student, price, commission and confirmation status in a spreadsheet so you can check payouts.

Scams to avoid

Be cautious of messages asking you to teach outside the platform for a higher rate, pay a fee for extra students or share login details. Genuine support will not ask for your password.

Reader questions

Questions about online tutoring platforms? Send them through the Ask page on this site.

Disclaimer

This article is for general information only. Policies and commission rates change; check the Preply Help Center for current details.

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