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How italki Credits Work for Korean Lessons (Payment & Refunds Explained)

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C C Credits USD Book lesson to wallet

Before you book a Korean tutor, it helps to understand how italki Credits actually work — because italki doesn't charge per lesson directly. You buy Credits first, then spend them on lessons, you're charged in USD, and the refund rules have a catch worth knowing. Here's the plain-English version so there are no surprises at checkout. Prices and exact policies vary and change over time.

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The short version

Buy Credits, then spend them on lessons

How it works: italki Credits are a virtual currency. You top up your balance, then book lessons; the Credits move from your balance to the tutor. Each tutor sets their own price, so a lesson's Credit cost varies by teacher and length.
Best for: anyone budgeting before they book.

How payment works, step by step

1. You pay in USD

Detail: Your final Credit payment is made in US dollars. Pick another currency and you'll see an estimate, because exchange rates move. Budget in USD to know the real cost.
Best for: learners paying from outside the US.

2. A processing fee may apply

Detail: When you buy Credits, the third-party payment provider may add a processing fee. That fee comes from the payment method, not from italki itself, so it can vary by how you pay.
Best for: anyone comparing the all-in price.

3. Book a single lesson, not a package

Detail: You don't have to commit to a package. Buying Credits and booking one lesson is a low-risk way to test a tutor's style first. Many tutors also offer a discounted trial lesson.
Best for: cautious first-timers testing fit.

The refund rule that trips people up

SituationWhat usually happens
You bought Credits and changed your mindPurchased Credits are generally non-refundable for cash — they stay in your balance
You cancel a lesson requestTypically a full refund back to your italki Student Wallet
The teacher declines, or it expires unconfirmedTypically a full refund to your wallet
You cancel within the allowed windowCredits may return to your wallet, depending on the timing rules

The key distinction: Credits refund to your wallet in many lesson situations, but the original cash purchase of Credits is generally final. Policies vary and change — always check italki's current payment and refund terms before buying.

Now that you know how Credits work, you can browse Korean tutors, compare rates, and book a single trial lesson to test fit before buying more.

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Frequently asked questions

How do italki Credits work for Korean lessons?

italki Credits are a virtual currency. You buy Credits first, then spend them to book Korean tutors. Each tutor sets their own price, so the Credit cost per lesson varies by teacher and length.

What currency do I pay in?

Your final Credit payment is made in USD. Choosing another currency shows an estimate, since exchange rates vary. A third-party processing fee may also apply when buying Credits.

Are italki Credits refundable?

Purchased Credits are generally non-refundable for cash. But Credits often return to your Student Wallet if you cancel a request, a teacher declines, or a request expires — depending on the timing rules.

How much do Korean lessons cost?

There's no single price; each tutor sets their rate. Community tutors are generally cheaper than professional teachers, and many offer a discounted trial lesson. Prices change over time.

Do I have to buy a package?

No. You can buy Credits and book a single lesson to test fit before committing to more. Many tutors also offer discounted trial lessons for first-timers.