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Is italki legit?

Here are the facts for United States. We don’t give a verdict — you decide.

Checked 24 Sep 2026 · every fact has a source below

Online tutoring

Not clear
Pay, in your moneyPay not listed

Teachers set their own price per lesson: Community Tutor USD 5-120, Professional Teacher USD 10-120 (incl. packages). Trial lessons carry 0% commission but are priced by the teacher. italki doesn’t state a rate we can turn into your money.

Fee21%Summary: 'single lesson 21%, 5-pack 19%, 10-pack 17%, 15/20-pack 15% ... trial/instant trial 0%'; single-lesson bookings (21%) are the baseline rate before a tutor has sold any multi-lesson packs, which are what lower the rate. Trial lessons (0%) are one-off and group class (30%) is a separate lesson format, so neither represents the standard starting commission.No one should ask you to pay to work.
Entry testYesNative or C2 level in the teaching language (max 2 native languages). Community Tutor: no credentials needed. Professional Teacher: must upload proof of teacher training/experience. Application + intro video reviewed within ~10 business days; then ID upload, tutorials and quizzes within 15 days. Desktop only. Only one teacher type per applicant.
Payouts that work in United States
PayPalPayoneerBank transferOther (see note)
HoursNot stated

Risks people report

Sources: How does italki charge a commission? - italki Help (official page, checked 24 Sep 2026); How do I get paid and what's the withdrawal fee? - italki Help (official page, checked 24 Sep 2026); Is my language open for application? - italki Help (official page, checked 24 Sep 2026); Difference between Professional Teacher and Community Tutor - italki Help (official page, checked 24 Sep 2026); What are the language requirements for teaching? - italki Help (official page, checked 24 Sep 2026); How do I apply to become a teacher? - italki Help (official page, checked 24 Sep 2026); italki Teacher Policy (last updated 2026-01-30) (official page, checked 24 Sep 2026); Why did italki increase its commission from 15% to 21%? (third-party, 2026-06) (third-party, checked 24 Sep 2026)