How to cancel Preply and stop auto-renewing charges in the philippines

What Preply is and why you might need to cancel

Preply is a global online tutoring platform that pairs you with individual tutors for live video lessons. The service covers language learning-English, Spanish, French, Mandarin and more-alongside academic subjects and professional skills. You book lessons on demand or commit to a recurring subscription plan, paying per lesson based on your chosen tutor's hourly rate.

For cancellation purposes, one detail matters most: Preply subscriptions auto-renew every 28 days, not every calendar month. This billing cycle means you receive 13 charges annually instead of 12, which surprises many users. If you are based in the Philippines and pay via local card, GCash, Maya, or another digital wallet, those charges accumulate quickly without cancellation before your next renewal date.

How preply's pricing works

Tutor rates on Preply vary by experience, location, and qualifications. Individual lesson costs typically range from PHP 200 to PHP 2,400 per lesson (approximately USD 4.00 to USD 40.00), while monthly subscription plans start at around PHP 600 (approximately EUR 10.00). Preply offers a 15% discount on your first monthly subscription with a valid university email, but this discount does not affect your cancellation rights or the auto-renewal cycle. At Yafee, we recommend checking your subscription terms before enrolling to understand the full renewal structure.

Support channels and contact methods in the philippines

Preply does not operate a physical office in the Philippines. All customer support runs through their centralized online platform via 24/7 live chat inside your account and email at [email protected]. There is no dedicated Philippine phone line or local support team, so your cancellation request will be handled by their global support department, typically within 24 to 48 hours.

Your consumer rights under philippine law

As a consumer in the Philippines, you are protected under the Consumer Act of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 7394), which gives you the right to cancel services without penalty if you have a valid reason and requires companies to honor cancellation requests within a reasonable timeframe.

Republic Act No. 7394 specifically covers distance contracts-transactions conducted entirely online without face-to-face negotiation-which is precisely how Preply operates. Consequently, Preply must honor your cancellation request and stop all future charges once you submit your request. If the company continues billing you after cancellation, you have grounds to dispute the charge with your bank, GCash, or Maya and escalate to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Consumer Protection Bureau if needed.

Nevertheless, while Republic Act No. 7394 protects your right to cancel, it does not automatically entitle you to a full refund of all lessons already paid unless you cancel within a specific window or if lessons have not yet been used. Yafee recommends documenting every step of your cancellation to protect yourself if a dispute arises later.

Methods to cancel your Preply subscription

You have three main cancellation routes: canceling individual lessons, pausing your subscription, or fully terminating your account and subscription plan, each with different timelines and refund implications.

Cancel a single lesson before the cutoff

If you want to keep your subscription active but skip one lesson, Preply allows you to cancel up to 12 hours before the lesson starts with no penalty.

1. Log in to your Preply account on your computer or mobile device.
2. Go to My Lessons in your account dashboard.
3. Find the lesson you want to cancel.
4. Click the three-dot menu icon next to the lesson.
5. Select Cancel lesson from the dropdown menu.
6. Choose your reason for cancellation (optional but recommended).
7. Click Confirm cancellation.

Preply will credit your account with the lesson cost if you cancel before the 12-hour window closes. Nevertheless, if you cancel within 12 hours of the lesson start time, the tutor may charge a cancellation fee, typically 25% to 50% of the lesson cost, depending on their cancellation policy.

Pause your subscription temporarily

If you need a break but plan to return to Preply, pausing your subscription suspends billing without closing your account.

1. Log in to your Preply account.
2. Navigate to Account settings or Subscription.
3. Select Manage subscription.
4. Click Pause subscription.
5. Choose how long you want to pause (typically 1 to 12 weeks).
6. Confirm the pause date.

Your subscription will resume automatically after the pause period ends, and Preply will charge you for the next 28-day cycle. In accordance with Yafee's guidance on service management, set a calendar reminder three days before the pause ends so you can cancel fully if you decide not to resume.

Fully cancel your Preply account and subscription

If you want to end your relationship with Preply entirely, you must request account termination and subscription cancellation simultaneously to avoid future charges.

1. Log in to your Preply account.
2. Go to Account settings.
3. Scroll to Subscription or Billing.
4. Click Cancel subscription or Manage subscription.
5. Select Cancel my subscription.
6. Choose your reason for cancellation from the dropdown list.
   • Reasons typically include: "I found a better tutor elsewhere," "Too expensive," "Not meeting my learning goals," "Technical issues," or "Other."
7. Provide any additional feedback (optional).
8. Click Confirm cancellation.
9. Email [email protected] with the subject line "Account termination request" and include your username and email address to request permanent account deletion.
   • State clearly: "I request that my Preply account be permanently deleted and all personal data removed in accordance with data protection requirements."

Preply will cancel your subscription effective immediately or on your next renewal date (usually within 28 days). Yafee recommends sending the email backup to confirm the company has processed your request, as this creates a paper trail if a dispute arises.

Understanding your refund eligibility

Refund policy on Preply depends on the lesson status, subscription type, and timing of your cancellation request.

When you can claim a refund

You are entitled to a refund in the following circumstances:

• Unused lessons paid in advance: If you paid for a lesson package or monthly subscription and cancel before using all credits, Preply will refund the unused portion to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days.
• Lessons cancelled within 12 hours: You receive a full credit to your account; you do not automatically receive a cash refund unless you request one.
• Subscription cancelled before next renewal: Your subscription ends on your next renewal date (up to 28 days away). You retain access to your account and any unused credits until that date.
• Lessons not completed due to tutor absence: If your tutor fails to appear for a scheduled lesson, Preply refunds the lesson cost automatically.

When you cannot claim a refund

Preply does not refund in these scenarios:

• Lessons you have already completed or attended.
• Monthly subscription fees for months already rendered.
• Cancellation fees charged by your tutor for cancellations within 12 hours.
• Promotional credits or discounts already applied.

In accordance with Republic Act No. 7394, Preply must process refunds for unused services within 30 days of your cancellation request. If Preply denies your refund claim, you may escalate to the DTI or dispute the charge directly with your bank, GCash, or Maya.

Timeline for cancellation and when charges stop

The cancellation timeline varies depending on your chosen method and renewal date.

Charges stop on your next renewal date if you cancel during an active billing cycle. For example, if your renewal date is 15 January and you cancel on 10 January, Preply will process your cancellation but charges will cease on 15 January. You retain full access to your account and lessons until that date.

What happens after you cancel

After Preply processes your cancellation, several things occur automatically.

Account access and lesson history

Your account remains active for 30 days after cancellation. You can log in, review your lesson history, download certificates or progress reports, and contact tutors directly if needed. After 30 days, Preply may archive or delete your account data unless you request preservation in writing.

Refunds and credit processing

If you are entitled to a refund, Preply issues it to your original payment method (credit card, GCash, Maya, etc.) within 5 to 10 business days. Bank processing times may add another 1 to 5 business days, so expect the full refund to appear in your account within 14 days. Yafee recommends checking your bank or digital wallet statements to confirm the refund arrives on time.

Stopping future charges

Once your subscription is cancelled, no further charges occur after your final renewal date. Nevertheless, monitor your bank or GCash/Maya statements for 30 days after cancellation to ensure Preply does not bill you again. If an unexpected charge appears, contact your bank or payment provider immediately to dispute it and cite your cancellation confirmation as evidence.

Data deletion and privacy

To request permanent deletion of your personal data, email [email protected] with "Account deletion and data removal request" in the subject line. Include your username, email, and a statement requesting compliance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173). Preply must respond within 30 days and delete your data within a reasonable timeframe (typically 60 to 90 days).

Common mistakes to avoid during cancellation

Cancelling a subscription can feel straightforward, but missteps leave you vulnerable to unwanted charges or lost refunds; take your time and follow each step carefully.

Assuming pause equals cancellation

Many users pause their subscription thinking it has been cancelled, only to discover 12 weeks later that Preply has resumed billing. Pausing is temporary; cancellation is permanent. If you do not intend to return to Preply, always select the full cancellation option, not pause.

Cancelling within 12 hours of a lesson

Cancelling a lesson fewer than 12 hours before it starts triggers the tutor's cancellation fee, typically 25% to 50% of the lesson cost. Check your lesson schedule carefully and cancel at least 13 hours in advance if you want to avoid fees.

Failing to document your cancellation request

Screenshot your cancellation confirmation page and save the email confirmation Preply sends. If a dispute arises, you will need this evidence to support your claim with your bank or the DTI. Yafee strongly advises keeping these documents for at least 90 days.

Not checking your billing statement after cancellation

System errors occur. Verify that Preply has actually stopped charging you by checking your bank, GCash, or Maya statement on and after your next renewal date. If an unexpected charge appears, dispute it immediately with your payment provider and escalate to the DTI if necessary.

Requesting a refund for completed lessons

Preply does not refund lessons you have already attended. Only unused lessons and advance payments for future subscriptions qualify for refunds. If you attended a lesson but felt it was low quality, contact your tutor directly to request a make-up lesson rather than a refund.

Pricing comparison and alternatives

If cost is your primary reason for cancelling Preply, consider how its pricing stacks up against comparable tutoring platforms.

Italki and similar platforms often allow you to pay per lesson without committing to a subscription, which may suit your budget better. At Yafee, we recommend trialling a few platforms before committing to a full monthly subscription.

Cancellation checklist

Before you submit your cancellation request, work through this checklist to ensure nothing goes wrong.

• Log in to your Preply account and verify your current subscription plan and renewal date.
• Check how many unused lesson credits you have and calculate your potential refund.
• Review any upcoming scheduled lessons and cancel them individually if you do not want to complete them.
• Take a screenshot of your subscription page showing the renewal date and plan details.
• Go to Account settings and click Cancel subscription, then Confirm cancellation.
• Copy and save the cancellation confirmation page and any confirmation email from Preply.
• Email [email protected] to request account deletion (include username and reference number from cancellation).
• Set a calendar reminder for one week after your final renewal date to verify that no charge appears on your bank, GCash, or Maya statement.
• If a refund is due, track it in your banking app and confirm it arrives within 14 days.
• Keep all cancellation documentation for at least 90 days in case you need to file a dispute with your bank or the DTI.

Escalating a dispute with Preply to the DTI

If Preply refuses to cancel your subscription, continues charging after you cancel, or denies a refund you believe you are entitled to, you may file a formal complaint with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Consumer Protection Bureau.

Steps to escalate to the DTI

1. Gather all documentation: cancellation confirmation emails, bank statements showing disputed charges, screenshots of your account, and any correspondence with Preply support.
2. Visit the DTI website (dti.gov.ph) or contact your local DTI office to file a consumer complaint.
3. Complete the Consumer Complaint Form and attach all supporting documents.
4. Submit your complaint in person at your nearest DTI Regional Office or via email to the DTI Consumer Hotline.
5. Provide your phone number and email so the DTI can contact you and Preply for resolution.
6. The DTI will investigate within 15 to 30 days and attempt to mediate between you and Preply.
7. If mediation fails, the DTI may issue a binding decision in your favor, requiring Preply to refund your money or cease charges.

In accordance with Republic Act No. 7394, the DTI has authority to penalize Preply for non-compliance with consumer protection laws, including forced refunds and fines up to PHP 100,000 for serious violations. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers escalate disputes successfully by providing clear documentation and evidence to the DTI.

Cancellation address and corporate contact information

Preply does not maintain a physical office in the Philippines. All correspondence and cancellation requests must be directed to Preply's global support team using the channels below.

Email: [email protected]

Subject line: "Subscription cancellation and account deletion request"

Include in your email:

• Your full name and username.
• Your email address associated with the Preply account.
• Your subscription plan and renewal date.
• A clear statement: "I request cancellation of my subscription effective immediately and permanent deletion of my account in accordance with the Consumer Act of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 7394) and the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173)."
• Any reference or confirmation number from your cancellation request in the app.

Live chat: Available 24/7 inside your Preply account under Help or Support. Use live chat to confirm cancellation and request written confirmation by email.

Processing time: Preply responds to cancellation emails within 24 to 48 hours. If you do not receive a response within 48 hours, follow up with a second email and take screenshots for escalation to the DTI if needed.

Final summary and next steps

Cancelling Preply is straightforward when you follow the correct procedure and understand your consumer rights under Philippine law. You have the legal right to cancel at any time under Republic Act No. 7394, you are entitled to refunds for unused lessons within 30 days, and Preply must honour your cancellation request within 24 to 48 hours. The key is to act before your next 28-day renewal date, document every step, and monitor your bank or digital wallet statement to confirm charges have stopped.

If you encounter resistance from Preply or wish to dispute a charge, the Department of Trade and Industry Consumer Protection Bureau has the authority and power to investigate and compel the company to comply with Philippine consumer law. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions, reclaim refunds, and escalate complaints to regulatory authorities when companies fail to respect cancellation requests. By following this guide, documenting your actions, and knowing your rights, you protect yourself and ensure Preply honours its legal obligations.