Is iTalki Legit? 2026 Review, Safety Score & Payouts
By GrindBoss Team • Last updated: January 19, 2026
iTalki Review Quick Verdict
The Bottom Line: iTalki is a strong option for gig workers who want to earn money teaching languages online. You set your own rates and schedule, making it flexible work.
Why We Love It
- Set your own hourly rates
- Flexible schedule and hours
- Wide range of languages to teach
The Catch
- ✕Competition for students can be high
- ✕No guaranteed student bookings
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What is iTalki & How Does It Work?
iTalki is a gig app that lets you earn money by teaching languages to students around the world. You can teach your native language or another language you know well.
Unlike traditional language schools, iTalki gives you full control over your teaching schedule and how much you charge per lesson.
At A Glance
- TypeGig Apps
- PlatformDesktop & Mobile App
- CostFree
- Est. YearN/A
How It Works
Apply to Teach
Sign up and complete an application to become either a Professional Teacher or a Community Tutor. You will need to show your language skills and teaching experience if applying as a Professional Teacher.
Set Rates & Schedule
Once approved, you create your teacher profile, set your hourly rates for lessons, and mark your available teaching times. You decide when and how much you want to work.
Teach & Earn
Students book lessons with you based on your profile, rates, and availability. You teach 1-on-1 lessons or group classes and earn money for each session.
Is iTalki Legit or a Scam? (Safety Check)
When considering any gig app, it's smart to check if it's a real way to earn money. Let's look at iTalki's background and how it works.
- Real Company, Real Platform: iTalki is operated by iTalki HK Limited, a company based in Hong Kong. It has been a known platform for language learning and teaching for many years.
- Teacher Community: The platform openly invites people to apply to become teachers. They have a clear process for both professional teachers and community tutors, showing they rely on a network of individuals to provide services.
- Strong User Ratings: iTalki has good ratings from users. It holds a 4.1 rating on Trustpilot and a high 4.7 rating on iOS, which suggests many people have good experiences with the platform.
- Global Reach: iTalki connects teachers and students from over 190 countries, offering lessons in more than 150 languages. This wide reach shows it's a well-established and active global service.
Verdict: Legit
iTalki is a legitimate platform for gig workers looking to earn money by teaching languages. It's a real company with a large, active community of teachers and students worldwide.
How Much Money Can You Make? (Earning Potential)
How much can you really earn teaching on iTalki? Your earnings depend on a few factors, but you have control over your rates.
- Set Your Own Rate: Teachers on iTalki set their own hourly rates. The typical range for teachers is $10 to $40 per hour, but some may charge more or less depending on their experience and language taught.
- Earning Potential: Your total earnings depend on how many lessons you teach and your set hourly rate. More experienced or highly-rated teachers might attract more students and can charge higher rates.
- Teacher Types Affect Rates: iTalki has two types of teachers: Professional Teachers and Community Tutors. Professional Teachers often have certifications and can typically charge higher rates than Community Tutors.
- No Guaranteed Bookings: While you set your schedule, iTalki does not guarantee a certain number of student bookings. Building a good profile and getting positive reviews helps attract more students.
Bottom Line: iTalki offers flexible earning potential, but your income will vary based on your rates, the demand for your language, and how many students book lessons with you.
iTalki Payment Methods & Cashout Speed
Getting paid is a key part of any gig. iTalki offers straightforward ways for teachers to receive their earnings.
- Payment Method: You can get paid through PayPal or directly via bank transfer. These are common and reliable methods for receiving funds internationally.
- Minimum Cashout: The minimum amount you need to earn before you can cash out is $20. This is a reasonable threshold for most gig workers.
- Cashout Speed: Once you request a cashout, it typically takes between 1 to 5 business days for the funds to reach your account. This is not instant, so plan accordingly.
- Approval Process: After a lesson is completed, the payment is processed. You can then withdraw your earnings once you reach the minimum cashout amount.
- Tax Considerations: As with any income earned from gig work, your earnings on iTalki are taxable. You are responsible for reporting your income to the relevant tax authorities in your country.
Bottom Line: iTalki provides clear payment options with a reasonable minimum cashout, though it's not an instant pay platform.
Pros and Cons of Using iTalki
The Good
- Flexible Schedule. You get to choose your own hours and teach when it works best for you.
- Set Your Own Rates. You decide how much to charge per lesson, giving you control over your income.
- Work from Anywhere. You can teach students from all over the world, needing only an internet connection.
- Teach Many Languages. You can offer lessons in multiple languages if you are proficient in them.
- Community Support. iTalki has a community feature where you can connect with other teachers and learners.
The Bad
- High Competition. Many teachers are on the platform, so standing out and attracting students can be tough.
- No Guaranteed Work. You are not guaranteed a certain number of lessons or income, it depends on student bookings.
- Payment Processing Time. Cashouts are not instant and can take several business days to arrive.
- Requires Self-Promotion. You need to create an appealing profile and actively market yourself to get students.
iTalki Frequently Asked Questions
Is iTalki legit or a scam?
iTalki is a legitimate gig platform for teaching languages online. It's a real company with a strong user base and clear processes for teachers to earn money.
How much money can you make on iTalki?
Teachers on iTalki typically earn between $10 and $40 per hour, as you set your own rates. Your total income depends on how many lessons you teach.
How fast does iTalki pay out?
Once you request a cashout, it usually takes 1 to 5 business days for the money to transfer to your PayPal or bank account.
Does iTalki require a background check for teachers?
The website does not explicitly mention a background check requirement for all teachers. However, Professional Teacher applications often require proof of qualifications or experience.
Are there any vehicle requirements to teach on iTalki?
No, iTalki is an online platform for teaching languages. There are no vehicle requirements as all lessons are conducted remotely through video calls.
What are the busiest times to get students on iTalki?
Busiest times often depend on the time zones of your target students. Many teachers find peak times during evenings and weekends in major student markets, but this can vary by language.
What are the eligibility requirements to become an iTalki teacher?
To be a Community Tutor, you need to be a native speaker or highly proficient in the language you want to teach. Professional Teachers usually need to show teaching experience or certifications.
