by Lingoda Team
Updated on November 7, 2022
Is Lingoda a scam?
Some people are confused by how Lingoda works and the different payment systems that are on offer, so we caught up with our resident Russian, Lana, to explain how things might be a little different in Europe.
This is a question that a lot of people ask us. Well, you pay for your classes like you would for any other online service – via card payment. However, Lingoda’s methods of work may differ from those which are normal outside of the EU.
Let’s talk about what might be different.
Wait, this is just a subtitle! Let’s explain.
Lingoda works via a subscription system.
What does this mean?
Well, it’s similar to Netflix, only more useful! You register on the platform, fill in your card details, click on ‘buy a course’. Then the money is withdrawn from your account automatically and, in return, lessons are credited to your Lingoda student account.
Since it is a subscription system, the course fee will be charged once a month, every month, until you cancel the course and close your account. You can do this easily by contacting our student support team.
This is convenient because you don’t have to remember a thousand different payments at different times – it’s automatically done for you!
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Frankly speaking, when I moved to Berlin 7 years ago, I was also confused by the way a lot of organisations were ‘forcing’ me to give away my card details.
I remember the moment when I filled in an application form for student insurance and there was a column “Bank details”. I asked the employee why I couldn’t transfer the money myself. He just didn’t seem to understand the question, because subscriptions are common place here.
This was followed by gym membership (a contract with a possibility of termination only once a year in a certain month – very German), then a public transport pass, third party damage insurance, Netflix, Dazn, radio and TV tax, and much more. Once, Unisef asked me to sign up for a monthly subscription and donate – I couldn’t believe it!
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What is remarkable is that none of the above organisations send me invoices or reminders about payments. They just happen and I just keep using their services. It’s all so easy.
Remember: no one can withdraw your money until you have given them permission to do so. And what’s even more remarkable is that no one has ever withdrawn more than what’s stated in the original contract or terms and conditions.
A direct debit subscription service is very convenient because it eliminates the possibility of a situation like: “Oh no, it’s the first day of the month, I forgot to pay for the internet and my gym membership!”.
The same applies to Lingoda.
The subscription system is a part of the European experience (in addition to the lessons with media, flexibility of graphics and convenient training materials) and although it may take some time to get used to, it’s worth it! We can assure you that Lingoda is definitely not a scam!
