italki promo code: how the $5 bonus on a first $10 top-up works
italki's current offer gives new users $5 extra when they buy $10 of lesson credit. What that bonus is worth in real lessons, who qualifies, how to apply it and when a trial lesson is the better first step.
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The current italki offer is shown in the block right under the title. As of 8 October 2026 it is a bonus rather than a percentage: buy $10 of lesson credit and get $5 more, for new users only, valid until 22 December 2027 according to the store. In practice that is 50% extra on a small first top-up, and whether it is a good deal depends on what a lesson costs with the teacher you would choose.
What the bonus is worth
italki works with credit: you top up a balance and spend it on lessons, whose price each teacher sets. A $15 balance from a $10 payment covers different amounts depending on the teacher.
Lesson price | Lessons from $15 credit | Effective discount |
|---|---|---|
$5 per lesson | 3 lessons | about 33% per lesson |
$7.50 per lesson | 2 lessons | about 33% per lesson |
$15 per lesson | 1 lesson | about 33% per lesson |
The effective discount on what you actually spend stays around a third, because you pay $10 for $15 of credit. The bonus matters most if you plan to continue: it lets you try a teacher for a full lesson rather than only a short trial.
Who qualifies and how to apply
The offer is for new users. Create an account, copy the code from the block above and open italki with the button next to it, then enter the code when you top up your balance with $10. Check that the bonus appears in your balance before booking. If you prefer, open italki directly and use the code on your first purchase.
Trial lessons versus the bonus
Many italki teachers offer short trial lessons at a reduced price. A trial is a good way to compare two or three teachers; the bonus is better once you have a teacher in mind and want full lessons. The two do not exclude each other in principle, but check at checkout whether a trial purchase counts as your first purchase, because a new-user code usually applies only once.
Conditions to keep in mind
New users only, as stated with the offer.
Minimum $10 top-up for the $5 bonus.
Credit, not cash. Bonus credit is for lessons; refund rules for bonus credit are set by italki.
One use. A new-user code applies to one account and one purchase.
A note on choosing the first teacher
The bonus pays for itself only if the first lessons go well. Read a teacher's profile for the exact lesson types offered, watch the introduction video and check the cancellation window before booking, because a missed lesson spends credit just like a completed one.
Before you pay
Your account is new.
The top-up meets the $10 minimum.
The bonus shows in your balance after payment.
You know which teacher and lesson length you will book.
When you are ready, start with italki. If the code is refused, the block above lists whatever offer is current for your region; italki has the final word on eligibility.
Start the conversation.