Payment Threshold for Instructor Monthly Payouts: FAQ

We have implemented a minimum threshold for Instructor monthly payouts. Starting  September 1, 2025, we will only process payments when the balance in the Instructor Payout account equals or exceeds $25 USD; if your balance is below this amount, we’ll wait until it accumulates further and reaches the threshold before initiating a payout. 

Once the balance in your Instructor Payout account reaches $25 USD we’ll schedule it for payout in the next monthly payout cycle.

This article seeks to answer common questions about this monthly threshold.

Why are we implementing a minimum payout threshold?

Payout processors often charge transaction fees on the payouts that Instructors receive from Udemy. Paying these transaction fees every month can take up a disproportionally high percentage of smaller balances.

As of today transaction fees range from $3.50 USD to $25 USD per transaction depending on the payout vendor selected and the Instructors location. These fees are applied by the payout processors and are subject to change. Udemy also pays for fees on some of these transactions. Additionally there can be currency conversion fees applied which are generally calculated as a percentage of the transaction amount. By setting a $25 threshold for our monthly payouts, we’re attempting to minimize the fees incurred by both Instructors and Udemy that often eat into, or in some cases entirely cancel out, monthly payouts. We aim to make this a more efficient payment process for everyone.

What happens if my balance never goes above $25?

If the balance in your Instructor Payout account does not reach the $25 USD threshold, we will attempt a payout anyway in the December payout each year. 

My balance is above $25 and I still haven’t received my payout.

There are a number of reasons why you might not receive your payout, even if it is above the threshold or in a December annual payout of all balances. For example, not having a payout processor set up, issues with your bank account, etc. Please visit this Help Center article to help you troubleshoot why you haven’t received your payout.

What will the updated Instructor Terms say about this new threshold?

The Instructor Terms will be updated on September 1, 2025 to include the following paragraph relating to the monthly payout threshold – 

“Depending on the applicable revenue share model, payment will be made within 45 days of the end of the month in which (a) we receive the fee for a course or (b) the relevant course consumption occurred, provided the amount payable to you is at least $25 USD. If the amount payable to you is less than $25 USD, we will hold the payment and issue it once your cumulative amount payable reaches $25 USD, or by the end of the calendar year in which the amounts were earned, whichever comes first.“