The short answer
Builder wins on fee math above about $533 in monthly gross.
On annual billing, Starter is modeled at $29 per month plus a 7.5% Teachable transaction fee. Builder is $69 per month with no Teachable transaction fee. The $40 subscription gap is erased when 7.5% of monthly sales reaches $40.
Plan comparison
Teachable Starter vs Builder at a glance
| Plan | Annual-plan equivalent | Teachable transaction fee | Fee-math fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | $29/month | 7.5% | Pre-launch or below the break-even point |
| Builder | $69/month | 0% | Regular sales or a need for higher plan allowances |
These are annual-plan monthly equivalents. Payment processing, optional BackOffice charges, taxes, refunds, and other add-ons are separate.
Examples
What the two plans cost at three revenue levels
The table isolates the subscription and Teachable transaction fee so the plan decision stays visible. Payment processing would affect both columns and is not included here.
| Monthly gross | Starter cost | Builder cost | Lower-cost plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| $500 | $66.50 | $69 | Starter by $2.50 |
| $1,000 | $104 | $69 | Builder by $35 |
| $3,000 | $254 | $69 | Builder by $185 |
Costs outside the headline price
Processing and limits can matter more than the plan label
Teachable documents separate card and PayPal processing rates. The exact charge depends on the buyer, payment method, and payment route. Treat the calculator's editable processor fields as a planning input—not a universal Teachable rate.
Teachable also applies plan-specific limits to products, active students, admins, and imported students. A lower fee result is not a recommendation if the plan cannot support the school you expect to run.
Frequently asked
Teachable fee questions
What is the Starter-to-Builder break-even?
About $533.33 in monthly gross revenue on the annual plans. At that point, Starter's 7.5% fee is approximately $40—the same as Builder's higher subscription.
Is payment processing included in the 7.5%?
No. Teachable lists payment processing separately. Rates vary, so confirm the current charge for your gateway, payment method, customer location, and currency.
Should every seller upgrade after $533?
Not automatically. The break-even isolates platform fees. Billing commitment, plan limits, included tools, taxes, and operational needs still belong in the decision.
Official sources
Confirm current pricing before buying
Plan prices, transaction fees, processing examples, and usage limits were checked against Teachable's official documentation on August 7, 2026.
Teachable links are currently direct and non-affiliate.