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Skool transaction fees explained: Hobby vs Pro
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Skool's two plans differ in two numbers: the monthly price and the transaction fee. Understanding how they trade off tells you which plan is cheaper for you, and when to switch.
The numbers Skool lists
| Hobby | Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly price | $9 | $99 |
| Transaction fee | 10% | 2.9% |
The two plans list the same features on the pricing page, so the choice is purely about money. Payment processing charges, taxes and currency conversion may be extra, so read Skool's own terms for the full picture.
What a transaction fee is
Every time a member pays you through the community, the platform keeps a percentage. On Hobby that is 10% of each payment; on Pro, 2.9%. It is charged on top of the monthly price, so your total platform cost is the monthly fee plus the percentage of your sales.
The break-even point
Pro costs more each month but takes a smaller share of each sale. On the listed numbers the two plans cost the same at about $1,268 in monthly sales. Below that, Hobby is cheaper. Above it, Pro is cheaper.
Worked examples
These use only the listed monthly prices and fees.
$500 in monthly sales. Hobby: $9 plus 10% of $500. Pro: $99 plus 2.9% of $500. At this level Hobby is clearly cheaper, because the Pro monthly price is far higher than the fee savings.
About $1,268 in monthly sales. The two cost about the same. This is the crossover.
$5,000 in monthly sales. The percentage dominates. Pro's lower fee saves more than its higher monthly price costs, so Pro is cheaper.
Your own number is better than any example: use the Hobby vs Pro calculator.
When to switch plans
- Start on Hobby if you are new or testing.
- Watch your monthly sales for a few months.
- Switch to Pro when your sales are consistently above the break-even, not after one good month.
- Check Skool's terms for how plan changes are billed.
Do not forget the other costs
The platform fee is one line. Add what members pay to their payment provider, any tax obligations in your country, and your own time. For a fuller picture of whether the platform pays for itself, read Is Skool worth it?.
Common mistakes with platform fees
- Comparing only the monthly price. A cheaper plan can cost more once sales grow.
- Forgetting payment processing. The payment provider's charges are a separate cost on any platform.
- Switching plans too early. One good month is not a trend. Look at several months of sales.
- Ignoring refunds and failed payments. They affect what you actually keep, so track real income, not just sales.
- Comparing platforms using different assumptions. Use the same expected sales figure for every tool.
A quick way to compare any two platforms
Write down your expected monthly sales. For each platform, add the monthly price to the transaction fee percentage applied to those sales. Repeat for a low case and a high case, such as half and double your expectation. The cheaper platform in all three cases is an easy choice; if the answer flips, you have found your crossover point and should watch your sales for it.
Frequently asked questions
Which Skool plan is cheaper?
Hobby is cheaper below about $1,268 a month in sales, Pro above it, on Skool's listed numbers.
Do both plans have the same features?
On the pricing page, yes. The difference listed is price and transaction fee.
Is there a free trial?
Skool shows a "Try for free" option; the length is not stated on the page. See Skool free trial.
How do I compare with other platforms?
Do the same sum with each platform's own pricing page. Our platform comparison guide explains what to check.