Best Platform to Sell Online Courses with Low Fees (2026)
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Short answer: For the lowest cost of entry, Systeme.io wins — sell courses free to start, $17/mo as you grow, with no transaction fees. If you want a course-first platform, Thinkific (0% fees) is the strongest value; Teachable is fine from its Builder plan up; Kajabi is premium.
Fees & pricing compared (2026)
| Platform | Entry price | Transaction fees | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Systeme.io | $0 / $17/mo | None | Yes |
| Thinkific | $36/mo (Basic) | 0% | Trial/limited |
| Teachable | $29/mo (Starter) | 7.5% on Starter, 0% from Builder ($69/mo) | Trial |
| Kajabi | $179/mo | Varies w/ 3rd-party processors | Trial |
Why fees matter more than sticker price
A low monthly price can cost you more if the platform skims a percentage of every sale. Teachable's Starter plan charges 7.5% per transaction — at $2,000/mo in sales that's $150/mo gone. Platforms with 0% transaction fees (Systeme.io, Thinkific, Teachable Builder+) keep more in your pocket as you scale.
Our picks by situation
- Cheapest start, all-in-one → Systeme.io (free, then $17/mo, no fees).
- Course-first, 0% fees → Thinkific.
- Already on Teachable → move to Builder ($69/mo) to escape the 7.5% fee.
- Premium brand & community → Kajabi.
FAQ
Which course platform has the lowest fees?
Systeme.io is cheapest to start (free, then $17/mo) with no transaction fees. Thinkific also charges 0% on paid plans.
Does Teachable charge transaction fees?
Yes — 7.5% on Starter, dropping to 0% on Builder ($69/mo) and above.