MasterClass Free Trial: Is There One? What You Get Instead

MasterClass is the one I'd describe as inspiration rather than training: famous names teaching their craft, from writing to cooking to leadership. That makes it a harder buy to judge from a trailer, which is why it's worth knowing exactly how its two safety nets work, and what they don't cover.

Your MasterClass options side by side

Route	How long	Who can use it	The catch
Guest Pass	14-day free trial	Anyone who receives a pass from a member	Card required, and it converts to paid unless you cancel
30-day satisfaction guarantee	30 days from your original transaction	First-time purchases made directly on the MasterClass website	Doesn't cover renewals, redeemed gifts or MasterClass At Work
Promotions	Varies	New and existing members when an offer is running	Renewal pricing may differ from the promotional rate

How the MasterClass Guest Pass works

A Guest Pass is the closest thing MasterClass has to a free trial. MasterClass says it gives the recipient 14 days of full access to the library and features, and there's no charge unless the trial isn't cancelled before it ends.

Getting a pass from a member

1. The member logs in at masterclass.com and clicks their Profile icon.
2. They choose Send a Guest Pass from the menu.
3. They enter your email address, or copy a direct link and send it to you.

Redeeming it

1. Open the Guest Pass email and click the link.
2. Click Claim Guest Pass, choose a plan and select Continue.
3. Create your account or log in.
4. Enter your payment details and select Claim Your Guest Pass Today.

You won't be charged until the 14 days are up. If you do nothing, the subscription starts and you're billed at the end of the trial. MasterClass says a Guest Pass that converts to a paid membership is still covered by the 30-day satisfaction guarantee, which gives you a second chance if you miss the cancel date.

The 30-day satisfaction guarantee, read closely

If you don't know a member, this is your trial. MasterClass says it will give a full refund within the first 30 days of your initial subscription purchase. The terms that matter:

• It only applies to first-time purchases made directly on the MasterClass website.
• The 30 days start on the date of your original transaction, not the day you first watch.
• It doesn't cover renewals, redeemed gifts or MasterClass At Work accounts.
• Its terms say renewal charges are handled separately and aren't covered by the 30-day refund.
• If you buy through an app store or another third party, MasterClass's terms say that platform's refund policy applies instead.

So if you want this safety net, buy on the website, not in the app. And since it's an annual membership that renews automatically, a forgotten renewal a year later isn't covered.

How to cancel MasterClass

MasterClass says cancellations can't be made in the app. Use a web browser:

1. Log in at masterclass.com. On a phone, use the mobile browser and ignore the Go to the App button.
2. Click your profile or account menu at the top right, then Settings.
3. In Account Settings, find the Membership section and click Cancel Membership.
4. Select Cancel Now to confirm.

Your membership stays active until the renewal date, and you'll get a confirmation email. If you're inside your first 30 days and want a refund rather than just stopping renewal, cancelling alone doesn't do it: you need to request the refund through MasterClass support. Subscriptions bought through the App Store or Google Play are cancelled in that store.

Promotions and partner deals

MasterClass says it occasionally runs special promotions and discounts for both new and existing members, and points people to its homepage and Plans page to see what's current. It also partners with selected organisations, including Verizon, Optus SubHub and Revolut, to offer special memberships or benefits.

Two cautions from its help centre. Eligibility, billing and renewal for partner memberships depend on the partner's offer, and renewal pricing may be different from the promotional rate you started on. If you join through a deal, put the renewal date in your diary and check the price before it rolls over. MasterClass also notes that creating a free account adds you to its promotional mailing list, which is how most people hear about offers.

Which plan to pick if you go ahead

MasterClass describes its membership as an annual, auto-renewing subscription with access to all 200+ instructors. The differences between plans are about sharing: Plus streams on up to 2 devices at once and Premium on up to 6, and both let you add up to 5 extra profiles. If it's just you, the entry plan covers the same library.

If you're comparing it with more skills-based courses, have a look at my list of MasterClass alternatives and the best online course platforms for practical, certificate-led learning.

My verdict

Ask around for a Guest Pass first, because 14 free days is the lowest risk way in. If nobody has one, buy directly on the website and treat the 30-day guarantee as your trial, with a reminder set for day 25. Either way, cancel on the web, never in the app.

Frequently asked questions

Does MasterClass offer a free trial?

Not a standard one. The Guest Pass, sent by an existing member, gives a 14-day free trial with full access. Otherwise, first-time website purchases have a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

Do I need a card for a MasterClass Guest Pass?

Yes. You enter payment details when you claim it, and MasterClass charges you at the end of the 14 days unless you cancel.

Can I get a MasterClass refund?

Yes, within 30 days of your original transaction for a first-time purchase made directly on the MasterClass website. Renewals, redeemed gifts and MasterClass At Work aren't covered.

Can I cancel MasterClass in the app?

No. MasterClass says cancellations can't be made through the app, so log in at masterclass.com in a browser and cancel from Settings.

What happens after I cancel MasterClass?

Your membership stays active until the renewal date, and you'll receive a confirmation email once the cancellation is processed.