This analysis describes what Coursera's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
The updated terms establish a new condition under which Coursera may deny refund requests: when a significant portion of course content has been accessed before the refund request is submitted. This means users who have already viewed or engaged with substantial course material may not be eligible for refunds, even if they request one shortly after enrollment. The policy does not define what constitutes a 'significant portion,' leaving the determination to Coursera's discretion.
View change record →The updated terms establish that canceling a Coursera subscription stops future billing but does not automatically issue a refund; refunds must be requested separately. Additionally, the revised policy now states that 'Refunds will not be provided for renewal charges on annual subscription plans,' eliminating refund eligibility for annual plan renewals. For specialization subscriptions, the refund window is clarified as 'within the applicable 7-day refund period or before earning a certificate, whichever occurs first.' These changes shift the refund process from automatic to manual and restrict refund availability for annual renewals. You can request a refund through Coursera's Support Services if you believe you are eligible under the stated refund windows.
View change record →The updated terms remove the guarantee of a 7-day free trial for all subscriptions and instead state that 'certain subscriptions may come with a free trial period' with details provided at checkout. This means trial availability and duration now vary by subscription type rather than being standardized. The obligation to cancel before the trial ends to avoid charges remains, but users can no longer rely on a fixed 7-day window; they must check the specific checkout page for each subscription to determine whether a trial is offered and how long it lasts.
View change record →How other platforms handle this
The arbitrator will have exclusive authority to resolve any Dispute, except the state or federal courts of San Francisco, California have the authority to determine any Dispute about enforceability...
you and Anyscale further agree that the arbitrator shall have the exclusive power to rule on his or her own jurisdiction, including any objections with respect to the existence, scope or validity of the Arbitration Agreement...
The arbitrator will be either a retired judge or an attorney licensed to practice law in the state of New York, and will be selected by the parties from NAM's roster of consumer dispute arbitrators.
"The arbitrator shall be an active member in good standing of the bar for any state in the continental United States and shall be either actively engaged in the practice of law for at least five years or a retired judge.Excerpt from Coursera's Terms of Use
Coinbase's User Agreement includes a mandatory arbitration clause that most users may not have reviewed. Here is what the clause states and how the opt-out process works.
561 arbitration provisions across 197 platforms. ConductAtlas tracks how dispute resolution is being restructured across the internet.
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The clause states: “The arbitrator shall be an active member in good standing of the bar for any state in the continental United States and shall be either actively engaged in the practice of law for at least five years or a retired judge.”
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 197 platforms. See the full comparison.
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