Costs of using Upwork

Understanding the costs associated with Upwork is crucial for successful freelancing. As a freelancer on Upwork, the following are primary costs you need to be aware of:

1. Service Fees

Service fees are the charges that Upwork applies for the provision of the platform’s services. These fees are typically shouldered by the freelancers. The fee structure is as follows:

• 20% for the first $500 billed with the client
• 10% for lifetime billings with the client between $500.01 and $10,000
• 5% for lifetime billings with the client that exceed $10,000

2. Additional Costs

There are also minor fees for certain extras:

• Payment withdrawal fees
• Conversion rates if you’re being paid in a different currency
• Inactivity fees (after 2 years of inactivity)

3. Upwork Plus Membership

In addition to the standard account, freelancers have the option to go for a premium account known as Upwork Plus which costs $14.99 per month. This membership offers several benefits, including:

• Visibility of competitor bids
• Dedicated customer support
• Customized profile URL
• The ability to keep your earnings private

Keep in mind that while these costs are a part of using Upwork, the platform also provides many opportunities to find high-quality, well-paying work, which can significantly outweigh the costs.