Understanding the Upwork Payment Process

Setting up your Payment Method

Before starting any job on Upwork, it’s crucial that you set up a proper payment method. Every freelancer is required to have a valid payment method to withdraw earnings. The platform supports several payment methods like direct bank transfers, PayPal, Payoneer, and more. Importantly, you must ensure that your chosen payment method aligns with Upwork’s policy on this matter.

Upwork Escrow

For fixed-price contracts, the client’s payment is secured through Upwork Escrow. An escrow is a financial arrangement where a third party (in this case, Upwork) holds and regulates payment of the funds.

The client funds the first milestone of the job upfront which moves into Escrow. Then, when you successfully complete a milestone, you can request for payment. The client will review your work and if satisfied, release the funds from Escrow to you. Any potential disputes can also be arbitrated and resolved by Upwork.

Hourly Contracts

For hourly contracts, it’s slightly different. You log your hours worked using the Upwork Desktop App or manual time entry. This recorded data is then available for the client to review in the Work Diary. Upwork bills clients every week for the hours you’ve logged. The clients have a review period of five days to dispute any hours billed – beyond this, the hours are charged to the client and your payment is protected.

Payment Schedule

Payment timelines vary depending on the contract type. For hourly contracts, you get paid the week after the billing period ends. The billing period ends Sunday night and earnings are available for withdrawal 10 days later – the following Wednesday. For fixed-price contracts, you can request payment as soon as the client approves a milestone.

Remember:

• Never start work without a contract in place.
• Always ensure the client has a verified payment method.
• For fixed-price contracts ensure the full amount, or at least the milestone, has been funded.
• For hourly contracts, only logged hours using the Upwork Desktop App or manual entry are protected.

I hope this clears up your question. As always, the Upwork Terms of Service and Help Center are valuable resources if you have further queries or for any specific situation.