Fees, Connects and getting paid

Before you apply for jobs, understand what applying costs and how much of each contract reaches you.

The freelancer service fee

Upwork takes a service fee from what the client pays you. Since 2025 this fee is variable, between 0% and 15% per contract. You see the exact rate before you send a proposal or accept an offer, and it stays the same for that contract. Many freelancers see rates around 10%.

Example: a $200 fixed-price contract with a 10% fee pays you $180. Always check the fee shown before you accept, and include it in your pricing.

Connects: the cost of applying

To send a proposal you spend Connects, Upwork's application credits. Each Connect costs $0.15, and a proposal usually needs a few Connects; bigger jobs often need more. Free accounts receive a small number of Connects each month, and a paid plan (Freelancer Plus) includes more.

Connects make every proposal a small investment. This is good: it pushes you to apply only to jobs you really fit, with proposals you write carefully. You will learn a Connects strategy in Module 3.

How payment is protected

• Fixed-price: the client funds a milestone first. The money is held by Upwork (escrow) while you work. When you submit the work, the client approves and the money is released. If the client does nothing, payment is usually released automatically after a review period.
• Hourly: the client is billed every week for the hours you logged. Payment protection for hourly work depends on tracking time correctly with Upwork's tools.

After money is released, there is a short security period before you can withdraw it.

Withdrawing in Pakistan

Common options for Pakistani freelancers are Direct to Local Bank (paid in rupees to your bank account), Payoneer and wire transfer. PayPal does not work for receiving money in Pakistan. Each method has its own fee, speed and exchange rate, so compare them on Upwork's withdrawal page. The name on your bank account must match your verified Upwork name.

Keep records

Note every contract, payment, fee and withdrawal. Freelance income can be taxable; in Pakistan, registration as a freelancer and using official banking channels can affect your tax rate. Check official sources or a tax adviser.

Practice task (10 min)

1. For a $150 contract, calculate what you receive at a 10% fee and at a 15% fee.
2. Calculate the cost of 10 proposals at 6 Connects each ($0.15 per Connect).
3. Start a record sheet: date, client, contract amount, fee, amount received, withdrawal.