You know the value of freelancers who are perfect for your projects, and the importance of staying connected with them. Showing appreciation for exceptional work can help, and bonuses are a great way to do just that.
You can use bonuses to thank your freelancer or to reimburse them for things like expenses. You cannot use them in place of a minimum hourly or fixed-price payment. Bonuses you give to your freelancers are subject to Upwork’s freelancer service fees, just like other payments you make to them.
Whether to give a bonus, the amount you give, and when to give it are up to you. You can send one manually for a contract at any time, and in some cases you can add a bonus when you make a payment. Once a contract has ended, you can send a bonus within 365 days of the end date. Keep reading to learn more about how and when you can give a bonus.
To give a bonus when making a payment on an active fixed-price contract:
You can add a bonus when you release a payment for a fixed-price contract, including a milestone payment of a fixed-price contract, if you are releasing the full amount for the milestone or contract. Simply select the Add bonus checkbox and add the amount you want to send.
To give a bonus on an active hourly contract, or a fixed-price contract (when not making another payment):
You can give a bonus manually at any time during the contract and up to 365 days after the contract end date.
- Go to All Contracts to find the freelancer name/contract
- Select Give Bonus from the (...) options menu
- Fill out the form (you can add a private note and other details)
- Choose Make Payment
To give a bonus at the end of a fixed-price or hourly contract:
If you have made a payment to the freelancer and are leaving positive feedback, you can leave a bonus as you end the contract.
- Go to All Contracts to locate the contract
- Select End Contract from the (...) options menu
- Fill out the End of Contract survey
- Select a bonus amount. If you’ve given the freelancer a positive rating, you’ll see suggestions. You can also enter a custom amount
- Choose End Contract
Note:
A bonus cannot be offered in place of the minimum hourly or fixed-price amount. All contracts must offer at least the minimum fixed-price or hourly payment.
