This article explains how PayPal’s timing and fees work for transfers on Upwork. Most payments process instantly, but may take up to 24 hours. There’s a three-day security hold when adding a new PayPal account, and additional fees may apply depending on PayPal’s policies and your location. - AI helped create this summary
Timing
In most cases, payment transfers between Upwork and PayPal occur immediately. However, there are occasions when it may take up to 24 hours. If a transfer was initiated more than 24 hours ago and is still not complete, please contact PayPal.
To make transfers to PayPal, you must use your own registered PayPal account. There are a couple of important things to know:
- For security reasons, you cannot use your PayPal account with Upwork for three days after you add it, so we suggest adding it or another payment method to your account as soon as you start submitting proposals. That way, you’ll be ready when it’s time to collect your earnings.
- PayPal may limit your account functionality until you pass their verification procedures, and they usually require a bank account or credit card.
Fees
In addition to the small, per-transfer fee Upwork charges, there may be additional costs on PayPal's side.
PayPal's outgoing withdrawal fees vary by method and currency choice (see PayPal's withdrawal fee calculator for details). PayPal also may charge additional fees based on your location. For example, PayPal India classifies transfers from Upwork as payments for services and therefore charges additional fees.
To check Upwork's per-transfer fees for PayPal, go here. Select the Add a method button to see all your options and pricing. For more information on adding PayPal as a payment method, go here.