Learn how freelancers can end a contract on Upwork, why it's best to align with clients, what to check before closing, how to end it step by step, and what actions to take afterward.
In this article
- Can freelancers end a contract on Upwork?
- What should I do before closing a contract?
- How do I end a contract?
Can freelancers end a contract on Upwork?
Yes, you’re free to end a contract at any time. That said, it’s a good idea to check in with your client first to make sure you’re both aligned. When a contract closes, both you and your client will have the chance to leave feedback for each other, so it’s worth making sure everyone’s on the same page before wrapping things up.
What should I do before closing a contract?
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Check in with your client
Make sure the work is complete and both sides are aligned. A quick message can go a long way toward ensuring the partnership ends on a positive note. -
Stay compliant with Upwork’s policies
Never close a contract to take work or payments off-platform. That’s considered circumvention under Upwork’s Terms of Service and could lead to account suspension. -
Understand how payments work
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Hourly contracts: Once the contract is closed, your work diary is locked. You’ll still be paid for eligible logged time, but can’t edit or add hours afterward.
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Fixed-price contracts: If there are unused funds in project funds, they’ll be refunded to the client unless released as part of a milestone.
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How do I end a contract?
- Go to Deliver work > Your active contracts
- Select the contract title
- In the (...) options menu, select End contract
- Confirm by selecting End Contract in the pop-up window