When you are ready to set up a payment method, click on your avatar in the upper right corner. Then select settings under user settings. Choose get paid. Select the Add a method button, decide on your preferred method, and select the setup button open for direct to local bank wire transfers and direct to US bank. Enter your bank account details. When selecting the instant pay option. Enter your debit card details. If you choose PayPal pay or M-pesa, the system will redirect you to the vendor's website for you to complete the next step in the process. After completing the vendor's required information, you will automatically return to the Upwork site. Your new payment method will become active in three calendar days.
Upwork offers various methods to withdraw your earnings. The availability of options depends on your geographic location. Here's a breakdown:
- Direct bank deposits
- U.S. Bank (ACH): Free
- Local bank (outside the U.S.): $0.99 per transfer
- U.S. Dollar wire transfer: $50 per transfer
- Instant pay (U.S. freelancers): $2.00 per transfer
If you want funds deposited directly to your bank account, we offer four methods. The first is direct to US Bank. This method is free of charge and is available to any freelancer with a US Bank account. Funds will arrive in two to five business days. You can also choose the direct to local bank method. The processing time can vary depending on your home, country or bank. Upwork charges and 99 cents per transfer fee. Another payment method is a wire transfer if you have a valid bank account outside of the US. Wire transfers are processed within one business day and may take up to seven days to arrive. The fee for each wire transfer is 30 US dollars. Lastly, instant pay method allows eligible freelancers to quickly move earnings to their bank accounts. You can use this method if you are based in the US and have a Visa or MasterCard debit card linked to your bank account. Upwork charges a $2 processing fee for withdrawal.
- Third-party payment vendors
- PayPal
- Payoneer (outside the U.S.)
- M-Pesa (Kenya only)
We work with several third party vendors that you may use to receive your funds. PayPal provides a quick way for you to access your payments Typically, payment transfers between Upwork and PayPal occur immediately. However, there are times when it may take up to 24 hours. You may wanna use pay if you live outside the us. Your transfers from Upwork to Pier typically take 48 hours, but they can take longer based on your pay ear account. M-Pesa is available for freelancers in Kenya only. In most cases, your payment transfers immediately. However, sometimes it may take up to 24 hours. Upwork charges a small fee for any of the third party vendor used.
Whichever payment withdrawal method you choose, it's important to ensure your bank account name matches your verified Upwork name.
Here's how to set up a payment method:
- Go to Settings > Get Paid.
- Choose Add Method.
- Select your preferred method and enter the required information.
- Choose a payment schedule.
- Review your details carefully before submitting.
Note: New payment methods may take three days to activate for security reasons.
You can set up automatic payment schedules to receive payments regularly without having to request withdrawals manually. However, you still have the flexibility to withdraw your funds at any time if needed.
Upwork allows you to withdraw funds manually or set up an automatic payment schedule. If you want to withdraw your funds, you can do so at any time by using the Get Paid Now option. Enter the amount you would like to withdraw, click the get paid button. Setting up an automatic payment schedule is a great option to make getting paid more convenient. You can choose one of these options weekly. We'll send your available funds to you every Wednesday, twice per month. Your payment is sent on the first and third Wednesday of each month. Monthly payment occurs on the last Wednesday of each month or quarterly. Your funds are paid out on the last Monday of each quarter.
Hourly contracts have a weekly billing cycle. The billing period is Monday to Sunday. You close out your week on Sunday and then have the following day Monday until 11:59 AM UTC to review your work, diary and make any changes. The client has until the following Friday at 2359 UTC to review and dispute any hours. If your client has no issues with the hours, you'll get paid five days later on Wednesday.
Maintaining a reserve balance allows you to set aside a portion of your earnings to purchase Connects or monthly membership plans directly from your Upwork account. Upwork will automatically replenish your reserve balance to maintain your desired amount, ensuring you always have funds available for these purchases. You can still withdraw your reserve balance manually at any time if needed.
To manage your payment methods, you can edit certain information (excluding email addresses, bank account numbers, and bank codes). If a payment method is no longer needed, you can remove it from your account settings.
For a secure and flexible payment experience, remember to double-check your account information to prevent withdrawal issues. Consider setting up a backup payment method for added security, and remember that you can easily change your payment method or schedule as needed.
