Learn how to give a bonus or expense reimbursement on Upwork — during, after, or without a milestone. Show appreciation for great work and follow payment protection guidelines.
In this article
- What's a bonus/expense reimbursement on Upwork?
- How do I add a bonus when I'm making a milestone payment?
- How do I send a bonus on a fixed-price contract if I'm not paying a milestone right now?
- How do I add a bonus to an ongoing hourly contract?
- How do I give a bonus at the end of a fixed-price or hourly contract?
What's a bonus/expense reimbursement on Upwork?
Want to show appreciation for great work or cover extra costs, such as expenses? Bonuses are a simple way to say thanks to a freelancer. You can send one anytime during a contract — or up to 365 days after it ends. Just remember:
- Bonuses can’t replace minimum payments
- They’re subject to standard service fees
- They aren’t covered by Upwork Payment Protection
When you add a bonus payment, you'll have the option to note whether it's a bonus or for expenses under the "Reason" dropdown.
How do I add a bonus when I'm making a milestone payment?
You can add a bonus when you release a milestone payment on a fixed-price contract, as long as you are releasing the full amount for the milestone. To do so, select the Add bonus checkbox and add the bonus amount.
How do I send a bonus on a fixed-price contract if I'm not paying a milestone right now?
- Go to Manage work > Your 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
How do I add a bonus to an ongoing hourly contract?
- Go to Manage work > Your 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
How do I give a bonus at the end of a fixed-price or hourly contract?
- Go to Manage work > Your 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.
Can I send my freelancer a bonus after the contract is closed?
Yes, you can still send a bonus even after a contract is closed. Clients can send a bonus up to 365 days after the contract ends.
Bonuses are subject to standard service fees and aren't covered by Upwork Payment Protection.
To send a bonus, you can follow these steps:
These are the steps:
- Go to Manage work > Your Contracts to find the freelancer's 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