Clients can invite freelancers they already know outside of Upwork to join Upwork via a direct contract, bypassing the need for applications and avoiding platform fees. Payments follow standard processing timelines and aren't covered by payment protection. Offers expire in seven days and accepted contracts count toward your Job Success Score rating.
In this article
- What do I do next if a client invites me to a direct contract?
- How do payments work for direct contracts?
- Can I accept a direct contract from a client if I already have an account on Upwork?
- Do I have to accept the offer for a direct contract?
- What if I missed the seven-day window to accept the direct contract?
- Do direct contracts count toward my Job Success Score?
What do I do next if a client invites me to a direct contract?
Unlike typical Upwork jobs, you don’t have to apply—your client already wants to work with you. Plus, there are no Upwork fees for these contracts—every dollar you and the client agree on is yours.
- Check your email for the invitation from Upwork
- Review and accept the contract, if you agree
- Once you’re in, your contract and all collaboration tools will be ready
How do payments work for direct contracts?
- Fixed-price contracts: Once the client approves the payment, a standard four-day security hold applies before your payment arrives
- Hourly contracts: You log your time using Upwork’s Desktop App and get paid weekly
Can I accept a direct contract from a client if I already have an account on Upwork?
No, if you have an existing Upwork account, you can't accept a direct contract from a client. These contracts are for freelancers who have never had an Upwork account. To work with you on Upwork, they'll need to make you an offer on Upwork or post a job and invite you.
Do I have to accept the offer for a direct contract?
No — but if you want to work with the client through Upwork, you’ll need to accept it through the platform.
What if I missed the seven-day window to accept the direct contract?
Ask your client to resend the invitation.
Do direct contracts count toward my Job Success Score?
Yes. Learn about the Job Success Score here.
Note:
Direct contracts are meant for freelancers and clients who already have a trusted relationship outside of Upwork. Because of that, payments aren’t held in escrow, and Upwork’s Payment Protection and dispute option don’t apply.