Freelancer.com is one of the oldest freelance marketplaces (founded 2009, Sydney) with millions of projects across all skill levels. It charges a flat 10% commission on all earnings — the same rate as Upwork, but without Upwork's volume discount for long-term clients.
Quick Verdict
Rating: 3.7/5 — ★★★½☆
Best for: Freelancers who want access to a large global marketplace, design contests, and diverse project types including entry-level work
Not ideal for: Premium rates or long-term client relationships where Upwork's 5% reduced tier becomes an advantage
Get started with Freelancer.com →Commission Rates & Fees — The Full Picture
This is the most important section. Here's exactly what Freelancer.com takes:
Platform Commission
| Contract type | Commission rate | Minimum fee |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed-price projects | 10% | $3.00 |
| Hourly contracts | 10% | $3.00 |
| Contests | 10% of prize | $5.00 |
| Membership (optional) | $0.99–$59.95/mo | Reduces fees |
Withdrawal Fees
| Withdrawal method | Fee | Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Bank transfer (wire) | $3.00 flat | $30 |
| PayPal | $3.00 flat | $30 |
| Freelancer Mastercard | Free | $30 |
| Skrill | $3.00 flat | $30 |
Bottom line on fees: On a $200 project, Freelancer.com takes $20 (10%) + $3 withdrawal fee = $23 total. That's 11.5% total cost.
How It Compares to Upwork
| Freelancer.com | Upwork | |
|---|---|---|
| Commission (0–$500 with client) | 10% | 20% |
| Commission ($500–$10k with client) | 10% | 10% |
| Commission ($10k+ with client) | 10% | 5% |
| Withdrawal fee | $3 flat | $0.99 |
| Membership option | Yes (reduces fees) | Yes |
Key difference: Freelancer.com's 10% is fixed. Upwork starts at 20% then drops to 10% at $500 and 5% at $10,000 per client. For new client relationships (under $500 billed), Freelancer.com is cheaper. For long-term clients, Upwork wins.
Key Facts
| Category | Freelance marketplace |
| Commission | 10% (fixed) |
| Withdrawal fee | $3 flat |
| Monthly fee | Free (optional membership) |
| Payout speed | 3-5 days |
| KYC level | Basic (email only) |
| Founded | 2009 |
| HQ | Sydney, Australia |
Country Availability
| UK | Canada | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Features
| Feature | |
|---|---|
| Bank transfer | ✅ |
| Card payments | ❌ |
| Crypto | ❌ |
| Virtual card | ❌ |
| Physical Mastercard (prepaid) | ✅ |
| Multi-currency | ❌ |
| Business account | ❌ |
| Mobile app | ✅ |
| Project contests | ✅ |
| Milestone payments | ✅ |
Pros
- Low commission for new client relationships (10% vs Upwork's 20%)
- Large global marketplace — millions of active projects
- Design contests — unique to Freelancer.com
- Milestone-based payment protection
- Mobile app (iOS & Android)
- Free basic account
- Available in Australia, UK, and Canada
Cons
- No commission reduction for loyal long-term clients (Upwork drops to 5%)
- $3 withdrawal fee to bank/PayPal
- Highly competitive — many low-cost bidders drive rates down
- No multi-currency account
- Slower payouts (3-5 days) vs Upwork
Who Should Use Freelancer.com
Perfect for: Freelancers starting out who want a large pool of projects, designers looking for contest work, and anyone needing entry-level gigs.
Skip it if: You have long-term client relationships (Upwork's 5% tier becomes more valuable at scale) or you need fast payouts.
Is Freelancer.com.au the Same as Freelancer.com?
Yes — Freelancer.com.au is the same platform as Freelancer.com. It redirects to the global site. Freelancer.com is headquartered in Sydney, Australia, and has a strong presence in Australia and Asia-Pacific. Australian users sign up at freelancer.com (not .com.au) and the platform, fees, and features are identical worldwide.
How to Get Started
- Visit freelancer.com and create a free account
- Complete your profile (email verification is the minimum KYC)
- Set up your payment details for withdrawals
- Bid on projects or enter contests
- Complete milestones to release payment
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Freelancer.com's commission rate? Freelancer.com charges a flat 10% commission on all fixed-price and hourly contracts, with a $3 minimum per project.
What are Freelancer.com's withdrawal fees? $3 flat fee to bank, PayPal, or Skrill. Free to the Freelancer Mastercard prepaid card. Minimum withdrawal: $30.
Is Freelancer.com available in the UK? Yes — fully available in the UK, Canada, and Australia.
How does Freelancer.com compare to Upwork? For new clients (under $500 billed), Freelancer.com's 10% beats Upwork's 20%. For established long-term clients, Upwork wins (drops to 5% over $10,000).
Is Freelancer.com safe? Freelancer.com is an ASX-listed company. Milestone payments are held in escrow until you deliver. Exercise normal caution as with any marketplace platform.
Compare alternatives: Upwork vs Freelancer.com · Best Payment Setup for UK Freelancers · How to Withdraw Upwork Earnings UK
This review was last updated April 2026. Fees and availability may change — always check Freelancer.com's website for the latest information.
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