Upwork connects freelancers with clients globally. While primarily a marketplace, Upwork's payment infrastructure handles invoicing and escrow, making it the safest way to get paid for new client relationships.
Quick Verdict
Rating: 4.3/5 — ★★★★☆
Best for: Finding new clients globally with built-in payment protection and escrow
Not ideal for: Minimising platform fees — Upwork charges 10% service fee
Get started with Upwork →Key Facts
| Category | freelance / marketplace |
| FX fee | 🟢 Free |
| Withdrawal fee | $2 fixed |
| Monthly fee | Free |
| Payout speed | 3-5 days |
| KYC level | Standard (ID required) |
| Founded | 2015 |
| HQ | US |
Country Availability
| UK | Canada | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Fees
| Fee type | Amount |
|---|---|
| FX conversion | Free |
| Withdrawal | $2 flat |
| Monthly subscription | None |
| Currencies supported | 30+ |
Features
| Feature | |
|---|---|
| Bank transfer | ✅ |
| Card payments | ❌ |
| Crypto | ❌ |
| Virtual card | ❌ |
| Physical card | ❌ |
| Multi-currency | ✅ |
| Business account | ❌ |
| Mobile app | ✅ |
| API access | ❌ |
| Upwork integration | ✅ |
| Fiverr integration | ❌ |
Pros
- Low FX fee — 0%
- No monthly fee
- Multi-currency account
- Mobile app (iOS & Android)
- Native Upwork integration
Cons
- Slow payouts (3–5 days)
Who Should Use Upwork
Perfect for: Finding new clients globally with built-in payment protection and escrow
Skip it if: Minimising platform fees — Upwork charges 10% service fee
How to Get Started
- Visit https://upwork.com and create an account
- Complete identity verification (Standard (ID required))
- Set up your payment receiving details
- Share with clients or connect to your freelance platform
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Upwork available in the UK? Yes — Upwork is fully available in the UK.
Is Upwork available in Canada? Yes — Upwork is fully available in Canada.
Is Upwork available in Australia? Yes — Upwork is fully available in Australia.
What are Upwork's fees? Upwork charges no FX fee, $2 per withdrawal.
Is Upwork safe? Upwork is a regulated financial service with a strong safety record. Always verify current regulatory status on their website.
This review was last updated 2026-03-30. Fees and availability may change — always check Upwork's website for the latest information.
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