This sounds really confusing Jennifer. First, you say you have a client who wants you to do an hourly job but without using the time tracker software.
So the answer is no, because that's what an hourly job is based on. If you use the time tracker, hourly jobs are guaranteed paid. BUT if you use the time tracker only to log manual hours, then it has the same guarantee as a fixed-price job - except worse, because no money is in escrow (funded milestone). (Manual hours are paid at the dicretion of the client, whether allowed or not.)
It may be a very short job, but you should set a minimum payment/time.
It seems really you've landed an hourly job that doesn't want to be one. Your client may be a) preying on you as a (Upwork) newbie; or b) a newbie themselves, and as confused as you are.
Unfortunately, the onus is always on the freelancer to guide the client...
I'd suggest that you suggest a fixed-price job if it's so small. But if not, then there's not much difference - do an awesomely good job and cross you fingers.
PM me if you want a bit more strategy...
Hi Jennifer,
If you are referring to the client's payment method and whether or not it's verified, you can check it on the original job posting. If you see the green checkmark on the right next to "About the Client," it means the payment method is verified. Note however, that manual time isn't covered by the Hourly Protection regardless of whether the client is verified or not. If the client's payment method fails or they dispute, manual time will be refunded.
Let us know if you meant something else or have additional questions.
