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Direct Contracts now live for all freelancers

lenaellis
Community Member

To help grow and support your freelance business on and off Upwork, we are releasing Direct Contracts to all Upwork freelancers today. With this new release, we have also expanded the functionality to now include multiple milestones. 

 

Direct Contracts allows you to enter into fixed-price contracts with non-Upwork clients, offering access to Upwork's safety and security features with greater flexibility for your business. Freelancers can access their Direct Contracts by clicking on the new paper airplane icon next to notifications or directly here.

 

Direct Contract Icon.png

 

Here’s how it works: 

 

On the Direct Contracts page, freelancers will see the option to start a new Direct Contract and a list of all existing Direct Contracts along with the status of that contract.

 

The steps to start a new Direct Contract are very simple:

 

1. Enter your client’s details

1. Create.png

 

2. Add either a single amount or create milestones with each amount

MM - Collapsed.png

 

3. Review and send the contract

3. Review.png

 

4. An email is sent to your client to begin

4. Confirmation.png

 

 

Your client will receive an email notifying them of your detailed proposal, along with some guidance on how the product works. 

 

Just like your other fixed-price contracts on Upwork, your client deposits project funds in escrow before the contract starts. You will see the status of the milestone listed below each one, so you will know when to begin working. When you’ve completed the contract or each milestone, you’ll request payment from your client. And with Direct Contracts, once they’ve accepted your request, the funds are released to you immediately, with no security period.

 

5. - Active - m1.png

 

As a freelancer, you’ll pay a processing fee of 3.4% of the total contract amount, but you won’t pay any freelancer service fees to Upwork. It’s easy for your clients because they won’t have to create an Upwork account.  And with payment protection and dispute assistance, you can work confidently with your clients who are not on Upwork. 

 

Let us know if you have any questions.

 

405 Comments
mohammedamal
Community Member
I have a client outside of Upwork in another site but there are payment issues. Is there a way in which he can pay me the fee in upwork instead of the other site?
JoanneP
Moderator

Hi Mohammed,

 

You might want to consider using a Direct Contract with your client. Direct Contracts allow you to manage contracts in the Upwork platform with your clients who don’t have an Upwork account. Enjoy the benefits of escrow services, simple contract management, faster payments, and dispute assistance should a problem arise. You can read more about this feature here

sgtdeathadder
Community Member

Direct Contracts started with zero fees for the client, did this changed? my client is telling me there's a 3% fee on their end.

 

Thank you.

AndreaG
Moderator

Hi Romano,

 

Thanks for your question. Yes, we are asking clients who start new Direct Contracts to begin paying a small processing fee on the payments they make to their freelancer(s).

 

sgtdeathadder
Community Member

My father is sending a direct contract but it's asking the client to send an ID document, why is that? I thought direct contracts were designed to be hassle-free for the client.

 

My father doesn't speak English that's why I'm writing for him.

LuiggiR
Moderator

Hi Romano,

 

We occasionally request identity verification for clients, even for Direct Contracts, as we're committed to keeping Upwork a trustworthy and safe place to work. Your father's client can reach out to our support team if they need assistance or have questions.

5568115e
Community Member

I am trying to set up a contract with a client. This client has another resource who uses Upwork, so when I add the client email to the contract set up, I get: "This email address is already associated with an Upwork account."

 

What is the workaround when a client has contracts with multiple Upwork accounts?

LuiggiR
Moderator

Hi Patricia,

 

Just to confirm, are you referring to setting up a Direct Contract with a client? If so, please note that it's only possible to start a Direct Contract with clients that don't have an Upwork account. If your client already has an account, then they can create a job post so they can invite you to apply.

352d9372
Community Member

Does the completed jobs show in the working history if I choose direct contract non-upwork customer?

g_vasilevski
Retired Team Member

Hi Naim,

 

Since your client and you will only be using Upwork for payments, any Direct Contracts will not impact your Upwork reputation metrics (for example your Job Success Score or Top Rated status). These contracts also will not be included in your other Upwork profile stats, such as total earnings, number of jobs, etc. Thank you.