Is 99designs Worth It for Freelancers? 2026 Review
By GrindBoss Team • Last updated: January 24, 2026
99designs Review Quick Verdict
The Bottom Line: 99designs is a well-known platform for freelance graphic designers to find work. You can earn money by competing in design contests or working directly with clients on projects.
Why We Love It
- Earn money as a designer
- Work on diverse design projects
- Choose between contests or direct work
The Catch
- ✕High competition for work
- ✕No guaranteed pay in contests
- ✕Payment processing takes a few days
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What is 99designs & How Does It Work?
99designs is an online platform where freelance designers can find opportunities to earn money. You can create logos, websites, and other graphics for businesses around the world.
Unlike traditional job boards, 99designs lets you either compete in design contests or work directly with clients. This gives you different ways to earn money for your design talents.
At A Glance
- TypeGig Apps
- PlatformWeb
- CostFree
- Est. Year2008 (18 Years)
How It Works
Create Your Designer Profile
Sign up and build a strong portfolio. This shows off your past work and helps clients see your style and skills.
Find Design Work
You can enter design contests, where you submit ideas and compete for a prize. You can also get invited to 1-to-1 projects directly by clients.
Submit and Get Paid
Once your design is chosen or approved by the client, your payment is securely released to you. You get paid for your creative effort.
Is 99designs Legit? (Platform Reputation)
It's important to know if a platform is trustworthy when you're looking to earn money. We checked into 99designs' background and how it works for designers.
- Long History and Global Reach: 99designs started in 2008 and is part of Vista. It has connected designers and clients for over a decade. This shows it's a lasting platform in the design world.
- Significant Designer Earnings: The platform states that its global community of designers has earned more than $300 million since its start. This shows many designers are actively earning through the site.
- Clear Payout System: 99designs is moving all designer payouts to Hyperwallet by early 2026. This move aims to make payments more reliable and consistent for designers.
- Vetted Designer Community: The platform says it works with vetted creative experts. This means there's a quality check for designers, which helps build trust for both sides of the work.
Verdict: Legit
99designs is a legitimate platform for freelance designers to find work and earn money. It has a long history, a clear payment process, and a large, active community of earning designers.
How Much Can You Earn on 99designs?
Your earnings on 99designs depend on your skills, the projects you take, and how much time you put in. It's a gig economy platform, so work can vary.
- Potential Hourly Rate: Based on internal data, designers can expect to earn between $30 and $80 per hour. This rate can change based on project complexity and your experience level.
- Contest vs. 1-to-1 Projects: In design contests, you only get paid if your design is chosen as the winner. With 1-to-1 projects, you agree on a price with the client beforehand, offering more guaranteed pay.
- Factors Affecting Earnings: Designers with stronger portfolios and higher skill levels often attract more direct project invitations. Building a good reputation on the platform can lead to more consistent work.
- No Guaranteed Work: Like most freelance platforms, work is not always guaranteed. Some weeks might be busy with many opportunities, while others might be slower.
Bottom Line: 99designs offers good earning potential for skilled designers, especially through direct projects. Your income will depend on how often you find and win work.
99designs Fees & Payment Schedule
Getting paid reliably is key for any gig worker. 99designs has a system in place to ensure designers receive their earnings.
- Payment Method: You can receive your earnings through PayPal or directly via bank transfer. This gives you options for how you get your money.
- Minimum Cashout: There is no minimum amount you need to earn before you can cash out. This means you can access your money even after smaller projects.
- Cashout Speed: Once a project is completed and approved, it typically takes 3 to 5 business days for the funds to reach your account.
- Approval Process: Payments are securely released after the client approves your final design. This ensures both you and the client are happy with the work.
- Tax Considerations: Remember that earnings from 99designs are generally considered taxable income. You are responsible for reporting these earnings to your local tax authorities.
Bottom Line: 99designs offers flexible payment methods with no minimum cashout. Payments are processed within a few business days after project completion.
Pros and Cons of 99designs
The Good
- Global Work Opportunities. You can find design projects from clients all over the world.
- Diverse Project Types. The platform offers many types of design work, from logos to websites and more.
- Flexible Work Schedule. You can choose when and how much you want to work on projects that fit your availability.
- Build Your Portfolio. It's a great way to gain experience and showcase your design skills to potential clients.
- Potential for High Hourly Rates. Skilled designers can earn good money per hour on projects they secure through the platform.
The Bad
- High Competition. Many designers compete for the same projects, especially in design contests.
- No Guaranteed Contest Pay. You only get paid if your design wins a contest, meaning effort without pay is possible.
- Requires Strong Self-Marketing. You need to actively promote your skills and portfolio to get direct work invitations.
- Payment Processing Time. It takes a few business days to receive your earnings after a project is approved.
99designs Freelancer FAQ
Is 99designs legit or a scam?
99designs is a legitimate platform for freelance designers. It was founded in 2008 and has a long history of connecting designers with clients worldwide. The platform has processed over $300 million in earnings for its design community.
What are the eligibility requirements to become a designer on 99designs?
To join, you need strong graphic design skills and a portfolio to show your work. 99designs vets its designers to ensure quality. There are no specific background checks beyond skill verification for designers.
How much money can I make as a designer on 99designs?
Earnings vary greatly based on your skill level, the type of projects you take, and how much you work. Designers can potentially earn $30 to $80 per hour for their work.
How do I get paid on 99designs?
You can receive payments through PayPal or direct bank transfer. Payments are released after the client approves your final design, ensuring you get paid for completed work.
Can I cash out my earnings instantly on 99designs?
No, payments are not instant. Once a project is completed and approved, it typically takes 3 to 5 business days for the funds to be processed and sent to your chosen payment method.
What kind of design work can I find on 99designs?
You can find a wide range of design projects, including logo design, website design, branding, packaging, book covers, and more. There are many categories to choose from based on your skills.
How do I get started as a designer on 99designs?
You need to sign up for a designer account and create a portfolio that showcases your best work. Then, you can start looking for design contests to enter or get invited to 1-to-1 projects.
