Is Freelancer.com Worth It for Freelancers? 2026 Review
By GrindBoss Team • Last updated: February 9, 2026
Freelancer.com Review Quick Verdict
The Bottom Line: Freelancer.com is a legitimate platform where you can find many types of work. It is good for skilled people ready to compete for jobs and build a reputation.
Why We Love It
- Huge variety of jobs
- Global work opportunities
- Payment protection system
- Multiple cash-out options
The Catch
- ✕High competition for jobs
- ✕Fees reduce your earnings
- ✕Time-consuming bidding process
- ✕Building reputation takes time
We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
What is Freelancer.com & How Does It Work?
Freelancer.com is one of the world's largest online marketplaces connecting people to project-based work. It allows you to find jobs in many different categories, from writing to design and programming.
Unlike simple survey sites, Freelancer.com requires you to have specific skills and actively bid for projects. You compete with many other workers for each job.
At A Glance
- TypeGig Apps
- PlatformWeb & Mobile App
- CostFree
- Est. YearN/A
How It Works
Create Your Profile
Sign up for free and build a detailed profile that shows off your skills and past work. This helps clients see what you can do.
Find Work and Bid
Browse thousands of available jobs across many categories. You then submit bids or proposals to clients for projects you want to work on.
Complete Job and Get Paid
Once a client picks you, you complete the work and submit it for approval. After approval, the platform releases your payment.
Is Freelancer.com Legit? (Platform Reputation)
It is smart to check the safety of any platform where you plan to earn money. Here is what we found about Freelancer.com.
- Real Company, Publicly Traded: Freelancer Limited is a real company that trades on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX:FLN). This means it is a public company that follows strict financial rules.
- Massive Global Network: The platform connects over 86 million users across 247 countries. This large user base shows it is a widely used and recognized service.
- Payment Protection System: Freelancer.com uses a milestone payment system. This means clients pay into a secure account before you start work, protecting you from not getting paid.
- Long History and Acquisitions: The company has been around for a long time and has bought several other early freelance marketplaces. This shows a deep history in the freelance industry.
Verdict: Legit
Freelancer.com is a legitimate global marketplace. It has a proven track record, payment protection, and is a publicly traded company.
How Much Can You Earn on Freelancer.com?
How much you can earn on Freelancer.com depends on your skills, experience, and how much effort you put in. It is not a platform for instant cash.
- Potential Hourly Earnings: Skilled freelancers can expect to earn between $15 to $50 per hour. Some specialized projects can offer even higher rates.
- Wide Range of Project Payouts: Project payments vary greatly. You can find small jobs for $10 to $50, or large, complex projects that pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
- Competition Affects Bids: With many users, you might need to bid lower than your ideal rate, especially when you are new. This helps you win jobs and build reviews.
- Building Your Reputation: The more positive reviews and completed projects you have, the easier it becomes to win higher-paying jobs. Your profile acts as your resume.
Bottom Line: Freelancer.com can provide good earnings for those with valuable skills who are willing to compete and build their profile over time.
Freelancer.com Fees & Payment Schedule
Getting your earnings from Freelancer.com is straightforward once your work is approved. They offer several ways to receive your money.
- Payment Method: You can choose to receive your money through PayPal, direct Bank Transfer, or Skrill. These options offer flexibility for users worldwide.
- Minimum Cashout: You need to have at least $30 in your account before you can request a withdrawal. This is a common minimum for freelance platforms.
- Cashout Speed: After you request a withdrawal, it typically takes 1 to 5 business days for the funds to reach your chosen payment method.
- Approval Process: Before you can get paid, the client must approve the work you submitted. This ensures both parties are happy with the outcome.
- Tax Considerations: As an independent contractor, you are responsible for tracking and reporting your earnings for tax purposes in your country.
Bottom Line: Freelancer.com provides reliable payment options and a clear process for receiving your earnings after job completion and client approval.
Pros and Cons of Freelancer.com
The Good
- Huge Job Variety. You can find work across more than 2700 different skill categories, from writing to web design and data entry.
- Global Reach. The platform offers opportunities to find work from clients in 247 countries, expanding your potential client base.
- Payment Protection. The milestone payment system helps ensure clients pay for your work, giving you peace of mind.
- Multiple Payouts. You have choices like PayPal, Bank Transfer, or Skrill to get your money, making it convenient.
- Mobile App Available. Manage your projects, communicate with clients, and get updates directly from your phone.
The Bad
- High Competition. With millions of users, you will often compete with many other freelancers for each project.
- Fees on Earnings. Freelancer.com charges a fee on the money you earn from projects, which reduces your total payout.
- Bidding Process Takes Time. You need to spend time writing proposals and bidding on jobs, and there's no guarantee you'll win.
- Reputation Building. New freelancers might find it challenging to get their first few jobs without a strong history of reviews.
Freelancer.com Freelancer FAQ
Is Freelancer.com legit or a scam?
Freelancer.com is a legitimate and well-established online marketplace. It is a publicly traded company with millions of users worldwide and offers payment protection for workers.
How much can I earn on Freelancer.com?
Earnings vary widely based on your skills, experience, and project type. Experienced freelancers can earn $15-50 per hour, while specific projects might pay hundreds or thousands of dollars.
How do I get paid on Freelancer.com?
You can receive payments via PayPal, Bank Transfer, or Skrill. Clients first approve your completed work, and then your earnings are released to you.
Are there any background checks to join Freelancer.com?
Freelancer.com does not typically require a background check for general signup. However, some clients might request specific checks for certain sensitive projects.
Do I need a special vehicle for Freelancer.com jobs?
No, Freelancer.com focuses on online project-based work. There are no vehicle requirements for jobs on this platform, as it is not a delivery or driving service.
Can I get instant payouts on Freelancer.com?
No, instant payouts are not available. Once a client approves your work and you request a withdrawal, payments typically take 1 to 5 business days to process.
What types of jobs can I find on Freelancer.com?
You can find work in over 2700 categories. This includes web design, writing, graphic design, data entry, programming, marketing, and many other online services.
