A global freelance marketplace where clients post projects and freelancers bid on them, alongside contests for design and creative work. Covers a very wide range of skills and budgets, with milestone payments and optional recruiter assistance.
Freelancer is a freelance marketplace where anyone can register to start earning, and the work can be done remotely. Fees are 10% or $5 minimum on projects, the minimum payout is $50 after withdrawal fees and you can withdraw via PayPal, Payoneer, Skrill and Wire transfer. Founded in 2009, Freelancer is based in Sydney, Australia and is publicly traded (ASX: FLN). It is available worldwide.
Last updated
What people actually earn on Freelancer
Figures published by Freelancer or by independent studies and surveys, as dated. Individual earnings vary widely.
Can I join Freelancer?
Identity verification is required before withdrawing, and your first withdrawal can be held up to 15 days.
Official requirements ↗ · Check which platforms you can join →
How Freelancer compares
- At 10%, Freelancer sits near the middle — the median fee across the 30 freelance sites we track that charge a percentage is 12.3%.
- Freelancer is the only one of the 55 freelance sites we track that pays out via Skrill.
- Founded in 2009, Freelancer has been running for about 17 years — longer than 47 of the 58 freelance sites we track with a known launch year.
Compared with the freelance sites in our directory. See them all →
Is Freelancer legit?
Freelancer is a real, operating platform. What we could verify:
- Operating since 2009 (17 years)
- Headquartered in Sydney, Australia
- Publicly traded (ASX: FLN)
- Has a Wikipedia article
Listing last updated September 2026 · how we verify platforms · Missing or out of date? Tell us
Guides
No step-by-step guide for Freelancer yet. Browse all guides or find the right way to earn for you.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Freelancer charge?
Freelancer fees: 10% or $5 minimum on projects. On a $100 payment that leaves you about $90, before withdrawal or conversion costs.
How do you get paid on Freelancer?
Freelancer pays out via PayPal, Payoneer, Skrill and Wire transfer. Minimum payout: $50 after withdrawal fees.
Which countries is Freelancer available in?
Worldwide.
How much do people earn on Freelancer?
Freelancer.com says it connects over 89.9 million registered employers and freelancers from 247 countries (combined sign-ups, not active earners). Individual earnings vary widely.
Is Freelancer legit?
Yes, Freelancer is a real, operating platform: operating since 2009 (17 years), headquartered in Sydney, Australia and publicly traded (ASX: FLN). As with any platform, check its current terms before relying on it for income.
What are the best Freelancer alternatives?
Similar platforms include Toptal, Arc.dev, Andela and Braintrust. Compare their fees and payouts in the alternatives section below.
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Freelancer alternatives
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