Upwork pays you through a withdrawal process, not automatic deposits
Upwork does not send money to your bank on its own. You have to request a withdrawal from your Upwork account balance, and the money then moves through a payment processor to reach you. The timing and method depend on which withdrawal option you choose — direct deposit to a US bank account is fastest, while international transfers and checks take longer.
Your Upwork balance grows as clients pay for completed work. That balance sits in your Upwork account until you withdraw it. Understanding the withdrawal methods, the fees involved, and the timelines helps you plan when money will actually land in your account.
Key Takeaways
- Upwork holds your earnings in your account balance; you must request a withdrawal to move money to your bank or payment method.
- Direct deposit to a US bank account is free and takes one to two business days after you request it.
- International bank transfers and checks take longer and may have fees depending on your country and bank.
- You can withdraw once your balance reaches $15 or more, but Upwork processes withdrawals on a weekly schedule, not on demand.
- Upwork charges a fee for some withdrawal methods — typically 1 to 2 percent for wire transfers or international payments.
The three main ways to withdraw money from Upwork
Direct deposit is the fastest option if you have a US bank account. You provide your routing number and account number, and Upwork transfers the money electronically. This method is free and takes one to two business days after the withdrawal is processed. Upwork processes withdrawals on Thursdays, so a request made before Thursday morning typically processes that day.
Wire transfer works for US and some international accounts. Upwork charges a flat fee (usually $1.50 to $2) plus a percentage of the amount (typically 1 to 2 percent). The money reaches your bank in one to three business days depending on your bank's processing speed. Wire transfers are slower than direct deposit but faster than checks.
Check by mail is available in the US and some other countries. Upwork mails a physical check to your address on file. You then deposit it at your bank, which may take several days to clear. This method is free but the slowest — expect seven to fourteen business days from the time you request it until the money clears in your account.
Some countries also have local payment methods available — for example, Wise transfers in certain regions, or local bank transfers. Check your withdrawal settings to see what options appear for your location.
How to request a withdrawal from your Upwork account
Log into Upwork and go to your Earnings page. You will see your current account balance at the top. Click the button to withdraw funds — the exact label varies but is usually "Withdraw" or "Request Withdrawal".
Select your withdrawal method from the list of options available in your country. Enter the amount you want to withdraw (it must be at least $15). Review the fee, if any, that will be deducted. Confirm the withdrawal request.
Upwork will show you a confirmation screen with the expected arrival date. The money leaves your Upwork balance when ready, but the actual deposit to your bank account happens on the timeline for that method. You can check the status of pending withdrawals on your Earnings page under "Withdrawal History".
Timing: when the money actually arrives
The withdrawal process has two separate timelines. First, Upwork must process your request. Upwork processes withdrawals once per week, on Thursdays. If you request a withdrawal on a Thursday before the processing window closes (usually early morning US Eastern time), it processes that day. If you request it after that window or on any other day, it waits until the following Thursday.
After Upwork processes the withdrawal, the money travels to your bank or payment method. Direct deposit typically arrives within one to two business days. Wire transfers take one to three business days depending on your bank. Checks take seven to fourteen business days from the request date because they must be printed, mailed, and then deposited and cleared.
If you request a withdrawal on a Friday, it will not process until the following Thursday — a full week wait. Timing your withdrawal request for early Thursday morning ensures the fastest possible processing.
Fees and what they cost you
Direct deposit has no fee. You receive the full amount you withdraw.
Wire transfers and international bank transfers typically cost 1 to 2 percent of the amount plus a flat fee of $1.50 to $2. The exact percentage and flat fee vary by country and Upwork's current rates. Upwork shows you the fee before you confirm the withdrawal, so you can see the exact cost.
Checks are free, but your bank may charge you a fee to deposit a check, depending on your account type. Most banks do not charge for check deposits, but some do.
The fee is deducted from your withdrawal amount. If you request a $100 withdrawal with a 2 percent fee, you receive $98.
Minimum balance and hold periods
You must have at least $15 in your Upwork account balance to request a withdrawal. If your balance is below $15, the withdrawal button will not appear.
Upwork does not hold your earnings for a set period after a client pays. The money appears in your account balance as soon as the client's payment clears, which is typically the same day the client pays. You can withdraw it when ready if your balance is $15 or more.
The only exception is if a client disputes a payment or files a refund request. During a dispute, Upwork may hold that portion of your earnings until the dispute is resolved. Once resolved, the money becomes available to withdraw.
What happens if your withdrawal fails or is delayed
If your bank rejects a direct deposit — for example, because the account number is wrong — Upwork will return the money to your account balance. You will see a notification in your Earnings section. You can then correct the account information and request the withdrawal again.
Wire transfers and international transfers can fail if the bank details are incorrect or if your bank rejects the incoming transfer. Contact Upwork support with the withdrawal reference number if a transfer fails. They can investigate whether the money was returned to your account or is stuck in the payment system.
Checks can be lost in the mail. If you do not receive a check within the expected timeframe, contact Upwork support with the check number. They can issue a replacement or arrange an alternative withdrawal method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I withdraw money before a client pays me?
No. Your Upwork balance only includes money that clients have already paid. You cannot withdraw earnings from work in progress or work awaiting payment. Once a client releases payment, the money appears in your balance and you can withdraw it.
What if I want to withdraw money every week?
You can request a withdrawal every week if your balance is at least $15. Upwork processes all withdrawals on Thursday, so you can make a request any day and it will process on the next Thursday (or the same Thursday if you request early enough). There is no limit to how many withdrawals you can make per month.
Does Upwork charge a fee for direct deposit?
No. Direct deposit is free. You receive the full amount you withdraw with no deduction. This is why direct deposit is the most common withdrawal method for US-based freelancers.
How long does it take to get paid if I choose a check?
A check takes seven to fourteen business days from the date you request the withdrawal. Upwork prints and mails the check, then your bank must receive and process it. The exact timeline depends on mail delivery speed and your bank's check-clearing process.
What if my bank account information changes?
Update your bank account details in your Upwork payment settings before you request a withdrawal. If you change your account number after a withdrawal has been processed, the money may be sent to the old account. Contact your bank to recover it, or contact Upwork support if the withdrawal fails and is returned to your account.