Starting September 1, 2026, Upwork charges a $2.99 fee on every Direct to U.S. Bank withdrawal if your tax address is outside the United States. This method was previously free. For freelancers outside the US, it was the last free way to move earnings out of Upwork.

If you work from Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Egypt, Sri Lanka, or anywhere else outside the US and withdraw to a US bank account, the fee applies to every withdrawal. This article explains what changed, what the fee can cost over a year, and how to get it back.

What changed on September 1, 2026

Direct to the U.S. Bank is Upwork's ACH withdrawal method. It sends your earnings to any US checking or savings account that accepts ACH payments. Transfers arrive in 2 to 5 business days.

The change is listed on Upwork's official support page:

The fee applies to withdrawals processed on or after September 1, 2026, including automatic scheduled withdrawals. The timing and ACH process remain the same.

Why $2.99 is showing up on your Upwork transactions

If you see an unexplained $2.99 line in your Upwork transaction history, it is Upwork's new withdrawal fee for freelancers outside the US who use Direct to U.S. Bank. It is not a bank charge or a currency conversion fee. Upwork deducts it from each withdrawal, so a $1,000 withdrawal now lands as $997.01.

What it costs you per year

The fee is flat, so your annual cost depends on how often you withdraw.

Batching withdrawals reduces the cost, but it also keeps your money in Upwork longer. This withdrawal fee comes after Upwork's service fee, which is variable from 0 to 15% per contract and is deducted before you withdraw your earnings.

Your options now, and what each one costs

For a freelancer outside the US, this is the full picture after September 1:

The visible fee does not show the full cost when currency conversion is involved. The $0.99 local bank withdrawal converts your dollars at a marked-up rate. Using the third-party estimate in this article, a 1.5% markup on a $1,000 withdrawal costs around $15. That is fifteen times the visible fee. With ACH to a US bank account, your money remains in USD, and you decide when and where to convert it.

For a comparison of every method, see Upwork Withdrawal Fees in 2026.

How to get the $2.99 back

Elevate Pay gives freelancers and remote workers a USD account with US ACH details that work directly with Upwork's Direct to U.S. Bank withdrawal. Deposits are FDIC insured up to $250K through Merchants Commercial Bank.

As of September 1, 2026, Elevate Pay credits the $2.99 fee back on your withdrawals in any month when you receive $500 or more from Upwork into your Elevate Pay account. Multiple withdrawals can combine to reach $500. It does not have to be one transfer. Full terms are on the Upwork Reward Campaign page.

Your withdrawal still uses the same ACH process and 2-5 day timing, and Elevate Pay credits Upwork's new fee back when you meet the monthly condition.

FAQ

Why did Upwork charge me $2.99?

Since September 1, 2026, Upwork charges $2.99 on every Direct to U.S. Bank withdrawal for freelancers whose tax address is outside the United States. The fee appears as a deduction on each withdrawal.

Does the $2.99 fee apply to US freelancers?

No. Direct to U.S. Bank withdrawals remain free if your tax address is in the United States.

Does the fee apply to scheduled withdrawals?

Yes. The fee applies to any withdrawal processed on or after September 1, 2026, including automatic scheduled withdrawals.

Is Direct to U.S. Bank still cheaper than Direct to Local Bank?

It depends on the amount and the exchange rate. Local bank withdrawals cost $0.99 but convert your USD at a marked-up rate. Based on the estimated markup used in this article, withdrawals above roughly $200 may cost more overall than the $2 difference in visible fees.

Can I avoid the fee entirely?

Upwork applies the fee to Direct to U.S. Bank withdrawals for freelancers with a non-US tax address. Elevate Pay reimburses the $2.99 when you receive $500 or more from Upwork in a month, and multiple withdrawals can combine to reach $500.