Starting September 1, Upwork will charge freelancers outside the U.S. $2.99 for every withdrawal made using Direct to U.S. Bank. Eligible Elevate Pay users can earn that $2.99 back as a reward.

Freelancers and remote professionals have always been at the center of what we build at Elevate Pay.

The Upwork Reward Campaign is another way we’re helping you keep more of what you earn.

What’s changing on Upwork?

Starting September 1, 2026, Upwork will charge $2.99 for every withdrawal made using Direct to U.S. Bank.

This withdrawal method was previously free.

If you regularly receive your Upwork earnings through a U.S. bank account, this means a new fee every time you withdraw.

How Elevate Pay is helping

Starting September 1, eligible Elevate Pay users can receive a $2.99 reward when they receive their Upwork earnings through Elevate Pay.

To qualify, you need to receive at least $500 in total from Upwork into your Elevate Pay account within the same calendar month.

You can reach the $500 threshold through one payment or multiple Upwork payments during the month.

Eligible users can receive one $2.99 reward per calendar month.

The reward will be credited directly to your Elevate Pay account and will appear in your transaction history as a reward transaction.

How it works

1. Use your Elevate Pay account on Upwork

Add the U.S. account details available in Elevate Pay as your Direct to U.S. Bank withdrawal method on Upwork.

2. Receive at least $500 from Upwork during the month

Your Upwork payments can be combined to reach the $500 monthly threshold.

3. Receive your $2.99 reward

Once you qualify, Elevate Pay will credit one $2.99 reward directly to your account for that calendar month.

Already using Elevate Pay for Upwork?

You don’t need to change anything.

Eligible Upwork payments received into your Elevate Pay account from September 1, 2026 onwards will automatically count toward the monthly $500 threshold.

Using another account for your Upwork earnings?

You can switch your Upwork Direct to U.S. Bank withdrawal method to your Elevate Pay account.
Use the U.S. account details available in Elevate Pay when setting up your withdrawal method on Upwork.

Only eligible Upwork payments received into your Elevate Pay account count toward the Upwork Reward Campaign.

Built around the way you work

Elevate Pay was built for freelancers and remote professionals earning across borders.

That means giving you access to the financial tools you need to receive, hold, and move your earnings more easily. It also means looking for ways to help when getting paid becomes more expensive.

The Upwork Reward Campaign is another example of that commitment.

You did the work. We want to help you keep more of what you earned.

The Upwork Reward Campaign starts September 1, 2026.

Receive your Upwork earnings through Elevate Pay and earn your $2.99 reward when you meet the monthly eligibility requirements.

If you have any questions about the campaign or receiving Upwork payments through Elevate Pay, our support team is here to help.