Freelance platforms with safe payments (2026)

Platforms from our ranking where the client's payment is held by the platform (escrow, safe deal or milestones) and released to the freelancer only after the work is accepted, in Score order. Check each platform's fees and dispute rules.

Best Freelance Platforms 2026: Independent Ranking

  1. 1

    Freelancer.com

    84/100
    Freelancer fee (USD 500 order, new client)
    10%
    Client fee on top of the order (USD 500 order)
    3%
    Money held by the platform until the work is accepted
    Yes
    • The platform holds the client's money until the work is accepted
    • Low fee for clients
    • The platform reviews disputes between clients and freelancers
    • Users can have their identity verified
  2. 2

    Weblancer

    77/100
    Freelancer fee (USD 500 order, new client)
    5%
    Client fee on top of the order (USD 500 order)
    0%
    Money held by the platform until the work is accepted
    Yes
    • The platform holds the client's money until the work is accepted
    • Low fee for clients
    • The platform reviews disputes between clients and freelancers
    • Users can have their identity verified
  3. 3

    FL.ru

    72/100
    Freelancer fee (USD 500 order, new client)
    0%
    Client fee on top of the order (USD 500 order)
    20%
    Money held by the platform until the work is accepted
    Yes
    • Low fee for freelancers
    • The platform holds the client's money until the work is accepted
    • The platform reviews disputes between clients and freelancers
    • Users can have their identity verified
  4. 4

    Contra

    68/100
    Freelancer fee (USD 500 order, new client)
    0%
    Client fee on top of the order (USD 500 order)
    3.8%
    Money held by the platform until the work is accepted
    Yes
    • Low fee for freelancers
    • The platform holds the client's money until the work is accepted
    • Low fee for clients
    • The platform reviews disputes between clients and freelancers
  5. 5

    Workzilla

    66/100
    Freelancer fee (USD 500 order, new client)
    10%
    Client fee on top of the order (USD 500 order)
    Not verified
    Money held by the platform until the work is accepted
    Yes
    • The platform holds the client's money until the work is accepted
    • The platform reviews disputes between clients and freelancers
    • Users can have their identity verified
  6. 7

    Kwork

    51/100
    Freelancer fee (USD 500 order, new client)
    20%
    Client fee on top of the order (USD 500 order)
    5%
    Money held by the platform until the work is accepted
    Yes
    • The platform holds the client's money until the work is accepted
    • The platform reviews disputes between clients and freelancers
    • Users can have their identity verified