Payment protection · Freelancer.com
Freelancer.com Milestone Payment System explained
Short version. Freelancer.com’s Milestone Payment System holds employer funds until release, refund, or dispute handling under the User Agreement. Arbitration of a milestone dispute costs $5 or 5% (whichever greater), refunded to the winner.
- Fund Client commits money into the locked milestone
- Work Freelancer delivers against the agreed scope
- Submit / request changes Delivery and revision loop
- Review window Client approves or requests changes in time
- Release Funds move to the freelancer
Dispute branch: Freelancer.com arbitration fees and windows differ from other platforms — see the body below.
Funding and release
- For Services, employers fund the service price; release only when the employer is satisfied (fees page language).
- For projects, milestone deposits sit until released, refunded, or handled under dispute rules.
- Employers can cancel an awarded project within seven days after acceptance for a full refund of the employer project fee (separate from milestone balances — re-read the live fees page for interaction details).
Arbitration window
- After 4 days of a dispute (or 14 days if the freelancer filed), either party may move to paid arbitration.
- The other party has 4 days to pay the fee and submit evidence or loses.
- Fee: $5 or 5% of the disputed milestone, refunded to the winner.
Related fees that interact with milestones
- Employer project fee 3%/$3; freelancer 10%/$5 — see Freelancer.com fees.
- Offsiting penalty up to 30% of max budget if terms are violated — off-platform rules.
- Broader escrow context: escrow & milestones.
FAQ
Who pays Freelancer.com arbitration?
The party that elects paid arbitration pays $5 or 5% of the disputed milestone (greater). The fee is refunded to the winner.
Is a milestone the same as escrow?
Functionally similar: funds are committed on-platform before release. Exact legal framing is Freelancer.com’s Milestone Payment System under its User Agreement.
Sources
- Freelancer.com — Fees and Charges: www.freelancer.com/feesandcharges (checked Nov 5, 2026)
- Freelancer.com — User Agreement: www.freelancer.com/about/terms (checked Nov 5, 2026)
No affiliate links on this page. Figures change; re-check the official page before you rely on them.