FreeUp is a freelance marketplace that appeals to professionals looking for remote work, side gigs, or long-term contract opportunities. However, joining the platform is not as simple as creating an account and submitting a profile. FreeUp is known for its exceptionally strict vetting process, and only a small percentage of applicants are accepted. This makes entry far more competitive than on most other freelance platforms.
The company promotes itself as a marketplace offering access to high-quality freelance jobs, which naturally attracts freelancers seeking well-paid projects or reliable part-time and full-time remote work. Before you invest time in applying, it’s essential to understand how much of this promise aligns with the actual experience freelancers report.
In this detailed FreeUp review, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the platform: how it works, what the application process involves, how credible the service really is, and practical tips to help you get the most out of it if you decide to join. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether FreeUp is a good fit for your skills and career goals.
Let’s explore what FreeUp really offers and how it can influence your freelancing journey.
What Is FreeUp and How to Earn from Freelance Jobs on It
FreeUp is a specialized freelance marketplace designed to connect business owners and companies with skilled independent professionals. The platform has built a solid reputation for reliability, and freelancers can indeed find legitimate remote jobs through it—whether they are looking for short-term projects, part-time work, or steady full-time contracts.
However, the presence of real opportunities does not automatically make FreeUp the right platform for every freelancer. To determine whether it’s a good fit, it’s essential to understand how FreeUp operates and what it takes to earn money on the site. This helps you evaluate the time, effort, and skill level required to land paid work and decide whether investing in the application process is worthwhile.
In the sections below, we break down how to get started on FreeUp, what you can do to increase your chances of getting accepted, and the most effective strategies for earning consistent income on the platform.
Earning Opportunities on FreeUp: How to Apply and Get Projects
To start earning on FreeUp, your first step is applying for the freelance positions listed on the platform. When you visit the website, you can browse all current openings by selecting the “Apply as a Freelancer” option. This takes you directly to the available job listings, where you can explore roles that match your skills.
Most opportunities on FreeUp are full-time remote positions, but you’ll occasionally find part-time roles that offer more flexibility. Once you come across a job that aligns with your expertise, you can click “Apply” to submit your information. However, there’s an important detail many new freelancers overlook: when you apply for a job on FreeUp, you are actually applying to become an approved freelancer on the platform—not necessarily applying for that specific role.
FreeUp is known for its strict screening process, and every application goes through careful evaluation before freelancers are granted access to client projects. If your application is approved, you’ll gain entry to the freelancer dashboard, where you can view active projects and apply directly to the ones that suit your experience.
When you submit a proposal for a project, FreeUp reviews your profile to determine whether you’re the best match for the client. If the platform selects you, you’ll be introduced to the client and, once accepted, you can begin working on the assigned tasks. During the project, all billable hours must be tracked through FreeUp’s internal time-tracking software, and you can monitor your logged hours directly from your dashboard.
As part of your application for each project, you’ll need to set your hourly rate. Clients must approve your rate before work begins, so it’s important to choose a competitive and reasonable price point to increase your chances of being selected.
In short, earning money on FreeUp starts with getting approved as a freelancer. Once you pass the vetting process, you can apply for projects that fit your skills, secure client work, and begin generating income through the platform’s ongoing stream of freelance opportunities.
FreeUp Payment Methods: How to Receive Your Earnings Securely
When you work on client projects through FreeUp, your earnings are based on the billable hours you log. All tracked time appears clearly inside your freelancer dashboard, where each project displays its recorded hours and payment status. Once your hours are approved, FreeUp processes payouts on a weekly basis. There is no minimum withdrawal requirement, which means you can receive any amount you’ve earned during the following week.
It’s important to understand that FreeUp uses a delayed payment schedule. For example, hours billed during the first week of the month are paid out during the third week. This built-in delay gives FreeUp time to verify client payments, resolve disputes, and ensure that all work was submitted correctly.
The platform supports two main withdrawal methods—PayPal and Payoneer—allowing you to choose the option that best fits your location and payment preferences.
FreeUp also charges a service fee: freelancers keep 80% of what they earn while the platform retains 20% as a commission. This fee covers access to clients, project management tools, payment processing, and FreeUp’s support services. Although the rate may feel high, it is in line with what many vetted freelance marketplaces charge for providing curated job opportunities and secure, guaranteed payments.
How Much Can You Earn on FreeUp? Income Potential and Job Outlook
Your earning potential on FreeUp can be quite strong, largely because the platform allows you to set your own hourly rates. This gives skilled freelancers the flexibility to charge rates that reflect their experience, expertise, and the complexity of the work they perform. However, it’s important to remember that FreeUp charges a 20% service fee, which is higher than some competing platforms. In return, the fee provides access to vetted clients, secure payments, and a streamlined project management system.
One of FreeUp’s biggest advantages is the steady flow of available projects. New jobs are posted regularly across a wide range of categories, which increases your chances of securing consistent freelance work. The main challenge is passing the platform’s strict approval process; FreeUp is selective, and only a small percentage of applicants are accepted. Once you’re approved, however, landing projects becomes significantly easier, and you can start building a stable income stream.
Another benefit is that many of the opportunities on FreeUp are full-time remote roles. This makes the platform appealing for freelancers seeking long-term contracts or steady monthly income rather than occasional gigs.
Can You Use FreeUp on Mobile?
At the moment, FreeUp does not offer a dedicated mobile app that allows freelancers to manage their work easily on the go. However, you can still access your account through your mobile browser. This mobile version provides basic functionality, such as viewing your billable hours, checking available projects, and monitoring updates in your freelancer dashboard.
That said, completing actual client work typically requires a laptop or desktop computer. Most tasks on FreeUp involve tools, software, or detailed workflows that aren’t practical—or sometimes even possible—to manage efficiently on a smartphone. As a result, mobile access is best used for quick check-ins or reviewing updates, rather than for handling full project responsibilities or performing complex tasks.
Who Can Join FreeUp? Requirements and Acceptance Criteria
FreeUp is open to freelancers worldwide, meaning you can apply regardless of your country of residence. However, this global accessibility also makes the platform extremely competitive. FreeUp is known for its rigorous screening process and accepts only the top 1% of applicants, which significantly raises the bar for anyone hoping to join.
Professional experience plays a major role in the approval process. The platform generally favors seasoned freelancers over beginners, so applicants who are new to remote work may find it challenging to pass the initial review. To apply, you’ll need to complete a detailed application form that includes your work history, skills, and resume. You also have the option to link your LinkedIn or Indeed profile to streamline the process.
Once you submit your application, the FreeUp team typically takes a few days to review your information. Patience is important here, as the approval timeline varies depending on the number of applicants.
If you pass the initial screening, you’ll be invited to complete the FreeUp Culture & Community course. This short training introduces you to the platform’s standards, expectations, and work environment. At the end of the course, you’ll answer a series of questions to demonstrate your understanding. Successful candidates then receive an invitation to schedule a Zoom interview with a member of FreeUp’s hiring team.
Most decisions are communicated shortly after the interview, and final approval arrives via email along with instructions on how to create your FreeUp account.
It’s important to note that the onboarding process is lengthy and thorough. If you’re looking for a quick way to start earning online, FreeUp may not be the ideal first step. However, for freelancers willing to invest time and effort, gaining access to the platform opens the door to reliable clients, higher-quality projects, and long-term earning potential.
FreeUp Support: How to Get Help When You Need It
If you ever run into questions about your account or need guidance while using the FreeUp platform, several support options are available to help you. A good starting point is the Freelancer FAQ section, where you’ll find answers to many common issues related to billing, applications, project management, and platform rules. For most freelancers, this page resolves the majority of routine questions.
If the FAQ doesn’t address your specific concern, you can reach out directly to FreeUp’s support team. You can contact them through your freelancer dashboard, where you’ll find built-in support tools designed for quick assistance. FreeUp also offers a live chat feature located in the bottom-right corner of the website, allowing you to connect with a support representative during standard business hours.
This combination of self-service resources and direct support ensures that freelancers can get reliable assistance whenever they need it.
Final Verdict on FreeUp: Is It Worth Joining?
FreeUp is a legitimate and reliable freelance platform where professionals can find paid projects, earn additional income, or even secure full-time remote work. It offers several strong advantages, but it also comes with limitations you should consider before deciding whether to join.
Pros
- A trustworthy, legitimate platform: FreeUp provides genuine freelance opportunities with verified clients and real paid projects.
- Consistent weekly payouts: The platform pays on a weekly schedule, and all billable hours can be tracked conveniently through the freelancer dashboard.
- Secure and flexible payment options: You can withdraw your earnings via PayPal or Payoneer, making payments accessible and dependable.
- Diverse opportunities for experienced freelancers: Projects span marketing, virtual assistance, content writing, e-commerce support, business operations, and more.
- Accurate freelancer-client matching: FreeUp focuses on matching skilled freelancers with clients who need their specific expertise, increasing your chances of landing suitable work.
Cons
- Very low acceptance rate: With an approval rate under 1%, getting accepted is challenging—especially for beginners with limited experience.
- Occasional project shortages: Some freelancers report difficulty finding ongoing work or projects that perfectly match their specialty.
- Non-competitive rates on some jobs: Certain roles offer pay that doesn't fully reflect the required skill level or workload.
- Potential payment delays: Although payouts are weekly, minor delays may occur depending on client billing or internal processing.
- Mixed support experiences: While FreeUp provides helpful support, some users mention slower responses or less effective resolutions.
- High service fee: The platform keeps 20% of freelancer earnings in exchange for client access, management tools, and payment handling.
If you're new to freelancing or looking for quick income, FreeUp may not be the right place to start. But if you’re ready to invest time and effort into the application process, the platform can provide stable, reliable income and long-term client relationships.
If you have personal experiences or insights about FreeUp, feel free to share them in the comments below—your feedback can help other freelancers make an informed decision.
Cons: Low acceptance rate, 20% service fee, occasional project shortages.