Pay a bonus

Upwork allows clients to send bonuses to freelancers during or up to 365 days after a contract ends. Bonuses are subject to service fees and aren’t covered by Payment Protection. You can add them during active work, contract closure, or milestone payments, but they can’t replace minimum payment requirements.

Want to show appreciation for great work or cover extra expenses? Bonuses are a simple way to thank your freelancer. You can send one anytime during a contract—or up to 365 days after it ends.

Just keep in mind: bonuses can’t replace minimum payments, they’re subject to the usual service fees, and they aren't covered under Upwork Payment Protection.

To give a bonus when making a payment on an active fixed-price contract:

You can add a bonus when you release a payment for a fixed-price contract, including a milestone payment of a fixed-price contract, if you are releasing the full amount for the milestone or contract. Simply select the Add bonus checkbox and add the amount you want to send.

To give a bonus on an active hourly contract, or a fixed-price contract (when not making another payment):

You can give a bonus manually at any time during the contract and up to 365 days after the contract end date.

1. Go to Manage work > Your Contracts to find the freelancer name/contract
2. Select Give Bonus from the (...) options menu
3. Fill out the form (you can add a private note and other details)
4. Choose Make Payment

To give a bonus at the end of a fixed-price or hourly contract:

If you have made a payment to the freelancer and are leaving positive feedback, you can leave a bonus as you end the contract.

1. Go to Manage work > Your Contracts to locate the contract
2. Select End Contract from the (...) options menu
3. Fill out the End of Contract survey
4. Select a bonus amount. If you’ve given the freelancer a positive rating, you’ll see suggestions. You can also enter a custom amount
5. Choose End Contract

Note:

A bonus cannot be offered in place of the minimum hourly or fixed-price amount. All contracts must offer at least the minimum fixed-price or hourly payment.