Overview
Upwork is an online marketplace that connects people who need work done with freelancers who can do it. You can think of it like a big marketplace where you can find experts in many areas like web development, design, writing, marketing, and more. If you have a job or project, you post it on Upwork and then hire a freelancer to do the work for you. There's also a catalog where you can buy ready-made projects with clear pricing. Plus, if you need advice, you can book consultations with pros in different fields. Upwork helps you track the work, communicate with freelancers, and only pay once you're happy with the results. It’s pretty straightforward and helps you get things done by hiring the right people online.
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The information was taken directly from Upwork's official homepage, which clearly outlines the main services offered to consumers in simple terms, covering job posting, hiring freelancers in various fields, using project catalogs, booking consultations, and the payment and support features.
How to Get an Upwork Refund: Step by Step
If you purchased through Upwork.com directly:
- Log in to your Upwork account.
- Navigate to Manage Work > Your Contracts and select the contract linked to your membership or subscription payment.
- Click on the Options menu and select Request a refund.
- Fill out and submit the refund request form with clear details of why you want a refund.
- Wait for the freelancer or agency to review and approve the request. Refunds can be full or partial.
- If approved, the refund will be credited back to your original payment method. It may take 3-5 business days for the credit to appear.
- If your refund request is refused and it is an hourly contract, file a dispute within five days after billing to challenge the charge.
- For fixed-price contract disputes or refused refund requests within 30 days of payment, contact Upwork Support for mediation assistance.
- Refunds must be requested through Upwork and cannot be processed outside the platform.
If you purchased through Apple (iOS App Store):
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap your Apple ID at the top of the screen, then select Subscriptions.
- Find your Upwork subscription and tap on it.
- Tap Report a Problem or go to reportaproblem.apple.com in a web browser.
- Select the Upwork subscription and choose Request a Refund.
- In the text field, emphasize that the subscription renewed without clear notice or that your account was unused during the billing period.
- Submit the refund request and wait for Apple's response.
If you purchased through Google Play (Android):
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
- Tap your profile icon at the top right and select Payments & subscriptions.
- Tap Subscriptions and locate the Upwork subscription.
- Tap Refund or Report a problem.
- Select the most relevant reason, such as unauthorized charge or unwanted renewal.
- Submit the request and wait for the refund decision from Google Play.
How to Contact Upwork
If you need assistance, here’s how you can get in touch with Upwork support team:
Tips and Tricks for Getting an Upwork Refund
- Request changes from the freelancer explicitly stating you want the final work to match their portfolio samples before asking for a refund.
- If work remains unsatisfactory after changes, clearly ask for a refund emphasizing the unmet expectations.
- Fixed-price projects: freelancers often work until satisfaction or refund, use this to your advantage by highlighting dissatisfaction.
- Disputes based on quality alone are difficult; focus on factual issues like missed deadlines, errors, or fraud to strengthen your case.
- Try to get the freelancer to agree voluntarily to a refund; this is usually the easiest and quickest method.
- Be aware that hourly disputes apply only to the last week or last invoice; aim to act fast within 5 days of the invoice or payment release.
- Emphasize any manual time logged without a tracker, as Upwork often refunds these hours more readily.
- Maintain clear communication logs and evidence: document all issues and requests for changes to present a strong case.
- Use firm but polite language, stating you will escalate to a dispute if refund requests are ignored.
- Escalate to Upwork support only after attempting direct resolution with the freelancer.
- Mention potential escalation to arbitration or Upwork supervisors if the freelancer refuses refund, to encourage cooperation.
- Timing is crucial: initiate disputes promptly; delays often forfeit your ability to contest charges.
- Prefer milestone contracts over hourly to have better control over payments and refunds.
- Be cautious with low-budget jobs as these may attract lower quality or scam freelancers, complicating refund efforts.
- Use the threat of negative feedback cautiously, as it usually does not influence refund outcomes directly on Upwork.
Why Do People Request Refunds from Upwork
- Misunderstanding of work process and unrealistic expectations from clients
- Clients feel work does not meet their expectations even if delivered as agreed
- Confusion or lack of understanding about the nature or complexity of the work
- Perception that delivered work is outdated or doesn't function properly on client's side
- Freelancers prefer refunds to avoid disputes and maintain good relationships
- Fear of negative reviews affecting job success score leading to refund requests
- Unreasonable clients with communication or deadline issues
- Clients use refunds to threaten or avoid leaving poor feedback
- Scope changes not matched with adjusted budget or timeline cause refund demands
- Disputes arising from broken trust or poor communication during project execution
- Clients want refunds due to contract or project cut-offs abruptly
Upwork Refund Script
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Dear Upwork Support,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention an issue regarding a recent billing that has left me quite concerned. I noticed an accidental charge on my account that I do not believe was intended, and this has caused some dissatisfaction on my end.
I would greatly appreciate it if you could review this matter and process a refund for the unexpected charge. Thank you for your attention to this issue, and I look forward to your prompt response.
Best regards,
Upwork Refund Policy
Upwork's refund policy allows clients to request refunds for payments released within the last 180 days, with the approval dependent on the freelancer's or agency’s discretion. Requests must be made via the platform, and if approved, refunds are credited back to the billing method immediately, taking 3-5 business days to reflect.
The Easiest Way to Get an Upwork Refund
If you’re frustrated trying to get a refund from Upwork—or if you didn’t even realize you were being charged—Chargeback can help. Chargeback is a personal subscription manager that automatically detects hidden, recurring charges like Netflix, Hulu, and hundreds of others. With one click, we can cancel unwanted subscriptions, flag suspicious billing, and even initiate refund requests on your behalf. No more waiting on hold or navigating confusing help pages. Just connect your bank or card account, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Start reclaiming your money today with Chargeback
Editorial Note: These articles reflect the opinions of Chargeback's writers. Everyone's situation is unique; therefore, it is important to conduct your own research and note that our self-help tools are not guaranteed to help with any specific problem.
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