Top 4 Freelancing Websites in the UK: A Quick Overview of Features and Fees

Did you know there are over 2 million freelancers in the UK?¹ As more people join the growing gig economy, finding reliable platforms to connect with clients can feel overwhelming.

In this guide, we’ve explored some of the top freelance websites for the UK market, comparing their fees, payment methods, and who they’re best suited for so you can choose the right platform with confidence.

We’ve also explained how Wise Business can help you manage international payments more efficiently when working with global clients using Wise Business.

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Key Takeaways

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1. Upwork

Upwork handles payments by holding client funds in escrow until work is approved. UK freelancers can withdraw earnings through methods like bank transfer, PayPal, or Wise, while clients fund contracts upfront or are billed weekly for hourly work.

Find out more in our Guide to Upwork Payments.

Upwork key features

• AI tools help suggest relevant jobs and improve proposals.
• Personalised job recommendations streamline hiring.
• Customisable profiles with portfolios and video intros.
• Insights into profile performance.
• Automatic invoicing for completed milestones.
• Real-time earnings dashboards.
• Built-in collaboration tools.

Upwork fees

Upwork charges different fees depending on whether you’re a freelancer or a client².

Freelancers pay a sliding service fee per client relationship: 20% on the first $500 billed, 10% up to $10,000, and 5% beyond that.

Clients typically pay around 5%–10% depending on their plan, plus possible additional costs.

There are also small fees for submitting proposals using 'Connects'³, which cost USD 0.15 each.

2. Fiverr

Fiverr is a global marketplace where freelancers offer packaged services (‘gigs’), commonly used in creative industries like design, video, and voice work.

Fiverr key features

• AI tools for gig creation and optimisation.
• Personalised gig recommendations.
• Subscription-based services for recurring work.
• Enhanced profiles with portfolios and reviews.
• Built-in messaging and tracking tools.
• Revenue and performance dashboards.

Fiverr fees

According to Fiverr’s payment terms⁴, freelancers typically receive 80% of the order value, with Fiverr taking a 20% commission.

Additional considerations include:

• Withdrawal fees depending on method
• 7–14 day clearing periods before funds are available
• Currency conversion costs where applicable
• Taxes depending on your circumstances

Since Fiverr earnings are often paid in USD, using a multi-currency account can help reduce conversion costs. With Wise Business, you can receive USD using local account details and convert to GBP when needed, using the mid-market exchange rate and transparent fees.

3. PeoplePerHour

PeoplePerHour connects UK businesses with freelancers, particularly in marketing, SEO, and design.

PeoplePerHour key features

• AI-powered job matching
• Fixed-price “Offers”
• Enhanced freelancer profiles
• WorkStream project management tools
• Escrow-based payments
• Performance dashboards

PeoplePerHour fees

According to PeoplePerHour’s terms⁵, freelancer fees follow a tiered structure:

• 20% on the first £250
• 7.5% up to £5,000
• 3.5% beyond £5,000 (excluding VAT)

Additional fees may include proposal credits, withdrawal charges, currency conversion (~2.5%), and dispute fees.

If you receive payments in USD or EUR, using Wise Business can help you access local account details and convert currencies with transparent pricing.

4. Freelancer.co.uk

Freelancer.co.uk offers project bidding and contests across a wide range of industries.

Freelancer.co.uk key features

• AI-assisted bidding tools
• Contest-based project opportunities
• Skills certifications and portfolios
• Milestone payment system
• Time tracking for hourly work
• Messaging and collaboration tools

Freelancer.co.uk fees

Fees vary for employers and freelancers:

Freelancers:

• 10% or £3.50 (minimum) on fixed-price projects
• 10% on hourly payments

Employers:

• ~3% project fee

Additional costs may include payment processing fees, withdrawal charges, and optional upgrades.

Using a multi-currency account like Wise Business can help when receiving international payments, though fees and availability may vary depending on currency routes and payout methods.

Manage your freelancer earnings more efficiently with Wise Business

Freelancing internationally often involves handling multiple currencies and payment methods.

Wise Business can help you receive, hold, and convert currencies with transparent fees and real exchange rates.

With Wise Business, you can:

• 🌍 Send money to 140+ countries at the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden fees or sneaky exchange rate markups (product availability varies by region)
• 📥 Receive payments in 24 currencies and counting
• 💵 Get local account details for 8+ currencies, including USD and EUR, to let your customers pay in a currency they know and trust - convenience for them and peace of mind for you
• 💰 Hold money in 40+ currencies
• 🔁 Convert currencies anytime at the mid-market exchange rate with low, transparent fees
• ⚡ Use the batch payments tool to create and send up to 1,000 payments in a single transfer
• 👥 Run payroll and make international payments for up to 1,000 employees all over the world - including paying suppliers using local payment methods like ACH, SEPA, and Faster Payments
• 💳 Get business debit cards with 0.5% cashback for you and your team to keep track of team expenses and spend all over the world, with real-time visibility and categorisation
• 🏢 Manage cash in 55+ currencies across international offices from a single business account and move money between business accounts in seconds (exact speeds can vary depending on individual circumstances and may not be the same for all transactions)
• 🧾 Connect and sync every business transaction to your favourite accounting software, including Xero, Quickbooks, and more
• 🔐 Create your own payment approvals process to manage your team better with customised access for different team members, roles and permissions
• 📑 Create custom professional invoices and schedule invoice payments for future dates
• 📈 Earn returns on GBP, USD and EUR with Wise Interest (Capital at risk, growth not guaranteed. Your money is at risk if governments default or interest rates go negative. Visit https://wise.com/gb/interest/ to find out more)
• 🔗 Create payment links and QR codes to get paid easily
• ⚙️ Automate payouts with the Wise API (comes with 24/7 customer support, a sandbox account to test integrations, API tokens, and clear documents on how to implement and make the most of our API)

Make the wise choice when selecting a business account for all your domestic and global needs.

Be Smart, Get Wise.

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FAQs

What should I consider when choosing a freelancer platform?

• Your niche and skillset: General platforms vs specialised sites.
• Your experience level: Some platforms are more beginner-friendly.
• Fee structure: Understand how commissions affect your income.
• Project type: Fixed-price vs long-term contracts.

Which freelance website is best for beginners in the UK?

Fiverr is often considered beginner-friendly due to its gig-based model, allowing freelancers to build experience and reviews gradually.

How do I start freelancing in the UK with no experience?

Start by identifying a skill, building a portfolio, and applying for smaller jobs to gain experience and reviews.

Sources:

1. IPSE – How many freelancers are in the UK
2. Upwork Pricing for Clients
3. Upwork Connects Calculator
4. Fiverr Payment Terms of Service
5. PeoplePerHour Terms

Sources last checked on 31 March 2026