Question 1

When is money taken?

Accepted Answer

When the client funds a milestone into escrow — before any work starts.

Question 2

Who controls when funds are released?

Accepted Answer

The client. On approval they can release funds instantly, or hold them for a short security period. When both parties agree to instant release, approved milestones pay out immediately with no clearance wait.

Question 3

When do freelancers get paid?

Accepted Answer

When the client approves the milestone. If you and the client have agreed to instant release, the funds hit your wallet right away; otherwise they clear after the short security period.

Question 4

Is the money safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every job is escrow-protected: funds are committed before work begins and released on approval.

Question 5

Does Open Lance really charge 0% commission?

Accepted Answer

Yes — freelancers keep 100% of what they earn. It's our platform rule.

Question 6

What's a bid?

Accepted Answer

Sending a proposal costs one bid — flat, regardless of how big the job is.

Question 7

Do I pay more to win bigger jobs or to outbid others?

Accepted Answer

No. There's no pay-to-win and no escalating costs — your reputation wins the work.

Question 8

How do I get more bids?

Accepted Answer

Bids are included with the Open Lance Ultra subscription, or you can buy bid packs anytime.

Question 9

What do clients pay?

Accepted Answer

Transparent fees shown at checkout, with no hidden cut of your escrow.

Question 10

How do clients find talent if there's no public directory?

Accepted Answer

Clients discover talent after signing in — by searching, then inviting freelancers and reviewing their proposals.

Question 11

Is my profile public?

Accepted Answer

No. Your profile isn't listed publicly; it's shared with a client only when you engage with them.

Question 12

Can I build a team?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Freelancers can hire bidders and add teammates who bid on their behalf — so you can take on more work and grow beyond solo.

Question 13

What happens in a dispute?

Accepted Answer

Structured mediation reviews both sides. Any partial settlement is held in escrow for a short security period — never paid out hastily.

Question 14

How do clients know who to trust?

Accepted Answer

Verification levels and Open Lance Talent Level signal credibility — without exposing freelancers in a public list.

Question 15

Can I be both a client and a freelancer?

Accepted Answer

You choose your primary role at sign-up and work in the relevant workspace; reach out if you need both.

Question 16

How do freelancers withdraw earnings?

Accepted Answer

From your wallet via your configured payout method, once released funds have cleared.

Frequently asked questions

Money & speed

Fees & bidding

Hiring & privacy

Teams

Disputes & safety

Accounts