How it works

Money in escrow before work starts. Paid the instant it’s approved.

One simple, fair flow that protects both sides — with 0% commission for freelancers.

For freelancers

Getting hired & paid

  1. 1

    Find work or accept an invite

    Browse the job board or respond to a client's invitation.

  2. 2

    Submit a proposal

    One bid — flat, no matter how big the job is.

  3. 3

    Milestone funded

    The client locks the money in escrow before you start, so you know it's there.

  4. 4

    Deliver your work

    Submit each milestone for approval, right inside Open Lance.

  5. 5

    Get paid

    On approval, funds release to your wallet — instantly when you and the client agree to instant release. 0% commission, you keep 100%.

For clients

Hiring with confidence

  1. 1

    Post a job or invite talent

    Share your scope and budget, or invite a freelancer directly.

  2. 2

    Review proposals

    Compare proposals and pick the freelancer who fits.

  3. 3

    Fund the milestone

    Lock the milestone amount into secure escrow before work begins.

  4. 4

    Approve the work

    You're in control: release funds instantly, or hold them for a short security period — your call.

  5. 5

    Only pay for approved work

    Escrow releases on approval; repeat per milestone. Nothing leaves until you say so.

Payments & escrow

How payments work

Escrow-first

Money is committed before work begins — visible to both sides.

Release is the client's call

On approval the client releases instantly, or holds for a short security period. Agree to instant release and there's no clearance wait.

In-app checkout

Fund from your wallet or card without ever leaving Open Lance.

Auto-release safeguard

An auto-release window means freelancers are never left waiting indefinitely.

Build a team, win more work

Freelancers can hire bidders and add teammates who bid on their behalf — so you can pursue more jobs than you could alone and grow a small agency right inside Open Lance.

Fair resolution, always

If a milestone is disputed, structured mediation reviews both sides. Any partial settlement is held in escrow for a short security period — never paid out hastily.

Ready to start?