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[ COMPARE ]

Contra vs Upwork

Side-by-side comparison of Contra and Upwork referral programs. Which one earns you more? Here are the facts.

[ HIGHER PAYOUT ]

Contra offers up to 100% revenue share (lifetime).

Contra
Upwork
CATEGORY
FREELANCE
FREELANCE
COMMISSION
0% commission freelancing
$10-150+/hr freelance work
MODEL
revenue-share
tiered
MAX REV SHARE
100%
90%
PAYOUT
fiat
fiat
MIN PAYOUT
$1
$30
FREQUENCY
ON-EVENT
WEEKLY
FIRST PAYOUT
~1d
~14d
COOKIE
LIFETIME
LIFETIME
KYC
YES
YES
GEO BLOCKED
NONE
NONE
RISK
MEDIUM
LOW
RATING
4.2/5 (95)
3.6/5 (1800)
PROGRAM AGE
7y
11y

Contra

PROS
  • +0% commission — keep 100%
  • +Strong portfolio features
  • +Fast payouts
CONS
  • Smaller client pool
  • Newer brand recognition
  • Need to drive your own leads

Upwork

PROS
  • +Largest client base
  • +Flat 10% fee (down from 20%)
  • +Time tracker for hourly
  • +Long-term clients
CONS
  • Need to buy Connects to bid
  • Initial competition fierce
  • Long path to first contract