The Process

How TrustWork Works

We do things differently. Every person on TrustWork — freelancer and client — is personally verified by our team before they can post or apply for anything.

Step 01

Apply to Join

Fill out a short application — your background, what you do, and what you're looking for. Takes about 5 minutes. No resume upload, no long questionnaires.

For Freelancers
Tell us about your skills, experience, and hourly rate.
For Clients
Tell us about your business and what kind of talent you need.
Step 02

15-Minute Video Call

Every single person — freelancer and client — has a short video call with our team before they're approved. No exceptions. This is how we eliminate bots and fake accounts.

For Freelancers
We confirm your identity, review your portfolio, and learn about your work.
For Clients
We confirm your business is real and understand what you're building.
Step 03

Get Verified

Once approved, you get a verified badge on your profile. Other members know you've passed our human review. Your information is never shared until a contract is active.

For Freelancers
Your profile is listed for clients to discover. You can now apply to jobs.
For Clients
You can post jobs and browse our verified freelancer pool.
Step 04

Work Together

Clients post jobs. Freelancers apply. When there's a match, we introduce both parties. Payments are held in escrow — released only when you approve the work.

For Freelancers
Get paid through escrow. No more chasing invoices or getting ghosted.
For Clients
Only pay when you're satisfied. No surprise charges.

Simple, Honest Pricing

No sliding scales. No hidden fees. We earn when you earn.

For Freelancers
8%
flat fee on earnings, capped at $500/contract
  • Free to create a profile
  • Free to apply to jobs
  • No sliding scale that punishes you on small projects
  • Fee stops at $500 — keep everything above that
  • Escrow protection on every contract
For Clients
3%
flat service fee on payments
  • Free to post jobs
  • No subscription required
  • Access to 100% verified talent
  • Escrow holds funds until you approve
  • Human-reviewed dispute resolution

Compare: Upwork charges freelancers 10–20% and clients an additional 5%.

Common Questions

How long does verification take?

You'll receive an email within 24 hours of submitting your application to book your verification call. The call itself is 15 minutes. Once completed, you're approved (or not) within the same day.

What happens if I fail verification?

If we can't verify your identity or something doesn't add up, we'll let you know. In most cases you can reapply after resolving the issue. We're not looking to reject people — we're looking to confirm they're real.

How does the 8% fee work?

Freelancers pay a flat 8% platform fee on earnings — no sliding scale, no surprise rates. The fee is capped at $500 per contract, so on larger projects you pay less as a percentage. Clients pay a flat 3% service fee.

What does escrow mean?

When a client hires a freelancer, they fund the agreed amount into a secure escrow account before work begins. Funds are only released to the freelancer when the client approves the deliverable. This protects both parties.

Can I use TrustWork internationally?

Yes. We verify people from most countries. Identity verification requirements may vary by region. Payments are handled in USD via Stripe.

Is TrustWork free?

Creating a profile and applying to jobs is free. We earn only when you do — 8% of the freelancer's earnings and 3% of the client's payment per completed contract.

Ready to get started?

Join hundreds of verified freelancers and clients building real working relationships — scam-free.