From sign-up to paid, lap by lap.

Get on the grid

Fastest Freelancers is US-only. Every client and freelancer signs up with a US phone number and a verified email.

Create your account

1. AccountSign up with email, Google or Apple.
2. Verify your phoneEnter the code we text to your US number.
3. Verify your emailEnter the code we email you. This step can't be skipped.
4. Pick a roleChoose client or freelancer to start. You can add the other role later.

One account, two hats

The same account can hire and work. Switch between your client and freelancer hats at any time. If a page belongs to the other role, the app asks before it switches you.

Set up your profile

Finishing one profile unlocks the site in that role. The first time you switch hats, you'll set up the second profile.

Chirpy's pit tip

Use a clear photo of your face. We check that the profile photo shows a person, and a real face earns more replies.

Hiring, fast

You have four ways to get work done: post a project, buy a ready-made service, run a contest, or open an hourly contract.

Post a project

Posting is free, and the minimum budget is $5.

1. Define your goalDescribe what you need in a sentence or two. Press Generate and AI drafts the full brief for you.
2. DetailsSet the budget, timeline and skills.
3. UpgradesOptional paid extras: Featured, Urgent, NDA, IP Agreement and Hide Contest Entries.

Compare proposals

Each proposal shows the freelancer's Speed Rating and the keywords that match your project. Many proposals also include a short fit summary that explains why the freelancer suits the job.

Hire and fund milestones

To hire someone, you fund their first milestone into escrow. The money is protected until you approve the work.

• Only you release a fixed-price milestone. Nothing releases on a timer.
• Before delivery you can cancel for a full refund to your wallet. The processing fee is not refunded.
• After delivery you can request a refund. The freelancer has 3 days to accept or dispute it.

Buy a service

Run a contest

• The prize and fee go into escrow when you post.
• You can cancel only while the contest has fewer than 3 entries.
• Pick a winner within 14 days of the deadline. Otherwise the prize is split equally among the entrants.

Hourly contracts

An hourly contract starts when the freelancer accepts your terms. You can change the weekly limit, pause or end the contract, and flag diary entries.

1. Monday, 12pm ETThe past week's hours are billed.
2. Until Saturday, 2:59am ETReview the hours and dispute any you don't agree with.
3. Saturday, 3am ETPayment releases automatically.

Disputing hours during the review window is the only way to get hourly payments back.

Wrap up

When the job is done, you and the freelancer review each other. From there you can Save to My Team, Hire Again, book a check-up, or start a similar project.

Winning work

Clients here want work started fast, and the freelancers who reply quickly win the most jobs.

Find work

Browse the marketplace by projects, contests, services or freelancers. Filter by experience (Entry, Midrange, Expert), duration (1 day to 4+ months), and fixed or hourly pay. Clients can also invite you directly, and invites arrive with a Place a bid button.

Bid

Write your proposal yourself or let AI draft it, then edit and send. Lead with how fast you can start.

Sell services

Package what you do as a service clients can buy in one click. Choose a fixed price, or Needs More Information when you need to ask questions and quote each job.

Enter contests

Submit an entry before the deadline. If the client picks no winner within 14 days of the deadline, every entrant gets an equal share of the prize.

Response time and Turbo Mode

Your response time is the average of your real replies over the last 90 days, and clients see it on your profile, in search and on every proposal. Time you've set as asleep or on vacation never counts. Turn on Turbo Mode to promise a reply within 15 minutes. It switches off automatically if you miss that promise.

Chirpy's pit tip

Turn on browser notifications for messages. A fast first reply raises your Speed Rating.

Hourly work

Clock in with the time clock or add time by hand. Keep the work diary current, because the client reviews it before each weekly release.

Get paid

1. ReleaseWhen the client releases a payment, it lands in your freelancer balance minus the 10% platform fee.
2. Set up payoutsYour first withdrawal opens Stripe's secure payout setup, which includes identity verification.
3. WithdrawFunds typically reach your bank in 1 to 3 business days.

Money and fees

Every fee is listed here. Each account has a client balance and a freelancer balance, and moving money between them is free.

Refunds

Refunds go to your Fastest Freelancers wallet, never back to your card. You'll confirm this the first time you pay.

These are never refunded:

• Processing fees, upgrades and ads
• Plan charges, and AI usage beyond your daily allowance
• Dispute escalation fees and withdrawal fees
• Any payment that has already been released

Resolving disputes

Disagreements are handled in the Resolution Center. Open a dispute while the money is still in escrow.

1. Talk it throughThe dispute is a turn-based chat, and either side can make an offer. After each turn, an AI mediator posts a neutral summary.
2. Respond on timeA freelancer who stays silent for 72 hours loses, and the client gets a full refund. A client who stays silent for 10 days loses, and the freelancer gets the full payment.
3. Escalate if neededEscalation is free after 3 declined offers or 6 turns. Escalating sooner costs $20 (plus $2 if paid by card).
4. DecisionOn an escalated case, the AI recommends an outcome and a person from Support decides.

Contest disagreements go to support@fastestfreelancers.com instead.

Messages and alerts

• Reply clock: when a client messages a freelancer, a clock starts, and it stops when the freelancer answers in writing. A question (any message with a "?") always needs a written reply, but a quick reaction (👍) is enough to acknowledge a "thanks". Time the freelancer has set as asleep or on vacation is paused, and the client is shown when they'll be back. These measured waits are what make up a freelancer's response time.
• Reply alerts: if a client has waited an hour, the freelancer gets a reminder email (unless they've turned message emails off). With Turbo Mode on, a message left unanswered for 15 minutes switches Turbo off.
• Chat with file attachments and in-chat voice calls.
• Browser push alerts you to new messages and incoming calls.
• Email settings are per category: instant, daily, weekly or off.
• Text messages carry verification codes only, for sign-up and optional two-step sign-in. We never send marketing texts.

VIP plan

$20 / month One subscription covers both your client and freelancer hats. Cancel any time to stop renewal.

Getting help

Questions about an account, a payment or a contest? Reach the Support team here.