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Frequently asked questions
Cancel Upwork: The Right Way to Stop Charges
How to cancel your Upwork account and stop recurring charges in australia
Why you might want to cancel Upwork
Your reasons for stepping away from Upwork are valid. You may have secured permanent employment, found that platform fees no longer align with your business model, or decided to pursue clients through other channels. Whatever your circumstance, understanding how to cancel your account clearly and within your legal rights is essential. At Yafee, we help freelancers and contractors navigate subscription cancellations with confidence and precision.
If you have signed up for Upwork's paid membership plans-such as Freelancer Plus-your account renews on a recurring billing cycle and charges your payment method automatically each month. Under the Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010), you have the right to cancel a recurring payment facility at any time, without penalty. Consequently, understanding your billing source and your cancellation rights is the first step to taking control of your account.
When to cancel Upwork
You should initiate cancellation before your next billing date if you want to avoid the next charge. Upwork's free Basic membership tier does not charge, so if you use only the free tier, you do not need to take any action. However, if you have purchased Connects (bidding credits) or a paid membership like Freelancer Plus, those recurring charges will continue automatically until you actively cancel.
Check your most recent invoice or email receipt to locate your exact billing date. Mark that date in your calendar and cancel at least 7 to 10 days beforehand to ensure your cancellation processes in time. Yafee recommends setting a phone reminder to give yourself a buffer against missed deadlines.
What happens to your Upwork data after cancellation
Cancelling your paid subscription does not automatically delete your Upwork account. Your profile, work history, portfolio, and client feedback remain visible on the platform unless you choose to delete your account separately. If you want to fully remove yourself from Upwork, you will need to request account deletion after cancelling your subscription-these are two separate processes.
Upwork's subscription plans and pricing explained
Upwork operates several billing models, and identifying which one applies to you is critical for cancelling correctly.
Current Upwork membership tiers
Upwork offers a free tier and multiple paid options. Your exact pricing may vary depending on whether you purchased directly through Upwork's website or via a third-party app store such as Apple App Store or Google Play.
| Plan name | Key features | Typical Australian cost (reference) | Billing cycle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freelancer Basic | 10 Connects per month, standard profile visibility | Free | N/A |
| Freelancer Plus (direct purchase) | 100 Connects per month, Uma AI access, proposal insights, advanced profile customisation | Approx AUD $32-$38 per month | Monthly recurring |
| Freelancer Plus (via app store) | Same features as direct purchase, subject to app-store terms | Varies (often AUD $36+) | App-store renewal cycle |
| Connects purchase (one-time) | Extra bidding credits, non-recurring charge | AUD $3-$18 depending on bundle | One-time charge only |
Note: Prices shown are converted from USD and include an estimate for Australian Goods and Services Tax (GST). Actual charges may differ based on your tax residence, exchange rates, and payment method. Always verify the exact amount on your invoice before and after cancellation.
Where your subscription is billing from matters
This distinction is one of the most common sources of confusion. If you purchased your membership directly through Upwork's website using a credit card or bank account, you cancel through Upwork's Help Center or by contacting their support team. If you purchased via an app store-Apple App Store, Google Play, or another platform-you must cancel through that app store's billing settings, not through Upwork itself.
Check your most recent receipt email carefully. If the email came from Apple, Google, or another app-store operator, your subscription is managed by them, not by Upwork. Yafee recommends taking 5 minutes to verify this before attempting cancellation. Contacting the wrong company will delay your cancellation and waste your time.
Your legal rights and consumer protections in australia
As an Australian consumer, you have strong statutory protections when cancelling recurring payment subscriptions.
Your legal position under australian consumer law
The Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) and its Schedule 2 (Australian Consumer Law) grant you the right to cancel a "continuing payment authority" (such as a recurring subscription) at any time, without penalty or additional charge. This right is non-negotiable and applies to all subscription services, including Upwork memberships purchased in Australia.
Furthermore, under the ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) guidelines on Unfair Contract Terms, Upwork cannot impose cancellation fees, early termination charges, or force you to provide reasons for your cancellation. If Upwork refuses to cancel your account or continues charging after you submit a valid cancellation request, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the ACCC or your state fair-trading authority.
The ACCC escalation pathway if Upwork refuses
If Upwork fails to process your cancellation within a reasonable timeframe (typically 14 days) or continues to charge your payment method after you cancel, you can escalate your complaint to the ACCC or your state's fair-trading office. In Western Australia, contact the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety. In other states, contact your Consumer Affairs or Fair Trading authority. Yafee recommends keeping all evidence of your cancellation request-emails, screenshots, proof of posting-before escalating.
How to cancel Upwork: step-by-step methods
Your cancellation method depends on where your subscription is billing from and your preferred contact method.
Method 1: cancel through upwork's help center (direct subscription only)
If you purchased your Freelancer Plus membership directly through Upwork's website, this is the fastest method.
- Log in to your Upwork account at upwork.com using your email and password.
- If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login page and follow the email reset instructions.
- Navigate to your account settings by clicking your profile icon (top right) and selecting "Settings."
- On mobile, tap the menu icon (three lines) and scroll to "Settings."
- Go to the "Billing" or "Subscriptions" section within Settings.
- You should see your active membership plan and next billing date listed here.
- Locate the "Cancel subscription" or "Manage subscription" button next to your Freelancer Plus plan.
- Click this button and follow Upwork's confirmation prompts.
- Review the cancellation summary to confirm your membership will terminate at the end of your current billing period.
- You will receive a confirmation email from Upwork (typically within 1-2 hours) confirming the cancellation.
- Save or print the confirmation page and email for your records.
- This serves as proof of cancellation if you need to dispute any future charges.
Method 2: cancel via email to Upwork support (direct subscription)
If the Help Center method does not work or you prefer written documentation, email Upwork support directly.
- Compose an email to [email protected] with the subject line: "Account Cancellation Request - [Your Username]."
- Use a professional tone and clearly state your intent to cancel your paid subscription.
- Include the following information in the email body:
- Your full name.
- Your Upwork username.
- Your registered email address on Upwork.
- The specific membership plan you wish to cancel (e.g., "Freelancer Plus").
- Your next billing date (copy this from your invoice).
- A clear statement: "I request that my recurring subscription be cancelled effective immediately, and I do not wish to be charged for any future billing cycles."
- Send the email and save a copy to your own files.
- Do not delete this email or your sent message-you may need it as proof of request.
- Expect a response from Upwork support within 24-72 hours confirming your cancellation.
- If you do not receive a response within 72 hours, follow up with a second email.
- Once you receive confirmation, check your account settings again to ensure your subscription no longer appears as "Active."
Method 3: cancel an app-store subscription (Apple app store or google play)
If you purchased your Freelancer Plus membership through an app store, you must cancel through that app store's platform, not through Upwork.
For Apple App Store (iOS):
- Open the Apple App Store on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
- On iPhone or iPad, tap the profile icon (bottom right).
- On Mac, click your name in the top-right corner of the App Store window.
- Select "Subscriptions" from the menu.
- You will see a list of all active and expired subscriptions.
- Find "Upwork" in the list and tap it.
- You will see your subscription tier, renewal date, and price.
- Tap "Cancel subscription" or "Manage" and then "Cancel."
- Apple will ask you to confirm the cancellation and may offer a reason-selection screen. You are not obligated to provide a reason.
- Tap "Confirm cancellation" to finalise.
- You will receive an email confirmation from Apple, not from Upwork.
For Google Play (Android):
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
- Tap your profile icon (top right).
- Tap "Manage my subscriptions."
- This displays all active subscriptions on your account.
- Select "Upwork" from the list.
- You will see your current plan, renewal date, and pricing.
- Tap "Cancel subscription."
- Google Play will display a confirmation screen explaining when your access will end.
- Confirm the cancellation by tapping "Cancel subscription" again.
- Google will send you a confirmation email immediately.
Method 4: cancel by postal mail (formal written notice)
If you prefer a formal, registered method with irrefutable proof of delivery, send a cancellation letter by registered mail to Upwork's principal address.
- Write a formal cancellation letter on plain paper or your own letterhead, including:
- Your full name.
- Your Upwork username.
- Your registered email address.
- A clear statement: "I hereby request the immediate cancellation of my Upwork subscription and the termination of all recurring charges associated with my account, effective immediately."
- The date you send the letter.
- Your signature.
- Address the letter to Upwork Global Inc. at their principal office: 2 Cal Street, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States.
- For additional certainty, you may also send a copy to their Australian registered office if available (check upwork.com/legal for current contact details).
- Obtain a "proof of posting" receipt from Australia Post or your chosen courier.
- This receipt is your evidence that the letter was sent and the date it was posted. Do not send the letter via untracked post.
- Keep the proof of posting and a copy of your letter in your personal records.
- You may also photograph or scan the letter before sending.
- Allow 14-21 days for the letter to reach Upwork and for their response to return to you.
- Monitor your email and payment method during this period to ensure no further charges occur.
Refunds and cancellation timing in australia
Understanding when your cancellation takes effect and whether you are entitled to a refund is essential.
When does your cancellation take effect?
In most cases, Upwork terminates your paid membership at the end of your current billing cycle, not immediately upon cancellation request. For example, if your next billing date is 15 March and you cancel on 10 March, your membership typically remains active until 15 March (or the final day of your billing period), after which no further charges occur. You retain access to your paid features until that date arrives.
Some cancellation methods (particularly the postal mail method) may be interpreted as immediate cancellations by Upwork, depending on their terms. Always clarify with Upwork support whether your cancellation is effective immediately or at the end of the current billing period.
Are you entitled to a refund?
Upwork's standard policy is to charge your account in full through the end of your current billing period and not to offer pro-rata refunds for unused time. However, under Australian Consumer Law, if you cancel within 14 days of your first charge (or if the service was not provided as described), you may be entitled to a refund. This is a statutory "cooling-off" right and applies regardless of Upwork's stated policy.
Furthermore, if Upwork continues to charge your payment method after you submit a valid cancellation request, you have the right to dispute those charges with your bank or credit-card provider. Contact your financial institution and request a chargeback, citing "service not rendered" or "unauthorised recurring charge." Your bank can reverse charges within 180 days of the transaction date.
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling Upwork
Cancelling a subscription should not be stressful. Yafee has guided thousands of Australians through subscription cancellations, and we have identified the pitfalls that delay or derail the process.
Mistake 1: confusing connects purchases with membership cancellation
One-time Connects purchases (e.g., buying 100 extra Connects for AUD $10) are non-recurring charges and cannot be "cancelled." They are consumed when you use them to bid on jobs. If you have purchased Connects by mistake, you can only request a refund if you did so within 14 days and have not used them. Yafee advises checking your invoice to confirm whether you have a recurring membership or a one-time Connects purchase.
Mistake 2: cancelling through the wrong platform
If you purchased via Apple App Store but attempt to cancel through Upwork's Help Center, your cancellation will fail or be delayed. Verify your billing source before cancelling. Check your most recent invoice: if it lists Apple, Google, or another app-store operator as the billing entity, cancel through that platform, not Upwork.
Mistake 3: failing to cancel before the billing date
If your next billing date is 20 March and you cancel on 19 March evening, Upwork may have already processed the charge. You cannot avoid the charge for that cycle, but you can request an immediate refund by contacting [email protected] or disputing the charge with your bank.
Mistake 4: not keeping proof of cancellation
If you cancel through the Help Center, take a screenshot of the confirmation page and save the confirmation email. If you email support, keep a copy of your cancellation request and their response. This evidence protects you if Upwork disputes your cancellation later or if you need to escalate to your bank or the ACCC.
Mistake 5: assuming account deletion happens automatically
Cancelling your subscription does not delete your Upwork account or remove your profile from the platform. If you want to fully remove yourself, request account deletion separately after your subscription is cancelled.
What happens after you cancel your Upwork subscription
Once your cancellation is processed, your account enters a new phase. You remain part of the Upwork community, but your paid features are no longer available.
Access to your profile and work history
After cancellation, your Upwork profile, portfolio, client reviews, and work history remain visible to clients and on the platform. You can still log in to your account and view past earnings, job history, and messages. You can also reactivate a paid membership at any time if you decide to return.
Loss of paid features
Once your membership expires, you lose access to premium features such as Connects allocation, Uma AI insights, and advanced profile customisation. You revert to the free Freelancer Basic tier, which provides only 10 Connects per month. If you want to bid on jobs while on the free tier, you must purchase Connects one-time bundles or reactivate a paid membership.
Final charges and billing verification
Verify your payment method for 1-2 billing cycles after cancellation to ensure Upwork does not attempt a further charge. If you see a charge after your cancellation date, contact support immediately with your cancellation confirmation. Yafee recommends checking your credit-card or bank statement online weekly for at least 6 weeks after cancellation.
Upwork's cancellation address and contact details
If you choose to cancel by formal written notice or require escalation contact details, use the following:
| Contact method | Details | Expected response time |
|---|---|---|
| Email support | [email protected] | 24-72 hours |
| Help Center | upwork.com/support | Immediate (if Help Center method works) |
| Postal address (global HQ) | Upwork Global Inc., 2 Cal Street, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States | 14-21 days |
| Australian escalation (ACCC) | accc.gov.au or 1300 302 502 | Complaint lodgement only |
| Australian escalation (state authority) | Your local consumer affairs or fair-trading authority | Complaint lodgement and investigation |
Reasons to keep your Upwork membership versus cancelling
Before finalising your cancellation, consider whether Upwork's paid features align with your income and workload.
Reasons to keep freelancer plus
If you send 20 or more job proposals per month, the 100 monthly Connects included in Freelancer Plus typically cost less than purchasing Connects one-time. The Uma AI proposal insights can increase your acceptance rate by 10-20 percent, and advanced profile customisation may attract higher-value clients. Freelancer Plus costs approximately AUD $32-$38 per month in Australia-roughly USD $21-$25-so the ROI (return on investment) depends on your average job value and acceptance rate.
Reasons to cancel freelancer plus
If you send fewer than 10 proposals per month, you will accumulate unused Connects and pay for features you do not use. If you have secured long-term clients or employment outside Upwork, the ongoing cost is unnecessary. If Upwork's fee structure (currently 20 percent on first USD $500 earned per client, then 10 percent) conflicts with your margin, it may be time to source clients independently.
Checklist: before and after cancellation
Use this checklist to ensure your cancellation is complete and protected.
| Stage | Task | Completed |
|---|---|---|
| Before cancelling | Verify your billing source (direct or app store) | [ ] |
| Before cancelling | Note your next billing date from your invoice | [ ] |
| Before cancelling | Download or print any invoices or receipts you wish to retain | [ ] |
| During cancellation | Submit your cancellation request via your chosen method (Help Center, email, or mail) | [ ] |
| During cancellation | Obtain and save confirmation (screenshot, email, or proof of posting) | [ ] |
| After cancellation | Monitor your payment method for unexpected charges for 6 weeks | [ ] |
| After cancellation | If you still see charges, contact your bank or initiate a chargeback | [ ] |
Final summary: taking control of your Upwork subscription
Cancelling your Upwork subscription is a straightforward process when you know the correct method and understand your legal rights under Australian Consumer Law. Whether you cancel through Upwork's Help Center, email support, an app store, or formal postal mail, the outcome is the same: your recurring charges cease, and you regain control of your account and payment method.
Remember that you have a statutory right to cancel any recurring subscription at any time, free of penalty, under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. If Upwork refuses your cancellation or continues to charge after you submit a valid request, you can escalate your complaint to the ACCC or your state fair-trading authority. Yafee has helped thousands of Australian consumers navigate subscription cancellations with evidence-based guidance and clear procedures. Keep your cancellation confirmation, monitor your bank statement, and do not hesitate to dispute unauthorised charges with your financial institution. Your subscription, your choice, your rights.
