Do You Earn Rewards Paying Freelancers?

The short answer: Yes, at your base rate on a personal card. Paying freelancers through Upwork, Fiverr, or similar platforms codes as a business or computer service, which is not a personal bonus category, so a flat-rate card earns the most. For a business, a card that rewards general business spending is the better tool.

How freelance platforms code

Freelance marketplaces process payments under a business-services or computer-services category code, outside the usual personal bonus buckets, so a personal card earns the base rate. Direct payments to an individual through a peer-to-peer app usually earn nothing at all, unlike a platform charge to your card. The framework is in merchant category codes explained.

Business cards for contractor spending

If you hire freelancers for a business, a business card that rewards general business or online spending can beat a flat personal card, and it keeps contractor costs clean for bookkeeping. Large project payments can also help meet a welcome-bonus spending requirement quickly, similar to online advertising.

The best card for freelancers

For occasional personal projects, a strong flat-rate card earns the most; for regular business use, a business-spending card does better. Run your spending through the rewards calculator to compare, and see the flat options in best cash back cards.

Frequently asked questions

Do you earn rewards paying freelancers on Upwork or Fiverr?
Yes, at your base rate. These platforms code as a business or computer service, which is not a personal bonus category, so a flat-rate card earns the most.
Is there a card with a freelancer bonus?
Not specifically, but a business card that rewards general business or online spending can earn more than a flat personal card on contractor payments.
Does paying a freelancer directly earn rewards?
Through a platform that charges your card, yes, at the base rate. A peer-to-peer app payment to an individual usually earns nothing.

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Bryce Casson

Written by Bryce Casson, Founder of Cardocrat. About the author and how we rank cards.