Manage Upwork

How to cancel your upwork account and stop recurring charges in australia

Why you might want to cancel upwork

You may decide to step away from Upwork for many reasons: you've landed permanent work, the platform's fees no longer suit your business model, or you simply prefer to source clients differently. Whatever your reason, Stopee understands that cancelling a subscription should be straightforward-not a puzzle.

If you've signed up for Upwork's paid membership plans (such as Freelancer Plus), your account renews on a recurring cycle and charges your payment method automatically. Understanding your billing source and your cancellation rights under Australian Consumer Law is the first step to taking control of your account.

When to cancel upwork

You should cancel before your next billing date if you want to avoid the next charge. Upwork's free Basic membership does not charge, so if you use only the free tier, you do not need to cancel anything. However, if you have purchased Connects (bidding credits) or a paid membership like Freelancer Plus, those recurring charges will continue until you actively cancel.

Pro tip: Check your most recent invoice or email receipt to find your billing date. Mark that date in your calendar-cancelling at least one week before ensures the cancellation processes in time.

What happens to your upwork data after cancellation

Cancelling your paid subscription does not automatically delete your Upwork account. Your profile, work history and portfolio remain visible unless you choose to delete the account separately. If you want to fully remove yourself from the platform, you will need to request account deletion after cancelling your subscription.

Upwork's subscription plans and pricing explained

Upwork operates several billing models, and knowing which one applies to you is critical for cancelling correctly.

Current upwork membership tiers

Upwork offers a free tier and several paid options. Your pricing may vary depending on whether you purchased directly through Upwork or via a third-party app store such as Apple's App Store.

Note: Prices shown are converted from USD and include an estimate for Australian GST (Goods and Services Tax). Actual charges may differ based on your tax residence, exchange rates and the payment method you use. Always verify the exact amount on your invoice.

Where your subscription is billing from matters

This is one of the most common sources of confusion. If you bought your membership directly through Upwork's website, you cancel through Upwork's Help Center or by contacting support. If you purchased via an app store (Apple App Store, Google Play), you must cancel through that app store's billing settings, not through Upwork itself.

Check your most recent receipt email. If it came from Apple, Google or another app-store operator, your subscription is managed by them. Stopee strongly recommends checking this before attempting cancellation-contacting the wrong company will waste your time.

Your consumer rights under australian law

The Australian Consumer Law (ACL) protects you when you purchase digital services, including subscriptions.

What the ACL guarantees you

Under the ACL, any digital service you buy must be supplied with due care and skill and must be fit for purpose. If Upwork fails to deliver the service as advertised, or if you experience a major fault, you have the right to ask for a remedy-usually a refund, replacement or compensation for the value lost.

Additionally, you have the right to cancel within a reasonable timeframe if the service has a major failure that makes it unusable. For example, if your account is suspended without clear reason or if the platform is persistently unavailable during your billing cycle, you may have grounds to dispute the charge.

Unsolicited billing and automatic renewals

Australian Consumer Law also protects you against unsolicited billing. Upwork must have your clear, informed consent before charging you for a recurring subscription. If you believe you were charged without proper notice or consent, you can lodge a complaint with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), which oversees consumer protection nationwide.

Pro tip: Keep copies of all emails, invoices and screenshots showing when you consented to billing and what was promised. These become crucial if you need to escalate a dispute.

How to cancel upwork: step-by-step methods

Your cancellation method depends on where you purchased your subscription and what you want to cancel.

Cancelling a direct upwork paid membership (web and email)

If you purchased Freelancer Plus or other memberships directly through Upwork's website, follow these steps:

1. Log into your Upwork account at upwork.com using your email and password.
2. Click on your profile icon in the top right corner and select "Settings".
3. Navigate to the "Billing" or "Subscriptions" tab (wording may vary slightly).
4. Locate your active membership plan and click "Cancel subscription" or "End membership".
5. Upwork will ask you to confirm the cancellation and may offer a discount to retain you-decline if you are sure.
6. Confirm the cancellation in the final popup. You should receive a confirmation email within minutes.
7. Save or print this confirmation email as proof of cancellation.

Warning: Do not assume your cancellation is complete until you receive the confirmation email. Some users report the cancellation process stalling or reverting if they do not see this email within 10 minutes.

Cancelling via upwork's help center or support email

If you cannot access your account or prefer to cancel in writing, you can contact Upwork directly:

1. Visit the Upwork Help Center at support.upwork.com.
2. Use the search function to find "Cancel subscription" or "End membership".
3. Look for the "Contact support" button or link to open a support ticket.
4. Clearly state that you wish to cancel your paid membership, and include:
   • Your full name as registered on the account
   • The email address associated with your Upwork account
   • Your Upwork username
   • The date your current billing cycle ends
   • A clear statement: "I request cancellation of my Upwork membership effective immediately"
5. Send this request or submit your ticket and await Upwork's response, usually within 24-48 business hours.
6. Retain the ticket number and confirmation email.

Alternatively, you can email support@upwork.com with the same information. Using the Help Center ticket system is preferable because it generates a trackable reference number.

Cancelling an app-store subscription (Apple app store or google play)

If you purchased Upwork membership through an app store, you must cancel through that app store's settings, not through Upwork itself.

Cancelling via apple app store (iPhone or iPad)

1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app.
2. Tap your name at the top, then select "Subscriptions".
3. Find "Upwork" in the list of active subscriptions.
4. Tap "Upwork" and select "Cancel Subscription".
5. Confirm the cancellation. Apple will show your access end date (usually the end of your current billing period).
6. You will receive a cancellation confirmation email from Apple. Save this as proof.

Cancelling via google play store (Android)

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
2. Tap the profile icon in the top right corner and select "Payments and subscriptions".
3. Tap "Subscriptions".
4. Locate and tap "Upwork".
5. Select "Cancel subscription".
6. Follow the prompts to confirm. Google will provide a confirmation and show your final access date.
7. Retain the confirmation email or take a screenshot of the cancellation confirmation page.

Warning: App-store cancellations can take up to 48 hours to reflect in your app. You may still have access to premium features during this time, but you will not be charged after your cancellation processes.

What to expect after you cancel

Cancelling can feel anticlimactic, so here's what actually happens next.

Your access and refunds

Once you cancel, your access to premium features typically continues until the end of your current billing cycle. For example, if you purchased a monthly membership on the 10th and cancel on the 15th, you retain access until the end of that calendar month, then lose access to premium features on the 1st of the following month.

Upwork's standard policy states that memberships are non-refundable after purchase. However, exceptions exist: if you cancel within a very short window (usually within 48 hours of purchase) or if there is a billing error, Upwork may issue a pro-rata refund or credit. Stopee recommends contacting support immediately if you believe you qualify for a refund.

Remaining connects and credits

Any unused Connects (bidding credits) purchased separately from your membership are generally non-refundable and remain on your account indefinitely. You can continue to use these credits even after your membership ends. However, if you cancel your account entirely, unused Connects may be forfeited-so use them before deleting your account if possible.

Your profile and account data

Cancelling your subscription does not delete your Upwork account or profile. Your work history, portfolio, ratings and client reviews remain visible to others and to you. If you want to fully remove yourself from Upwork, you must request account deletion separately through your account settings or by contacting support.

Refunds, disputes and when to escalate

Upwork's refund policy is strict, but Australian Consumer Law gives you leverage if something has genuinely gone wrong.

When you may qualify for a refund

You have a stronger case for a refund if any of the following apply:

• You were charged without clear, prior consent (unsolicited billing).
• The service failed or was unavailable for a significant portion of your billing period.
• You cancelled within 48 hours of purchase and Upwork has not yet processed your cancellation request.
• Your account was suspended due to a mistake or platform error, leaving you unable to use the membership you paid for.
• You were charged in error (for example, a duplicate charge or an amount that does not match the advertised price).

How to request a refund or dispute a charge

First, contact Upwork support with your refund request. Provide:

• Your invoice date and the amount charged
• The reason you believe you qualify for a refund (with specific details)
• Screenshots or copies of relevant emails or messages
• Your account username and email address

If Upwork denies your refund request, you have two further options:

1. Dispute with your bank or payment provider. Contact your bank, credit card issuer or PayPal and request a chargeback or refund claim. Provide them with the same documentation. Your bank will contact Upwork on your behalf. This process usually takes 5-10 business days.
2. Escalate to the ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission). If your dispute involves a substantial amount or a pattern of unfair practices, you can lodge a complaint with the ACCC at accc.gov.au. The ACCC investigates breaches of the Australian Consumer Law and can take action against companies. Stopee recommends documenting everything-dates, amounts, screenshots, emails-before escalating.

Pro tip: Always exhaust direct contact with Upwork first. Many refund requests are approved within 48 hours if they are reasonable and well-documented.

Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling upwork

Cancelling should be simple, but small oversights can leave you vulnerable to unexpected charges.

Mistake 1: cancelling in the wrong place

Many users attempt to cancel through Upwork's main website when their subscription is actually managed by an app store. This is the single most common error. Always check your last invoice or receipt to confirm the billing source before attempting cancellation.

Mistake 2: assuming cancellation is automatic

Some users believe that simply stopping using the platform will end their charges. It does not. Your subscription will renew automatically until you explicitly cancel it. Stopee urges you to actively confirm cancellation through an email or ticket confirmation before your next billing date.

Mistake 3: not confirming the cancellation end date

You may retain access to premium features for a few days or weeks after cancelling, depending on your billing cycle. If you do not confirm the exact date your access ends, you may be surprised by an unexpected charge for a renewal. Always ask Upwork or the app store: "When will my access end?" and get this in writing.

Mistake 4: failing to keep proof of cancellation

If Upwork claims you did not cancel (or if you later dispute a charge), a confirmation email or ticket number is your only proof. Save it. Take a screenshot. Forward it to yourself or store it in a folder labelled "Cancellations".

Mistake 5: not checking for duplicate charges

Occasionally, a user cancels but the system processes one final charge before the cancellation takes effect. Review your bank statement 5-7 days after cancelling. If you spot an unexpected charge, contact Upwork support immediately with your cancellation confirmation email. Most duplicate charges are reversed within 2-3 business days if you report them quickly.

Cancellation checklist for upwork

Use this checklist to ensure your cancellation is complete and documented:

Comparing cancellation methods: which is best for you

Not every cancellation method is equally reliable. Here's how they compare:

Pro tip: Stopee recommends using the direct account cancellation method if you have access to your Upwork account-it is the fastest and generates immediate email proof.

Contacting upwork by post: australia and global options

If you prefer to cancel by post or if online methods are not working, you can send a cancellation notice to Upwork's headquarters. This method provides the strongest legal evidence of your cancellation request.

Upwork global headquarters address

Send your written cancellation notice to:

Upwork Global Inc.
Legal Department
444 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
USA

What to include in your written cancellation notice

Your letter should include:

• Your full name as it appears on your Upwork account
• Your registered email address
• Your Upwork username
• Your user ID (if known)
• Your current billing date and the subscription plan you wish to cancel
• A clear statement: "I request the immediate cancellation of my Upwork subscription and the cessation of all recurring charges."
• The date you send the letter
• Your Australian contact address and phone number

Pro tip: Send the letter via registered post or use Australia Post's tracking service. Keep a copy of the letter and proof of posting. The postal receipt becomes your evidence that you notified Upwork by the required date.

Expected turnaround time

Upwork typically acknowledges receipt of a cancellation letter within 5-10 business days. Your subscription should end within one billing cycle of receipt. International post from Australia to the USA typically takes 7-14 days, so allow at least 3-4 weeks from posting before following up if you do not hear back.

What to do if upwork refuses to cancel

In rare cases, users report that Upwork does not acknowledge a cancellation request or claims they never submitted one. This is frustrating, but you have escalation paths.

Step 1: gather all evidence

Collect every piece of documentation: cancellation emails, Help Center ticket numbers, screenshots of your account settings, confirmation emails, payment receipts, bank statements showing charges, and any correspondence with Upwork support.

Step 2: escalate within upwork

Reply to your original support ticket and copy the subject line with "[ESCALATION]". State clearly: "I have requested cancellation of my account [username] and have not received confirmation. I expect a written response within 48 hours confirming the cancellation date." Upwork's escalation team often responds faster than standard support.

Step 3: escalate to the ACCC

If Upwork continues to ignore your cancellation request and charges your account, lodge a complaint with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission at accc.gov.au. The ACCC can compel Upwork to cancel your account and may seek refunds on your behalf. Stopee has seen users succeed with ACCC escalations when Upwork failed to respond to direct requests.

Step 4: initiate a chargeback with your bank

If Upwork charges you again after you have documented your cancellation request, contact your bank and request a chargeback. Provide your bank with:

• Proof of your cancellation request (confirmation email or letter)
• Proof of the unauthorised charge (bank statement)
• Copies of all correspondence with Upwork support
• The ACCC complaint number (if you have filed one)

Your bank will investigate and can refund the disputed amount while they do so. This process usually takes 5-10 business days.

Final thoughts and next steps

Cancelling Upwork should not be stressful. By following the steps in this guide-confirming your billing source, cancelling through the correct method, and retaining proof-you protect yourself and ensure a clean break from the platform. Stopee has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions and understand their rights. Whether you are leaving Upwork for good or simply stepping back from paid features, you deserve transparency and control.

Start today by checking your most recent Upwork invoice, confirming your billing date, and selecting your cancellation method. If you encounter any difficulty, escalate directly to Upwork's support team with the documentation strategies outlined here. And if Upwork refuses to cooperate, remember that Australian Consumer Law and the ACCC are on your side. Stopee remains here to support you through every step of the cancellation process-your peace of mind matters.