Freelancer’s Dilemma: Upwork, PayPal, and the Waiting Game

Fund transfer of your earnings are supposed to be simple. Click a button, wait a few minutes, and the funds land where you need them. That’s what many freelancers in the Philippines have come to expect when moving money between Upwork, PayPal, and their bank accounts.

But for the past two days, something hasn’t been right.

Yesterday, I transferred my earnings from Upwork to PayPal to cover a small remaining balance in my PayPal account that was below the minimum withdrawal threshold. My plan was to combine the funds and transfer them together to my Metrobank account.

The transfer to PayPal went smoothly. But when I sent the money from PayPal to my bank account, I hit a wall. Over 24 hours later, the funds still hadn’t arrived.

This morning, I decided to test another route. I made a direct transfer from Upwork to Metrobank, expecting the funds to arrive quickly, as they normally do. Instead, I received a notification that the funds would be credited on the 28th.

Freelancers like us don’t live on timelines measured in days. Baby formula and diapers can’t wait. Bills are due. Rent won’t pause just because your funds are delayed. Groceries need to be bought. Transportation fare for school drop-offs and pick-ups can’t be postponed. When delays like this happen, they disrupt everything.

In the Philippines, we’re spoiled by instant transactions. GCash and Maya have trained us to expect transfers to be credited the moment we tap "send." When delays happen—even by a few hours—these platforms get roasted on social media. People don’t hold back.

Platforms like Upwork, PayPal, and even Wise have spoiled us too. These platforms give notice that funds will arrive within a few business days, but most of the time, they get credited in just 20 minutes—or even less. We’ve come to expect that speed as normal. It’s no surprise that when delays like this happen, freelancers get frustrated.

Part of the reason for the surge of transfers yesterday was the favorable exchange rate. The USD to PHP rate recently hit a high of 59.080 PHP per USD. Freelancers rushed to withdraw their earnings to take advantage of the value. After all, who wouldn’t want to maximize their hard-earned money?

Unfortunately, the sudden increase in transactions may have contributed to the delays we’re experiencing now. While incidents like this are rare, they do happen—like right now.

From what I’ve seen, fund transfers don’t just magically move from one account to another. The process has layers. When you request a transfer, the sender’s system verifies the transaction, ensures there are no issues, and then passes it through intermediaries like SWIFT for international payments or local systems for domestic ones.

Finally, the recipient’s bank processes and credits the funds. In theory, this sounds seamless. But every step takes time, especially when security checks or system bottlenecks get in the way.

As a former customer service rep for a financial account, I know there are good reasons for these delays. Banks prioritize fraud checks and compliance to keep money safe. Transactions often undergo rigorous scrutiny to prevent money laundering, identify potential money mules, and ensure compliance with KYC (Know Your Customer) regulations. These necessary steps are designed to protect users, but they can also add to delays. That’s the tradeoff for security. But what happens when these necessary steps aren’t communicated clearly to users?

That’s the part that stings.

Freelancers aren’t just venting because the money is late. It’s the silence from platforms like Upwork and PayPal that adds salt to the wound. Nobody wants to feel like they’re shouting into the void.

On social media, freelancers are expressing their frustrations. One post I read said:

"Nakakagalit na! Ilang araw na akong naghihintay sa bayad ko mula Upwork, pero hanggang ngayon wala pa rin sa account ko. Paano ko babayaran ang mga bills ko nito?"

It’s hard not to feel the anger. Freelancers work hard to earn their pay, and when it doesn’t arrive as expected, it feels like betrayal.

Trust is at the heart of this.

When platforms delay payments or fail to address concerns, they chip away at the confidence freelancers have in them. Over time, this eroded trust could push freelancers to explore alternatives like Payoneer or wire transfers. Some might even reconsider their relationship with these platforms entirely.

This isn’t just about money. It’s about reliability.

So, how are freelancers coping?

Some are diversifying their payout methods. Others are sharing their frustrations on forums and community groups, hoping to find answers. Many are simply waiting, juggling expenses and adjusting plans while their funds remain in limbo.

Planning ahead can help, but let’s be real—many freelancers don’t have the luxury of time when bills are due yesterday.

Here are a few common questions you might have if you’re dealing with these delays:

• "How long should I wait before contacting support?"
  Wait at least 8 business days before reaching out. Transfers can sometimes take this long due to banking protocols.

• "What are the alternative payout methods on Upwork?"
  Payoneer, wire transfers, and direct-to-bank options are available. Each has its pros and cons.

• "How do I follow up on delayed transfers?"
  Start with Upwork’s Help Center or community forums. If necessary, contact your bank to check if the funds are in process.

For now, patience is our best ally. That, and a loud enough voice to push for better communication from platforms like Upwork and PayPal.

This isn’t about asking for miracles. We just need transparency. A simple, honest update when things go wrong can make all the difference.

Freelancers already deal with enough uncertainty. Our payments shouldn’t add to that.