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Contra HR & Recruiting

Free for freelancers · from $2/payment for clients

About Contra

What is Contra?

Contra is a professional network for freelancers and clients, focused on creative and digital work. Unlike traditional marketplaces that take a cut of earnings, Contra lets freelancers keep 100% of what they earn. The platform includes a built-in payment system with a Visa debit card for instant access to funds.

Who is it for?

Contra is for freelancers — especially designers, developers, writers, and creatives — who want to avoid commission fees. It is also for clients hiring project-based talent who want a streamlined way to post work, review portfolios, and manage payments in one place. It is not ideal for hourly or long-term employment relationships; it is designed for project-based engagements.

Key features and use cases

Freelancers build portfolio-first profiles, apply to projects, manage contracts and invoices, and get paid quickly. Clients post jobs, review proposals, and pay through Contra. The platform handles compliance and offers same-day payouts via the Contra debit card. Use cases include brand design, web development, content creation, motion design, and more.

Key features

  • Commission-free earnings — Freelancers keep 100% of their pay, no platform cuts.
  • Contra debit card — Get paid instantly with a Visa card linked to your Contra balance.
  • Project management — Create milestones, send invoices, and track progress in one place.
  • Portfolio profiles — Showcase work samples, not just job history.
  • Client tools — Post projects, review proposals, and manage contracts.
  • Job access — Unlimited applications with paid plans, boosted ranking for Pro users.

Contra Pricing

Contra pricing: Free for freelancers · from $2/payment for clients. Billing model: Freemium.

Standard (Free for freelancers)

Freelancers pay $0 commission. Job access is limited. Clients pay platform fees starting at $2 per payment (based on payment size: $1–199: $2, $200–499: $5, $500–999: $10, $1,000+: $29). Standard payouts are free; faster payouts at 2% fee. Crypto payouts at 2% fee. Standard support.

Pro (Upgrade available)

Unlimited job access. Boosted ranking and discovery score insights. Clients get 50% off platform fees (based on payment size: $1–199: $1, $200–499: $2.50, $500–999: $5, $1,000+: $15). Faster payouts at 1% fee. Crypto payouts at 1% fee. Top priority 24/7 support. Price not explicitly listed on scraped page; upgrade available to earn more.

Contra is always commission-free for all creatives. No free trial mentioned — the Standard plan is free to start.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Contra free for freelancers?
Yes, Contra is completely commission-free for freelancers. You keep 100% of your earnings — no platform fees.
How much does Contra cost for clients?
Clients pay platform fees based on payment size: $2 for payments up to $199, $5 for $200–499, $10 for $500–999, and $29 for $1,000+. Pro users get 50% off these fees.
How does Contra pay freelancers?
Freelancers get paid through Contra's built-in payment system. Standard payouts are free, faster payouts (2% fee) and crypto payouts (2% fee) are available. You can also use the Contra Visa debit card for instant access.
Who is Contra best for?
Contra is best for freelancers in creative fields like design, development, writing, and motion graphics who want to avoid commission fees. It is also for clients hiring project-based creative talent.
What are the best alternatives to Contra?
Popular alternatives include Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal. Contra's main differentiator is zero commission on freelancer earnings and its built-in payment system with instant payout options.
Does Contra have a free plan?
Yes, the Standard plan is free for freelancers with limited job access and standard support. Clients can also start without a subscription and pay per-project fees.
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