How do I pay a service provider?

The Elance Payment Service allows you to easily send payments to service providers anywhere in the world at no additional cost. This is especially useful when quick payments are necessary, such as when the service provider requires partial payment before beginning the project. The Elance Payment Service also includes a free Escrow option. To learn more about about Escrow click here.

By using the Elance Payment Service you enable Elance to collect fees for the service we provide, in accordance with our Terms of Service.  If a service provider asks you to go outside the Elance Payment Service to avoid paying Elance fees (which range between 6.75% and 8.75%), we ask that you immediately report the violation (click 'Contact Us' above to report).

As a buyer, you can use a credit card, PayPal or E-check to make payments to your provider.  In order to make payments to providers, your credit card or E-check will need to be authenticated through Elance. Click here for more information on credit card authentication and for E-check authentication

If you prefer to pay your provider using PayPal, you may not need to authenticate your credit card. Click here for more information on using PayPal at Elance.

After authenticating your payment method, to pay a service provider through Elance for non-Escrow projects, please follow the steps below:

1. Login to the MyElance Main Menu.

If you are not logged in, enter your Elance username and password.

2. Click the Workrooms link located on the left panel.

3. Click the Payments icon link under the project name.  (You may also click the Pay link in the 'Quick Links' section on the right margin.)

4. Scroll down to the 'Invoices, Payment and Receipts' section on the Payments page. 

5. Select the 'View & Pay Invoice' button for the invoice line item.   (If you wish to pay your provider before they sent an invoice, click the "Pay Without Invoice" link)

6. Select the 'Pay' button.

7. Enter the amount of the payment in the field called 'Payment Amount'.

8. Select the payment method.

9. Enter in your password and select the 'Submit' button.

Click here for a step-by-step Buyer Guide.