If you know anything about applying for jobs on Upwork, you’ve heard about Upwork Connects, a virtual currency used to submit proposals. To apply for most jobs, freelancers need Connects, and without enough of them, it’s nearly impossible to stay competitive. Whether you’re new to the platform or already experienced, learning how to get free Connects on Upwork can make a big difference in how often you land interviews.
With recent changes to Upwork’s rules and growing competition, managing your Connects has become more important than ever. From monthly limits to one-time bonuses, it’s not always clear how many you’ll get or when. We’ll walk through all the legit ways to earn free Connects and show how platforms like Gigger can help you use your Connects and focus on smarter ways to land work.
What Are Connects and Why They Matter
Connects are virtual tokens that freelancers use to apply for jobs on Upwork. Think of them as digital credits required to submit proposals, boost visibility, or activate tools like the Availability Badge. Without them, it’s nearly impossible to pitch for jobs on the platform.
How Сonnects are typically used:
- Submit a proposal for a job (typically 1–6 Connects)
- Boost your proposal to increase visibility (you bid extra Connects)
- Activate Availability Badge (weekly charge based on demand)
- Verify your identity (sometimes part of onboarding or profile completeness)
How Many Free Connects Do You Get?
Freelancers on the Basic Plan may receive 10 free Connects monthly, though in some cases, you only get them after making a purchase or subscribing to Freelancer Plus. This makes budgeting Connects even more important.
Why They Matter
With more freelancers joining Upwork, competition is high. If you’re scaling your freelance business, you can also create an Upwork agency to apply as a team and share resources. Running out of Connects limits your ability to apply frequently, test new niches, or respond quickly to job postings. Efficient use of Connects increases visibility and hiring potential. Later, we’ll explore how platforms like Gigger can help you use your Connects more strategically and reduce over-reliance on Upwork alone.
Legit Ways to Earn Free Connects on Upwork
Here are practical and legitimate ways how to get free connects on Upwork that actually work, not hacks or risky tricks.
One‑Time Bonuses for New Freelancers
New freelancers may receive a bonus of 50 free Connects after they buy their first bundle of Connects or subscribe to the Freelancer Plus plan. This offer isn’t always automatically applied, so check your Connects History in your settings.
On Reddit, a freelancer wrote: “They changed the rules so new accounts do not get free connects until they buy their first 100 connects ($15.00).”- Reddit+1
Pro Tip: Set up a verified billing method early on and check if any promo offers are visible during onboarding. It’s the first step to get free Upwork Connects, but not the only one.
Monthly Free Connects & Membership Plans
One of the most consistent ways to get free connects on Upwork is through monthly account benefits. Basic plan users may receive ~10 free connects/month. For those with a Freelancer Plus subscription ($14.99/month), Upwork provides 100 Connects monthly, along with profile insights and better proposal visibility.
As one Reddit user mentioned, “I haven’t been using the platform actively, and I didn’t get my monthly 10 Connects like I usually do.” – Reddit
Pro tip: Track your Upwork Connects via your Connects History tab, plan your monthly proposal activity, and compare whether a paid plan is worth it based on your current workload.
Earning Connects via Badges and Activity Milestones
Upwork rewards freelancers who stay active and build trust on the platform. You can earn free Connects on Upwork by hitting certain activity milestones:
- Rising Talent badge – earn 30 free Connects. Awarded to promising new freelancers with a complete profile and strong early performance.
- Top Rated badge – another 30 Connects. Given to freelancers with a high Job Success Score and consistent delivery.
- Top Rated Plus badge – 30 more Connects for those working on large contracts with excellent outcomes.
Another bonus comes from interviews. If an established client (someone who has hired before) invites you to an interview and later closes the job, you may get 10 free Connects even if you’re not employed.
Pro tip: Focus on keeping your profile complete, responding to invites promptly, and aiming for trust badges. These are the most consistent ways how to get free Connects on Upwork.
What the “People Also Ask” and Reddit/Quora Voices Reveal
Freelancers often ask similar questions about Upwork Connects, especially on forums like Reddit and Quora. Here are quick, reliable answers based on platform documentation and community feedback:
Not guaranteed. New users often need to purchase Connects first to unlock bonuses.
Usually 10 for Basic plans — but not always, especially if you’re inactive.
No. Trying this risks violating Upwork’s Terms of Service and getting banned.
Sometimes offered to new users after buying a bundle or completing onboarding tasks. Not always available.
Standard price is $15 (or $0.15 per Connect). Freelancer Plus includes 100 Connects monthly.
Yes. Unused Connects expire after 12 months. You can track expiration in your Membership and Connects settings
No. They only allow you to apply — success depends on your profile and proposal.
On Reddit, one user writes: “Without Connects, you can’t apply. If you don’t apply (or just once every 6 weeks with the free connects), you won’t get hired.” – Reddit
“They made changes last year, now new accounts don’t get free connects until they buy their first 100.” – Reddit+1
Many freelancers on Reddit agree that starting on Upwork without buying Connects or subscribing to a paid plan can be very limiting. While some free Connects are available, they’re often not enough to build momentum unless used strategically.
Pitfalls, Changes & What to Watch Out For
Upwork’s system for awarding free Connects has evolved, and many freelancers report inconsistencies. For instance, some users claim that unless you buy your first 100 Connects, you might not receive the welcome bonus:
On Reddit, one user writes: “They changed the rules, new accounts don’t get free connects until they buy the first 100 connects.” –Reddit+1
Another point of confusion is the interview bonus, which is awarded only when an established client (with hiring history) invites you and later closes the job. But this isn’t guaranteed and depends on internal criteria.
Also, Connects are typically non-refundable. If a client doesn’t hire you or lets the job expire, you won’t get your Connects back.
Alternative Paths (Beyond Free Connects)
If you want to reduce dependence on Upwork Connects, consider other ways to find freelance clients. One effective method is focusing on direct contracts or working with clients outside traditional marketplaces. This approach removes platform fees and eliminates the need for Connects. To boost long-term growth, consider create a referral program that rewards clients or collaborators who bring in new projects.
Сonsider platforms like Gigger, which help freelancers find freelance clients and partnerships without paying for Connects. Gigger isn’t a marketplace like Upwork. It allows you to build relationships and attract projects directly, making it a valuable supplement to your freelancing.
Also, prioritize invitations from clients. When a client invites you to apply, you don’t use Connects saving tokens for more strategic bids.- Medium+1
Read also: Top Upwork competitors
Conclusion
While truly free Connects on Upwork are limited, there are still legitimate ways to earn and use them effectively. The key is a smart strategy: focus on profile quality, responsiveness, and applying selectively.If you’re serious about getting the most out of your Upwork Connects and want to find freelance clients more efficiently, don’t rely on bidding alone. Platforms like Gigger help freelancers build long-term partnerships and get new projects without spending Connects on every application.