Last Updated: March 2026
If you’re working on Upwork, Connects are like credit points used to submit proposals for jobs. Without Connects, you simply can’t apply for projects.
That’s why understanding how to get Connects on Upwork is essential for every freelancer.
In this guide, you’ll learn free and paid ways to get Connects, along with smart tips to use them effectively.
Before you start applying for jobs, make sure you understand how proposals work. Check these Upwork proposal examples that get replies to increase your chances of getting hired.
What Are Upwork Connects?
Upwork Connects are like small credits or tokens that you use to apply for jobs on Upwork.
In simple terms, they are the cost you pay to send a proposal to a client.
- Each job requires a certain number of Connects
- The more jobs you apply to, the more Connects you use
- If you run out of Connects, you cannot apply for new jobs
Think of Connects like coins that you spend to get freelance opportunities. They help ensure that freelancers apply seriously and reduce spam applications.
The more Connects you have, the more opportunities you can apply for. To use Connects effectively, you also need a strong profile. See this best Upwork profile example to improve your chances of getting responses.
How to Get Connects on Upwork
There are a few simple ways to get Connects on Upwork. These include both free and paid options.
Here are the main ways to get Connects:
- Monthly Free Connects – Upwork gives a limited number of free Connects every month based on your plan.
- Buy Connects – You can purchase Connects anytime if you want to apply for more jobs.
- Earn Connects – You can get bonus Connects through interviews, promotions, or achievements.
Using a mix of these methods helps you maintain a steady number of Connects and apply for more projects.
Free Ways to Get Connects on Upwork
You don’t always need to spend money to get Connects on Upwork. There are several legitimate ways to earn them for free.
Here are the best free methods:
1. Monthly Free Connects
Upwork provides a limited number of free Connects every month based on your membership plan.
- Freelancer Basic → 10 free Connects per month
- Freelancer Plus → 70 Connects per month (includes free Connects)
These monthly Connects help freelancers apply for jobs regularly without always needing to spend money.
Many beginners waste Connects due to common mistakes. Avoid them by reading these common Upwork mistakes.
Note: Free Connects are added automatically to your account each month.
2. Free Connects for New Users
When you create a new account on Upwork, you may receive free Connects to help you get started.
These initial Connects allow you to apply for your first few jobs and explore how the platform works.
Tip: Use these free Connects wisely by applying only to relevant jobs and writing strong proposals.
3. Earn Connects from Interviews
On Upwork, you can earn free Connects when a client invites you to an interview after you submit a proposal.
- You typically receive 10 bonus Connects for each interview
- There may be a weekly limit on how many Connects you can earn this way
This rewards freelancers who create strong profiles and submit quality proposals.
Getting interviews depends on how well you write your proposal. Learn how to write a winning Upwork cover letter.
Tip: Improving your profile and targeting the right jobs increases your chances of getting interview invites.
4. Skill Certifications
Completing a skill certification on Upwork can sometimes reward you with a one-time Connects bonus.
Certifications also improve your profile credibility and increase your chances of getting hired.
5. Talent Badges
Earning badges like Rising Talent or Top Rated may reward you with additional Connects.
These badges show that you are a trusted freelancer, which can lead to more job invitations as well.
6. Proposal Refunds
If a job is closed without hiring any freelancers, the Connects you used to apply may be refunded automatically.
This helps ensure you don’t lose Connects on inactive or canceled job posts.
Paid Ways to Get Connects on Upwork
If you want to apply for more jobs quickly, you can get Connects on Upwork using paid options.
1. Buy Connects Directly
You can purchase Connects anytime:
- Cost: $0.15 per Connect
- Available in bundles (10, 20, 40, etc.)
Steps to buy:
- Go to Settings
- Click Memberships & Connects
- Select Add More Connects
2. Freelancer Plus Plan
This paid plan includes:
- Monthly Connects
- Profile visibility insights
- Additional bidding benefits
How to Use Connects Smartly
- Apply only to relevant jobs
- Avoid highly competitive postings
- Write personalized proposals
- Focus on quality over quantity
Smart usage = fewer Connects + more jobs
Mistakes to Avoid
- Using fake “free Connect generators”
- Applying to every job blindly
- Wasting Connects on low-quality clients
Upwork Service Fees
Apart from Connects, Upwork also charges service fees:
- $0 – $500 → 20%
- $500.01 – $10,000 → 10%
- $10,000+ → 5%
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get Connects every month on Upwork?
Yes. Basic users get 10 free Connects monthly, while Plus users get 70.
How many Connects do I get for free?
You typically get 10 free Connects per month on a Basic plan.
Can I get Connects without paying?
Yes, through interviews, promotions, certifications, and monthly free credits.
Does Upwork give free Connects?
Yes. New users, monthly plans, and interview rewards all provide free Connects.
Final Thoughts
Getting Connects on Upwork is not just about collecting more—it’s about using them smartly and strategically.
Many freelancers make the mistake of focusing only on buying Connects, but the real success comes from a balanced approach:
- Use free Connect opportunities like monthly credits, interviews, and refunds
- Invest in paid Connects wisely when you find high-quality job opportunities
- Apply selectively instead of sending proposals to every job
Remember, Connects are limited, so every proposal should count. A well-written, targeted proposal has a much higher chance of getting a response than applying to multiple jobs with a generic message.
Also, improving your profile, portfolio, and client communication will increase your chances of getting interviews, which can even earn you free Connects. If you’re new, start by learning how to start freelancing on Upwork so you can use your Connects more effectively.
In short:
- Don’t waste Connects on irrelevant jobs
- Focus on quality over quantity
- Keep improving your skills and profile
If you follow these strategies, you can maximize your results on Upwork while using fewer Connects and increasing your chances of getting hired.
