Freelance platform commissions: a sourced comparison (October 2026)
Depending on the platform, the commission is paid by the freelancer, by the client, or by both, and it ranges from 0% to more than 12% of an assignment's value. As of 7 October 2026, Malt takes 10% from the freelancer on a first assignment and charges the client 5% to 9% in service fees; Freelance.com adds 12.5% to the quote; Free-Work and TakeMe take no commission on the assignment.
The comparison table
Each figure was collected on 7 October 2026 from the platform's official page, given as the source. Amounts exclude VAT.
| Platform | Freelancer side | Client side | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malt | 10% on a first assignment; 5% after 6 months with the same client; 2% if the freelancer invites their client to Malt | Service fees: 5% (Starter plan), 9% (Advanced plan), custom (Enterprise plan) | Malt help centre |
| Codeur.com | Subscription from €31.90 per month, plus 4% (€5 minimum) on each project won | Free; optional paid extras (for example "Projet Premium" at €59) | Codeur.com pricing |
| Freelance.com | Not specified on the page consulted | 12.5% added to the freelancer's quote, decreasing to 7% with the key-account plan | Freelance.com help centre |
| Free-Work | No commission on the assignment | Not detailed on the page consulted | Free-Work |
| TakeMe | No commission on the assignment; free sign-up | Free | TakeMe |
Fiverr is not in this table: at the time of collection, its own help pages gave different amounts for the same fees, and the page setting the share kept from the freelancer could not be consulted.
Example: a €1,000 assignment
The same work, invoiced at €1,000 excluding VAT by the freelancer, depending on the platform (excluding subscriptions, bank fees and VAT):
| Platform | What the client pays | What the freelancer receives |
|---|---|---|
| Malt, first assignment, Starter plan | €1,050 | €900 |
| Malt, after 6 months with the same client, Starter plan | €1,050 | €950 |
| Codeur.com | €1,000 | €960, plus the subscription |
| Freelance.com | €1,125 | the amount of their quote, the commission being added on top |
| Free-Work | €1,000 | €1,000 |
| TakeMe | €1,000 | €1,000 |
How to read these figures
- Who pays? A client-side commission raises the price of the assignment; a freelancer-side commission reduces what they receive, and often pushes their rate up.
- On what? The percentages apply to the amount invoiced by the freelancer, excluding VAT.
- In exchange for what? Commissions fund services: Malt mentions in particular cash advances to freelancers and assignment insurance; Freelance.com mentions messaging, contracts, invoicing and insurance. A commission-free platform does not necessarily offer these services.
- Fee schedules change. Always check the official page before committing: this comparison is dated and will be updated.
TakeMe's model
TakeMe connects clients with digital freelancers based near them. The platform takes no commission on the assignment: the client and the freelancer agree on the price directly, and the full amount goes to the freelancer. Profiles are ranked by a merit score (reviews, responsiveness, completed assignments, profile completeness) and visibility cannot be bought. To compare the rates charged, read our guide How much does a digital freelancer cost?.
Frequently asked questions
Which freelance platform takes the lowest commission?
Among the platforms in this comparison, Free-Work and TakeMe take no commission on the assignment, and Codeur.com takes none from the client. The right choice also depends on the services you expect: secure payment, insurance, cash advances or simply being put in touch.
Is the commission paid by the client or by the freelancer?
It depends on the platform: Malt charges both, Freelance.com adds its commission to the quote paid by the client, Codeur.com charges the freelancer. Always read both sides of the fee schedule.
Why do some platforms take no commission?
They are funded in other ways: subscriptions, paid extras or services for businesses. TakeMe limits itself to putting people in touch and takes nothing from the assignment.
Is this comparison up to date?
It reflects the official pages consulted on 7 October 2026. Fee schedules change: if you notice a discrepancy, write to us from the contact page and we will correct it.
Updated on 7 October 2026.