Ask Do freelance platforms allow you to charge a deposit before starting work?

[Brendan]

Most traditional freelance platforms do not support deposits in the way that independent freelancers working outside these platforms might charge them. Instead, they use escrow systems where the client funds the milestone before work begins. That is the platform's version of a deposit, and it protects both sides. Outside of that system, asking a client to send money directly before starting work is usually against platform rules and can get your account flagged. Have you ever worked on a platform where the payment structure felt secure enough to start without worrying about getting paid?