Trust, Payments & Marketplace Protection
Indeelancer combines milestone payments, verified users, curated freelancers, and structured dispute resolution to help reduce risk for everyone involved.
Stripe-held milestone payments
Verified participants
Evidence-based dispute resolution
How Payments Work
All projects on Indeelancer use milestone-based payments. This structure helps ensure both parties are protected during the course of a project.
Buyer funds a milestone
Before work begins, the buyer funds the agreed milestone through a verified payment method.
Payment is processed securely
Payments are processed through Stripe, a regulated global payments provider used by many leading marketplaces.
Freelancer completes the milestone
The freelancer delivers the agreed milestone work through the platform.
Buyer reviews the work
The buyer reviews the delivered work and may approve the milestone or raise a concern if the work does not match the agreed scope.
Funds are released
Once the milestone is approved or the review window expires, payment is released to the freelancer.
This milestone structure helps ensure that:
- Buyers only pay for agreed work
- Freelancers know funds are available before starting work
- Project progress can be reviewed at defined stages
Payment Processing
Payments on Indeelancer are processed through Stripe, a global payments platform that provides secure card processing and fraud monitoring.
This structure helps ensure payments are processed securely and transparently.
Verification and Marketplace Trust
To maintain a high-quality marketplace, Indeelancer requires verification of key participants.
Freelancer Verification
Freelancers must complete identity verification before accepting milestone-funded work or receiving payouts.
- Identity verification through government ID
- Payment account verification
- Review of skills evidence and experience
Buyer Verification
Buyers must verify their account before funding projects.
- Email and phone confirmation
- Payment method verification
- Identity verification for higher-value transactions
These checks help reduce fraud and maintain marketplace integrity.
Curated Freelancers
Indeelancer is designed as a curated professional marketplace rather than an open bidding platform. Freelancers must meet platform standards before they can participate in projects.
This approach helps reduce spam proposals, low-quality submissions, project abandonment, and dispute rates.
Dispute Resolution
Most projects proceed smoothly, but if a disagreement occurs, Indeelancer provides a structured dispute process.
Discussion
Buyers and freelancers are encouraged to first discuss the issue through the project workspace.
Platform Review
If the issue cannot be resolved directly, either party may request platform review. Indeelancer may review milestone scope and contract terms, project communication history, submitted deliverables, and supporting documentation.
Resolution
Based on the available evidence, Indeelancer may determine an appropriate resolution, which may include release of milestone funds, partial refund, or milestone revision.
Chargebacks and Payment Disputes
If a buyer has a concern about a payment, the recommended approach is to use the Indeelancer dispute resolution process first. Resolving issues within the platform is usually faster and allows both parties to present project evidence.
If a payment dispute or chargeback is initiated with a bank or payment provider:
- The account may be temporarily restricted while the issue is investigated
- Indeelancer may provide transaction records and project evidence to the payment processor
- The matter may be reviewed by the platform's Trust & Safety team
These procedures help maintain a fair and secure marketplace for all participants. Read our full Chargeback Policy for more details.
Platform Rules That Help Protect Users
Work within the platform
Work should remain within the platform workspace to ensure a clear record of activity.
Payments on-platform
Payments should not be requested or sent outside the platform.
Communications on-platform
Project communications and deliverables should remain on-platform for evidence purposes.
Our Approach to Marketplace Trust
Verified participants
Key participants must verify their identity and payment accounts.
Structured milestone payments
Projects progress through funded milestones rather than large upfront payments.
Evidence-based dispute resolution
If issues arise, platform records help support fair outcomes.
Together, these measures help create a safer environment for professional collaboration.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about trust, payments, and protection on Indeelancer.
No. Indeelancer does not hold funds in a legal escrow account. Payments are processed through Stripe under its regulated payment framework. Freelancers receive payouts through Stripe Connect after milestone approval.
Use the Indeelancer dispute resolution process first. This is usually faster than contacting your bank and allows both parties to present project evidence. Platform records help support fair outcomes.
Yes. Buyers must verify their account before posting projects or funding milestones. Verification may include email and phone confirmation, payment method verification, and identity verification for higher-value transactions.
Yes. Freelancers must complete identity verification before accepting milestone-funded work or receiving payouts. Verification includes government ID scan, liveness selfie check, and skills evidence review. See our developer vetting process for details.
If a chargeback is initiated without first using the platform dispute resolution process, the account may be temporarily restricted while the issue is investigated. Indeelancer may provide transaction records and project evidence to the payment processor. See our Chargeback Policy for full details.
Certain project types are not permitted, including illegal activities, malicious software, harmful or deceptive technologies, and projects involving restricted industries. See our Prohibited Projects page for the full list.
If a disagreement occurs, either party can request platform review. Indeelancer reviews milestone scope, project communications, and submitted deliverables to determine an appropriate resolution. Target review time is 2 business days, with complex cases taking up to 5 business days.
Ready to hire with confidence?
Post your project brief and receive proposals from vetted developers, with every payment processed through secure milestone funding.