In this article, you’ll see how Useme works and what makes it a safe choice for freelancers and clients.
Key takeaways:
|
What is Useme?
Useme is an online platform that handles payments and formalities for freelance work. Useme:
- Formalizes the deal between the freelancer and the client,
- Issues an invoice to the client,
- Transfers the payment to the freelancer’s account in their preferred currency,
- Handles copyright transfer or licensing online, if needed.
Useme also runs Useme Jobs – a job board with nearly 300,000 freelancers, where employers can post projects and freelancers can find new clients.
How Useme ensures compliance
Our European company acts as a bridge between freelancers and employers worldwide. We hire a freelancer based on our Terms and Conditions and buy their work. Then we resell that work to the employer and issue the invoice. At the same time, we transfer the money to the freelancer in their preferred currency. Both sides get a legally documented transaction.
As Szymon Czerny, a lawyer (LL.M.), explains:
We often think that only registered companies can issue invoices. However, there are legal ways to issue invoices without setting up a business. Useme is one of them. Thanks to its business model, Useme can enter into an online contract with a freelancer and resell their work to their client. As a result, two registered businesses – Useme and the final client – make a purchase-sale transaction. Since Useme is a company, we can invoice the client for the freelancer’s work.
→ Read the full interview with Szymon Czerny, lawyer (LL.M.) for more details.
How do we protect both sides?
Every deal on Useme runs on a secure system. Payments go through verified payment gates, and all files and documents are transferred safely.
Useme operates under EU law, which means it processes your personal data in compliance with GDPR – the regulation that sets strict rules on how companies can collect, store, and use personal data. You can find our full Privacy Policy here.
Copyright is also covered. In the form, the freelancer simply picks one option: transfer copyright, a license, or neither. The employer gets a document confirming the choice alongside the invoice.
Useme also handles identity verification (KYC) and sanctions checks (AML) – so neither side has to worry about who they’re working with.
What about taxes?
- Income tax
Useme doesn’t withhold income tax from freelancers in countries other than Poland. Freelancers are responsible for settling their own taxes in the country where they pay them.
- Value-added tax
VAT depends on the employer’s legal status. Companies get a reverse charge invoice – no VAT is added on the invoice, and the employer settles it locally. Individuals are charged 23% VAT.
How much does Useme cost?
There are no setup or subscription fees, and creating an account is free. Useme charges a service fee only when a deal is settled (see pricing for freelancers and employers). The fee is covered by only one side of the transaction. Bank transfer fees are a separate thing – check the details in our Help Center.
How does Useme work?
Every transaction on Useme is called a deal. A deal is complete when the freelancer gets paid, and the employer receives a final invoice. Here’s how it works:
- Form
The freelancer or the employer fills out a form with the project details. You need to enter a brief description of the work, set the price, and provide the other party’s contact information. It takes about 3 minutes to complete.
📝 If you’re a freelancer, fill out this form or go through a demo first.
📝 If you’re an employer, fill out this form.
- Work files
The freelancer confirms they completed the work. They upload a work file, like a screenshot, a report, or a sample of the work. This allows us to verify that the collaboration actually took place and legally process the payment.
- Payment
We email a payment request to the employer, who pays via a secure payment link.
- Payout
We transfer the money to the freelancer’s account usually within 24 hours (up to 3 business days in special cases).
- Invoice
The client receives the final invoice.
Is Useme right for you?
Useme works for both freelancers and employers – individuals or businesses of any size.
A freelancer is an independent contractor – self-employed or without a registered business – who uses Useme to get paid for their work.
Useme is a good fit if you’re a freelancer who:
- works with international clients,
- wants a simple, legal way to get paid without setting up a business,
- wants to find new clients through Useme Jobs.
An employer is an individual or a business that commissions work to freelancers and pays for it through Useme.
Useme is a good fit if you’re an employer who:
- hires freelancers, especially from other countries,
- wants invoices without handling contracts and less paperwork,
- needs a secure, documented way to pay for freelance work,
- works with multiple freelancers and wants to keep everything in one place.
Don’t take our word for it – hear it from our users
The best way to answer “is Useme legit?” is to hear from people who use it.
Janek Krasoczko, a freelance marketer for indie game developers, puts it simply:
Useme makes planning my work easier, because I know the deal will be secure, and the payment will go through smoothly.
Employers highlight saving time and staying legally covered. As Marta Goszczyńska, Senior Influencer Marketing Specialist, Tears of Joy, says:
The biggest benefit is that Useme is fast and easy to use. We save time, keep our processes organized, and can move quickly even with many collaborations.
Choosing a legit platform to pay freelancers can go a long way. As Ilona Rutkowska, Senior Account Manager at Good One PR, points out:
Thanks to this settlement platform, we all feel a sense of professionalism and legal security, which positively impacts our reputation and relationships.
For platforms and marketplaces that work with many freelancers at once, Useme also offers an API integration – so payments, invoices, and compliance happen automatically inside your own system.
This integration not only takes admin work off our accountants and speeds up internal processes, but most of all makes life easier for our users – WhitePress®.
Want to see more? Here are case studies from companies across different industries:
- IT
- Translation agencies
- Marketing agencies
- Language schools
- Influencer agencies
- Consulting agencies
- Publishers
- UGC and influencers agencies
- Global link-building platform
FAQ
- Is Useme legit?
Yes. Useme is a registered company based in Poland, operating under European Union regulations. It has been running since 2013, has processed over 500,000 projects, and supports around 170 countries.
- What is Useme?
Useme is a platform that handles payments and formalities for freelance work. It connects freelancers and their clients so they can work together without paperwork.
- Do I need a registered business to settle deals on Useme?
No. Neither the freelancer nor the employer needs a registered business.
- Who signs the contract on Useme?
Useme signs the online contract with the freelancer. Thanks to that, the freelancer and the employer don’t need to sign anything with each other.
- How long does it take to get paid?
First, the client transfers the money to Useme. Once we get it, we send it to the freelancer. Most payouts arrive within 24 hours after the deal is closed. In special cases, it may take up to 3 days.
- Do freelancers need to pay their own taxes?
Useme doesn’t withhold income tax – you’re responsible for settling taxes in the country where you pay them.
- Do I need a Useme account?
Freelancers need an account. Employers don’t – they get all the information, payment link, and final invoice by email. But we recommend employers create an account too – it makes managing everything a lot easier.
- What if something goes wrong with the deal?
Every deal on Useme comes with documentation – uploaded files, invoices, and contracts. This gives both sides a clear record of what was delivered and when payment was made. And if you have questions, you can always contact our Customer Service. We’re available by email and phone on weekdays.
Quick checklist: Is an online financial service legit?
Before you trust any platform with your money, run through this list.
[ ] Registered company. Registration number and country of incorporation are publicly available. You can verify how long it’s been running and what real users say about it.
[ ] Operates under a recognized legal framework. It’s based in a country with strong financial regulations, such as the EU or the UK.
[ ] Transparent about fees. Pricing is clearly listed upfront – no hidden fees.
[ ] Explains how your money moves. You know how payments are processed, how long transfers take, and what happens if something goes wrong.
[ ] Handles identity verification. It runs KYC and AML checks to protect both sides.
[ ] Customer support is reachable. There’s a real person available by email or phone, not just a chatbot.
[ ] Documents are protected. Contracts, invoices, and files are stored securely and accessible to both sides.
This article is for informational purposes only and doesn’t constitute legal or financial advice.
