Fiverr takes 20% of every completed order from the seller. On a $100 gig, $20 goes to Fiverr and $80 goes to the freelancer. This flat percentage applies to all sellers regardless of level, volume, or category. There are no monthly subscription fees or listing fees on top of the commission.
For accessibility freelancers selling audit, remediation, or consulting services on Fiverr, this 20% cut is the single biggest cost of doing business on the platform. Understanding how it works and how it stacks up against alternatives is worth a few minutes.
| Fee Detail | What Sellers Pay |
|---|---|
| Commission Rate | 20% of every completed order |
| Listing Fee | None |
| Monthly Subscription | None (standard accounts) |
| Withdrawal Fee | Varies by method (PayPal charges a small fee; direct deposit may be free depending on location) |
| Net Earnings on $100 Gig | $80 before withdrawal fees |
How the 20% Commission Works
Fiverr calculates the fee on the total order amount, including any extras or add-ons the buyer selects. If a buyer orders a $200 accessibility consulting gig with a $50 rush delivery add-on, the total order is $250. Fiverr takes $50 and the seller receives $200.
Tips from buyers are also subject to the 20% fee. A $10 tip nets the seller $8.
This applies uniformly. New sellers, Top Rated sellers, and everyone in between pay the same percentage. Fiverr does not offer volume discounts or reduced rates for long-term sellers.
What About Withdrawal Fees?
After Fiverr takes its 20%, sellers withdraw their earnings through PayPal, bank transfer, or a Fiverr Revenue Card. Each method carries its own cost structure. PayPal typically charges a small conversion or transfer fee. Bank transfers may be free in some regions but carry a minimum withdrawal amount.
These withdrawal fees are separate from Fiverr’s commission. They come from the payment processor, not the platform itself. But they do reduce the final amount that hits a freelancer’s bank account.
Is 20% Competitive Compared to Other Freelance Platforms?
Compared to other freelance marketplaces, Fiverr’s 20% flat rate is on the higher end for established sellers. Upwork charges 10% on billings over $10,000 with the same client, though it starts at 20% for the first $500. Toptal takes its cut differently by marking up the freelancer’s rate to the client rather than deducting from the freelancer directly.
For accessibility professionals offering services like WCAG conformance consulting or remediation support, the 20% fee on every order can add up quickly. A freelancer earning $5,000 per month on Fiverr pays $1,000 in platform fees alone, before withdrawal costs.
Specialized directories like AccessibilityBase list professionals without per-transaction commissions, which changes the math considerably for freelancers with steady client pipelines.
Does Fiverr Charge Buyers Too?
Yes. Buyers pay a service fee on top of the gig price, typically around 5.5% for orders over $75 and a flat $2.50 for smaller orders. This means the buyer pays more than the listed gig price, and the seller receives less. Both sides contribute to Fiverr’s revenue on every transaction.
This is worth understanding because it affects pricing strategy. If a freelancer prices a gig at $500, the buyer sees roughly $527.50 at checkout, while the freelancer receives $400. The gap between what the buyer pays and what the seller earns is significant.
How Accessibility Freelancers Can Plan Around the Fee
The most common approach is to build the 20% into your pricing. If you want to net $100 per hour for your accessibility consulting or audit preparation work, price the gig at $125. This is simple but it does make your listed price higher than what you might charge through your own website or through a fee-free directory.
Some freelancers use Fiverr for client acquisition and then move repeat clients to direct invoicing. Fiverr’s terms of service restrict this for clients originally acquired on the platform, so this approach carries risk.
Another path: maintain a Fiverr presence for visibility while also listing on directories that do not charge per-transaction fees. This diversifies income sources and reduces overall fee exposure.
Can Fiverr Seller Fees Change Over Time?
Fiverr can update its fee structure at any time. The 20% rate has been consistent for several years, but the platform has introduced premium seller programs and subscription tiers that may alter the economics. Sellers should review Fiverr’s terms periodically to confirm current rates.
Are There Free Alternatives for Listing Accessibility Services?
Yes. Some directories allow accessibility professionals to list their services without charging transaction-based fees. AccessibilityBase, for example, is a directory built specifically for accessibility professionals, including auditors, consultants, developers, and remediation specialists. Listings connect freelancers with organizations looking for accessibility expertise without taking a cut of each engagement.
Does Fiverr’s Fee Apply to Recurring Clients?
Every order placed through Fiverr is subject to the 20% fee, regardless of whether the client is new or returning. There is no loyalty discount or reduced rate for ongoing relationships. If a client places ten orders over six months, each one carries the full 20% commission.
For accessibility freelancers weighing where to invest their time, the fee structure of any platform is a core factor. Fiverr’s 20% commission is predictable and transparent, but it represents a meaningful portion of earnings, especially as revenue grows.
Contact AccessibilityBase to list your accessibility services and connect with organizations looking for qualified professionals.