If you’ve been on Upwork for more than 5 minutes, then you already know, connects are the gatekeepers.

You see the perfect job. You get ready to apply. You click “Submit Proposal” and then Upwork says: “You’ve run out of connects.”

It’s like you dressed up for a job interview and realized you locked your shoes inside your car.

But don’t worry, in this post, you’ll learn:

• What connects are and why they matter

• How to get free connects (yep, real ones)

• How to get more connects monthly

• How to pay for connects from Nigeria (without seeing “transaction failed”)

• The smoothest way to avoid payment issues on Upwork

Let’s break it all down.

What Are Upwork Connects?

Upwork connects are like fuel for applying to jobs.

Each job post on Upwork requires a certain number of connects to apply, usually between 1 to 6 connects. And when you run out, you literally can’t apply for new gigs unless you refill them.

Upwork gives you a small amount of free connects when you first sign up, but after that, it’s either:

• You earn them,

• Or you pay for them.

How to Get Free Upwork Connects

There are actually several legit ways to earn connects without paying:

1. Complete Your Profile – 40 Free Connects: Upwork rewards you with 40 connects when your profile hits 100%. Add your skills, past work, a photo, and a good overview to unlock this.

2. Pass Skill Certifications – Up to 30 Free Connects: Upwork offers free skill tests. If you pass, you get certified and Upwork gives you free connects, a win-win.

3. Win an Interview – Connects Refunded: Any time a client responds to your proposal and starts an interview, Upwork returns the connects you used on that job. Even if you don’t get hired!

4. Get a Rising Talent or Top Rated Badge: Once you start getting positive reviews, Upwork might give you a Rising Talent badge. This unlocks a monthly connect reward automatically.

Want More Connects? Here’s How

You can upgrade your Upwork plan to Freelancer Plus, which gives:

• 80 connects every month

• Insights on how your proposals perform

• Better visibility to clients

It costs $14.99/month — which isn’t bad if you’re active on the platform.

But here’s the twist: Many Nigerian freelancers can’t even pay for the plan because…

• Naira cards are rejected

• Many USD virtual cards don’t work on Upwork

• And PayPal isn’t accepted for connects

So how do you pay?

How to Pay for Connects or Upwork Plus in Nigeria (Without Wahala)

This is the part where most freelancers get stuck. They want to grow their Upwork presence, but Upwork keeps rejecting their card.

What works right now (and is working for thousands of Nigerian freelancers) is this:

Use a USD Virtual Card from Myaza

Myaza gives you a working USD virtual Mastercard that:

• Works perfectly for Upwork

• Can be funded with Naira or crypto (like USDT or USDC)

• Doesn’t have weird restrictions or failed payments

• Can also be used on Canva, ChatGPT, Notion, and other platforms freelancers love

How to Pay for Upwork with a Myaza Card

Simple steps:

1. Download the Myaza app

2. Create a free account and verify your ID

3. Get a USD virtual card

4. Fund the card

   • You can use Naira bank transfer

   • Or fund using crypto (like USDC, USDT, etc.)

5. Go to your Upwork account > Settings > Membership & Connects

6. Add your Myaza USD card and complete payment

That’s it. No more payment failures or begging someone abroad to help.

Pro Tip: How to Never Run Out of Connects

If you’re serious about Upwork, here’s a little system that keeps you going:

1. Top up your Myaza card with $15–$20 at the start of the month

2. Subscribe to the Plus plan (you get 80 connects automatically)

3. Apply to jobs with sharp proposals

4. Every time a client replies, you get connects back

5. Get hired, earn money, and cash out or spend your earnings directly from Myaza

Rinse and repeat. Simple.

Finally…

Being a freelancer is already a hustle. You shouldn’t also be fighting your card just to apply for jobs.

Connects are important, they help you stay active and visible. And now that you know how to earn them, get more, and pay for them the right way… nothing’s stopping you anymore.

With a complete profile, smart proposals, and a working USD card from Myaza, you’re ready to work smart, earn more, and avoid all those payment headaches.