If you’re a freelancer in Pakistan, you already know this problem.
You find a good job on Upwork.
You click Apply.
Upwork asks for Connects.
You try to buy them.
Your card fails.
This article explains why that happens and how to fix it, cleanly and permanently.
TL;DR
- You need Connects to submit proposals on Upwork
- Upwork charges for Connects in USD
- Most local Pakistani cards fail due to international payment restrictions
- A virtual USD card like EverTry works
- Once payment is set up, buying Connects takes minutes
What Are Upwork Connects?
Connects are credits you use to apply for jobs on Upwork.
- Every proposal costs Connects
- Most jobs require 4–16 Connects
- No Connects = no proposals
- No proposals = no work
Upwork uses Connects to reduce spam and push freelancers to apply selectively.
Why Buying Upwork Connects Is Hard in Pakistan
The issue is not skill.
It’s payments.
Upwork charges in US dollars.
Pakistani freelancers mostly have PKR cards.
That mismatch causes problems.
Common issues:
- Card declines
- “Payment method failed.”
- “Card not supported.”
- Authorization errors
Even freelancers with money in their accounts or cards face this.
Can You Buy Upwork Connects Without a Card in Pakistan?
Short answer: No.
Upwork requires a card or card-backed payment method for Connects.
- No bank transfer
- No cash option
- No local wallet
You need a USD-capable card.
Ways to Pay for Upwork Connects
Upwork supports a few payment methods:
1. International Debit or Credit Cards
- Must support USD
- Must allow international online payments
- Most local cards fail here
2. PayPal
- Not always available
- Often still linked to a card
- Can fail at authorization
For most freelancers in Pakistan, neither works reliably.
Why Local Pakistani Cards Often Don’t Work on Upwork
This is structural, not personal.
Main reasons:
- Foreign exchange (FX) controls
- Bank blocks on international digital platforms
- USD authorization failures
- Risk filters on recurring or digital purchases
Your bank is optimizing for safety, not freelancing.
Common Upwork Payment Errors in Pakistan (and What They Mean)
These messages are common:
- “Payment method failed”
→ Bank blocked the transaction - “Card not supported”
→ Card can’t handle USD or international merchants - “Authorization declined”
→ FX or risk controls stopped it
The fix is not retrying the same card.
Why Upwork Charges Freelancers in USD
Upwork is a US-based platform.
- Jobs are global
- Billing is standardized
- USD is the base currency
This won’t change.
Freelancers have to adapt to the system.
How Many Upwork Connects Should You Buy?
This depends on how active you are.
Typical usage:
- New freelancers: 40–80 Connects/month
- Active freelancers: 100–200 Connects/month
Most jobs cost between 6–12 Connects.
Buy enough to apply consistently, not impulsively.
EverTry: A Passport to the Modern Internet
EverTry solves the payment layer.
It gives you:
- A virtual USD card
- Designed for international platforms
- Works on Upwork and similar services
Think of it as infrastructure, not a workaround.
How to Get an EverTry Virtual Dollar Card
The setup is straightforward.
- Download the EverTry app
- Create an account
- Use your email address
- Complete KYC
- Government-issued ID
- Fund your wallet
- PKR
- USDC
- USDT
- Create a virtual dollar card
- Load the amount you need
- Add a little extra
Important:
Your card must keep a minimum balance of $1 to stay active.
Upwork Connects Pricing (USD)
Prices may change, but typically:
- Small bundles for light use
- Larger bundles for active freelancers
Always load slightly more than the exact amount to avoid failure.
How to Buy Connects on Upwork (Step-by-Step)
Once your card is ready:
- Log in to your Upwork account
- Go to Settings
- Select Memberships & Connects
- Click Buy Connects
- Choose the number of Connects
- Add your EverTry virtual dollar card
- Confirm purchase
Upwork charges your card in USD.
Connects are added instantly.
Local Pakistani Cards vs EverTry (Quick Comparison)
| Local Pakistani Bank Cards | EverTry Virtual Dollar Card |
|---|---|
| PKR-based cards for local use | USD-based virtual dollar card |
| High decline rate on international websites | High acceptance rate on global platforms |
| Restricted by local bank policies | Built for international payments |
| Frequently declined on Upwork and freelancing sites | Works reliably on Upwork and freelance platforms |
| Unpredictable payment success | Stable and predictable payment experience |
Why EverTry Works Better for International Payments
Most Pakistani bank cards are designed for local transactions, not global platforms. That’s why users often face card declines on Upwork, subscriptions, and online services.
EverTry solves this by offering a USD virtual dollar card, built specifically for international payments, which gives freelancers and businesses a smoother checkout experience.
What to Do If Payment Still Fails
Before panicking, check this list:
- Is your card funded above the Connects price?
- Is there at least $1 minimum balance left?
- Did you add the card correctly?
- Try again after a short wait
- Contact EverTry support
Most failures are balance-related.
Is Using EverTry Legal and Safe?
Yes.
- KYC is required
- You control your funds
- No hidden access or auto-debits
It functions like any regulated financial app.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Loading the exact amount only
- Forgetting the $1 minimum balance
- Reusing declined local cards
- Making repeated failed attempts in minutes
These trigger more blocks.
Final Takeaway
Upwork Connects are not optional.
They are the gate to work.
In Pakistan, the real barrier is payments, not talent.
Once you fix the payment layer, everything else becomes simple.
Set up the right card once.
Then focus on writing better proposals.
Get Your EverTry Virtual Dollar Card
If you’re serious about winning jobs on Upwork, don’t let payment issues slow you down.
Set up your EverTry virtual dollar card once, and use it to buy Connects anytime, without card declines.
Download the EverTry app:
- iOS: https://apps.apple.com/app/evertry
- Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.evertry.app
Create your account, complete KYC, fund your wallet, and generate your virtual dollar card.
Then, go back to Upwork and purchase your Connects without any friction.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice.
All trademarks, logos, brand names, and company names mentioned in this article are the property of their respective owners. Their use here is for informational or comparative purposes only and does not imply endorsement, sponsorship, or affiliation with EverTry or any third-party brand.