# Escrow & Payment Security for Freelancers and Clients Reliable payments are critical to successful remote work. Midcontract provides a secure, global payment infrastructure powered by smart contracts. *** ### **πŸ” Escrow-Backed Security** All contracts use escrow. Funds are deposited upfront and released only when both parties confirm the work is complete. * Freelancers and agencies are protected from delayed or missing payments. * Clients are protected from paying for incomplete or unsatisfactory work. * Funds are held in smart contracts β€” **never** by Midcontract β€” ensuring transparency and removing custodial risk. *** ### **🌍 Global Payments Made Simple** Midcontract runs entirely on stablecoins β€” but that doesn’t mean fiat users are left behind. * Clients can fund escrow directly with stablecoins, or instantly buy them using fiat through our integrated partner (available in select regions). * Freelancers and agencies receive payouts in stablecoins, with the option to cash out in fiat using local methods or bank cards. * No wire delays, no surprise FX fees β€” just smooth, fast transactions wherever you are. *** ### **πŸ“‰ Platform Fees** A simple, low-fee structure: * **Freelancers/Agencies:** 3.6% * **Clients:** 1.9% No hidden charges. No withdrawal fees. [πŸ“Š Compare with other platforms β†’](https://docs.midcontract.com/why-midcontract/multi-currency-payouts-and-comparison-with-traditional-platforms) *** ### **⚑ Fast Payouts** Unlike traditional platforms with 1–2 week delays, Midcontract releases funds **instantly** upon client approval β€” for fixed, milestone, or hourly contracts. [πŸ’Έ How payouts work β†’](https://docs.midcontract.com/getting-paid-payment-release-and-fund-withdrawal) --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.midcontract.com/why-midcontract/escrow-and-payment-security-for-freelancers-and-clients.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.