Note: If user is deceased and the beneficiary wants to transfer ownership, please do not start the transfer process, assign case to EE for handling.
We are unable to merge 2 or more Upwork accounts together. Users requesting this have 2 options:
- They can simply close the other account(s) and just work off the one they want
a. If a freelancer: They’ll need to choose which account they wish to continue using while also reaching out to their clients in regards to rehiring (if any open contracts on account they’re going to close). However, be sure to explain all history under the account they no longer use will be lost.
b. If a client: They can create a new Team under the account they wish to use and then rehire the same freelancers under one to the other, then close the one they choose to "empty". However, be sure to explain all history under the account they no longer use will be lost. - OR, they can transfer a company/agency ownership to another account (this will not work for independent freelancer accounts) - see “Transfer Company or Agency Ownership” tab for process
*In order to gain access to past messages after the transfer is complete, the new owner needs to “Join” the rooms they wish to see messages for; example here.
This process is typically used when either a. one person has multiple accounts and doesn’t want to close the other accounts as they’ll lose information OR b. the original owner of the account is no longer involved with the account and this new individual would like to handle the account going forward.
Important Notes Before Completing Process:
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- A transfer is approved only once, per account, for companies and agencies; some exceptions can be made for clients
- In some cases, we may allow just a name change. If this is requested, escalate and treat as an account transfer (following the map below), but skip the permission requests. Typically, old profile name is unavailable due to leaving company.
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We will not approve any transfer request if either party (current or new owner) is suspended. Suspension must be resolved prior to request being sent to TL. Agents will need to check to make sure that either account is not suspended.
- This does NOT apply to any AML suspensions. This includes AML suspensions on associated accounts (found in CSS Notes). If any AML suspensions, these cannot be resolved by a TL and must be escalated to Payment Risk for review and notify user the request is being reviewed.
- Even if the person you are transferring accounts for claims to “own” both Upwork accounts (against ToS in most cases), you still need to follow the mapped process below completely to get written confirmation from both accounts
- Freelancers with "Non Admission/Limited Admission" status, the ticket should be escalated to CE first before processing further. They will be unable to create an agency/company too until their profile has been approved.
- For agency transfers, make sure the new owner doesn't already own an agency. A user can only own 1 open agency. If they have a closed agency on their account, if closed in "good standing" (e.g. no malicious activity, nonpayment, etc.) a transfer is okay.
- If the Current Owner is no longer present to send in a confirmation request, check out the process map below: