Guru is a long-running freelance marketplace where you can post a job, receive quotes, and pay freelancers through an escrow-style system called SafePay. It looks straightforward: hire talent, approve work, pay an invoice, but the final cost depends on a few platform mechanics that are easy to miss at first glance.
The biggest difference vs. “gig” platforms is that Guru isn’t built around fixed packages. Freelancers typically quote you a rate (hourly or fixed), invoice you through the platform, and Guru applies a small fee when you pay.
In this guide, we’ll break down how Guru pricing really works, the hidden costs that can creep in, and what you should expect to pay in real terms, so you can budget accurately before you hire.
Guru Pricing Overview
Guru’s pricing is simple compared to many freelance marketplaces: employers can use the platform for free, and the main client-side cost is a handling fee when paying invoices. But there are a few important moving parts.
Project Price (Set by the Freelancer)
Guru doesn’t publish “standard” rates because freelancers set their own pricing based on scope, seniority, and timeline. You’ll typically agree on:
- a fixed project price (milestones), or
- an hourly rate (time tracking + invoices)
Either way, your baseline cost starts with the freelancer’s quote/invoice.
Guru Employer Handling Fee (2.9% per invoice)
Guru states that employers can “find, hire, and manage freelancers at no cost,” but they charge a 2.9% handling fee for each invoice you pay.
- Example from Guru: a $100 invoice becomes $102.90 total.
“100% Cashback” Option (eCheck or Wire Transfer)
Here’s the lever that can materially change your cost: Guru says if you pay via eCheck or wire transfer, you’ll receive 100% cashback on the handling fee.
Their help documentation also describes a cashback that effectively reduces the handling fee to zero when paying via eCheck/physical check/wire transfer.
Payment Methods That Affect Convenience
Guru lists multiple payment methods for employers, including credit/debit card, PayPal, eCheck (U.S. only), and wire transfer.
SafePay (Escrow-Style Payment Protection)
SafePay is not mandatory, but Guru recommends it, especially when working with a freelancer for the first time.
SafePay is free to use, but if a dispute escalates to arbitration, there can be a fee (more on that below).
Freelancer “Job Fee” (Indirectly impacts what you pay)
Guru charges freelancers a job fee on each paid invoice, and it ranges from 5% to 9% depending on the freelancer’s membership level.
This isn’t a buyer fee, but it matters because many freelancers build platform fees into their rates.
Optional “Split Fee” (You can choose to cover part of the freelancer’s job fee)
Guru allows an employer and freelancer to agree to “split” the freelancer's job fee. The employer can choose to cover 2.5 percentage points or 5 percentage points (or none), which reduces what the freelancer pays.
This can make your offer more attractive, but it can also raise your total cost.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Even though Guru’s headline fees are relatively clean, these are the common “gotchas” that can nudge your real spend higher.
Employer handling fee (unless you use cashback-eligible methods)
If you’re paying by card or PayPal, the 2.9% handling fee applies per invoice.
Fee-splitting agreements
If you agree to cover part of the freelancer’s job fee, your cost can increase by 2.5% or 5% of the invoice value (depending on your agreement).
Arbitration fee (only if a SafePay dispute goes that far)
SafePay itself is free, but if arbitration is requested, Guru states the fee is $25 or 5% of the SafePay balance (whichever is higher), taken from SafePay funds. If the SafePay balance is $50 or less, they waive the fee and split the balance equally.
Currency conversion and external payment provider fees
Even when platform fees are straightforward, banks/payment providers may still charge conversion or transfer fees depending on how you pay (and in what currency). Guru explicitly notes that some additional fees are independent of their platform.
Time spent vetting
Not a line item, but marketplace hiring still takes time: reviewing profiles, comparing quotes, clarifying scope, and managing milestones.
What You’d Really Pay by Hiring on Guru
Let’s use clean, real-world math so you can budget without surprises.
Example 1: Fixed-price project invoice ($1,000)
- Invoice amount: $1,000
- Employer handling fee (2.9%): $29
- Total paid: $1,029
If you pay using a method that receives 100% cashback on the handling fee (eCheck/wire per Guru), your effective handling fee can drop to $0, so you’d pay $1,000.
Example 2: You agree to cover part of the freelancer's job fee
Say your freelancer invoices $1,000 and you also agree to cover 2.5% (as part of a split-fee agreement): that adds $25 on top of the invoice amount (separate from your 2.9% handling fee when applicable).
In short, on Guru, the platform fee is usually predictable; the bigger swings come from payment method and what you agree to cover inside the work agreement.
Advantages of Hiring on Guru
Lower, clearer buyer fees than many marketplaces
Guru’s employer-side fee is straightforward: 2.9% per invoice, with potential cashback depending on payment method.
SafePay adds protection (especially for first-time hires)
SafePay is recommended by Guru and lets you review work before releasing funds.
Multiple payment options
Guru highlights payment flexibility, including card, PayPal, eCheck, and wire transfer.
Disadvantages of Hiring on Guru
Rates aren’t “plug-and-play”
Because pricing is quote-based, you’ll need to scope carefully, compare proposals, and manage milestones to keep costs predictable.
Fee-splitting can quietly raise total spend
Covering part of the freelancer’s job fee can help you win better talent, but it’s still extra money out of pocket.
Disputes can carry arbitration costs
SafePay is free, but arbitration can trigger fees under Guru’s policy.
Transparent Pricing: South vs. Guru
Guru is a solid option for project-based freelance work, especially when you want escrow-style protection and simple buyer fees. But it’s still a marketplace: you’re managing quotes, scope, and invoices, and your total can shift with payment method, fee-splitting, and iteration cycles.
South is built for companies that want full-time, long-term remote talent with pricing that’s easy to forecast. South uses a monthly fee model, and you can interview for free and only pay if you make a hire, with support and a replacement guarantee baked into the service.
The Takeaway
Guru’s pricing is refreshingly straightforward for employers: the platform is free to use, and the main cost is a 2.9% handling fee per paid invoice, with an option to effectively reduce that fee to zero depending on your payment method.
Where teams get surprised is in the “extras around the edges”: agreeing to cover part of the freelancer’s job fee, dealing with scope changes, and arbitration costs if a SafePay dispute escalates.
If you want a marketplace for flexible, project-based work, Guru can be a smart pick, just budget from invoices, choose your payment method intentionally, and lock scope early.
And if you’re ready to skip marketplace management and build a reliable full-time team instead, schedule a free call with South to get a role-specific shortlist; you’ll only pay if you make a hire.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does Guru charge employers?
Guru charges employers a 2.9% handling fee when paying invoices.
Can I avoid the 2.9% handling fee?
Guru states you can receive 100% cashback on the handling fee when paying via eCheck or wire transfer (and their help docs also mention cashback for certain methods).
Does Guru charge freelancers, too?
Yes. Guru charges freelancers a job fee on paid invoices, which ranges from 5% to 9% depending on membership level.
What is the “split fee” on Guru?
Guru allows employers and freelancers to agree that the employer covers 2.5% or 5% (or none) of the job fee amount, which reduces the freelancer’s effective job fee.
Is SafePay mandatory?
No, Guru says it’s not mandatory, but recommends it, especially for first-time engagements.
Is SafePay free?
SafePay is free to use, but if arbitration is requested, Guru states an arbitration fee may apply: $25 or 5% of the SafePay balance (whichever is higher), with a waiver rule for balances of $50 or less.
