Contra Launches Commission-Free Payment Platform with Designer-Focused Tools
The freelance marketplace introduces Contra Payments, offering designers multiple revenue streams including digital product sales and subscription billing without platform commissions.
Image by Contra
Contra has launched Contra Payments, a comprehensive payment infrastructure aimed at independent creatives, with particular implications for designers selling templates, digital assets, and ongoing client services.
The platform, which has facilitated over $200 million in earnings for 1.2 million creatives since 2021, maintains its commission-free model while introducing new monetization options. For designers, this includes the ability to sell Framer templates, design files, and subscription-based products directly through the platform.
"We're committed to helping creatives earn the next $1B on Contra, without ever taking a commission," the company stated in its announcement. "This is the next frontier of independent work, and it's built for you."
What Designers Can Sell
The digital products feature allows designers to list:
- Templates and design files
- AI prompt packs and workflows
- Subscription-based offerings like design systems or asset libraries
- Free products for lead generation
Contra acts as merchant of record for digital sales, handling tax calculation, collection, and remittance—removing administrative burden from individual sellers.
Fee Structure Changes
The company restructured its fee model, moving away from a flat $29 contract fee that previously impacted smaller transactions disproportionately. The new tiered system charges clients based on transaction size, ranging from $2 for payments under $200 to $29 for transactions over $1,000.
"Charging $29 for a $100 invoice results in a 29% fee, and that didn't sit right with us," Contra explained regarding the change.
Pro subscribers ($10/month) reduce client fees by 50%, while Max members ($30/month) eliminate platform fees entirely—a potential selling point when pitching to budget-conscious clients.
Project Management Features
For client work, designers can choose between escrow-protected projects for new relationships or invoice billing for established clients. The platform offers dispute assistance with a 14-day mediation period, though Contra notes it "cannot decide your resolution for you" and only facilitates mutual agreements.
Payment processing fees remain separate from platform fees and are charged by third-party processors. Credit card transactions incur standard rates of 2.9% plus 30 cents, while ACH payments cap at $5.
Global Payout Options
Designers can withdraw earnings through local bank transfers, PayPal (2% fee), Payoneer ($3 plus 1-2%), or cryptocurrency via Coinbase (2% fee). Standard payouts include a 4-day safety clearance period, with faster options available for most methods.
The announcement also teased AI agent commerce capabilities, though specific details on how this would function for designers remain unconfirmed.
