All designers on 99designs must have a Hyperwallet account in order to work on Contests and Projects. Visit your earnings page to make any changes to your Hyperwallet settings, including your default payout method (also known as your Transfer Method on Hyperwallet).
Payout Timeline
Step 1: Client releases payment
After you have delivered all final files in a Contest Handover or 1-to-1 Project and marked it as
“complete,” the client will be asked to “approve files and release payment.” If no action is taken by the client, the funds will be issued 5 days after the project completion request was sent.
Step 2: 5-business-day review period
After the client releases payment, or the 5 day window for the client to approve has passed, there's a 5-business-day review period before the money is sent to Hyperwallet.
Why we do this: This review period allows time to resolve any client disputes, refund requests, or administrative issues before funds are transferred to your Hyperwallet account.
Because 99designs offers a money-back guarantee, clients can dispute projects or request refunds even after releasing payment. The review period helps ensure these situations are handled before money is sent to you, which protects you from chargebacks or payment reversals after you've already received funds.
The review period also catches administrative issues such as duplicate payments, accidental releases by the client, or any other errors.
Example:
- Client releases a Project payment on Monday → 99d sends money to Hyperwallet the following Monday
- You complete a Contest handover on Tuesday → 99d sends prize to Hyperwallet the following Tuesday
Step 3: Automatic transfer to your account
After the 5-day hold, it can take 1-2 more business days for funds to transfer from 99d to Hyperwallet. Once Hyperwallet receives the transfer, funds are automatically sent to the transfer method you set up (your bank account, PayPal, cryptowallet, etc.). You don't need to do anything—the transfer happens automatically.
How long this takes depends on your payout method:
- Bank transfer: 1-5 business days (varies by country and bank)
- PayPal: 1-2 business days
- Crypto: same day
- Other methods: timing varies
Total time from payment release to money in your account:
6-10+ business days depending on your transfer method and location.
Important Things to Know
Business days = Monday through Friday - Weekends and bank holidays don't count, so they can add extra time to your payout.
Minimum payout: $25 - If your total earnings are below $25, the money stays in your 99designs account until you reach the threshold. Then it's automatically sent.
Note: In some cases, you may have more than $25 in total earnings but still not receive a payout. This happens because 99designs operates as two separate business entities (US-based and EU-based), and the $25 minimum is tracked separately for each. If you believe you've met the threshold but haven't received a payout, contact designersupport@99designs.com and we'll look into it.
Example: Say you receive two project payments on the same Monday:
- $50 from a client outside the EU
- $15 from an EU-based client
After 5 business days, an automatic payout is triggered. Only the $50 transfers to Hyperwallet because EU and non-EU earnings are tracked separately — and your EU earnings haven't reached the $25 minimum yet. The $15 stays in your 99designs account until your EU-based earnings reach $25, at which point they'll be sent automatically.
You cannot withdraw money manually - Payouts are automatic. You don't log into Hyperwallet to request a withdrawal—it happens on its own once money arrives there.
Make sure your transfer method is connected - If you haven't set up a default transfer method in Hyperwallet, automatic payouts can't process. Log into your Hyperwallet account to add your bank account, PayPal, or other payment method.
Payout transfer methods vary by country - To see what options are available in your region, log into your Hyperwallet account by clicking the link on your earnings page.
Track Your Earnings
You can see your earnings activity and payout status on your Earnings page.
Need Help?
Questions about Hyperwallet or transfer methods:
- Log into your Hyperwallet portal: https://99designs.payouts.hyperwallet.com/
- Click "Support" to contact their payee support team
Questions about earnings on 99designs: Contact designersupport@99designs.com
Setting up Hyperwallet for the first time: Follow the prompts to set up Hyperwallet from your earnings page.
Common Questions
"Why does 99designs hold my money for 5 days after the client already paid?" This protects you from having money clawed back after you've received it. Clients sometimes accidentally release payment, change their minds, or file disputes under our money-back guarantee. The 5-day window lets us resolve these issues before money goes to your account—so you never have to deal with chargebacks or reversals.
"Where's my money? It's been 5 days!" The 5 business days gets money from 99designs to Hyperwallet. Then it takes additional time (1-5+ days depending on your method) to reach your final account. Check your Hyperwallet account to see if funds have arrived there.
"Why can't I withdraw my money from Hyperwallet?" You don't need to! Hyperwallet automatically sends money to your linked payout method. You can update the default payout method in your Hyperwallet account at any time.
"Hyperwallet has sent the payment but was not delivered, why?" It is possible that your name on your receiving bank account does not match the name in your Hyperwallet payment portal. You can verify this by going to your Hyperwallet account then by navigating to "Settings" and clicking on "Profile." If any changes are needed, kindly update your payee details accordingly. It would also be helpful to check on the email from Hyperwallet to find out what happened with the payment and make the necessary changes. If in case your details are not updated or correct, you may incur additional fees.
"I only have $15 in my account. When will I get paid?" Payouts require a minimum of $25. Your money will automatically be sent once you earn enough to reach that threshold.
"I have $30 in my account but didn't get paid. Why?" The $25 minimum payout threshold is tracked separately based on which 99designs business entity your earnings came from (US-based or EU-based). This means:
- You might have $20 from US-based clients and $10 from EU-based clients
- Each side needs to reach $25 separately before triggering a payout
Unfortunately, you can't see this split in your account right now. If you think you should have received a payout, or have any other questions about earnings, please contact designersupport@99designs.com and we'll be happy to help.