Free tool
Contract red flag checker
Paste a contract a client sent you. We flag the clauses that put a freelancer at risk, explain why, and suggest fairer wording you can send back.
What is a contract red flag?
A red flag is a clause that shifts risk or money away from you: you do the work but can’t get paid on time, lose rights to your work before the invoice is settled, or take on liability far bigger than the fee. Most client contracts aren’t malicious — they’re written by the client’s side, for the client’s side. Spotting these clauses before you sign is the cheapest negotiation you’ll ever do.
The most common red flags for freelancers
No deposit
100% payment on completion means you finance the whole project. Ask for 30–50% upfront.
Net-60 / net-90 payment terms
Waiting three months to be paid is a loan to your client. Net-14 or net-30 is standard.
Unlimited revisions
“Until the client is satisfied” has no end. Cap revisions (e.g. two rounds) and bill extras.
IP transfer before payment
Rights should transfer on full payment, not on delivery or signature.
No kill fee
If the client cancels mid-project you should keep the deposit and be paid for work done.
Broad non-compete
Bans on working in your whole industry for years can cost more than the project pays.
Unlimited liability & one-sided indemnity
Your liability should be capped, typically at the fees paid under the contract.
Auto-renewal
Silent renewals lock you in at old rates. Require written notice to renew.
Termination without payment for work done
Either side can end the deal, but work already delivered must be paid.
FAQ
Is the contract red flag checker free?
Yes. It’s free with no signup, with a small hourly limit to prevent abuse.
Do you store the contracts I paste?
No. The text is sent to our AI provider only to produce your report and is not saved in our database.
Is this legal advice?
No. It’s an automated first pass that highlights common commercial risks for freelancers. For high-value or unusual contracts, have a lawyer review it.
What should I do when I find a red flag?
Reply to the client with the suggested fairer wording and a short reason. Most clients accept reasonable changes like a deposit, a revision cap or IP transfer on full payment.
Which contracts does it work with?
Any freelance or services agreement in English: design, development, writing, consulting, marketing, photography and more. Paste the text; PDFs need to be copied as text first.
Tired of fixing clients’ contracts?
Send your own instead: Clinch drafts a freelancer-friendly contract in a minute, the client signs from their phone, and the deposit is paid at signature.
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