I have a membership, why can't I bid on a project (it's telling me to pay again)? 

Elance offers different paid membership plans for individuals and businesses.  Each plan has unique benefits (click here for more information).

If you have an Elance provider membership (including the free Basic plan), you will be able to bid on projects in your membership categories.  Please note that each membership has a pre-set number of allocated Connects.  These Connects are not category-specific and can be used to bid on projects in all categories included in your membership plan.  If you exceed the number of Connects allocated for the month, you will have the option to add additional Connects to your plan immediately or wait for the next month. 

To view the membership you have purchased and see if it matches the project,

1. Login to the My Elance Main Menu.

If you are not logged in, enter your Elance username and password.

2.  Click on the 'My Account > 'Membership Status' link on the left navigation menu.

3.  Locate the membership box.  You will see the details of your membership plan, and if the status of that membership is 'Active', 'Basic' or 'Not Active.'  

• Active: The account has a paid plan
• Basic: The account has the free Basic plan
• Not Active: The account is pending because it has not yet been funded