Are upwork connects halal?

Assalamu Alaikum,

There is a website called “upwork.com” where freelancers can join and search + apply for work via bidding each specific job ad.

Note: My understanding is in Islam by default everything is Halal unless proven otherwise.

My question / doubt is of the “connects” permissibility.

What is Connects?

  • Virtual token on the upwork platform
  • It is used to bid on job ads (each job ad has it’s own connects price e.g. 4, 8, 12, 16)

Q1. Suppose I spend $1.50 from my own pocket to buy 10 Connects is this permissible/halal?

Q2. Thereafter, I use the 10 connects towards a job ad to bid is this permissible? Thereafter, if my proposal is accepted + I’m hired is my income halal?

Please let me know if you need further information.