Landing clients from the US or Europe is a big win for any Kenyan freelancer, but receiving your money without stress is usually complicated
With more of us tapping into the global gig economy from Nairobi’s hustling cafés or Mombasa’s sunny shores, having a smooth, affordable way to receive USD is a game-changer. Let’s check out the best platforms to get paid in USD as a freelancer in Kenya and why Grey is the smart choice for easily receiving your hard-earned dollars.
Grey is a digital platform that gives you access to virtual foreign accounts, including a free USD account. You can receive payments from clients and freelance platforms, convert dollars to Kenyan shillings, and withdraw to your local bank or M-Pesa.
Why choose Grey:
If you're serious about freelancing, Grey gives you the freedom to manage and move your money easily, without losing a chunk to fees.
Related article: The best platforms to find remote jobs in Kenya
Payoneer is another widely used platform among freelancers and online sellers. It offers a virtual USD account and works well with popular platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Amazon. Kenyan users can withdraw funds to their local bank accounts.
However, many users report higher fees for currency conversion compared to local options. The onboarding process may also take longer, especially for new users or those not working through supported platforms.
Wise is a good option if your clients are paying you directly into your USD account. It offers real exchange rates and transparent fees, which many users appreciate.
That said, not all Kenyan users have access to a virtual USD account through Wise. It's not as seamless to receive payments directly through platforms like Upwork or Fiverr using Wise. , so it’s better suited for one-on-one client relationships.
PayPal is popular with freelancers across the world, including in Kenya. It’s easy to set up and many clients are familiar with it. However, PayPal’s fees can be high, especially when converting USD to KES. In addition to that, the exchange rates offered tend to be unfavourable, and withdrawing money to a Kenyan bank account can take several days.
While it's a convenient option, PayPal isn’t the most cost-effective way to receive USD in Kenya.
You may also like: How freelancers in Kenya can receive payments from US, UK & EU clients
Grey offers everything a Kenyan freelancer needs to manage international payments: convenience, speed, and fair pricing. You can receive USD payments directly, convert funds when it suits you, and withdraw locally, all from one app.
Whether you work with agencies, tech firms, or global freelance marketplaces, Grey gives you better control over how you get paid in USD as a freelancer in Kenya.
The freelance world is growing fast, and so are your opportunities. Don’t let inefficient payment systems slow you down. Choose a platform that’s designed with you in mind.
Get started with Grey and take full control of your international payments.
Create your free USD account on Grey and simplify how you receive payments from around the world.
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