Africa's youthful population, growing tech ecosystem, and talent pool make the continent a choice talent marketplace for recruiters and clients. Unfortunately, African freelancers and digital nomads working with international clients usually experience hassles getting paid. Delayed payments, high transaction fees, unfavourable exchange rates, and limited payout options in some African countries can significantly affect your earnings.

Fortunately, several reliable platforms now make it easier for freelancers in Africa to receive payments from US clients efficiently and affordably.

Here are some of the best platforms to receive freelance payments from the USA in Africa.

Read also: How to save in USD as a remote worker

Considerations for the best platforms to receive freelance payments from the USA in Africa

Here are the major factors we considered in curating this list of the best platforms to receive freelance payments from the USA in Africa. You should also bear them in mind when selecting a platform to ensure you have an optimal experience.

• Geographical availability: Platforms must support users in multiple African countries.
• Ease of use: Simple sign-up processes, intuitive user interfaces, and accessible customer support.
• Affordability: Competitive transaction and conversion fees, with no hidden charges.
• Currency flexibility: Ability to receive USD and some other foreign currencies directly.
• Integration with freelance platforms: Compatibility with platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal.
• Withdrawal options: Support for withdrawals to local banks or mobile money accounts.

Read also: Top digital skills that pay in USD for freelancers in Africa

Best platforms to receive freelance payments from the USA in Africa

Now that you know what to look out for, let's dive into our list.

1. Grey – Multi-currency accounts and seamless USD payments for freelancer

Grey is a fintech platform specifically designed for remote workers, freelancers, and digital nomads in Africa. It allows you to open a virtual USD, GBP, or EUR bank account, making it easy to receive payments from US-based clients and freelance platforms. With Grey, you can open a free virtual USD account within minutes and start receiving your USD payments. You also enjoy financial flexibility with Grey's versatile virtual USD debit card. With great exchange rates and low fees, you can send and receive USD payments and withdraw to African bank accounts. Grey also works well with freelancing platforms and has an invoicing automation feature.

2. Payoneer

Freelancers and businesses widely use Payoneer. It allows users to receive USD into a US receiving account and withdraw to local African bank accounts. Freelancers enjoy seamless integration with freelancing platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. Payoneer also offers a prepaid MasterCard.

3. Wise

Wise offers a multi-currency account that allows freelancers to receive payments in USD and many other currencies. The platform offers low fees with no hidden charges, and users can withdraw to local bank accounts in Africa

4. PayPal

PayPal remains a popular option among freelancers within and outside the US. It is an efficient platform for USD transactions. However, it's not available in every African country. With global recognition and trust, users enjoy instant peer-to-peer transfers.

5. Skrill

Skrill works similarly to PayPal and supports USD payments. It is easy to use and allows direct payments from clients. Skrill is available in many African countries.

Read also: Best mobile banking apps for freelancers in Africa

6. Deel

Deel is a global HR and payroll platform that enables businesses to hire and pay remote workers anywhere in the world. Freelancers can receive USD payments directly to their local bank accounts or through other platforms like Payoneer, Wise, and Coinbase. Deel is particularly useful for freelancers working with large clients or agencies.

7. Paystack Commerce

Paystack is a Nigerian-based payment platform that supports USD payments through Paystack Commerce. Freelancers can create payment links and receive payments directly from international clients. However, its USD capabilities are mostly limited to verified merchants in Nigeria.

8. Flutterwave

Flutterwave is another African fintech solution that supports international payments. It allows freelancers to create payment pages to receive payments in USD from anywhere in the world. With its Barter product, you can create a USD virtual card and easily withdraw funds to your bank account.

9. Revolut

Revolut provides a global account that supports multiple currencies, including USD. Many African freelancers with international connections or secondary residences abroad use Revolut to manage international payments. It is a great option if you've been receiving funds in Europe or the US.

10. Chipper Cash

Chipper Cash is popular for peer-to-peer transfers within Africa, but it also allows users in selected African countries to receive international payments in USD. It supports free transfers across African countries and has begun expanding its international payment features.

11. NALA

NALA is a growing remittance and payments platform allowing users in countries like Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya to receive payments from the US and UK. It offers competitive exchange rates and bank-level security.

12. WorldRemit for Business

WorldRemit offers business and freelancer-friendly services that allow clients to send money to African countries in USD or local currencies. It's ideal for freelancers working with international small businesses that may not use mainstream platforms.

Read also: Top digital nomad cities for long-term rentals in Africa

Managing USD freelance payments with Grey

If you're a freelancer in Africa working with clients in the USA, it's important to use platforms that offer low and transparent fees, favourable exchange rates, and easy integration with freelance platforms. Grey is a fintech solution that is reputable for its availability in Africa and its freelance-friendly features.

Create your free Grey account to receive USD payments from US clients today.

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