How freelancers in the US get paid by international clients

Getting paid by international clients can be tricky for US freelancers. One moment you’re celebrating a new project, the next you’re stressing over how to receive your payment, what fees will be deducted, or whether the transfer will even go through on time. Different currencies, slow processing times, and hidden charges can quickly turn a win into a headache.

That’s why it’s important to find payment methods that are simple, fast, and transparent. In this article, we’ll walk through how US freelancers can get paid by international clients efficiently, what to watch out for, and tips to make sure every dollar you earn actually reaches your account.

Read also: Cheapest and easiest ways to send USD from the USA to China

Challenges for US freelancers receiving payments from abroad

1. High conversion fees: US freelancers often lose a significant portion of their earnings to currency conversion fees when receiving international payments. While most freelancers will earn in USD anyway, as that's the most common currency for international payments, if you earn in other currencies like EUR or GBP, you may have this problem. Choosing the right platform can reduce costs and ensure more of your hard-earned money actually reaches your account.
2. Slow transfer times: Receiving international payments in the US can take several days, depending on the client’s bank or platform used. Delays can affect cash flow, making it crucial to select services that process cross-border payments quickly and reliably.
3. Payment options: Some international clients may only use specific payment methods, which might not be widely supported in the US. This can force freelancers to create multiple accounts, adding complexity and potential delays to receiving payments.
4. Tax issues: Receiving international payments in the US requires understanding tax obligations, reporting requirements, and compliance rules. Freelancers must navigate these regulations carefully to avoid penalties and ensure all income is properly documented and reported.

Read also: Cheapest way to send money from Brazil to the USA

Best ways to receive payments as a US freelancer

For US freelancers working with international clients, it’s essential to understand the common payment methods and determine which ones work best.

SWIFT

SWIFT transfers allow US freelancers to receive international payments directly to their bank accounts. They are secure and widely accepted, making them ideal for large payments.

However, they can be slow and often involve intermediary banks, which may charge additional fees. Despite this, SWIFT remains a trusted method for freelancers dealing with established clients who prefer traditional bank transfers for reliability.

PayPal

PayPal is a popular option for US freelancers receiving payments from international clients. It’s fast, convenient, and widely recognised, making it ideal for smaller payments or recurring invoices. Fees can be higher than other methods, especially on currency conversions, but its buyer and seller protections provide an extra layer of security. PayPal is especially useful for freelancers who want instant access to funds without relying on traditional banks.

Read also: How to open a USD bank account remotely without U.S. citizenship

Grey

A global account is perfect for US freelancers looking to manage their earnings smoothly, without the typical obstacles. Grey delivers exactly that solution.

With Grey, you can set up USD, EUR and GBP accounts and accept international payments as if you had a local account. Simply provide your clients with the account details, receive payments directly, and convert your funds at highly competitive exchange rates. It’s quick, transparent, and tailored for freelancers working across borders.

How Grey helps US freelancers receive payments

For US freelancers working with international clients, Grey streamlines payments, offering speed, transparency, invoicing, and flexible multi-currency management.

• Fast transfers: Receive international payments quickly without long delays.
• Transparent fees: Know exactly what you’re paying with no hidden charges.
• Inbuilt invoicing: Generate and send invoices directly through Grey for hassle-free billing.
• Secure: Protect your earnings with a trusted, fully regulated platform for international payments.

Steps to open your Grey account as a US freelancer

Setting up your global payment system as a US freelancer takes just a few minutes. Here’s how:

• Sign up at grey.co or download the Grey app.
• Complete identity verification with a government-issued ID and proof of US address.
• Create your USD account
• Share your account details with clients to start receiving international payments.
• Convert funds and withdraw to your US bank or spend globally using your dashboard

For US freelancers working with international clients, Grey offers a simple, efficient way to manage payments without the usual delays or hidden fees.

Grey is built for the way modern freelancers work. Sign up or download Grey today and take the stress out of handling international payments.

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