So, you’ve started earning in dollars, maybe from YouTube, TikTok, Upwork, or your Shopify store. The dollars are rolling in, but you still, unfortunately, struggle with getting paid. You click “Add payout method”, and suddenly you’re asked for a US bank account or a US billing address.

If you’ve ever paused there, wondering how to move forward without relocating or opening a company overseas, you’re not alone. Many Nigerian creators face this same roadblock. But here’s the good news: you can get a USD payout account without a US address.

Let’s break it all down.

Why do creators in Nigeria need USD accounts?

Most international platforms don’t pay out in naira. Instead, they require a USD or foreign bank account, and if you don’t have one, you’re either locked out of payments or forced to accept subpar conversions.

Here's a closer look at the key reasons why having a USD account has become a non-negotiable for Nigerian creators and freelancers:

1. Many platforms simply don’t support NGN payouts

Many global platforms expect users to add a USD, GBP, or EUR account. If you try to add a local Nigerian bank, the platform may not accept NGN, or the payment setup may fail.

2. Terrible conversion rates and hidden charges

Even when NGN payouts are available, payment processors convert your earnings at below-market exchange rates, sometimes taking 5%–10% off your payout without warning. Add that to additional bank fees and delays, leaving you with less than you earned.

3. Some platforms reject Nigerian banks entirely

Your Nigerian bank details may sometimes trigger fraud alerts or get flagged as unsupported. Platforms like Payoneer or Deel are more accommodating, but even those often route your payments through a USD intermediary, so why not cut the middleman?

4. Flexibility to hold and spend in dollars

With a USD account, you can also save your earnings in a stable currency, spend online with international merchants and avoid unnecessary conversions for your expenses.

Also read: How to get paid as a creator on social media from anywhere in the world

Can Nigerians legally open a USD account without a US address?

Yes, but not through traditional US banks. Most banks in the United States follow strict regulatory policies that make it nearly impossible for non-residents to open a USD account without physically being there. They typically ask for:

• A valid Social Security Number (SSN)
• Proof of a US residential address (like a utility bill or lease)
• In-person identity verification, meaning you’d need to walk into a US branch

This setup makes sense for people living in the US, but it’s a major roadblock for Nigerians working remotely, earning in USD, or doing business internationally.

However, you don’t need to rely on these traditional banks anymore.

Global fintech innovation, such as platforms like Grey, provides a legal and secure alternative. With Grey, you can open a virtual USD account from Nigeria without needing a US address, SSN, or overseas trip. It’s fully remote, compliant, and tailored for people who earn or operate across borders.

How to open a USD payout account with Grey

Opening your USD account on Grey is simple and completely digital:

1. Sign up on Grey.co or download the app.
   • Use your Nigerian email, phone number, and basic personal details.

1. Verify your identity
   • Upload a valid Nigerian ID (e.g., National ID, Passport, or Driver’s License).
   • Take a quick selfie for identity verification.

1. Get your virtual USD account
   • After approval, you’ll receive:
     • A US routing number
     • A US account number
     • The name of the partner bank
2. Use it for payouts
   • Receive your USD earnings directly into this account.

Read more: How to collect international creator funds in local currency

What are the benefits of using Grey for USD payouts?

Freelancers, remote workers, and digital entrepreneurs in Nigeria know the struggle of getting paid in dollars, and Grey is quickly becoming the go-to option for international payouts:

1. No US required

With Grey, you don’t need to live in the US or have a US mailing address to open a USD account. Everything is fully remote and compliant so that you can create your account from the comfort of your home in Lagos, Abuja, or anywhere else in Nigeria.

2. Get more for your dollars with better FX rates.

Grey lets you convert USD to Naira at some of the most competitive rates in the market, so more of your earnings stay with you.

3. Multi-currency accounts that grow with you.

Today it’s USD, tomorrow it might be GBP or EUR. Grey gives you access to virtual accounts in multiple major currencies, which means you can accept payments from clients in the UK, EU, or the US, all in one place.

4. Withdraw your earnings in minutes.

Once your USD hits your Grey account, you can convert it to your Nigerian bank account within minutes.

5. Track every dollar, pound or euro with ease.

Grey’s clean, intuitive dashboard helps you stay on top of your income, conversions, and payouts.

Tips for receiving payouts smoothly

Here are a few practical tips to make sure your international earnings land in your Grey account without delays or hiccups:

1. Match the name on your payout exactly with your Grey account name

This is one of the most common mistakes. Your payout platform and Grey account must have the same name (no abbreviations, initials, or nicknames). A mismatch could lead to rejected transfers or delayed payments.

2. Double-check your Grey account details

Before submitting your payment info anywhere, confirm that you’re using the correct:

• Account number
• Routing number (ACH)
• Bank name
• Bank address

These are all available in your Grey USD account dashboard. Copy and paste to avoid typos, as even one wrong digit can block your payment.

You may also like: Best USD accounts for creators and influencers outside the US/UK

3. Know how to set up on different platforms

Each platform has slightly different steps. Here’s how to do it on popular ones:

• Payoneer: Go to Receiving Accounts, select USD, and copy the ACH details.
• YouTube / Google AdSense: Choose Wire Transfer as your payment method and input your Grey USD account info. Be sure to fill in the SWIFT code and bank address correctly.
• Upwork / Fiverr: Select Direct to U.S. Bank (ACH) if available. Then, input your Grey account details and confirm any verification steps.
• Meta (Facebook / Instagram): Connect your Grey account in the Payout Settings section under Monetisation for Reels bonuses or Stars payouts. Again, use ACH details.

4. Avoid using third-party or shared accounts

Always receive payments into your personal Grey account. Some platforms flag third-party accounts and could suspend your payouts or even close your account.

5. Don’t forget currency conversion fees

Some platforms give you the option to convert your earnings before payout. Usually, it’s better to let the money land in Grey in USD, then use Grey’s dashboard to convert it at better rates when you’re ready.

Start earning globally with local convenience

With the right tools, you can access global platforms, earn in USD, and manage your finances.

Grey makes this possible, offering an easy way for Nigerian freelancers and creators to open and use USD accounts built for the way they work.

Create your free Grey account today or download the app to make your creator journey easier, smarter, and borderless.

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