How Nigerian freelancers get international clients

How do US employers make domestic US payroll payments?

The general process is to enter a US address, provide a US routing number and account number, and the system will process direct deposit smoothly. Usually, everyone gets paid on schedule.

The dynamics change when someone the employer hires someone from outside the US. Their payroll system requires US banking details that this person doesn’t have. Finance could suggest international wire transfers, which trigger manual processing, about $20 sending fees, week-long delays, and significant deductions from intermediary banks before the money arrives.

In this article, I explain how US payroll systems work, why they create problems for international workers, your actual payment options, and how to receive a US salary efficiently regardless of where you live.

How does US payroll actually work?

Most US companies don’t process payroll manually, instead they use platforms that automate salary calculations, tax withholding, compliance reporting, and payment distribution. These platforms are designed around US domestic assumptions:

• Employees have US bank accounts with routing and account numbers
• Employees live in states with specific tax codes
• Employees fall under US employment law and tax jurisdiction.

The standard payment method is direct deposit through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network. On payday, the payroll platform initiates ACH transfers from the company’s bank account to each employee’s account. Money moves through the ACH network and typically clears within one to three business days.

ACH is fundamentally domestic. It requires US routing numbers that identify specific US banks and US account numbers that identify specific customers at those banks. International bank accounts don’t participate in the ACH network.

A Nigerian bank account, for example, has an account number and a sort code that follow Nigerian banking standards. An Indian bank account uses IFSC codes and account numbers in the Indian format. These don’t translate into the nine-digit routing numbers and account numbers that US payroll systems expect.

When you don’t have US banking details, several complications arise immediately. The payroll system flags your profile as incomplete or problematic because required fields are empty. Some companies refuse to hire international workers specifically because they find payment too complicated to navigate.

Companies willing to pay internationally face additional challenges. International wire transfers require manual processing outside the normal automated payroll flow. Someone in finance usually must log into the banking platform, enter wire transfer details manually, obtain approval for international payments (often requiring senior authorisation that domestic payroll doesn’t), and initiate the transfer separately from the rest of payroll. Each wire costs the company about $20 in sending fees.

Beyond logistics, there’s the complexity of tax withholding. US payroll systems automatically withhold federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and state taxes from employee paychecks. These withholdings apply to US tax residents.

If you’re not a US tax resident or you’re not a US citizen or green card holder, these withholdings shouldn’t apply to you. But payroll systems assume everyone is subject to US tax withholding. Configuring the system to pay someone without US tax withholding requires manual intervention and understanding of tax treaty provisions and IRS regulations.

Then there’s the employment classification question. If you’re working full-time remotely from outside the US, the company needs to determine whether you’re a US employee working abroad temporarily. Are you a foreign employee of a foreign subsidiary? Are you actually an independent contractor despite operational aspects that appear to be employment?

Each classification has different tax implications, different legal obligations, and different payment processes. Many US companies, especially startups and small businesses, aren’t equipped to navigate this. They want to hire talented people regardless of location, but their finance and legal advisors raise compliance concerns that feel insurmountable.

This is why understanding the mechanics matters.

Also read: How consultants structure international client payments

Employment classification: Employee vs contractor

How you’re classified legally determines how payment works, what tax obligations apply, and what documentation both you and the company need.

If you’re classified as an employee, the US company has specific legal obligations. They must provide benefits as required by law if you’re a US-based employee, though obligations differ for foreign employees. They must ensure compliance with employment laws both in the US (for aspects of the employment relationship governed by US law) and potentially in your country of residence.

For non-US residents working remotely outside the US, employment can be complex. Many countries require foreign companies employing local residents to register as employers, withhold local income taxes and social contributions, and comply with local employment standards.

This is why many US companies use Employer of Record services for international employees. The EOR becomes your legal employer in your country, handling local compliance whilst you work operationally for the US company.

Independent contractor classification simplifies payment significantly. As a contractor, you’re self-employed and responsible for your own taxes in your country. The US company has no tax withholding obligations (as long as you’re not a US tax resident). There are no employment law obligations in your country because you’re not an employee.

Payment works the same way as paying any other vendor. You submit invoices, and the company pays them. You don’t receive employee benefits like health insurance or paid time off, but you also have more flexibility in how you structure your work.

Now if you’re properly classified as an employee, the company needs to run you through payroll, which requires addressing all the payment and tax complexities discussed earlier. They may need to establish legal presence in your country by registering an entity or by using an expensive Employer of Record (EOR) service. Payment comes as regular salary on the company’s normal payroll schedule, and you may be subject to local tax withholding depending on how the company structures your employment.

If you’re properly classified as a contractor, you invoice the company for completed work. They pay your invoices the same way they’d pay any vendor. There’s no payroll involvement and no company obligation to withhold taxes. You’re fully responsible for tax compliance in your country. Payment methods are flexible, and the company can use whatever method works best: wire transfer, payment platforms, or modern cross-border payment infrastructure.

The practical reality for most remote international workers is that many who join US startups are technically contractors, even if the company internally calls them “employees.” The company doesn’t want to navigate foreign employment law or establish legal entities in your country, so they structure the relationship as independent contracting, whilst treating you like a team member operationally.

This works as long as you’re comfortable with contractor classification, you handle tax obligations properly in your country, and the company doesn’t exert so much control over your work that you’re actually a misclassified employee. Misclassification creates legal risk that can result in penalties, back taxes, and employment law violations.

Before accepting any position, clarify whether you’re being hired as an employee or contractor. If you’re an employee, understand how the company will handle international employment compliance. If you’re a contractor, understand the invoicing schedule, payment terms, and your tax obligations.

Also read: Global bank accounts vs offshore accounts: what’s the difference

The traditional methods that US companies use to pay international workers and their problems

When companies decide to pay workers outside the US, they typically choose from several established approaches. Each has significant limitations.

International wire transfers via SWIFT are the most common default. The company initiates a wire from their US bank to your bank account in your country. Money passes through the SWIFT network, typically involving one or more intermediary correspondent banks that facilitate cross-border transfers.

The problems are cost and speed. The company pays $30-50 per wire in sending fees. Intermediary banks deduct $20-40 combined for processing the transfer. Your local bank charges a receiving fee of $15-25. Then comes currency conversion. If your account is in local currency, your bank converts the USD at a rate that includes a 3-5% markup over the mid-market rate.

On a $5,000 monthly payment, you can lose up to $250-400 to fees and conversion. The transfer takes three to five business days, sometimes longer, depending on the countries involved and any compliance holds. For the company, this is a manual process. Someone in finance must initiate each wire separately outside the normal payroll system. This doesn’t scale when paying multiple international workers monthly.

Employer of Record (EOR) services like Deel, Remote, and Oyster solve the compliance problem by becoming your legal employer in your country. They handle local tax withholding, benefits administration where required, employment law compliance, and regulatory reporting. The US company pays the EOR, and the EOR pays you in local currency through local banking.

From a compliance perspective, EORs are excellent. They handle complexity that the US company doesn’t want to navigate. You get true employee status with proper local compliance. The relationship is clear and legally sound.

The problems are cost and the employment relationship structure. EOR services charge companies 15–30% above your salary in fees. On a $100,000 salary, the company pays $115,000–130,000 total. Many startups and small companies can’t afford this premium, especially when hiring multiple international workers.

From your perspective, you’re employed by the EOR, not the US company. This can affect equity grants, promotion paths, and a sense of belonging to the team. You’re legally an employee of Deel or Remote, working for the US company through a services agreement. For some people, this matters. For others, it’s irrelevant as long as payment and compliance work smoothly.

Cryptocurrency and stablecoin payments are experimental. Some companies pay contractors in USDC or other stablecoins. Transfers are fast and cheap, but tax reporting is complex in most countries, not all workers are comfortable with crypto, regulatory frameworks are uncertain, and most professional payroll systems don’t support cryptocurrency payments. This remains a niche solution for specific situations, not a mainstream payroll approach.

The pattern across these traditional methods is that they’re either expensive (losing 5–10% to fees), slow (taking a week for payment to clear), administratively burdensome for companies (manual processes outside normal payroll), or legally complex (requiring entity formation or expensive EOR services).

Also read: Alternatives to domiciliary accounts in Nigeria

What you actually need to receive US payroll payments

Strip away complexity and focus on what actually needs to happen for payment to work.

For the company’s payroll system to process your payment smoothly, they need banking details that their system recognises. Most US payroll platforms expect US routing and account numbers. If you can provide those, payment works exactly like paying any other employee. The system validates the routing number, confirms the account number, and queues the ACH transfer for the next payroll run.

For payment to reach you efficiently, you need to receive USD without incurring significant fees or currency conversion costs. Payment should arrive within reasonable timeframes, 1 to 3 business days, not 7. You should be able to convert USD to your local currency at transparent rates when you choose, not when a bank forces immediate conversion.

For tax compliance, if you’re a contractor, you need to provide the company with Form W-8BEN certifying that you’re not a US taxpayer. This prevents them from withholding 30% of your payment for US taxes. If you’re an employee, tax withholding depends on your residency status and the company’s employment structure. This typically requires professional tax advice specific to your situation.

For legal compliance, the company needs to properly classify you as an employee or a contractor. If you’re a contractor, they need a clear contract specifying deliverables, payment terms, and intellectual property ownership. If you’re an employee, they need to address employment law compliance in your country, either through EOR services or by establishing legal presence themselves.

For documentation and record-keeping, you need transaction records for your country's tax filing. The company needs records for their accounting and potential audits.

What solves most of these requirements simultaneously is a USD account with US banking details that you provide to the company’s payroll system. This makes you payable through their normal automated process without requiring special international payment procedures.

The account should provide legitimate US routing and account numbers that payroll systems accept, allow you to hold USD without forced immediate conversion, offer transparent and affordable conversion to your local currency when needed, and generate proper transaction records suitable for tax documentation.

Also read: Best dollar account apps in Nigeria compared

How USD accounts enable US payroll reception outside the US

Modern financial infrastructure has developed solutions specifically designed to address this problem.

Fintech platforms partner with US banks through what’s called banking-as-a-service arrangements. The platforms hold financial services licenses in regulated jurisdictions for example, FINTRAC in Canada, FinCEN in the US and FCA in the UK. These partnerships enable the platform to provide US bank account details to customers worldwide without requiring them to establish direct relationships with US banks.

When you sign up with one of these platforms, you provide identification documents and proof of address from your country. Once your KYC is completed and verified, you receive a US routing number that identifies the platform’s partner bank and a US account number unique to you.

These details function exactly like traditional US bank account details for receiving ACH payments. When your US employer’s HR team asks for banking information, you provide your routing and account number. From their perspective, you’re providing standard domestic banking details. The payroll system validates the routing number, confirms it’s a legitimate US bank, and saves your information alongside other employees.

On payday, the payroll platform initiates an ACH transfer to your routing and account number. Payment enters the US ACH network, the same system used for all domestic payroll. Payment clears in one to two business days, sometimes same-day for instant payroll platforms. Funds are credited to your USD balance held by the fintech platform, segregated in accounts at the partner bank.

You can then hold the USD without converting it, convert to your local currency at transparent rates (typically 1–2% over mid-market rate, significantly better than the 3–5% markup traditional banks apply), withdraw to your local bank account in local currency, or spend directly using a USD debit card if the platform provides one.

This works for both you and your employer because it requires no changes to their payroll process, involves no special international payment procedures, creates no additional fees beyond normal payroll costs, eliminates manual wire transfers each pay period, and produces clean payroll records exactly like any other employee.

For you, it means receiving the full salary amount via ACH with no wire fees or intermediary bank deductions, control over currency conversion timing, transparent exchange rates when you do convert, proper documentation for tax purposes, and fast payment clearing in one to two days instead of seven to ten.

The financial difference is significant. With a traditional international wire transfer on $5,000 monthly salary, wire transfer fees cost $40, intermediary banks deduct $30, your bank charges $20 receiving fee, and currency conversion markup at 3% costs $150. You receive approximately $4,760. You’ve lost $240 or 4.8% of your salary.

When a USD account receives an ACH payment, there are no receiving fees. You hold $5,000 in your USD balance. When you convert at a 1.5% margin, the conversion costs $75. You receive approximately $4,925 in local currency. You’ve lost $75 or 1.5%. The savings are $165 per paycheck.

On a $60,000 annual salary paid bi-weekly over 26 paychecks, this saves approximately $4,290 annually. That’s meaningful money that was simply disappearing into banking infrastructure because payment methods weren’t designed for international work.

The regulatory framework that makes this legitimate and safe involves fintech platforms operating under financial services regulations in their jurisdictions. They must maintain licenses, comply with anti-money laundering requirements, implement know-your-customer procedures, and submit to regulatory oversight. Partner banks are fully licensed US institutions, typically FDIC-insured. Your funds are held in segregated accounts at these banks, separated from the platform’s operational funds.

You remain fully responsible for tax compliance in your country of residence. The USD account is a payment reception infrastructure, not a tax avoidance mechanism. All income must be declared and taxed according to your country’s tax laws.

Also read: How US startups pay remote workers outside the US

Grey: Multi-currency accounts for receiving US payroll

Grey provides USD, EUR, and GBP business accounts designed specifically for professionals receiving international payments, including US payroll and contractor income.

When you open a Grey account, you receive a USD account with US routing and account numbers. These details function exactly like traditional US bank accounts for receiving ACH payments from payroll systems.

The setup process involves signing up, providing identification and proof of address from your country, and completing the verification, which typically takes one to three business days. You then receive your USD account details, including routing number, account number, and bank name.

When providing details to your employer, you enter your Grey USD routing and account number in their payroll system. From the company’s perspective, you’re providing standard US banking details. Their payroll platform validates and accepts the routing number without any indication that this is anything other than a normal US bank account. No special international payment setup is required.

On payday, the company’s payroll system initiates an ACH transfer. Payment clears through the US banking system in one to two business days. Grey charges a 0.8% fee, with a minimum charge of $2 and a maximum charge of $10. For example, a $5,000 deposit will cost $10, while a €500 deposit will cost €4

When you need local currency, you convert only the amount required. Exchange rates are shown before you confirm, typically 1-2% over mid-market rate, which is significantly more affordable than traditional bank markups of 3-5%.

You control conversion timing. If USD to local currency rates are unfavourable, you can wait. If rates improve, you can convert more. This control is impossible with traditional wire transfers, where conversion occurs automatically at the rate that applies when the wire arrives.

Withdrawals to your local bank account process in one to three business days, depending on your country. You transfer converted local currency for local expenses like rent, utilities, and purchases that require local currency.

Beyond USD, because Grey provides EUR and GBP accounts with local banking details, if you work for multiple companies or do freelance work alongside your main employment, you can receive a US salary in your USD account, European client payments in your EUR account, and UK client payments in your GBP account, managing all currencies from one platform.

Grey is regulated by FINTRAC in Canada and FinCEN in the US. Your funds are held in segregated accounts at partner banks, which are FDIC-insured for USD balances. You remain responsible for tax compliance in your country of residence. Grey provides the infrastructure and documentation you need, but doesn’t file taxes on your behalf or provide tax advice.

This infrastructure works particularly well for remote workers receiving a US salary as contractors or employees, professionals working for multiple US companies or clients simultaneously, freelancers supplementing full-time income with contract work, and anyone receiving regular USD income who wants to minimise conversion losses and maintain control over currency management.

Global talent, global payment

Geographic location has become irrelevant for many professional roles. Talented developers, designers, marketers, and other professionals work for US companies from anywhere in the world, contribute to US startups meaningfully, and earn competitive salaries.

Payment infrastructure has finally evolved to match this reality. You don’t need to relocate to the US, form US business entities, or navigate expensive EOR services to receive US payroll efficiently. Modern financial infrastructure solves the payment problem cleanly.

With proper setup, a USD account with US banking details, a clear employment classification as an employee or contractor, and tax compliance handled correctly in your country, receiving a US salary outside the US is straightforward. Your location shouldn’t limit your opportunities. The infrastructure now exists to support genuinely global work with seamless payment.

Open your grey account or download the app to receive your US salary without paying wire fees, incurring poor exchange rates, or experiencing payment delays. Start receiving your paycheck the same way US-based employees do, with full control over your money and transparent costs at every step.

Frequently asked questions

Can I receive US payroll without a US bank account?

Yes, but it’s inefficient and expensive. Most US payroll systems use ACH direct deposit, which requires US routing and account numbers. Without these, companies must send international wire transfers, which cost them and you significant fees and poor exchange rates. Modern USD account platforms provide US banking details without requiring US residency.

Do I need to be a US citizen to receive a U.S. salary?

No. US companies can hire and pay non-US citizens working remotely from outside the US. Employment classification and tax implications vary based on your residency status and where you perform work, but citizenship isn’t required.

Will the US company withhold taxes from my salary?

It depends on your classification and tax residency. If you’re a contractor and not a US tax resident, complete Form W-8BEN to prevent 30% withholding. If you’re an employee, tax withholding depends on how the company structures your employment. Consult tax professionals for your specific situation.

What’s the difference between contractor and employee classification?

Contractors are self-employed, invoice for services, handle their own taxes, receive no benefits, and have work flexibility. Employees are on the company’s payroll, receive regular salary, may get benefits, and have employment protections. Classification depends on the nature of the working relationship, not just on contract language.

How long does US payroll take to arrive via ACH?

ACH transfers typically clear within 1-2 business days of payday. Some modern payroll platforms offer same-day ACH. This is substantially faster than international wire transfers, which take 5-10 business days.

What is Form W-8BEN, and why is it important?

Form W-8BEN certifies you’re not a US taxpayer. Without it, US companies must withhold 30% of contractor payments for US taxes. Completing W-8BEN prevents this withholding and confirms you’ll handle taxes in your country of residence.

How much will I lose to currency conversion?

Traditional bank wire transfers typically cost 5-7% total in fees and poor exchange rates. USD accounts with transparent conversion rates cost approximately 1–2% total. On a $60,000 annual salary, this difference saves $3,000–3,600 annually.

Can my employer pay me in my local currency?

Some employers offer this, but it’s usually worse financially. They convert USD to your currency at unfavourable corporate exchange rates, often with a 4–6% markup. Receiving USD and handling conversion yourself using competitive rates is typically better.

What if the company says they can’t pay internationally?

They likely mean their payroll system only supports domestic ACH. Provide USD account details (routing and account number) from a platform like Grey Business. From their perspective, you’re providing standard US banking information that works with existing systems.

‍

Sending money internationally should be easy but in reality, it’s often a maze of hidden fees, slow transfers, and confusing options. Imagine paying a supplier, only to see the amount arrive days late, or worse, less than you sent because of unexpected charges. Frustrating, right?

With so many platforms promising fast, cheap, and reliable transfers, how do you know which one actually delivers? Picking the wrong option can  waste time, energy, trust and cost money.

That’s why in this guide, we break down the best cross-border payment platforms of 2026, comparing fees, speed, transparency, and ease of use. By the end, you’ll know exactly which platform fits your needs, making international transfers simple, secure, and stress-free.

What is cross-border payment ?

Cross-border payments are transactions where money moves between two different countries, typically involving different currencies, financial systems, and regulatory frameworks. They are essential to global commerce, enabling businesses and individuals to send and receive funds internationally. As global payments are projected to reach nearly 290 trillion USD by 2030, the demand for faster, more secure, and efficient cross-border transactions continues to grow.

These payments are used in two main contexts:

• Wholesale cross-border: These occur between banks, governments, or large institutions, often for trade settlements or financial operations.
• Retail cross-border payments: These involve individuals and businesses, such as paying international suppliers, freelancers, subscriptions, or sending money to family abroad. Whether for trade or personal use, cross-border payments power global connectivity and economic activity.

Also read: How to manage cross-border payments when moving abroad

Who uses cross-border payments?

Cross-border payments are used by different people and organisations daily, each with unique needs, from global trade to personal transfers and digital services.

Businesses

Businesses use cross-border payments to pay international suppliers, receive payments from global customers, and manage operations across markets. Whether importing goods or exporting services, reliable transfers ensure smooth cash flow, maintain supplier relationships, and support expansion into new regions without financial disruption or delays.

Freelancers and remote workers

Freelancers and remote professionals rely on cross-border payments to receive earnings from clients worldwide. Payments for services like design, development, or consulting must arrive quickly and in full. Efficient systems help them manage income, avoid delays, and maintain steady work relationships across different countries.

Individuals and families

Individuals use cross-border payments to send money to family and friends abroad. These transfers often support daily living expenses, education, or emergencies. Speed, affordability, and reliability are critical, as delays or high fees can directly affect the well-being of recipients depending on these funds.

Digital sellers

Online sellers and platforms use cross-border payments to operate globally, receiving payments from customers in different countries. From e-commerce stores to digital products, these payments enable growth beyond local markets. Reliable systems help manage currencies, reduce fees, and ensure smooth transactions across borders.

Also read: How to choose a cross-border payments platform you can trust

Factors to consider before choosing a cross-border solution

Choosing the right cross-border payment platform requires careful thought. Key factors like speed, cost clarity, user experience, and security directly affect how smoothly your transactions go.

Speed

Transfer speed determines how quickly funds reach the recipient. Some platforms deliver within minutes, while others take days due to banking processes. Choosing a faster option is essential for urgent payments, ensuring reliability and reducing the stress of waiting or delayed transactions.

Transparency

Transparency means knowing exactly what you pay and what the recipient receives. Hidden fees and unclear exchange rates can reduce the final amount. A good platform clearly shows charges upfront, helping you avoid surprises and make informed decisions before sending money.

Customer experience

A smooth customer experience makes sending money simple and stress-free. Easy navigation, clear instructions, and responsive support help you complete transactions confidently. When issues arise, quick assistance ensures problems are resolved efficiently, reducing frustration and keeping your payments on track.

Security

Security is critical when sending money internationally. A reliable platform protects your funds and personal information through encryption, verification, and compliance with financial regulations. Strong security measures reduce risks of fraud or errors, ensuring your money reaches the intended recipient safely.

What are the best cross-border solutions in 2026?

Cross-border payments in 2026 are faster, more transparent, and built for global scale. Choosing the right platform depends on your needs; volume, speed, cost, and how you send or receive money.

Convera

Convera is built for high-volume B2B payments and treasury operations. It supports large international transfers with tailored FX pricing, often offering better rates than traditional banks for enterprise clients. Transfers typically take 1–3 business days, depending on corridors and compliance checks. Fees are customised, but generally lower at scale. For businesses managing global suppliers, payroll, or trade settlements, Convera provides structured workflows, risk management tools, and strong regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions.

OFX

OFX focuses on large international transfers with competitive exchange rates and no fixed transfer fees. Instead, it applies a small FX margin, usually around 0.4–1.5%, depending on volume. Transfers typically take 1–2 business days once funds are received. It’s particularly useful for businesses moving significant amounts across borders, offering rate alerts and forward contracts to manage currency risk. OFX is a strong option for companies prioritising cost efficiency and predictable FX outcomes.

Stripe

Stripe enables businesses to embed cross-border payments directly into their platforms using powerful APIs. It supports over 135 currencies, with fees typically around 2.9% + a fixed fee per transaction, plus 1–2% for currency conversion. Payouts usually take 2–7 days, depending on location and risk profile. Stripe is ideal for SaaS platforms, marketplaces, and digital businesses that need seamless global payment integration, automated workflows, and scalable infrastructure.

Wise Business

Wise Business is known for transparent pricing and real exchange rates with low fees, usually around 0.35–1%. Transfers are often completed within the same day or within 24 hours for major currencies. Businesses can hold and manage multiple currencies, making it ideal for paying international suppliers or receiving global payments. With no hidden charges and clear upfront costs, Wise Business is a reliable choice for SMEs seeking fast, affordable, and predictable cross-border transactions.

Payoneer

Payoneer is widely used by freelancers, e-commerce sellers, and marketplace vendors. It offers receiving accounts in USD, EUR, and GBP, allowing users to get paid like a local. Fees include up to 1% for receiving payments and 0.5–2% for currency conversion. Transfers to local bank accounts typically take 1–3 business days. Payoneer integrates with platforms like Amazon and Upwork, making it a practical solution for managing international earnings and payouts efficiently.

Grey

Grey provides a modern multi-currency solution for individuals and businesses operating globally. Users can hold, send, and receive money in USD, GBP, and EUR, with competitive FX rates around 0.5–1%. Transfers via ACH (USD) take 1–2 days, while SWIFT transfers typically complete within 1–3 business days. Grey also offers virtual USD debit cards and supports stablecoin transfers (USDC/USDT), enabling faster, lower-cost transactions. It’s ideal for freelancers and businesses needing flexible, fast, and affordable international payments across 170+ countries.

Getting started with Grey personal and Grey business

Choosing between Grey Personal and Grey Business depends on how you earn and manage your income. If you work independently, freelancing, consulting, or receiving payments directly from clients, a personal account is the right fit. It also works well for remote workers earning salaries in foreign currencies, and creators paid through platforms like YouTube or Patreon. With a personal account, you can receive funds in USD, EUR, or GBP while avoiding poor exchange rates and excessive fees.

If you’ve registered a company or operate under a business name, Grey Business is the better choice. It supports invoicing, client payments, and structured financial management as a formal entity. Using a business account keeps transactions clear, ensures compliance, and helps you scale professionally. Both accounts operate independently, so you can choose what aligns with how you work.

LDMAG1

Managing cross-border payments with Grey

Cross-border payment solves the challenge of moving funds across the globe efficiently. While many platforms exist with varying features and capabilities, Grey stands out as the ideal choice.

Designed for both personal and business use, Grey offers multi-currency accounts, competitive exchange rates, and fast, reliable transfers. It gives you full control over your money, whether receiving payments, managing international income, or paying clients. Sign up or download the Grey app today and experience seamless cross-border payments.

‍

These days, with modern transfer options, you can move funds internationally from Belgium to Morocco with ease and confidence. Even though sending money seems simple, navigating the process isn’t always straightforward. Understanding how different services work, which currencies they support, and transfer speeds is essential for a smooth experience.

This guide explains the fastest, most seamless ways to send money from Belgium to Morocco, outlining transfer options, setup steps, and tips to ensure your funds reach their destination safely and efficiently.

Also read: Morocco's growing appeal for European remote workers

Challenges of sending money from Belgium to Morocco

Sending money internationally sounds simple, but it comes with hurdles. From fees to access issues, knowing the challenges upfront helps you choose the best method.

High transfer fees

Traditional banks and some money transfer services can charge high fees, sometimes hidden in the exchange rate or additional processing costs. These extra charges can reduce the amount your recipient actually receives, making it frustrating when you want every euro to count. Understanding the full cost upfront is essential.

Slow processing times

Bank-to-bank transfers can take several days, leaving you or your recipient waiting unnecessarily. Delays can be stressful, especially if the funds are urgent for family support or business needs.

Currency conversion fluctuations

Exchange rates fluctuate constantly, so the amount you receive in Morocco may differ from what you expected. Even small swings can add up, affecting your budget or planned transfers.

Limited bank accounts access

Not everyone in Morocco has a bank account, which can make receiving funds tricky. Choosing a service that allows cash pickup or mobile wallet deposits ensures your money reaches its destination efficiently.

Also read: How Moroccan freelancers increase income in 2026

Fast transfer methods for sending money from Belgium to Morocco

Sending or receiving money internationally can be stressful if transfers take days. Choosing the fastest method ensures your funds arrive quickly, safely, and with minimal fees, keeping you in control.

Wise

Wise allows you to send money from Belgium to Morocco at transparent fees, usually 0.35–1% of the amount. Transfers to Moroccan bank accounts often arrive the same day or within 24 hours. You can see exactly how much the recipient will receive, avoiding hidden charges. For anyone sending regular payments to Morocco, Wise offers speed, reliability, and predictable costs, making it ideal for freelancers, families, or small business transfers.

Remitly

Remitly lets you send funds from Belgium to Morocco via Express or Economy options. Express transfers reach Moroccan bank accounts or mobile wallets within minutes, with fees around €3–€5, while Economy takes 3–5 days with lower charges. You can also choose cash pickup for instant access. Remitly is perfect when timing is critical or the recipient needs cash immediately, providing flexibility and transparency for your international transfers.

Cash pickup services

Cash pickup services like Western Union and MoneyGram provide near-instant transfers, with fees varying by amount and destination. Recipients can collect cash at local agents within minutes, making it useful for those without bank accounts or needing urgent access. While slightly costlier than digital transfers, these services offer reliability and convenience for sending money quickly to anyone around the world.

Paysend / Sendwave

Paysend and Sendwave allow instant or same-day transfers directly to Mastercard, Visa, or mobile wallets, with small fees of around $1–$3. This method avoids traditional bank delays, giving recipients immediate access. It’s ideal for quick payments to freelancers, family, or clients, combining speed, transparency, and convenience. Transfers are easy to track, giving you confidence that your money reaches the recipient securely and promptly.

How to avoid delays and extra charges

Sending money internationally can be stressful if it’s delayed. Knowing how to avoid common pitfalls ensures your funds reach recipients quickly and securely.‍

Double-check recipient information: Before sending money, verify every detail of the recipient’s account. Even a small error in bank numbers, IBAN, or SWIFT codes can cause delays or rejected transfers. Taking a moment to double-check ensures your funds arrive on time, avoiding unnecessary frustration and follow-ups.‍

Track transfers in real-time: Most services now let you monitor your transfer from start to finish. Real-time tracking alerts you to delays or issues, giving peace of mind. By keeping an eye on the transfer, you can act quickly if problems arise, ensuring the recipient receives money promptly.‍

Compare multiple providers before sending: Different providers charge different fees and offer varying delivery speeds. Compare options such as Wise, Grey, Remitly, or Taptap Send to find the fastest, most cost-effective method. Doing your research helps prevent unexpected delays and ensures your money reaches the recipient efficiently.

Manage international transfer from Belgium

Avoiding delays when sending money internationally starts with choosing the right service. Grey offers fast, secure, and low-fee transfers, letting you hold or convert multiple currencies with ease. Real-time tracking and reliable delivery give peace of mind, ensuring your funds reach recipients quickly. For anyone looking for a stress-free way to send money, signing up or downloading the Grey app today puts you in full control of your transfers.

‍

Creating courses for sale on an Edtech platform is one way professionals can earn passive income. A programmer can create a JavaScript course with videos, text, and tasks, upload it to a platform, and have beginners buy it to learn. It is a great passive income source because the platform handles payments, manages students, and delivers content.

On the flip side, you are expected to provide a payout option to receive your earnings. Your choice determines how quickly you can access your earnings and how much you get to keep. Managing Teachable payments is considerably more difficult for international course creators because payouts are usually denominated in USD.  Without a USD account, you face high transaction fees, forced conversions at unfavourable rates, and delayed payouts.

This article explains exactly how Teachable payouts work for international creators, what each gateway costs, and how to set up a receiving system that protects as much of your course revenue as possible.

Also read: How to pay for online courses and certifications with Grey

How does Teachable's payment system work?

Teachable processes student payments through its own built-in payment infrastructure, called teachable:pay, which runs on Stripe. When a student buys your course, Teachable collects the payment, deducts its platform fee and processing costs, and then routes the remainder to your payout account according to the schedule you selected.

The gateway and payout method available to you depend on the country your school is registered in. Teachable divides its creator base into two groups:

• Creators in teachable:pay-supported countries can connect directly to a bank account and choose daily, weekly, or monthly payouts.
• Creators in unsupported countries are automatically enrolled in the Monthly Payment Gateway, which pays out to PayPal only on the first business day of each month.

A creator using teachable:pay receives their earnings directly to a bank account on a date they stipulate. A creator on the Monthly Payment Gateway receives earnings to PayPal once a month, and then faces PayPal's conversion fees and withdrawal restrictions, depending on their country.

Understanding Teachable's fee structure

Teachable’s current plan offers:

• Starter plan ($39/month): 7.5% transaction fee on every sale, plus payment processing fees.
• Builder plan ($99/month): 0% base transaction fee, plus payment processing fees.
• Growth plan ($189/month): 0% base transaction fee, plus payment processing fees.
• Advanced plan ($399/month): 0% base transaction fee, plus payment processing fees.

For payment processing, Stripe charges approximately 2.9% plus $0.30 per card transaction on standard processing. Let's say you make a course sale of  $97 on the Starter plan, Teachable deducts 7.5% ($7.28), Stripe deducts 2.9% + $0.30 ($3.11), and you are left with approximately $86.61 before the payout. The same sale on the Builder plan skips the 7.5% transaction fee, leaving you with approximately $93.89.

However, you should not be quick to upgrade to a Builder plan unless your monthly sales are at least $800. This is when you’d really be saving up on transaction fees.

Managing Teachable payouts with teachable:pay

If your course is registered in a country where teachable:pay is available, this is the most direct and cost-effective payout route. Your earnings are paid to your bank account via Stripe's Connect Express infrastructure, on the payout schedule you select: daily, weekly, or monthly.

Here is how this works:

• A student purchases your course and pays via credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or PayPal.
• Teachable processes payments through Stripe and holds them in a rolling reserve.
• On your chosen payout schedule, Stripe releases the funds and initiates a transfer to your connected bank account.
• For creators in the US, this is a direct ACH transfer. For creators in other supported countries, Stripe handles cross-border transfers to a local bank account in their local currency.

For the first payout, it can take four to six weeks for Stripe to complete their risk assessment. After that, subsequent payouts follow the schedule more consistently.

To use teachable:pay:

• Enter your phone number and complete Stripe’s quick verification (ID + basic details — usually takes minutes).
• Connect your bank account:
• For the best rates and speed, use a virtual USD (or local currency) account from Grey, Wise, Raenest, or Cleva instead of a traditional local bank.
• Provide the routing and account number (or IBAN/sort code) of your USD account. These work perfectly with Stripe payouts in most supported countries.
• Choose your payout schedule: daily (earnings paid ~2 business days after sale), weekly (every Thursday), or monthly.

It is important to note that your earnings will be withheld if you have earned over $500 and have not submitted a tax form. Submitting the W-8BEN (for non-US individuals) or W-8BEN-E (for non-US entities) is required before your first significant payout.

Also read: Managing multiple income streams as a freelance creative

Receiving Teachable payouts via the Monthly Payment Gateway

For creators in countries not eligible for teachable:pay, this is the only native payout option Teachable offers. It pays out to your PayPal account on the first business day of each month. This leaves you with no control over when or how you receive your money.

Once you provide your details, the payout goes to your PayPal account, and you are left to figure out how to access it. Your next steps largely depend on whether PayPal is supported in your country. What happens from that point depends on where you are and how PayPal functions in your market.

This poses a lot of problems for international creators outside the areas teachable:pay

• PayPal's conversion rate is typically 3% to 5% below mid-market.
• High transaction fees
• Frequent account freezes

Receiving payments from Teachable as an international course creator

Whether your money arrives via Stripe to a bank account or via PayPal to a balance, the conversion to your local currency is where a significant amount of cost can be added or avoided, depending on your setup.

For creators on teachable:pay receiving USD, EUR, or GBP payouts via Stripe, directing those funds to a virtual foreign currency account gives you control over the conversion timing. The payout arrives in the original currency; you hold it, and you convert at a disclosed rate when it works for you, rather than accepting whatever the receiving bank applies on that day.

When you receive a USD payout from Stripe into a Grey USD account, the money moves through the US banking network via ACH. There are no intermediary bank charges as you find with an international wire transfer.

Using Custom Payment Gateway for receiving Teachable payouts

One of the perks of the Growth or Advanced plan is that you get more control you want full control, connect your own Stripe or PayPal account directly. Payouts and fees are then handled by Stripe/PayPal instead of Teachable.

These are the fees that may apply:

• Teachable transaction fee: 0% on Builder+ plans (7.5% on Starter).
• Processing fees (charged to the sale, not deducted from your payout):
  • US cards: 2.9% + $0.30
  • International cards: 3.9% + $0.30
  • PayPal fees are higher (up to 4.99% + $0.49 for international).
• Your net payout: Teachable sends you the full sales amount minus processing fees (and any Teachable transaction fee). Reserves may apply (10–100% held temporarily for refunds).
• Timing:
  • teachable:pay: 1–2 business days (daily) or weekly/monthly.
  • Monthly Payment Gateway: 1st of the following month.

Tips when receiving payouts from Teahcable.

Here are some things to put in place as you prepare for your payout:

• Submit your tax form before you start selling: Teachable will withhold your payouts if your earnings exceed $500, and you’ve not submitted a tax form. The W-8BEN for individuals is straightforward, but waiting until your balance is frozen to sort it out is avoidable.
• Check your gateway eligibility before launching: If your country is eligible for teachable:pay, setting it up correctly before your first sale means you benefit from direct bank payouts from the start, rather than defaulting to the Monthly Payment Gateway by inaction.
• Don’t use the same PayPal account for Teachable as for other income sources if PayPal is restricted in your market: Account restrictions that affect one income stream can affect all of them. Keeping them separate reduces the impact of any single platform issue.
• Set your course pricing in USD unless most of your audience is in a specific non-USD market: USD is the most widely recognised pricing currency for online courses and offers the most predictable payout in the currency most fintech platforms handle best.

Receive your Teachable payouts with Grey

Grey gives international course creators virtual USD, GBP, and EUR accounts with real foreign banking details. For creators on teachable:pay, directing your Stripe payout to a Grey USD account means the funds arrive via ACH with no intermediary bank fees. You get to keep your earnings in USD, convert at competitive rates, and withdraw to your local bank account at a flat fee.

Grey offers virtual Visa cards that charge directly from your multi-currency balance, so you don’t need regular top-ups. You also get to integrate your card with Google Pay and Apple Pay to use contactless and pay without issues.

Sign up on Grey and download the app to get virtual foreign currency accounts for receiving Teachable payouts.

‍

Sending money from Spain to Algeria should be simple and fast. You hit “send,” expecting your family, friend, or business partner to receive the full amount immediately. But a day passes… then two. Then you get a message from the receiver: “The money hasn't arrived yet?” You check the transfer, still “processing.”

When it finally reaches them, the amount is smaller than expected. Hidden fees, middleman banks, and poor exchange rates have taken their cut, turning a simple payment into a frustrating hassle.

Every transfer shouldn’t feel like a gamble. Here, you’ll see how to send money safely, quickly, and in full, so what you send is exactly what arrives on the other side.

Also read: The ultimate digital bank account for freelancers in Algeria

Why money moves from Spain to Algeria every day

Many Spaniards send money to Algeria, reflecting strong professional and personal ties between the two countries. A significant portion of these transfers comes from freelance or contract work. Algerians often provide services remotely, such as IT, design, consulting, or digital marketing for Spanish clients. Payments are sent to support their livelihoods, fund projects, or cover living expenses back home.

Family connections also play an important role. Freelancers frequently share earnings with relatives in Algeria to support education, healthcare, or daily needs, thereby maintaining financial stability and keeping loved ones secure.

Business collaboration adds another layer. Spanish entrepreneurs and small businesses working with Algerian professionals send funds to pay for services, digital products, or project milestones. These payments strengthen trust and ensure smooth, ongoing partnerships, reinforcing professional networks while supporting international freelance opportunities.

What makes sending money from Spain to Algeria challenging?

When you initiate a transfer, the first hurdle can be banking logistics. Not all Spanish banks support direct transfers to Algeria, and many require one or more intermediary banks to process the payment. Each intermediary can add fees, delays, and uncertainty, leaving you constantly checking the transfer status and worrying if it will arrive at all.

Even when the money moves, exchange rates can complicate the picture. The Algerian dinar fluctuates daily, and small changes can reduce the value received. Added conversion fees from banks or payment providers further eat into the amount, meaning your recipient often gets less than you expected. For freelancers or family relying on timely payments, this can disrupt plans, bills, and work schedules.

Finally, compliance and documentation requirements add another layer of complexity. Transfers may need identity verification, tax forms, or government approvals due to Algeria’s strict foreign currency regulations. Each step slows the process, creating stress and uncertainty. Understanding these challenges and choosing reliable services is crucial to ensuring money arrives safely, quickly, and in full.

How to send money faster without delays

Sending money to Algeria doesn’t have to be complicated. Knowing the fastest, most reliable methods helps you avoid delays and high fees, ensuring your transfers arrive safely and on time.

Remitly

Remitly lets you send money to Algeria with options for bank deposits, mobile wallets, or cash pickups. Express transfers arrive in minutes for around €3–€5, while Economy may take 3–5 days with lower fees. Transparent exchange rates convert euros to Algerian dinars efficiently, avoiding hidden costs. You can track transfers in real time, giving confidence that your money reaches recipients safely and on time, whether supporting family or paying for freelance services.

Paysend

Paysend offers fast, direct transfers to Mastercard cards in Algeria, usually arriving instantly or within a day. Fees are low, often fixed around €1–€3 per transaction, and exchange rates are competitive. Unlike traditional banks, Paysend avoids multiple intermediaries, reducing delays. It’s ideal for urgent payments or regular transfers, allowing you to send money from your phone or computer while knowing exactly how much the recipient will receive.

MoneyGram

MoneyGram provides flexible delivery, including online, app-based, or in-person transfers. Cash pickups are often available within minutes, while bank deposits may take 1–2 days. Fees depend on speed, amount, and location, typically ranging between USD5–USD15, so planning ahead can save costs. Its global agent network ensures reliable access even in remote areas. MoneyGram is ideal when the recipient needs immediate cash or you want multiple delivery options with tracked, secure transfers.

Revolut

Revolut offers bank-to-bank transfers at lower fees than many traditional banks, often with no additional charges for standard transfers. Delivery to Algerian accounts typically takes 1–2 business days, and exchange rates are competitive, sometimes saving up to 2–3% compared with banks. The platform is user-friendly, supports multiple currencies, and provides real-time notifications. Revolut is perfect for anyone looking to send funds safely, affordably, and efficiently, whether for business payments or supporting family.

Xe

Xe is a secure platform for sending money to Algerian bank accounts, offering reliable delivery within 1–3 business days. Fees are low, often zero for standard transfers, and the exchange rates are transparent and competitive. Scheduled transfers and rate alerts allow you to optimise when to send money. Xe is especially useful for larger amounts or recurring payments, giving you control over costs and timing while ensuring funds reach the recipient securely.

What matters most before you send money internationally

• Exchange rates: Before sending money, check the full cost, not just the transfer fee. Exchange rates can vary widely, and small differences affect how much reaches Algeria. Comparing providers helps ensure you get the best value and avoid losing money through hidden charges.
• Transfer speed: Consider how quickly the money needs to arrive. Some methods deliver funds within minutes, while others take several days. Choosing between speed and cost is important, especially when sending urgent payments or supporting time-sensitive needs.
• Delivery method for the recipient: Think about how the recipient will access the money. Bank deposits, cash pickups, or card transfers each have different requirements. Choosing the right option ensures the recipient can receive and use the funds easily without delays.
• Regulations and transfer limits: Be aware of local regulations and transfer limits when sending money from Spain to Algeria. Some services require identity checks or impose limits on amounts. Understanding these rules helps prevent delays, rejected transactions, or compliance issues.

LDMAG1

Managing international transfers with Grey

With the right approach, transfers can be fast, affordable, and dependable, whether you’re paying for services or supporting someone back home. What matters most is choosing methods that reduce delays, offer fair exchange rates, and ensure the money arrives exactly as intended.

For those receiving funds, having a multi-currency account, such as Grey, adds real value. It allows easier access to payments, better control over currency conversion, and fewer limitations. Open your Grey account or download the app today to receive money smoothly and with confidence.

‍

Being a consultant to multinational corporations and international bodies reflects your expertise. Whether you are providing insights on curbing malnutrition in Sub-Saharan Africa, providing a client with marketing insights in South East Asia, or advising a board on executive decisions and strategic planning, you might still have to worry about how to structure your payment terms with US clients.

To be honest, it can be distracting when you are shuffling through payment options or racking your head over how to draft the best payment plan, depending on the scope of engagement. Such administrative dilemmas come with the job and can be essential in ensuring you can give your best.

Understanding US clients’ expectations for payment contracts and invoicing is a crucial part of running a successful, professional consulting practice. This article explains how to structure payment terms with US clients and how your payment infrastructure affects your receipt of consulting income.

Also read: Negotiating cross-border freelance contracts: Tips and templates

Start with the contract

The most common mistake consultants make is treating payment terms as something that lives on the invoice rather than as terms agreed in the contract before work begins. By the time you are sending an invoice, the important decisions have already been made, or not made. And this can pose future problems. A consulting contract with a US client should specify the following before any work is delivered:

• The billing currency
• The payment schedule
• The accepted payment methods
• The due date
• Who absorbs transfer or transaction fees?
• What happens when payment is not received on time?

Ignoring any of these details can have severe consequences, including breaching trust, affecting work results, and reducing your earnings.

Decide on the billing currency

For consultants based outside the United States working with US clients, billing in USD is the standard approach. Beyond this being conventional, billing in USD means the currency exchange burden falls on you rather than your client. While this may sound like a disadvantage, it gives you control over when and how the conversion occurs. A client paying a $5,000 USD invoice sends $5,000. What you receive in your local currency depends on the rate you get at the point of conversion, which you can optimise by using a platform with competitive rates and choosing when to convert rather than having the conversion forced on you at the moment the payment arrives.

Whether that is naira, rupees, or dirhams, billing in local currencies can be problematic for US clients because they may not have a payment system that efficiently manages them. International wire transfer will take 3% to 5% of your earnings during conversion, and it will be your loss, not the client’s.

Choosing the right payment structure

The right payment structure for consultants working with US clients largely depends on the contract’s scope and duration. There is no single payment structure that fits every consulting arrangement.

1. Full upfront payment

The entire fee is paid before work begins. This structure is appropriate for short, well-defined engagements with a clear, fixed deliverable. This will include consultancy roles such as a one-day strategy session, a specific audit, and a defined report. This structure requires sufficient credibility and a track record because the client is paying for a service they haven’t received in good faith, hoping you will meet their expectations.

2. Deposit plus balance

A deposit of 30% to 50% is paid before work begins, and the balance is due at a defined point. This defined point can be on the delivery date, at a specific milestone, at a particular number of days into the engagement, or at project completion.

The deposit serves as a commitment from both sides and balances the risk. The consultant has confirmed the client is serious enough to part with money before the work is done. The client has not paid for something they have not yet received in full. Be wary of being vague with the balance terms. Don’t just say “upon completion”. Instead, use “within 14 days of delivery of the final report” or “on the first business day following client sign-off.”

3. Milestone-based payments

This is a great option for long-term consultancy engagements such as strategy projects spanning months, implementations, and phased advisory work. Payments in these situations can be tied to specific milestones rather than a specific payment date. A popular structure is to request 30% upfront, 30% upon completion of phase one, 20% upon completion of phase two, and 20% upon final delivery.

One crucial part of milestone-based payment structures is defining the milestone. For instance, you have to clearly stipulate what completing phase one means. What deliverable does the client receive? What is the acceptance process? Milestone payment structures act as guardrails. Delaying a milestone payment can be an early red flag in such an engagement.

4. Monthly retainer

A monthly retainer is a fixed amount paid at the start of each month for your expertise. It is basically like being on a monthly payroll. Usually, there is a fixed metric to determine the scope of work, such as a set number of hours, calls, or deliverables. If steady cash flow is a priority, then a monthly retainer structure is most suitable. This applies to long-term roles and eliminates the stress of sending an invoice every month.

Deciding the payment terms

You should clearly define the payment terms for your consultancy engagements to ensure everyone is on the same page and expectations are well-managed. Here are some terms you should be familiar with when drafting your payment terms:

1. Net terms

Net terms define how many days the client has to pay an invoice from the date it is issued. Net 30 is the most common standard in US business. Net 14 or Net 15 is becoming more popular, especially for short, small engagements. For consultants outside the US, shorter net terms work better because the process from when you send the invoice to when the payment is initiated and when you finally receive the money takes time.

2. Late payment clauses

A late payment clause specifies what happens when an invoice is not paid by the due date. The standard approach is a monthly interest charge on the outstanding balance, typically 1.5% per month (18% annual rate). You can also opt for a flat late fee.

3. Work suspension rights

Your contract should give you the right to suspend work if an invoice is not paid when due. Without this clause, you have no contractual basis for pausing work even if you are being owed. Here is something you can use:

‘If payment is not received within seven business days of the due date, the consultant reserves the right to pause all deliverables until the outstanding balance is settled, without affecting the agreed project timeline.’

4. Fee responsibility

International payments incur costs on both sides. Your client’s bank charges them to initiate an international wire. If they use ACH to a virtual USD account, the cost is minimal or zero. You are also charged for receiving the money. Fee responsibility for international payments depends on the agreement, contract terms, or chosen payment method. Practices may vary, but it is standard for the initiating party (client) to bear the sending costs, while the recipient (contractor) often bears the receiving costs, such as currency conversion or intermediary bank fees. To avoid surprise deductions, the contract can explicitly state that payments should be received “net of all transfer fees”.

5. Currency fluctuation for long engagements

If you are billing in USD for a multi-month engagement, the conversion rate to your local currency may fluctuate over the course of the contract. Consultants often leave some room for reasonable fluctuation when charging. For very long or very large engagements, it is worth deciding in advance whether the engagement is priced in fixed USD throughout or whether it includes a rate review provision at defined intervals. Whatever you decide, having it written into the contract makes things clear.

Receiving consulting payments from US clients

How you choose to receive your consultancy payments is just as important as the payment terms, because it determines whether your money will arrive on time and in full.

Managing payments from US clients while living outside the US can be more challenging than domestic transactions. And since you cannot open traditional USD accounts without a Social Security Number and living in the US, you might end up with international wire transfers. When the client initiates the transfer, the payment instruction is sent via the SWIFT network to the intermediary banks that process the payment. As money moves from one bank to another, fees are imposed, usually around $10 to $25 per bank. It takes about 2 to 5 business days to complete the transaction, and the money is automatically converted at rates with hidden margins.

You can receive payments from US clients via ACH to a virtual USD account. Cross-border payment solutions like Grey, Wise, and Raenest offer USD accounts that work just like regular bank accounts. Transactions are usually free or cost under $1, and the receiving fee varies by platform. You can keep your earnings in USD and convert them whenever you like. This option proves faster and cheaper than international wire transfers.

Also read: Wire transfer vs ACH: cheapest way to receive USD

Receive consulting payments with Grey

Structuring your consultancy payment efficiently helps you focus more on your work and worry less about your payments. By setting up clear payment terms and having a reliable payment solution to receive your payments, you can easily manage your payments.

‍Grey gives consultants outside the US virtual USD accounts with real US banking details, allowing US clients to pay via ACH. A 0.8% receive fee (capped at $10 and a minimum of $2) applies, which is much lower than for international wire transfers. You hold the balance in USD, convert at the mid-market rate with 1% conversion fee capped at $6 per conversion, and withdraw to your local bank account at a flat fee. GBP and EUR accounts are available on the same platform for UK and European clients.

Grey virtual cards offer you more flexibility by letting you pay in foreign currencies through your bank. The card integrates with Apple Pay and Google Pay, making online transactions and contactless payments easier.

Efficient payment structures, combined with the right payment system, will help you streamline your consulting cash flow. Sign up on Grey and download the app to receive consulting payments from US clients with ease.

‍