South Africa’s freelancing community is booming, with platforms like Upwork giving remote workers access to global opportunities. Yet, receiving international payments remains a challenge, as high fees, unfavourable exchange rates, and slow processing times eat into earnings. Fortunately, Grey offers a seamless solution to simplify and optimise payments for South African freelancers.

Here’s how you can use Grey to receive your Upwork payments efficiently in 2025.

Also read: The best digital nomad jobs to earn from anywhere in South Africa

How Upwork payments work

Upwork provides several ways to receive payments, each with its pros and cons:

• Direct to local bank transfer: Payments arrive in ZAR (South African Rand), but conversion rates are often unfavourable, and transfer fees can be high.
• PayPal and Payoneer: Both are popular for freelancers but can incur higher fees and longer processing times for withdrawals to local bank accounts.
• Wire transfers: Reliable for larger amounts but often subject to significant costs and delays.

These methods work, but they’re not always ideal for maximising your earnings. That’s where Grey steps in as a modern, multi-currency account solution.

Create a free Grey account to receive Upwork payments in South Africa.

Grey offers South African freelancers an easy way to manage their international payments.

1. Visit Grey’s website or download the app.
2. Sign up using your email address and complete the KYC verification process with your ID and proof of residence.
3. Once verified, you’ll receive international account details to start receiving payments.

Also read: How to open US and UK bank accounts in South Africa

How to link your Grey account to Upwork

Grey makes connecting to Upwork hassle-free:

1. Log into Upwork and go to Settings > Get Paid.
2. Select 'Add a Payment Method' and choose the type of bank account that matches your Grey account (e.g., USD, GBP, or EUR).
3. Input your Grey bank details and confirm.
4. Select the account type(Individual Checking) and enter the routing number(ACH routing).
5. Enter your account number and select Add Bank Account.
6. Confirm and start receiving payments directly to your Grey wallet.

Why choose Grey for Upwork payments?

Grey is designed to cater to freelancers and remote workers managing international transactions. Here’s why it’s perfect for South African freelancers:

• Cost savings: Grey’s low transfer fees and competitive exchange rates ensure you keep more of your earnings.
• Quick processing: Enjoy faster payment processing compared to traditional banking channels.
• Multi-Currency flexibility: Hold, manage, and withdraw your payments in USD, GBP, EUR, or ZAR.
• No hidden charges: Transparent fees ensure you always know what you’re paying.

Closing thoughts

Upwork has opened global doors for South African freelancers, but managing international payments can often be a stumbling block. Grey offers a seamless, cost-effective, and flexible solution to ensure you maximise your earnings while simplifying the payment process.

Sign up for your free Grey account today and experience a smarter way to receive your Upwork payments in 2025.

‍