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How to sell & receive payments on Etsy in South Africa

Olayoyin Olorunmota

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Etsy is a global marketplace for creatives, offering a platform to sell handmade items, vintage products, and craft supplies to millions of buyers worldwide.

This guide will show you how to receive your Etsy payments as a seller from South Africa, using Grey.

Why selling on Etsy is worth it

Selling on Etsy offers numerous benefits for South African creators and entrepreneurs:

  • Global reach: Connect with millions of buyers worldwide who value handmade and unique products.
  • Diverse product categories: Whether it’s traditional South African embroidery, jewellery, or vintage finds, Etsy caters to all kinds of creative products.
  • Supportive platform: Etsy provides tools and resources to help you grow your shop and reach more customers.

How to receive Etsy payments as a seller in South Africa

Grey offers an easy solution for receiving international payments as a South African Etsy seller. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Open your Grey app

Log in to your Grey account to access international bank accounts in USD, GBP, or EUR.

2. Link your Grey account to Etsy

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  • Select your bank’s country.
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  • Choose whether you’re registering as an individual or a business.
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  • Enter your personal information, i.e. name and address.
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  • Add your Grey US, EU, or UK bank account details.
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  • Etsy will process payments to your Grey account, making it easy to manage your earnings.

With your Grey account linked, you can receive Etsy payouts directly into your international bank account.It is important to note that you will have to provide a valid ID and depending on the location you pick, you may have to fill in a valid address, and social security number for your account to be verified.

Why use Grey for Etsy payments?

Grey simplifies the payment process for South African Etsy sellers. Here’s why it’s the best choice:

  • Access to multiple currencies: Receive payments in USD, GBP, or EUR depending on your buyers’ preferences.
  • Competitive exchange rates: Maximise your earnings when converting to ZAR.
  • Secure transactions: Grey’s robust security features ensure your funds are protected.
  • Hassle-free withdrawals: Transfer your earnings to your local bank account with ease.

Also read: How to withdraw to your local bank account on Grey

Tips for succeeding as a South African seller on Etsy

  • Optimise your listings: Use high-quality photos and detailed descriptions to make your products stand out.
  • Offer international shipping: Expand your customer base by providing global shipping options.
  • Respond quickly: Engage with buyers by answering queries promptly and addressing concerns professionally.
  • Leverage social media: Promote your products on platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to drive traffic to your Etsy shop.

Simplify Etsy payments with Grey

With Grey, you can stop worrying about receiving payments or converting your earnings from Etsy. Manage your finances seamlessly and focus on growing your creative business.

Sign up for a Grey account today and unlock a world of possibilities for your Etsy shop in South Africa.

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Last updated:

October 2, 2026

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How Nigerians working remotely protect income from FX swings

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2 min read

One of the biggest challenges after getting international clients is protecting your income from exchange rate swings. The ideal sequence is that after you complete a project, you send your invoice, and then receive payment in dollars or pounds. It feels rewarding, but living in Nigeria means constantly thinking about the naira. Should you convert immediately or wait? In a market where FX rates change quickly, even a short delay can significantly affect how much ends up in your account.

From Lagos to Abuja to Port Harcourt, freelancers and tech professionals manage foreign income strategically. Some use domiciliary accounts, while others rely on fintech platforms to hold foreign currency. The goal is to avoid unnecessary conversions and reduce exposure to sudden drops.

This article explains practical methods Nigerians use to manage FX risk and protect the true value of their remote earnings.

How FX swings impact your remote earnings

Foreign exchange (FX) swings happen when the value of the naira rises or falls against currencies like the dollar or pound. In Nigeria, rates can change quickly because of inflation, demand for dollars, government policies, and market pressure. One week, the rate is stable; the next week it shifts sharply. For anyone earning in foreign currency, that movement is never just news, it directly affects your money.

First, FX swings can change how much your income is worth overnight. You might receive $1,000 feeling confident, only to see the rate drop before you convert. That difference can affect rent, family support, or savings plans.

Second, it affects planning. School fees, subscriptions, and travel costs become harder to budget when rates move unpredictably.

Finally, sudden swings create pressure to convert quickly, which can lead to rushed financial decisions and lost value.

Also read: How Nigerian freelancers maximise their foreign earnings

Smart ways to protect your remote income from FX changes

In Nigeria, currency rates can change quickly, and protecting your foreign income takes planning and smart choices.

Earn in foreign currency

One of the easiest ways to avoid losing money to FX swings is to earn in foreign currency. Getting paid in dollars or pounds protects your income from the naira’s ups and downs.

Many Nigerian remote workers now look for international clients so their payments hold value before converting. This way, you keep more of what you earn.  And once you start earning in foreign currency, the next step is knowing the best ways to receive your money safely and without losing value to unnecessary fees.

  • Grey: Grey lets Nigerians receive payments in USD, GBP, and EUR. You get foreign account details, hold funds safely, and convert when rates are favourable.
  • Payoneer: Payoneer allows freelancers to receive international payments from global clients and marketplaces. You can hold foreign currency and withdraw when exchange rates suit you.
  • Wise: Wise provides multi-currency accounts with local bank details abroad. Nigerian remote workers can receive, hold, and convert foreign income with transparent fees.

Monitor market rates

Exchange rates in Nigeria can move fast, and small changes affect your income. Checking the rates regularly, like people watch dollar or gold prices, helps you know when to convert. Converting straight away isn’t always best. Waiting for a better rate can mean keeping thousands of extra naira, especially when receiving bigger payments from overseas clients. Here’s how you can keep an eye on exchange rates.

  • Check both official and parallel market rates regularly to know the true value before converting.
  • Track trends over days or weeks instead of converting immediately for small fluctuations.
  • Set a target rate based on your expenses, like school fees, rent, or household bills, so you convert at the most useful time.

Also read: Managing foreign currency earnings as a remote worker in Nigeria

Invest in foreign markets

Another smart move is to save or invest some of your earnings in foreign assets, like dollars, stocks, or online savings accounts. By keeping part of your money in a stronger currency, you protect it from the naira losing value. This gives you more control, helps cover future expenses, and makes your income safer over the long term.

  • Open a trusted platform that allows Nigerians to buy foreign stocks, ETFs, or hold dollar-based investments.
  • Start small and invest a portion of your income, not everything at once.
  • Focus on stable, long-term options instead of risky**,** quick-profit schemes.
  • Keep records of your investments and review them regularly to ensure they still align with your financial goals.

Myths about FX swings for remote earners

You can always predict the rates: Many Nigerian remote workers think they can time the market perfectly, but FX rates are influenced by government policies, oil prices, and market demand. Even experts struggle to predict sudden changes. Relying on guesses can lead to converting at the wrong time and losing a significant portion of your hard-earned income.

Converting immediately is always best: It’s a common belief that you should convert your foreign earnings as soon as they arrive. In reality, converting immediately can mean losing money if the naira strengthens later. Waiting for a favourable rate, while monitoring trends, often helps you keep more value from international payments.

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Managing foreign earnings with Grey

Managing foreign currency earnings can be challenging as a Nigerian remote worker, especially with fluctuating exchange rates reducing your income. Grey helps protect your earnings from FX swings with multi-currency accounts for USD, GBP, and EUR, competitive exchange rates, virtual USD cards, and fast local withdrawals. You can receive, hold, and convert your income at the right time, keeping more of what you earn.

Download the Grey mobile app today or sign up and safeguard your foreign earnings.

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How to budget in foreign currencies using the Grey card

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2 min read

Budgeting used to be simple. You earned money, spent money, and tracked what was left. At that time, you had only one account with one currency, which required just one mental model.

Then remote work happened.

Now you might earn in EUR, pay for tools in USD, and travel in between. Discipline isn’t enough for budgeting anymore; you need structure. Without the right structure, even the most careful spender can lose track of where their money is going.

The Grey card comes in as a practical budgeting tool for people who live and spend across borders. I’ll explain.

Why budgeting in multiple currencies breaks down so easily

Most people don’t overspend because they’re irresponsible. Rather, they overspend because their money isn’t organised in a way that reflects how they live.

Here’s what usually goes wrong.

You’re spending across platforms, clients, and countries, but everything is tied to one card. Subscriptions, ads, one-off purchases, and travel expenses all blur together. When something goes wrong, such as a spike in ad spend or an unexpected renewal, it’s challenging to pinpoint the cause quickly.

Add foreign currencies to the mix, and it gets worse. The charges don’t always settle immediately, and these small amounts seem harmless until they quietly add up.

At that point, your budget is broken.

Also read: How to use your Grey card to manage all your subscriptions

What should budgeting look like when you earn and spend globally?

Clarity, separation, and control are the most crucial factors when budgeting across multiple currencies. You should be able to:

  • See exactly what each type of spending is costing you.
  • Stop or pause spending instantly when needed.
  • Protect one part of your budget from another.
  • Make changes without disrupting everything else.

The Grey card is designed around solving these exact needs.

How does the Grey card help with budgeting?

Use multiple cards to separate your spending

One of the most effective budgeting habits is separation. Instead of using a single card for everything, you can create multiple cards with clear purposes.

For example, you can create:

  • One card for subscriptions and recurring tools
  • One card for ads and growth experiments
  • One card for travel or everyday spending
  • One card per client or project

Each card acts like its own budget lane. You don’t need to guess where the money went; you already know.

This is especially useful if you freelance, manage ads, or run multiple income streams. When spending is separated, budgeting becomes more straightforward.

Also read: How to pay for ads easily with your Grey card

Freeze cards instantly when spending goes off-track

Budgets fail when you can’t act fast enough.

With the Grey card, you can instantly freeze or unfreeze any card in the app. If an ad campaign starts burning cash, freeze the card. If a subscription you forgot about renews unexpectedly, freeze the card. If you’re travelling and want to lock down non-essential spending, freeze the card.

Freezing a card doesn’t affect your other cards or balances. It simply stops that specific spending lane, which is precisely how budgeting should work.

Set limits that protect your budget

Budgets can fail when they’re too rigid. Grey’s spending limits work more like guardrails.

You can set daily or monthly limits per card, receive alerts when you’re approaching your limit, and still stay flexible. The goal isn’t to punish spending. I mean, who wants that? It’s to keep you aware before things drift too far.

For shared cards or subscriptions, limits are especially useful. You know exactly how much can be spent, and nothing sneaks past unnoticed.

Track spending clearly in one place

When you’re budgeting across currencies, visibility matters more than perfection. Every Grey card transaction appears clearly in your app, linked to the card you used. That means you’re not just seeing how much you spent, but why you spent it.

When budgeting time comes around, you’re no longer reconstructing your month from memory. The structure is already there.

Spend confidently across borders

Trust helps with budgeting too. When you’re shopping internationally, paying for ads, or travelling, declined payments and unexpected charges can throw everything off. The Grey Card works across global merchants and even supports Apple Pay and Google Pay, so everyday spending feels normal, even when you’re far from home.

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A quick note on protection when spending abroad

An often-overlooked aspect of budgeting is preparing for contingencies in case things go wrong.

When you pay with your Grey card, you have access to Visa benefits, including purchase protection, extended warranties, and price protection, depending on the transaction and your activation status. It’s not something you think about daily, but it adds a layer of reassurance when you’re buying electronics, booking travel, or shopping internationally.

It’s one less thing to worry about while managing money across borders.

Also read: How to claim your Visa card benefits

What budgeting in foreign currencies is like with the Grey card

When your card and your accounts are aligned, budgeting stops being guesswork. You know what you’re spending, which currency it’s coming from and more importantly, when something changes.

Instead of constantly reacting to your balance, you’re now making decisions with clarity. And that’s what good budgeting should be like, whether you’re at home, travelling, or working remotely.

If you’re ready to make your budget work wherever you are, create or update your Grey card and start spending and budgeting in the ways that matter to you.

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How Egyptian creators receive payouts from global platforms

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2 min read

Egypt has many creators who are building strong careers online, including well-known names like Yasmine Sabri and Radwa El Sherbiny. They are making waves and increasing Egypt's visibility across North Africa and beyond. In general, creators earn about $100,000 a year on average, and Egypt ranks among the leaders in Africa for viewership and earnings in the creator economy. Despite this success, many still struggle to receive their payments easily from global platforms.

In this guide, I will show you how to receive payouts smoothly from international platforms, whether you are a TikToker, YouTuber or Instagram creator.

Also read:  Best way for TikTok creators in Egypt to get paid from abroad

Best platforms Egyptian creators use to share content

Egyptian creators use a mix of global platforms, choosing the ones that perform best for their content and audience. Here’s where most of them focus:

1. Facebook

Facebook remains one of the strongest platforms in Egypt and often serves as a creator’s starting point. Many build their first communities here, using pages and groups to grow loyal audiences. It has one of the highest market shares in the country, giving creators a wide reach across different age groups. With monetisation options, live features and strong engagement tools, Facebook continues to help creators maintain influence and consistent visibility.

2. TikTok

TikTok is widely used by Egyptian creators who enjoy short, creative videos. The platform allows them to express ideas quickly and connect with large audiences. Many secure brand deals and benefit from creator funds directly on the app. Creators like Ahmed Ghzayel have built strong personal brands here, especially in fashion and lifestyle, turning viral content into steady income opportunities.

3. Instagram

With more than 18 million users in Egypt, Instagram attracts creators targeting younger audiences. It is especially popular for fashion, lifestyle and marketing content. Reels, stories and sponsored posts make it easier for creators to collaborate with brands and grow their presence. Many use Instagram to present a more polished image, connect with Gen Z followers and drive engagement through visual storytelling and consistent brand partnerships.

Also read: How Egyptians earn foreign currencies online

4. YouTube

YouTube remains the leading platform for long-form content in Egypt. Creators use it for education, vlogs, tech reviews and gaming. It offers stable ad revenue and strong search visibility, helping content stay relevant for years. Popular channels such as 7amoda Gaming show how niche content can attract loyal subscribers and generate income through ads, sponsorships and memberships.

How Egyptian creators can get paid from global platforms

Choosing the right payout method helps ensure your money arrives safely and on time, without unnecessary fees or currency conversion costs.

1. Direct bank transfers

Using SWIFT, brands or organisations can pay creators directly into their bank accounts. You need to provide an IBAN, and funds are converted automatically to your local currency. This method is secure and reliable, but fees and currency conversion costs are usually high, making it better for larger payments rather than frequent small payouts.

2. Grey

Grey is a fast option for Egyptian creators, especially with its multi-currency account. It allows you to receive payments in different currencies from international clients and convert them to EGP easily. Payments are quicker than traditional bank transfers, and you can manage multiple streams of income in one account, reducing delays and simplifying your financial workflow.

3. Wise

Wise is a transparent platform that supports multiple currencies and easy conversion to Egyptian pounds. It shows fees upfront and provides fast transfers from global clients. Many creators use Wise for its reliability and clear pricing, which helps reduce hidden charges while receiving payments from international platforms quickly and safely.

4. Raenest

Raenest is ideal for Egyptian creators who work with multiple international platforms. It supports various currencies and simplifies payment collection. The platform makes it easier to consolidate earnings, access money quickly, and reduce fees compared to traditional bank methods, making it suitable for creators who rely on multiple sources of global income.

Also read: How Egyptian remote workers receive foreign income reliably

Smart ways to reduce fees when receiving payouts

Reducing fees during payouts helps Egyptian creators keep more of their earnings.

  • Get paid in foreign currency first, then convert to EGP later, keeping more of your earnings intact.
  • Handle the conversions yourself instead of clients to reduce hidden fees and retain a larger portion of your money.
  • Combine multiple payouts into fewer withdrawals to minimise processing fees and manage your income more efficiently.
  • Use Grey for fast payouts and excellent exchange rates.

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Managing your creator payout with Grey

Egypt is seeing more creators partnering with brands and organisations across TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. However, finding the best payout platform remains a challenge. Grey is the ideal solution for Egyptian creators to receive money quickly, convert it securely, and access funds faster. Sign up or download the app today to start managing your earnings with ease.

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Comparing global multicurrency platforms for non-US residents

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2 min read

As a non-US resident, one question you’ll often ask is how to receive money while you’re in the US. Should you open a traditional bank account, or hope your local bank works without restrictions? Both options are possible, but they can be stressful and costly due to multiple currency conversions.

A better solution is opening a multicurrency account while in the US. It allows you to receive money in different currencies like GBP and EUR, avoid extra conversions, and manage your funds more easily. With many options available, comparing platforms helps you choose the right one.

Also read: Best banks for non-residents to open UK and US accounts

Key considerations before choosing a multicurrency account as a non-resident

Before exploring options, consider these factors when selecting a multicurrency account:

  • Documentation: The requirements vary by platform. Some may ask for a passport, proof of address, and tax identification, while others have simpler onboarding processes.
  • Fees: Check for account maintenance fees, international transfer costs, and currency conversion charges.
  • Currency support: Make sure the account supports the currencies you need, such as USD, GBP, or EUR.
  • Remote access and usability: Look for robust mobile apps and online platforms that let you manage multiple currencies easily.

Multicurrency platforms for non-US residents: key differences

Comparing multicurrency platforms helps non-US residents choose the best solution for receiving, holding, and managing funds globally with ease.

Supported currencies

  • Wise: Offers over 40 currencies, including USD, GBP, EUR, and others, allowing users to hold, convert, and receive money globally without needing multiple local accounts.
  • Revolut: Supports around 25–30 currencies depending on your plan, covering major currencies for personal and business use, ideal for frequent travellers and international spending.
  • Payoneer: Focuses on major currencies like USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, and AUD, making it suitable for freelancers, marketplaces, and businesses receiving international payments.
  • GrabrFi: Limited to USD, GBP, and EUR, but provides virtual accounts that make receiving funds internationally simpler for non-residents.
  • Grey: Offers USD, GBP, EUR, with virtual account options to manage multiple currencies, ideal for cross-border payments and global payroll.
  • HSBC Expat: Allows holding up to 19 currencies and sending in over 50 currencies, offering traditional banking reliability with global reach.

Also read: How non-US citizens can open a US bank account online

Conversion fees

  • Wise: Charges the mid-market rate plus a small transparent fee (~0.3–0.7%), making it one of the most cost-effective platforms for currency exchange.
  • Revolut: Offers low fees within plan limits, but adds markups (~0.5–1%) for conversions exceeding monthly limits or weekends.
  • Payoneer: Fees vary by currency and payment type; often higher for certain flows, especially card withdrawals or cross-currency transfers.
  • GrabrFi: Competitive FX rates, with minimal hidden fees, providing non-residents an affordable way to receive and convert funds.
  • Grey: Offers market-competitive FX rates, keeping costs low while enabling multi-currency transactions for individuals and businesses.

Countries present

  • Wise: Available in 160+ countries, allowing users worldwide to receive, send, and hold multiple currencies with local account details in key markets.
  • Revolut: Operates in many countries, primarily Europe, the UK, and the US, with limited availability in Asia and Latin America.
  • Payoneer: Covers 190+ countries, ideal for freelancers, businesses, and marketplaces needing international payouts.
  • GrabrFi: Operates in select countries, with a US-centric focus, making it suitable for receiving USD payments from abroad.
  • Grey: Has presence across the US, EU, Africa, Asia, and Latin America, offering wide coverage for cross-border transactions.

Virtual cards

  • Wise: Offers debit cards in supported regions, allowing spending directly from multiple currency balances.
  • Revolut: Provides both virtual and physical cards, useful for online payments, subscriptions, and international transactions.
  • Payoneer: Issues a prepaid Mastercard for virtual and physical transactions, ideal for receiving payments from global clients.
  • GrabrFi: Offers virtual USD and debit cards for seamless online and international spending.
  • Grey: Provides a virtual dollar card to manage cross-border payments efficiently.

Payout scale

  • Wise: Ideal for both small and large amounts with high transparent limits; very good for high‑value transfers without hidden markups.
  • Revolut: Supports small daily transfers easily; higher plans allow larger limits, but basic plans have monthly caps.
  • Payoneer: Designed for freelancing and business payouts; handles both small invoices and large marketplace deposits well.
  • GrabrFi: Best suited for small to medium amounts; may have limits on very high transaction volumes compared with big banks.
  • Grey: Built to support both low and higher cross‑border amounts, with scalability for business payments.

Also read: What non-US residents need to open a US bank account at major banks

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Grey: The ideal multicurrency account for non-residents

Grey is designed for non-residents who need access to US and global banking services.

  • No residency requirement: Open and hold accounts without needing proof of local residency.
  • Competitive fees: Low costs for currency conversion and international transfers, with no hidden charges.
  • User-friendly platform: Intuitive online platform and app make managing multiple currencies simple.
  • Secure: Offers strong security features to protect your funds globally.

For non-US residents, selecting the right multicurrency account is crucial to streamlining international payments and managing multiple currencies effectively. Grey stands out by offering competitive fees and support for major currencies like USD, EUR, and GBP. Its user-friendly platform and secure infrastructure make it an ideal choice for individuals and businesses navigating global financial transactions. Download the mobile app or sign up on the website to manage multicurrency without stress.

How to use your Grey card to manage all your subscriptions

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2 min read

I was so shocked when I saw the news. “Netflix to Acquire Warner Bros.” It’s the kind of industry shift that usually comes with new bundles, price changes, region-specific catalogues, and the inevitable “Your plan has been updated” email.

If you’re already juggling multiple subscriptions, such as streaming platforms, cloud storage, creative tools, productivity apps, and gaming services, any minor hiccup with your payment method can cause everything to collapse at once. A low balance here, a declined international charge there, and suddenly Netflix stops streaming, Spotify logs you out, and your work tools start sending warnings.

Now, where subscription prices keep changing, platforms keep merging, and foreign services dominate the apps we use daily, the real need isn’t more subscriptions; it’s a card that can keep up with them. The Grey card is perfect for this. It’s a flexible and reliable way to manage all your subscriptions, without worrying about currencies, top-ups, or unexpected declines.

Why do subscriptions fail in the first place?

Before discussing the solution, it helps to understand the problem. Most subscription failures come down to:

1. Cards that don’t support international merchants

Some platforms, especially those based in the US or EU, automatically reject certain cards.

2. Low or inconsistent balance

Most cards require you to have the exact amount ready before the subscription date. If you forget to top up, your subscription will pause.

3. Currency conversion issues

If your card is billed in one currency and the service charges are in a different currency, the payment may fail due to delays or conversion errors.

4. Tracking too many subscriptions at once

When everything runs on one card, it’s easy to lose control of what’s being billed and when.

Grey’s card helps smooth out each of these challenges.

Also read: How to use Google Pay worldwide with your Grey virtual card

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How does your Grey card make subscription management easier?

The card is designed to handle everyday payments, recurring charges, and international subscriptions without requiring you to jump through hoops. Here’s how it helps:

Spend from different currency wallets

This is one of the biggest advantages. Most cards are linked to a single currency, but your Grey card isn’t.

Although the card is primarily a USD card, the payment flow depends on the available balance: USD → USDC → the next-highest available balance (GBP or EUR).

Multiple cards for easy organisation

Instead of one card for everything, you can create two or three:

  • one for entertainment subscriptions
  • one for work tools
  • one for shared family plans

This makes it easy to track what’s coming out where, and freeze or cancel only the card linked to a specific group of subscriptions.

Accepted by most global platforms

The Grey card works across major international merchants, streaming services, cloud storage providers, gaming platforms, and productivity tools, so you don’t need multiple payment methods.

Add to Apple Pay or Google Pay

If you prefer not to type card details into every website, you can simply add the card to your mobile wallet and pay securely.

Instant freeze and unfreeze

If one subscription starts misbehaving or you just want to take a break, you can temporarily freeze the card.

Also read: How to pay for ads easily with your Grey card

How to set up your subscriptions with Grey

1. Create or activate your card

If you already have a Grey account, getting a card is simple. Simply go to the cards section to request a card for $5.

2. Add your card to your subscriptions

It could be Netflix, Figma, or iCloud. Simply enter your card details or pay via Apple Pay / Google Pay.

3. Set up spending limits

A small monthly limit can help you stay in control, especially for family or shared cards.

4. Create additional cards if needed

I like to think of them like folders. Each card can represent a spending category.

Enjoy stress-free subscription management

There’s something about managing subscriptions that makes them seem a lot like admin work. Your Grey card helps keep everything organised.

Whenever you’re ready to try it (which I hope will be soon), create your card, link your first subscription, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with everything just working.

Create your Grey account today to get started.

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How non-residents open international bank accounts online

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2 min read

Every day, thousands of professionals around the world work with international clients, delivering services, products, and expertise. Yet many struggle to receive payments on time. Traditional banks can hold funds for days, charge high fees, or reduce earnings through poor currency conversions, leaving hard-earned income delayed or diminished.

International bank accounts solve this problem. Remote workers, freelancers, and global businesses can open accounts online, get local banking details, and receive payments quickly. These accounts provide a simple, secure way to manage funds, minimise fees, and operate seamlessly across borders, no matter where they live.

In this blog, you will learn how international accounts work, why non-residents need them, and which platforms make managing global payments simple and secure.

Also read: Can non-residents open a US bank account online in 2026?

Why non-residents need international bank accounts

I’m sure if you’ve ever had to wait days for a payment or lost money to currency conversion, you’ll understand the need for an international account. These accounts feel like a reward for working with global clients, giving you control over your earnings and the freedom to manage multiple currencies. International accounts make getting paid faster, easier, and fairer, while also providing security, transparency, and the flexibility to operate seamlessly no matter where you are. Here are a few benefits of having an international account:

  • Receive payments in multiple currencies like USD, EUR, GBP
  • Avoid delays and high conversion fees
  • Access local bank details in foreign countries
  • Manage funds online from anywhere in the world

Also read: Best banks for non-residents to open UK and US accounts

The best international accounts for non-residents

For non-residents working globally, choosing the right international bank can make receiving payments, managing multiple currencies, and sending money smooth and stress-free.

1. Grey (Recommended)

Grey is designed for non-residents who need US and international banking without residency requirements. You can hold multiple currencies like USD, EUR, and GBP, receive payments quickly, and enjoy excellent conversion rates. Its digital platform is intuitive, making it ideal for freelancers, remote workers, and small businesses working with clients worldwide, simplifying cross-border money management.

  • Visit the Grey website or download the mobile app
  • Fill in your personal details.
  • Upload a valid identification (passport, national ID)
  • Verify your email and phone number.
  • Fund the account or connect your local bank for transfers

2. Payoneer

Payoneer is a favourite among freelancers, digital entrepreneurs, and e-commerce sellers. It allows you to receive payments from international clients and marketplaces as if you had a local bank account. You can hold multiple currencies, transfer funds easily, and access money via a prepaid Mastercard or direct bank transfer. Its global reach makes it convenient for online work and international commerce.

  • Go to Payoneer.com and click “Sign Up”
  • Choose the account type: individual or business.
  • Fill in personal or business details.
  • Upload a government-issued ID and proof of address.
  • Wait for verification and activate your account to start receiving payments.

3. Wise

Wise is built for transparent, low-cost international payments. It lets you hold multiple currencies, receive funds with local bank details, and convert money at real exchange rates. Its platform is simple to use, and transfers are fast. Freelancers, small businesses, and remote workers find it invaluable for managing payments from clients worldwide without hidden fees or long delays.

  • Visit Wise.com or download the Wise app
  • Register with your email or Google/Apple account
  • Provide personal information (name, date of birth, address)
  • Verify your identity with a passport or national ID
  • Set up your multi-currency account and start receiving payments

4. HSBC Expat

HSBC Expat offers a traditional, reliable international banking solution for non-residents. You can hold multiple currencies, send and receive global payments, and manage accounts online. While it has higher fees than fintech options, it provides global coverage, strong security, and dedicated support, making it ideal for expats, professionals, and businesses who prefer a trusted banking institution for cross-border finances.

  • Visit the HSBC Expat website and select your country
  • Choose the type of account (current or savings)
  • Fill in the online application form
  • Submit identification documents and proof of address
  • Wait for approval and fund your account to begin banking

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Why Grey is the ideal international account for non-residents

For non-residents working globally, Grey makes receiving, holding, and sending money simple, fast, and stress-free

  • No residency requirement: You don’t need to live in the US or Europe to open an account. Grey lets non-residents get local bank details instantly and start receiving payments worldwide without complicated paperwork.
  • Fast and reliable payments: Cross-border payments arrive quickly, often within minutes. Grey ensures your funds aren’t stuck in local banks or lost to hidden delays.
  • Secured: Grey uses strong security measures to protect your funds and personal information.
  • USDC support: Grey allows you to hold, send, and receive USDC stablecoins, making it easy to manage both crypto and traditional currencies in one account.
  • Excellent conversion rates: Grey offers competitive, transparent currency conversion rates, so you get more of your money when transferring between currencies or receiving payments from international clients.

With an international account like Grey, you can receive money from anywhere, hold multiple currencies, and manage your funds seamlessly. Take control of your global earnings today, sign up or download the app now, and get paid without borders.

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