How UK creators receive payments from YouTube and TikTok abroad

Monetising social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok has transformed how creators earn a living. Whether through ad revenue, sponsorships, LIVE Gifts, or subscriptions, many UK creators now depend on these platforms as sources of income. But once you move or travel abroad, perhaps for studies, work, a holiday, or in pursuit of your next content idea, managing your earnings suddenly gets complicated.

For UK creators earning from YouTube and TikTok while living abroad, managing international payments efficiently is key to retaining earnings. This guide explains how payouts work for UK creators on YouTube and TikTok, and how to receive the earnings efficiently when you are outside the UK.

How YouTube payments work for UK creators

YouTube pays creators through Google AdSense, which manages revenue from ads, memberships, Premium watch time, tools like Super Chat and Super Thanks. To receive payments, a UK creator must be accepted into the YouTube Partner Programme (YPP) and link an AdSense account.

A UK creator can typically withdraw earnings to any supported UK or foreign bank account, as long as the payout method is available in the country where they are currently staying.

Key YouTube payout details for UK creators include:

• Payment threshold: USD 100 (about £60)
• Payout schedule: Monthly, between the 21st and 26th
• Main payout methods for UK creators:
  1. Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT): A standard bank transfer that deposits earnings directly into a UK bank account. If you maintain a UK bank account while abroad, this is a straightforward option.
  2. Wire transfer: An alternative for creators who have set up a bank account in their new country of residence. While reliable, it can be slower and often more expensive than EFT due to correspondent bank fees.
  3. Hyperwallet: This platform acts as a middleman, allowing AdSense payments to be routed to other services such as PayPal, though direct PayPal integration isn't supported.
  4. Foreign currency account: To avoid unfavourable conversion rates, many UK creators use a digital banking service like Grey or Wise to receive AdSense payments in GBP, EUR, or USD before converting and transferring to a local account.

YouTube typically pays UK creators in GBP or USD. Converting USD to GBP is usually at the bank rate, which is not too bad. But switching to a local bank account in your new country might mean the conversion rate might be unfavourable without the right payment option. This is why many creators rely on multi-currency accounts that can receive USD or GBP directly and let them choose when and how to convert them at mid-market rates.

Also read: How Grey differs from a UK bank

How TikTok payments work for UK creators

TikTok offers several ways for UK creators to earn, including the Creator Rewards Program, LIVE Gifts, subscriptions, the TikTok Shop, affiliate marketing, and branded deals. The platform’s payout options depend on how you make the money. However, most UK creators are paid in USD.

TikTok’s typical payment arrangements for UK creators include:

• Payment threshold: At least $10 to receive payout.
• Payout schedule: Weekly or on demand
• Supported payout methods
  • PayPal: PayPal is the only payment method available in the UK for the Creator Rewards Program. You will need to set up your payout account and link your PayPal account.
  • Payoneer: This is a widely accepted payout option for TikTok Shop and TikTok LIVE creators in many regions, enabling flexible, reliable income receipt. The specific availability depends on your location and the type of program you are using.

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Why receiving payments abroad is more complicated

Receiving YouTube or TikTok payouts from outside the UK introduces several challenges:

• Forced currency conversion: If your bank does not support USD balances, earnings are automatically converted at unfavourable rates.
• Withdrawal restrictions: Some payout methods are only available if you maintain a UK address or UK bank account.
• High international transfer fees: PayPal, traditional banks, and wire transfers can significantly reduce your earnings.
• Access issues abroad: Some creators become temporarily unable to receive payments when TikTok or YouTube flags inconsistencies between the account region and payout country.

Using a digital multi-currency account removes most of these issues, allowing creators to receive, hold, and withdraw their money more flexibly.

Digital banking platforms that simplify payouts for UK creators abroad

Several digital platforms now help UK creators receive their YouTube and TikTok earnings while abroad, without incurring expensive fees or rigid banking rules.

Grey

Grey provides USD, GBP, and EUR accounts that operate like local bank accounts. This allows UK creators abroad to receive USD payments from YouTube and TikTok without being forced to convert the money immediately. Grey supports withdrawals in local currencies in many countries with fair mid-market exchange rates.

Wise

Wise offers a multi-currency account that allows creators to hold USD, receive international payments, and convert funds at transparent, low-cost rates. It is useful for creators who need to regularly move money between currencies or countries.

Payoneer

Payoneer is popular among freelancers and creators. Payoneer provides virtual USD accounts that work well with TikTok Shop payouts and some YouTube payments via Hyperwallet. It supports local withdrawals in many countries but may charge additional fees depending on the transaction.

Each platform helps creators maintain control over their earnings and avoid the unnecessary costs that come with traditional banks.

Also read: Best PayPal and Payoneer alternatives for freelancers in the UK

How UK creators receive YouTube and TikTok payments abroad

If you plan to travel or relocate outside the UK, the best approach is to set up a payout structure that keeps your earnings safe, accessible, and protected from unnecessary conversion fees. In general:

• Receive your payouts in USD rather than an instant GBP conversion.
• Use a digital multi-currency account that accepts USD (such as Grey).
• Hold your earnings in USD if you do not need them immediately.
• Convert only when you want to spend or withdraw, using a provider with transparent rates.

Platforms like Grey handle this workflow smoothly, allowing UK creators to receive YouTube and TikTok payouts abroad and withdraw funds in GBP, USD, EUR, or the local currency of their new country.

Get started with Grey to receive your YouTube and TikTok payments abroad efficiently.

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