The freelance economy has gone global. There are graphic designers in Lagos, software developers in Mumbai and content creators in Mexico City. Freelancing has never been bigger than it is today, as millions of independent professionals now work with clients across borders.

While the internet has made global collaboration easier, getting paid as a freelancer remains one of the trickiest parts of the job. When working with clients in different countries, you may have to navigate complex financial systems using other currencies.

I’ll be discussing the top platforms freelancers around the world use to receive payments efficiently, securely, and affordably as choosing the right platform can make a huge difference in how quickly and easily you access your hard-earned money.

Why does choosing the right payment platform matter?

When you’re working with international clients, delays in payment, hidden fees, and poor exchange rates can add unnecessary stress. The right payment platform should:

• Support multiple currencies
• Offer fast and reliable transfers
• Charge low fees
• Provide transparency in exchange rates
• Comply with international financial regulations

Now let’s look at the top platforms freelancers around the world trust.

Also read: How to open a USD bank account remotely without U.S. citizenship

1. Grey – Best for global freelancers and digital nomads

Grey is an international financial platform that gives freelancers virtual bank accounts in USD, GBP, and EUR — without needing to be physically present in the countries where those accounts are based.

With Grey, freelancers can:

• Receive payments from clients all over the world directly into their virtual accounts.
• Convert earnings into their local currency at competitive exchange rates.
• Withdraw funds to local bank accounts quickly.
• Generate and send invoices to clients directly through the app.

Also read: How South African freelancers can receive payments from the US, UK & EU clients

2. Wise

Wise is a popular choice among freelancers for receiving and converting payments in multiple currencies. It offers a multi-currency account with local bank details in the US, UK, EU, and Australia, making it easy to receive client payments without international wire transfer hassles.

Freelancers can hold money in over 50 currencies and convert at real exchange rates with low, transparent fees.

3. Payoneer

Payoneer has long been a staple in the freelance payment space. It’s widely accepted on freelance platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and PeoplePerHour, and provides users with virtual receiving accounts in USD, GBP, EUR, CAD, and more.

Freelancers can withdraw to their local bank accounts, use a prepaid debit card, or spend directly online.

4. PayPal

PayPal remains a widely used option for international payments. It’s supported by most freelance clients and platforms and offers fast payments.

5. Deel

Deel is ideal for freelancers working with larger companies or agencies. It helps manage contracts, taxes, and compliance in addition to payments. Deel lets freelancers receive money through local bank transfers, PayPal, Wise, or crypto. However, it's more focused on those working under formal agreements than ad hoc projects.

6. Revolut

Revolut offers multi-currency accounts, low-fee transfers, and international payments in over 30 currencies. It’s particularly popular in Europe and increasingly accessible in other parts of the world. Freelancers can use virtual cards for spending, convert currencies within the app, and even access analytics tools for budgeting.

7. Stripe (for those with websites or digital stores)

Stripe is one of the best ways to accept international payments if you sell services or digital products online. It supports hundreds of currencies and is trusted by clients globally. However, Stripe requires some technical setup and isn’t always the best choice for casual or one-off freelance gigs.

8. Chipper

Chipper is a growing fintech solution in Africa, offering cross-border payments with lower fees than many traditional methods. Freelancers can receive USD and convert it to their local currency, withdraw funds, or pay for services across supported countries.

9. Cenoa

Cenoa offers dollar-based wallets to people in emerging markets. It’s a great option for freelancers who want to earn and save in a stable currency like USD, convert and withdraw as needed. Cenoa prioritises financial access and borderless banking, making it a useful companion for freelancers in underbanked regions.

Also read: How to budget as a freelancer and manage irregular income

How to choose the best platform for your freelance payments

When deciding which platform to use, consider:

• Where your clients are based: Choose platforms that offer local accounts in their countries.
• What currencies you receive: Use platforms with favourable exchange rates and multi-currency support.
• Your location: Some platforms may not be available in all countries or may have restricted features.
• Fees: Compare transaction, withdrawal, and currency conversion fees.
• Convenience and speed: Look for platforms that process payments quickly and integrate easily with your workflow.

Receive international freelance payments with Grey

If you’re a freelancer working with clients abroad, Grey gives you the tools to take control of your finances.

With Grey, you can:

• Create virtual USD, GBP, and EUR accounts to receive payments as if you were based in those regions.
• Convert your earnings to your local currency with real-time rates.
• Withdraw to your local bank account in just a few clicks.
• Send invoices directly to clients with built-in invoicing tools.
• Avoid the long waits, high fees, and stress of traditional cross-border banking.

Also read: Freelancer's guide to handling currency fluctuations

Grey helps you work globally and get paid like a local, regardless of location. Create your Grey account today or download the app to enjoy inclusive global banking, designed to carry your dreams across borders.

‍