How to get paid by overseas clients as a freelancer in the UK

There are few things as exciting as landing an overseas client. The email arrives, you sign the contract, deliver the work, and wait for the reassuring “Payment received” notification.

That’s at least how it should be. In reality, the transfer can take ages, the fees may be outrageous, and by the time the money finally lands, it’s a lot less than you envisaged.

That’s why it’s so important to understand your options. Let’s break down the best ways to receive international payments in the UK and explore how different platforms facilitate this process.

Understanding how overseas payments work

Getting paid from overseas isn’t the same as receiving a local bank transfer. Most clients outside the UK pay in their own currency, with USD, EUR and AUD being the most common. When those funds move through traditional banking systems, they’re routed via SWIFT transfers. That process can take anywhere from one to five business days, and each bank along the chain charges its own fee.

Then there’s the issue of exchange rates and hidden fees. Let’s say your client sends $1,000; by the time it’s converted into pounds, you may only receive $950.

This is why many freelancers are always seeking the best payment methods to receive payments faster, more cost-effectively, and with less friction.

Also read: How Grey differs from a UK bank

Common methods freelancers use to get paid

Let’s go through the most popular options freelancers in the UK rely on and what you should know before picking one.

1. International bank transfers (SWIFT transfers)

Traditional, reliable, but often frustrating.

If your client’s paying directly from their bank account, it’ll most likely go through the SWIFT network, which connects over 11,000 financial institutions worldwide. You’ll need to share your IBAN, BIC, and other banking details.

Pros:

• It is globally accepted and relatively secure.
• It works well for clients who prefer using traditional banks.
• The funds are deposited directly into your UK account, with no middleman interference.

Cons:

• Delivery usually takes 1-5 business days.
• High transfer fees (both sender and receiver pay).
• There are poor exchange rates, as banks often add a 2–5% markup.
• It’s difficult to track. You can’t easily see where the money is mid-transfer.

If you’re working with multiple overseas clients, these fees can add up quickly. It’s worth using international transfers only for large payments or recurring clients whose invoices can shoulder the cost.

2. PayPal and other payment processors

PayPal has long been the go-to for freelancers, mainly because it’s convenient and globally recognised. Setting up an account is simple, and clients can pay instantly using just your email address.

The downside is that the fees can sting a bit. You’ll lose around 4- 5% per transaction once you factor in service charges and currency conversion fees. For example, if a client sends you $1,000, you could easily end up with around $950 — or less — by the time it reaches your account.

Pros:

• Easy to set up and use.
• Widely accepted globally.
• Instant payments for most transactions.

Cons:

• High transaction and conversion fees.
• Delays when withdrawing to your UK bank.
• Exchange rates are less favourable than fintech platforms.

For small or one-off projects, PayPal’s convenience might outweigh the fees. But if you’re earning consistently from abroad, there are cheaper, faster options.

3. Freelance platforms (Upwork, Fiverr, PeoplePerHour, etc.)

If you’re using platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Toptal, the payment process is mainly automated. Clients pay through the platform, which holds the funds in escrow until the work is approved. Once released, you can withdraw to your local bank, PayPal, or another linked account.

Pros:

• Secure and built-in payment protection.
• Reliable for new freelancers or short-term projects.
• Payments are released automatically once approved.

Cons:

• Platform fees are steep (Upwork takes up to 15% per project).
• Withdrawals can take a few days.
• There’s limited flexibility with payout currencies.

While these platforms simplify the process, they also limit how much control you have over your money. Once you build trust with your clients, you may want to move payments off-platform to reduce fees. However, Upwork has strict rules on how to move clients outside the platform to avoid suspension.

4. Wise

Wise has become a freelancer favourite for its transparency. You can open a multi-currency account, receive USD or EUR, and convert them to GBP at decent rates.

Pros:

• Excellent exchange rates and low transfer fees.
• Multi-currency account with local details in several countries.
• Fast, usually within 1–2 business days.

Cons:

• Occasional verification delays.

Wise is ideal if you work with clients in multiple countries and want control over when to convert your earnings.

5. Revolut

Revolut offers similar perks, although it’s more akin to a hybrid between a digital bank and a budgeting app. You can receive money in various currencies, hold it, and convert when rates are most favourable.

Pros:

• Real-time conversion at interbank rates.
• Integrated financial tools like budgeting and saving.
• Quick transfers between Revolut users.

Cons:

• Fees for exceeding monthly exchange limits.
• Slower transfers for non-Revolut users.

It’s handy for managing personal and freelance income in one place, but Revolut’s business accounts may still have limitations for larger, recurring international payments.

6. Grey — for freelancers who want control and convenience

If you're looking for an all-in-one solution, specifically designed for freelancers who work internationally, Grey is your best bet.

With Grey, you can open USD, EUR, and GBP foreign accounts in your name without needing to register a company or go through endless paperwork. You can receive money directly from clients abroad, hold it in foreign currency, convert when rates are best, and withdraw instantly to your UK account.

Here’s why I love it:

• Transparent rates and low fees.
• Fast transfers
• Seamless multi-currency management.
• It’s easy for clients to pay you like a local.

You no longer have to worry about conversion losses, delayed wires, or complicated SWIFT forms. With Grey, your money moves globally but feels local.

Open your free Grey account today and start receiving payments like a pro.

Also read: How to send and receive euros in the UK

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Tips for smooth overseas payments

Even with the right platform, a few habits make life as a freelancer much easier:

• Agree on payment terms upfront: Always specify currency, payment method, and due dates in your contracts.
• Invoice clearly: Utilise the right invoicing tools, such as Grey, to document and structure transactions.
• Avoid unnecessary conversions: Keep payments in USD or EUR until rates are favourable, then convert to GBP.
• Track everything: Maintain digital records of invoices and receipts for tax and accounting purposes.

Also read: Why multi-currency bank accounts get frozen and how to choose a reliable platform

Taxes and record-keeping

Freelancers in the UK must declare foreign income to HMRC as part of their self-assessment tax return. The great thing is that tools like Grey make tracking your income simple with downloadable statements and currency summaries.

Always keep a record of:

• Invoices and client contracts.
• Bank or payment processor statements.
• Currency conversion records.

These make filing taxes easier and help you stay compliant with UK tax laws.

Simplify your freelance payments with Grey

Getting paid as a freelancer is now simpler. With tools like Grey, you can say goodbye to hidden fees, slow transfers, and poor conversion rates.

Instead of juggling multiple platforms, you can receive USD or EUR, hold it in your account, convert at the best time, and spend freely, all in one place.

Global work deserves a global solution.

Open your Grey account today or download the app and take control of your freelance income.

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