As a freelancer, the best way to receive payments from your clients depends on numerous factors. These include the country you’re based in, where your clients are located, and whether they’re a company or an individual.

However, generally, freelancers can’t expect their clients to alter their processes just for them. Therefore, the wise thing to do is make it easy for your clients to pay you. And there’s no reason you can’t do that while setting yourself up in a way that’s flexible, cost-effective, and convenient for you.

Here are some options for freelancers to receive payments from North American clients easily.

 

PayPal, Payoneer, Or a Similar Online Payments Service

Paypal is perhaps the world’s leading online payments service and one of the safest ways for freelancers to receive payments. You can set up a Paypal account for free, but the platform charges you for every transaction. The fee varies depending on where the client is located and different currencies but generally ranges between 2.9 to 4.5% of the total amount you’re being paid.

Payoneer is another trusted secured global payments service that’s popular amongst freelancers. It’s available in various countries worldwide. Payoneer processes transactions quickly, with payees generally able to access their funds within six working hours. Moreover, like Paypal, you can set up a Payoneer account for free, and the transaction fees are much lower compared to other services out there. However, you’ll be charged a $25 account maintenance fee every year.

TransferWise is yet another global payments service trusted by freelancers worldwide. It allows freelancers working with US-based and Canadian clients to receive payments in their native currency. The exchange rate followed by the platform is the same as XE or Google, which allows freelancers to save extra on currency conversions.

The transaction fee TransferWise charges depend on the sender and the receiver’s location. However, it’s important to note that the service has restricted operations in particular countries, so make sure you check their country page carefully before signing up.

 

Electronic Funds Transfer

 

Other viable payment options for freelancers are ACH payments or bank-to-bank transfers. Electronic funds transfers are one of the quickest and safest methods for freelancers to get paid.

 

Credit/Debit Card Payments

 

Freelancers can also accept debit or credit card payments. This option often works best if the client paying you is an individual instead of, per se, you’re invoicing a client. Debit and credit card payments can be processed through QuickBooks, Wave, Google Wallet, or PayPal.

 

Good Ole’ Paper Checks

 

This may sound archaic to some readers, but paper checks sent via mail are still considered a standard payment method in many countries. However, if you’re receiving international payments from a client based in Canada or the United States, it could get costly and tricky, depending on the country you’re located in. If the check is coming through the post, you may need to be physically present to receive the mail for the check to be deposited.