As the freelancing landscape continues to grow and evolve, one factor that remains vitally important for freelancers is figuring out how to manage their payments and this is where the best payment methods for freelancers come in handy. Since most freelancers work with local, domestic, and international clients, knowing the various money transfer tools is crucial to ensure the smooth running of their freelance business.
Best Payment Methods for Freelancers
In this listicle (TL; DR), let’s look at some of the top online payment platforms and the money transfer options to get paid for your freelance services in 2024. Let’s dive in!
1. PAYPAL
Of course, I had to start this list with good old Paypal.
PayPal is one of the most popular and well-known payment platforms that’s been around since 1999. It enables freelancers to send and receive money from clients in over two hundred countries. Currently, PayPal caters to individuals and small and medium businesses and is regarded as one of the best payment methods for freelancers to receive money for their services.
PROS: What makes PayPal a go-to digital payment method is its ease of use, widespread acceptance, and relatively secure system. You can link your PayPal account to your card or bank account and receive payments within days.
CONS: Depending on your location, you will be charged a hefty fee for your transactions on the PayPal platform. So, it’s best to accommodate the additional fee in your overall price when you invoice your client/s.
2. SKRILL
Skrill is an online payment system that offers fast and instant payment options to freelancers and businesses worldwide. It offers low transaction fees and allows for instant deposits and withdrawals. You can also buy crypto with a digital wallet.
PROS: As a freelancer money transfer tool, Skrill has wide acceptance. It facilitates quick funds transfer and freelancers get the convenience of withdrawing money at ATMs as well. The best part, user accounts are protected through two-factor authentication and encryption, and they have fraud prevention measures in place to ensure your safety.
CONS: Other than charging transactional fees and not available in all countries, Skrill follows a stringent account verification process so users must submit several documents before they can start using the platform.
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3. PAYONEER
Payoneer is a payment platform that supports multiple currencies. Through Payoneer, freelancers can get paid for the services they provide to clients globally and withdraw money directly to their local bank accounts.
PROS: You can send payment requests and bill your clients easily with Payoneer using multiple payment options such as credit cards, local bank transfers, and more.
CONS: While Payoneer supports industries like Freelance, e-commerce, Travel, Digital Marketing, etc., it may not be suitable for all types of businesses. Customer support is limited, and the transaction fee is quite hefty for certain transactions.
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4. WISE
Wise is an international account platform that facilitates quick and cost-effective money transfers across 70+ countries. A Wise user is protected against hidden fees and exchange rate markups.
PROS: Wise is approved by the RBI and is known for its transparent pricing. The platform has several security measures to protect your funds and offers secure money transfers in multiple currencies.
CONS: In some cases, transferring money through Wise may take longer. The platform does not support credit card processing, offers limited cash transfer options, and has limited support for invoicing.
5. STRIPE
Stripe calls itself the payments infrastructure of the internet. Having a global presence, it facilitates online and in-person payments, automates financial processes, and supports business growth. Stripe also provides a customizable checkout process that enhances the user experience.
PROS: With the help of Stripe, you can accept payments from various sources including credit cards, Google Pay, and Apple Pay. Since it supports multiple currencies and payment methods, it has global acceptance. Another plus is its detailed analytics and reporting feature.
CONS: In addition to limited customer support, you may find the fees charged by Stripe on the higher side. The initial setup process can come across as complex.
6. AUTHORIZE.NET
offers a variety of payment processing options based on customer preferences. These include online payment options, electronic checks, card readers, mobile device payments, and a Virtual Terminal for manual orders. It has received recognition for its API integration.
PROS: Using Authorize.net, you can accept payments anytime, anywhere. The platform provides several tools to manage billing and offers award-winning 24/7 customer support along with fraud prevention tools and detailed reporting. Since the platform supports recurring billing, it is especially useful for subscription-based businesses that wish to automate payments.
CONS: The Authorize.net platform may not be suitable for all types of businesses. You may also find their transactional fee high.
Also Read: 10 Best Writing Tools to Write Faster and Better in 2023
7. 2CHECKOUT
2Checkout, now Verifone is an all-in-one monetization platform that simplifies online sales and maximizes revenues. Users across 180 countries trust Verifone, using its varied products and solutions for their needs.
PROS: Businesses can use Verifone to accept payments in multiple currencies via Debit Cards, Credit Cards, and mobile payments. It supports a variety of businesses including software/SaaS, online services, and physical goods/retail and business models like B2B, B2C, and B2Any commerce.
CONS: The setup process may seem complex, and the transaction fee may be high for certain transactions. Customer support is limited as well.
8. SQUARE
Square is a software and hardware platform offering customizable solutions for various industries. It allows businesses, especially restaurants, retail, and beauty businesses to sell and secure payments anywhere your customers are. Square also offers services like Square Checking, Square Debit Card, and point-of-sale software and hardware and allows users to set up online stores.
PROS: Square supports multiple payment options, including credit cards, Google Pay, and Apple Pay, and offers good customer support.
CONS: The platform offers limited customer support and resolution of issues may take time. The transaction fees levied on certain types of transactions are on the higher side and some users have faced holds on their accounts.
Which are the Best Payment Methods for You?
Now that you know the best payment methods for freelancers to receive payments quickly and effortlessly, it’s time to make an informed decision about which payment transfer platform is best for you, based on your circumstances and preferences. Happy freelancing!
