How to get paid by international clients

The main ways to receive foreign payments

You have a range of options when it comes to accepting international payments as a freelancer. Some go straight to a bank account using a SWIFT or SEPA transfer, others come in through a local receiving account (for example, one you open with a specialist provider), or arrive via a payment platform. Also, you might send a client a payment link so they can use their card, but fees are not always low for that one. Your best choice depends on the client's country, how they prefer to pay, and which currencies they use.

Bank transfer (SWIFT or SEPA): works in most countries, but slower payouts and intermediary fees are common.
Local receiving account: offers local bank details, so a client can settle by domestic transfer, often cheaper overall. More on this in local account details.
Payment platform: an option like PayPal holds incoming funds and then pays you out, deducting fees or exchange charges as set out in their terms.
Payment link or card: you send a link, your client pays by card. This is fast, but higher transaction charges are usual here.

Comparing cost, speed and convenience

To understand what each method really costs, go beyond the visible fees. A platform may charge a percentage per payment and add a currency conversion mark-up when you transfer out. Bank transfers are not always as cheap as they first seem: intermediary banks may take deductions, and the exchange rate can be less favorable. Compare the gross amount paid by the client with what finally lands in your account. Timing matters as well. Some payment platforms will mark your payment received almost instantly, others show a delay, and traditional wires may take several days from one continent to another. Convenience for your client matters. If it is troublesome for them to pay internationally, they might decide to pay late, or not at all.

Choosing a route for each client

Check your client's payment preference before you issue your invoice, and if it suits your workflow, give them two payment options. When your client is a repeat customer based in the same country, a local transfer route is usually less trouble. In other situations, especially for clients who only pay you once, a payment link could be practical. Show your payment instructions and currency on the invoice clearly. For more on setting your invoice currency, see whether to invoice in your own currency or your client's.

Document every payment and its costs. Be aware that tax treatment for freelance earnings is set by where you and your client are; sometimes it also depends on the type of work. You should seek advice from your tax authority or a professional with local expertise before you finalize how you declare international freelance income.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest way for a freelancer to get paid from abroad?

There’s no single method that is always cheapest, since currency, country pair and payment size all come into play. Local receiving accounts or undeducted bank transfers are usually less expensive than platforms and card payments. Before you decide, run a test payment and check how much you actually collect after all the charges and conversions.

Should a freelancer invoice in their own currency or the client's?

You can use either approach. If you invoice in your own currency, any exchange rate swings and conversion costs are on the client. Invoice in their currency and you may get paid faster, but you now face possible losses from rate fluctuations until you convert the money.