Moving from the traditional job with a regular paycheck to the gig economy without one can be anxiety-inducing. The uncertainty of how often and how much you will be paid scares many away from becoming freelancers. Fortunately, there is no need to worry. Freelancer payments can be arranged through a variety of targets. These are six of the common ways that freelancers get paid.
1. The freelancing platform
If you use a freelance platform, you can get paid directly through it. Many of the platforms require it, and they take a small percentage out for holding payments in escrow. Consider this the cost of doing business. After you’ve been paid through the app, you can direct the money to your bank account, request a check in the mail, or send it to a payment app.
2. A payment app
Payment apps are some of the most popular tools for paying freelancers. These let clients directly send money to a freelancer and have a record of it. Freelancers can get paid without having to pay a fee to access their money, which is a big bonus. Once the money arrives in the app, the freelancer can use an attached debit card or transfer the money to a bank account.
3. Freelancer invoice apps
Entrepreneurs have been working steadily on freelancer invoice apps. These give freelancers their very own way to track jobs, build invoices, and collect money in one convenient location. There are several apps available, such as Hellobonsai, HoneyBook, FreshBooks, and they all have slightly different features. As for example, Hellobonsai has a free online contract maker and let you download free invoice templates. There should be an option that would work for you..
4. ACH bank transfer
ACH is a form of payment available for freelancers in the US. ACH stands for Automated Clearing House, and is a preferred tool for automatic bank transfers. Only the sender has to pay fees for making an ACH payment, and the fees are usually under $10 per transaction.
To set up ACH payments with a client, you will have to share your account type (checking or savings), the routing number for your bank, and your account number. If you have ever received an automatic deposit from an employer, it was made using ACH transfers.
5. Cash
If you are doing local freelance work, why not ask for cash? You don’t have to wait for it to clear, and you know it will spend. Meeting might be an inconvenience, but at least you know you will get paid. It’s not a good idea to send cash through the mail. If your clients are sending money from overseas, you will have to have it converted, which can be expensive.
6. Debit cards
One other way to get paid is through a debit card. Some employers pay their employees with a prepaid debit card instead of paycheck. You can ask your clients to send you a prepaid debit card. While it might not be the safest to send in the mail, your client could arrange to send you the card and the pin number in separate envelopes.