Moving to the United States and becoming a freelancer is a bold and exciting step, but understanding how to get paid as a freelancer can feel like a whole new challenge. When you’re juggling multiple projects, various clients, and unfamiliar systems, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. At Remitly, we understand how important it is to get paid not just on time, but in a way that supports both your life in the US and your family back home.
I’ve been there myself, navigating contracts, figuring out the best payment platforms, and following up on late invoices while still trying to deliver great work. That’s why this guide is filled with practical advice I wish I’d had when I started. Whether you’re just beginning or fine-tuning your freelance business, these tips will hopefully answer any questions you have.
What does it mean to be a freelancer?
Freelancing has become a popular path for people who want more control over their time, income, and career. In fact, it’s estimated that by 2027 50.9% of the total US workforce will be freelancing. For immigrants building a new life in the US, freelancing can be a way to earn a living while using your unique skills and experiences.
Definition of a freelancer
A freelancer is a self-employed individual who provides services to clients, often on a project-by-project basis. Unlike employees, freelancers aren’t tied to one company or long-term contract. Instead of getting a regular paycheck, you’re paid directly by the client for the work you do.
Most freelancers would agree that one of the biggest appeals is flexibility. You get to choose your own schedule, set your rates, and decide who you work with. But it also means being your own boss and managing the business side of things alongside your actual work.
Freelancers vs. employees: What’s the real difference?
Freelancers operate independently, which means you don’t receive traditional employee benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or a consistent salary. Instead, you manage your own taxes (typically with a 1099 form in the US), plan your own schedule, and are responsible for setting up things like retirement savings and business insurance.
When you’re starting out, it can feel overwhelming. I remember Googling “how do freelancers file taxes” with mild panic in my first year. But with time, you find a rhythm. I’ve learned to treat freelancing like a business: tracking income, setting aside money for taxes, and creating systems that make life easier.
Types of freelance work you can do (and where your skills fit in)
Freelancers can be found in nearly every industry. Some of the most common roles include web developers, content writers, social media managers, translators, tutors, virtual assistants, and graphic designers.
With more companies open to remote work, there’s a growing demand for freelance talent worldwide. Between 2020 and 2024, there was a 90% increase in freelancers in the US.
When I got started, I focused on writing and translating, skills that allowed me to work with clients across different time zones. For immigrants, your language skills and cultural knowledge can give you an edge. In fact, many clients are specifically looking for people with international insight or bilingual abilities.
How freelancers get paid (and what to expect)
At its simplest, the process goes like this: a client hires you, you complete the work, and you get paid. But there’s a bit more to it than that.
What the freelance process looks like
Typically, it starts with a conversation about the project scope, your rates, and the timeline. From there, you’ll put those details into a written agreement, something that keeps everyone on the same page.
Once the work is delivered, or after specific milestones, you’ll send the client an invoice outlining the amount due and how to pay. Depending on your chosen method, payment might arrive within minutes or take a few business days. In my experience, the more clearly you communicate expectations upfront, the smoother things go on both sides.
Why having a contract is non-negotiable
A good contract doesn’t need to be full of legal jargon, it just needs to be clear. It should cover the work you’re doing, the timeline, how much you’re getting paid, and when payment is due. This document protects you if things go off track and builds trust with your client from day one.
I once took on a quick job for a friendly client, no contract, just a handshake and a few emails. It ended with confusion and a delayed payment. Ever since, even for smaller projects, I put everything in writing. It only takes a few minutes, and it’s worth it every single time.
Understanding payment terms before the work begins
When a client says “Net 15,” it means they’ll pay you 15 days after receiving your invoice. You might also see terms like “Net 30” or “due on receipt.” Some freelancers prefer to request a percentage of the payment upfront, especially for new clients or large projects. It’s a simple way to reduce risk and make sure you’re not chasing payments down the line.
For longer projects, it helps to break payments into milestones, such as 25% upfront, 25% halfway through, and the rest upon completion. Whatever terms you choose, clarity is key. Make sure both you and the client understand exactly when and how payment will happen.
Keeping taxes in mind from the start
Freelancers in the US don’t have taxes automatically deducted like employees do. That means you’ll need to keep track of your income, set aside money for taxes, and usually file quarterly estimates. It might sound complicated, but with a bit of planning, it becomes part of your routine.
It helps to build a simple spreadsheet to track payments and set aside a portion of each invoice, around 25–30%, just for taxes. It’s not the most exciting part of freelancing, but it’s one of the most important.
Finding the best way to get paid as a freelancer
Choosing how to receive your payments isn’t just a technical detail. It can affect how quickly you get paid, how much money ends up in your account, and how easy it is to manage your finances.
The best payment methods for freelancers
As a freelancer, you have plenty of payment options, but each comes with its own pros and cons. PayPal is a popular choice because it’s quick and works well internationally, though you’ll pay a fee for business transactions.
Popular online payment options for freelance businesses include Payoneer, Wise, and Stripe. You can also use other methods like direct bank transfers, ACH transfers, wire transfers, and checks.
Understanding the fees before they surprise you
Let’s be honest, no freelancer loves transaction fees. But they’re a regular part of working with payment platforms. PayPal, Stripe, and others usually take a percentage of each payment, while wire transfers come with flat fees that can range from $15 to $50 depending on the bank and location.
That’s why I always do the math before sending out a quote. If I know the payment method will come with a 3% fee, I factor that into my rate or decide whether I’m okay covering it. Understanding how fees affect your income helps you price your work more confidently and keeps your earnings predictable.
Choosing the right system for your business style
There’s no perfect payment method, but the right one should feel seamless. It should let your clients pay you easily and help you track what’s been paid, and what hasn’t.
Consider looking for systems that are secure, fast, and easy to integrate with your invoicing and tax-tracking tools.
Helping yourself get paid on time (and with less stress)
Getting paid as a freelancer doesn’t mean sending an invoice and hoping for the best. With a few small habits, you can set yourself up to get paid faster and with fewer awkward follow-ups.
Creating invoices
A good invoice should be clear, polite, and detailed, so there’s no confusion about what’s owed or how to pay it. Make sure to include:
- Your name or business name
- The client’s name
- The invoice date
- A description of the work and rate
- The amount due
- The due date
- Your payment details
There are lots of free and user-friendly invoicing platforms to keep track of everything. If you’re handling several clients at once, invoicing tools like HoneyBook or FreshBooks can automate reminders and save you from digging through your inbox when tax time rolls around.
Following up on payments
Even if you send the perfect invoice, payments don’t always arrive on time. The best thing you can do is send it promptly. Most clients appreciate timeliness and will prioritize payment if you’re clear and professional.
I’ve learned from experience that a short, friendly message following up with the client is often enough.
Protecting yourself from the frustration of late payments
Unfortunately, late payments are part of the freelance world. But that doesn’t mean you have to accept them quietly. Including a late fee policy in your contract encourages clients to pay on time and shows professionalism.
Setting boundaries around payments is part of building a freelance business that supports you, not the other way around.
Simple ways to get paid (and build better client relationships)
Whether you’re receiving money from a client across the country or across the world, choosing the right payment method can save you time, stress, and confusion.
Why a separate bank account makes things easier
You don’t have to open a separate bank account, but having one makes it easier to track everything and avoid the messy mix of personal and business expenses.
I opened a business account during my first year of freelancing, and I’ve never looked back. It’s not only made my bookkeeping cleaner, but it’s also helped when I needed to show income for a loan application or other types of paperwork.
When peer-to-peer apps can work for freelancers
Apps like Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App are fast and easy to use, especially for smaller, local side hustles. If your client prefers quick mobile payments, these tools can be a convenient option. That said, they don’t always offer the same level of security, receipts, or tracking that more formal systems provide.
Using platforms like Upwork and Fiverr to get paid
Freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr handle a lot of the business side for you. They manage contracts, issue invoices, and hold client funds in escrow until the work is complete. These features can be especially helpful when you’re just starting out or working with a new client.
Turning one-time projects into long-term partnerships
Getting paid once is good. Getting hired again (and again) by a client who values your work? That’s when freelancing gets easier and more rewarding. Building strong, respectful relationships with clients means more stability and fewer hours spent chasing leads.
Some of my most reliable clients started with a single project and eventually turned into long-term collaborations. By communicating clearly, you set the stage for future work, as well as referrals.
Real-world challenges freelancers face (and how to handle them)
Even when you’re doing everything right, freelancing can come with a few bumps in the road. But with the right tools and habits, you can handle these challenges with confidence.
Dealing with international payments and fluctuating exchange rates
If you work with clients abroad, exchange rates can affect how much of your earnings you actually see. Some payment platforms also add fees for cross-border transfers, which can eat into your income.
Staying organized with multiple clients and payment schedules
Managing different clients, deadlines, and payment timelines takes planning, especially when each client has their own preferred schedule or platform.
For me, using a simple spreadsheet or a task manager like Notion has made all the difference. It means I don’t waste energy worrying about missed invoices. It also helps me notice patterns, such as who pays quickly, which months are busier, and when to schedule time off.
There are some small habits that can help you stay on top of it all:
- Assigning each client a color code in your calendar so you can see your workload at a glance.
- Scheduling 10 minutes every Friday to check what payments came in and what’s still pending.
- Using automated invoice tools that send reminders.
- Naming invoices consistently to make tracking easier.
Protecting yourself from disputes and scams
You’ll probably find that not every client is trustworthy, so it’s worth being cautious. Red flags include vague project details, last-minute payment changes, or promises that seem a little too good to be true.
Whenever possible, keep everything in writing, even friendly conversations. And if something does go wrong, platforms like Upwork offer mediation. For direct clients, community legal resources or small claims courts can also help.
FAQs
What exactly does a freelancer do?
A freelancer offers professional services to clients without being tied to one employer. Projects can vary in size, scope, and frequency. Freelancers charge based on their services and project requirements. Rates can be hourly, per project, or on retainer.
How does freelancing work for beginners?
Start with small projects, build a portfolio, learn to invoice properly, and choose payment methods that are secure and reliable.
How do I make money as a freelancer?
Market your skills, set fair prices, deliver quality work, and build lasting relationships with clients.
How does a freelancer get paid?
Freelancers typically send invoices and receive payments through bank transfer, online payment methods such as Paypal, credit card platforms, or freelance marketplaces.
How do I make sure I get paid as a freelancer?
Use contracts, send clear invoices, stay organized, and follow up on late payments professionally.