Financial Freedom: How to Get Paid in USD as an International Contractor
How to Get Paid in USD?
You’ve done the hard part. You’ve optimized your LinkedIn, aced the interview, and signed the offer letter for a high-paying remote job in the US. But then, the “money anxiety” sets in: How do I actually get my USD into my local bank account without losing 10% to hidden fees and terrible exchange rates?
In 2025, the old-school “Swift Wire Transfer” is obsolete for remote workers. It’s slow, expensive, and your local bank will likely grill you with questions every time a transfer hits your account.
To achieve true financial freedom through geo-arbitrage, you need a modern Global Payment Stack. Here is your guide to using Wise, Deel, and Payoneer to navigate the logistics of international banking.
Table of Contents
1. Deel: The “Employer of Record” (EOR) Gold Standard
If you are working for a high-growth US startup, they will likely ask you to use Deel.
What is it?
Deel isn’t just a payment app; it’s a compliance platform. It creates a legal contract between you and the company that satisfies both US laws and your local regulations.
How it works:
- Your employer pays Deel in USD.
- Deel notifies you that your salary is ready.
- The Magic: You can choose to withdraw that money via Local Bank Transfer, Wise, Coinbase (Crypto), or even a Deel Debit Card.
Why use it?
- Instant Invoicing: Deel generates professional, tax-compliant invoices automatically.
- Early Withdrawal: Deel often allows you to access your salary a few days early for a small fee.
2. Wise (Formerly TransferWise): The King of Exchange Rates
If your employer pays you directly or via a platform that doesn’t handle currency conversion well, you need Wise.
What is it?
Wise provides you with Virtual Multi-Currency Accounts. When you sign up, Wise gives you a US Account Number and Routing Number—exactly like a person living in New York would have.
How it works:
- You give your US bank details (provided by Wise) to your employer.
- They send USD via a standard local “ACH” transfer (which is usually free for them).
- The money hits your Wise USD balance.
- You convert it to your local currency (INR, PHP, NGN, etc.) at the Real Mid-Market Exchange Rate (the one you see on Google).
Why use it?
- Lowest Fees: Wise is significantly cheaper than PayPal or traditional banks.
- Transparency: You see exactly what you’re paying in fees before you click “convert.”
3. Payoneer: The Veteran’s Choice for Marketplaces
Payoneer has been around for a long time and is the default for many freelance marketplaces and older US corporations.
What is it?
Similar to Wise, Payoneer provides a “Global Payment Service” that gives you receiving accounts in multiple currencies.
How it works:
You link your Payoneer account to your employer’s payroll system. Once the funds arrive, you can withdraw them to your local bank.
Why use it?
- Physical Card: Payoneer offers a physical Mastercard that you can use at ATMs or for online shopping worldwide, drawing directly from your USD balance.
- Marketplace Integration: If you supplement your remote job with work on Upwork or Fiverr, Payoneer integrates seamlessly.
Summary: Which One Should You Choose?
| Feature | Deel | Wise | Payoneer |
| Best For | Full-time remote contracts | Freelancers & Direct Pay | Marketplace workers |
| Fees | Usually paid by employer | Very low / Mid-market rate | Moderate |
| Compliance | High (Contracts included) | Low (Payment only) | Medium |
| Withdrawal | Bank, Crypto, Card | Bank, Wise Card | Bank, Payoneer Card |
⚠️ The Golden Rules of International Payments
1. Avoid PayPal for Large Salaries
While convenient, PayPal’s exchange rates are notoriously poor (often 3-4% below the market rate), and they have a habit of freezing accounts for “investigation.” For a $5,000 salary, PayPal could cost you $200 more in fees than Wise.
2. Understand the W-8BEN Form
As a non-US resident, you must provide this form to your employer. It proves you are not a US taxpayer, ensuring the company doesn’t withhold 30% of your salary for the IRS. Most platforms like Deel will help you generate this digitally.
3. The “Transfer Buffer”
Don’t transfer all your money to your local bank the second it arrives. If the USD is strengthening against your local currency, it might be smarter to keep a portion in your Wise USD balance and convert it when the rate is in your favor.
FAQs: Your Money Questions Answered
Is it legal to have a US bank account via Wise?
Yes. These are “receiving accounts” meant for business purposes. You are not “evading” taxes; you are simply using a modern tool to receive your earned income.
How long does it take for money to reach my local bank?
With Deel or Wise, it often takes less than 24 hours. Sometimes, with Wise “Real-Time Payments,” it can happen in seconds.
Do I need to pay a fee to receive money?
In Wise, receiving an ACH transfer is usually free. In Payoneer, there is often a 1% fee for receiving funds. Always check the “Pricing” page of the platform you choose.
Final Thoughts
Financial freedom isn’t just about how much you earn; it’s about how much you keep. By setting up a professional payment stack with Wise or Deel, you ensure that every cent of your hard-earned USD goes toward your goals whether that’s buying a home, investing, or traveling the world.
Essential Reads for Remote Success
- The Foundation: 12 Top Websites to Find Remote Jobs That Pay in USD Worldwide in 2025 – Start your journey with the best platforms to find high-paying roles.
- The Blueprint: How to Land a Global Remote Job: The Ultimate 2025 Strategy Guide – The complete 1600-word deep dive into beating the global competition.
- Financial Freedom: How to Get Paid in USD: A Guide to Wise, Deel, and Payoneer for International Contractors – Navigate the logistics of international banking and currency conversion.
- Master the Meeting: The Ultimate Remote Interview Checklist: How to Impress US Hiring Managers
– Ensure your tech, tone, and tactics are perfect before you hit “Join.”
