How to Receive Payments from the US as a European Freelancer (Easily & Compliantly)

Introduction

Working with US-based clients presents significant opportunities for European freelancers: access to higher rates, invaluable global references, and the potential for long-term contracts. However, a major hurdle in these collaborations is often the payment process itself – ensuring you get paid without delays, excessive fees, or creating complicated paperwork for your client.

The good news? With the right strategy, you can receive US payments as if you had a local American bank account, with the flexibility to transfer funds directly to your EUR account via SEPA, Wise, or Revolut.

Common Challenges When Getting Paid from the US

1. Exorbitant Fees: Traditional SWIFT transfers from US banks can incur significant costs, typically ranging from €20 to €50, and often take up to a week to clear.
2. Compliance & Tax Form Burden: US clients frequently request W-8BEN or other IRS forms, adding administrative complexity for foreign freelancers.
3. Currency Conversion Losses: Fluctuations and unfavorable exchange rates during USD to EUR conversion can noticeably diminish your hard-earned income.
4. Client Reluctance: The perceived complexity of international payments can sometimes deter US companies from engaging with overseas freelancers.

Remotify’s Solution: Streamlining US Payments

Remotify revolutionizes this process by allowing your US client to pay you as if they were making a payment to a local US business. This eliminates the need for additional tax forms, avoids costly foreign wire transfers, and ensures prompt receipt of funds.

Here’s How Our Process Works:

1. B2B Invoice Issuance: We generate a compliant, US-friendly invoice addressed to your client.
2. Local US Banking Channel: Your client makes their payment directly to our US bank account via ACH or a standard domestic transfer – a method that is both fast and typically low-cost for them.
3. Effortless Fund Conversion & Transfer: Once received, your payment is converted, and we promptly send it to your EUR account via SEPA. Alternatively, we can transfer the funds to your Wise or Revolut account, based on your preference.
4. Full Regulatory Compliance: We handle all necessary Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) checks, ensuring that both you and your client maintain complete and legal payment records.

Why Choose This Method Over Direct International Transfers?

• Zero SWIFT Fees for Your Client: Payments from a US bank to another US bank are either free or incur minimal charges for your client, making the transaction smoother and more appealing.
• No IRS Form Requirements: Since the payment is a B2B transaction to a US entity (Remotify), your client is not obligated to classify it as a foreign contractor payment, significantly reducing their administrative burden.
• Accelerated Payouts: Experience significantly faster access to your funds; you can typically receive your payment within 1-2 business days after your client initiates the transfer.
• Diverse Payout Options: Benefit from flexible payout methods, including SEPA, Wise, Revolut, and other supported channels, giving you control over how you receive your earnings.

Real-World Example:

Consider a talented designer based in Spain who lands a project with an innovative startup in California:

• Without Remotify: The client would initiate a SWIFT transfer, incurring around $40 in fees, waiting up to 5 days for the funds to clear, and requiring the designer to submit a W-8BEN form.
• With Remotify: The client simply sends a free domestic ACH transfer. The payment arrives in the designer’s SEPA account within a swift 48 hours, with no additional forms or bureaucratic headaches.

Conclusion

Receiving payments from the United States as a European freelancer doesn’t have to be a source of frustration or expense. By leveraging Remotify, you empower your US clients with a straightforward, local payment channel, while ensuring you receive your earnings directly into your EUR account efficiently and compliantly.

💡 Ready to simplify your international payments? Sign up today and start experiencing the ease of receiving US payments like a local.—–