How to pay a freelancer? The question has likely crossed your mind while searching for a provider.
Whether on a regular basis or after a specific assignment, there are several ways to pay a freelancer for their services.
Choose from these 7 options!
1. Bank transfer
Bank transfer is one of the "traditional" methods to pay a freelancer. The most widespread solution, it remains a reliable and secure way to settle a service.
Bank transfers offer several advantages for the client:
- It's simple and quick.
- It poses little risk when transferring large amounts of money.
- It makes it possible to pay a freelancer internationally.
- The debit is direct, so your cash balance is updated in real time.
For the freelancer:
- Bank transfer is instant if you are with the same bank as the client. Otherwise, it is available in 2–3 days, which is still quick.
- The transaction is secure.
- No need to transfer funds from an online service to your bank account anymore.
Its main drawback lies in the fees. Some banks charge an extra cost when the transfer is made to another banking institution. In addition, fees can skyrocket when paying internationally.
2. Check
Checks have long been used to make payments. Even if they are becoming less common, they remain a convenient payment method. You can therefore easily pay a freelancer using this method.
The main advantage is that banks do not charge fees. In addition, checks are fairly easy to cash. No need to wait for the counter to be open; most banks offer solutions to deposit checks whenever you want.
However, this payment method is not very secure. There is a risk of counterfeit checks or insufficient funds, which can harm your cash flow.
3. PayPal
PayPal remains the most used online payment method by freelancers. Opening an account is free and you can pay your provider simply by entering their username or email address. Moreover, it is easy to set up on a WordPress site using WooCommerce.
The latter receives the funds in their PayPal account and can then transfer them to their bank account. With PayPal, you can:
- Pay invoices in a few clicks, by card or bank transfer
- Send money to several freelancers at once
- Send payments in different currencies
- Track your payments
The advantages for the freelancer are:
- Payment available instantly
- Ability to request a payment from a client
- Secure transaction
4. Western Union
Do you work with freelancers located abroad? Western Union offers a simple, fast payment solution to pay them.
While PayPal is available in only 130 countries, Western Union allows money transfers to 200 countries and territories worldwide. This payment method is therefore an alternative for transfers that are impossible via PayPal. As for advantages and disadvantages, they remain similar (fast and secure transfer, the ability to link your bank account or pay by card, immediate availability of the balance, etc.).
5. Website-integrated payment gateway
This method is used by freelancers who have a website. Like e-commerce sites, they integrate a payment gateway directly into their professional site to make payment easier.
As a client, you fill your shopping cart with the services you want, then you pay the invoice.
This payment method is particularly suited to one-off services that are clearly defined in advance, such as buying a text, a translation, a course or a tool.
6. Online payment through an accounting tool
For this method to work, the freelancer must use accounting software that includes payment options. QuickBooks, Wave or Due are among the solutions available on the market.
If your provider offers this payment method, know that it’s fast, secure and effective! You receive a link and, as on an e-commerce site, you choose the payment method: card, PayPal, bank transfer… With one click, the invoice is paid.
On the freelancer side, this option is ideal for:
- Automate and track client payments
- Reduce late payments
- Monitor your cash flow in real time and make better financial decisions
7. Direct debit
This option is recommended for paying recurring services. If you pay the same amount every month, you can automate the payment. Most banks and online solutions offer this feature.
On the client side, direct debit allows you to:
- Pay the freelancer on time
- Save time: everything is settled automatically
- Benefit from real-time cash flow
- Eliminate the risk of having to pay late penalties
As a freelancer, direct debit:
- Guarantees payment for your services
- Prevents late payments
- Ensures you have a solid working capital
Our tip
When defining the collaboration and negotiating the fee, remember to establish a payment method that suits both parties. If you find your freelancer via Codeur.com, you now have everything you need to find the payment solution best suited to you and to secure the payment!
