Quick disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links — we may earn a commission if you sign up through them, at no extra cost to you. See our How We Make Money page for details.
If you’re getting paid in USD — as a freelancer, an agency, or a growing business — routing it through a traditional bank is one of the most expensive ways to do it. Here’s how to receive USD payments without losing a chunk of it to fees and poor exchange rates.
Airwallex lets you receive USD payments like a local US business, even if you’re operating from anywhere in the world.
This removes the unnecessary currency conversion and intermediary charges that come with routing payments through a traditional bank.
Best for: startups, agencies, eCommerce businesses, and SaaS companies.
Open an Airwallex Business Account →
Wise is a popular, simpler option for receiving USD payments.
The trade-off: Wise lacks the advanced business tools — payment gateways, expense management — that a growing business eventually needs.
Payoneer works well if you earn from platforms like Amazon, Upwork, or Fiverr.
| Platform | Best For | FX Fees | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airwallex | Businesses | ~0.5% | Full financial system |
| Wise | Freelancers | Low | Simple transfers |
| Payoneer | Marketplace sellers | Medium | Platform integration |
| Traditional banks | Traditional users | High (2–4%) | Familiarity |
Choose Airwallex if: you run a business, receive frequent USD payments, and need scalability and automation.
Choose Wise if: you’re a freelancer who wants simplicity over business features. Open a Wise account.
Choose Payoneer if: you earn primarily from marketplaces like Amazon, Upwork, or Fiverr.
What is the cheapest way to receive USD payments?
Using a multi-currency platform like Airwallex or Wise is generally the cheapest method — both avoid the 2-4% markup a traditional bank typically charges.
Can I receive USD without a US bank account?
Yes — platforms like Airwallex and Wise provide local USD account details (a US routing and account number) without requiring you to open a traditional US bank account.
How do I avoid FX fees?
Use a service with a genuinely low FX markup, and avoid automatic currency conversion — convert only when you actually need the funds in local currency.
If you’re receiving USD regularly, routing it through a traditional bank is one of the most expensive choices available. Modern fintech platforms solve this directly — Airwallex is the strongest option if you want lower FX fees, faster payments, and full business financial tools in one place.
See also our full Airwallex review and Airwallex vs Wise comparison for more detail.
