How to Get Paid in US Dollars While Freelancing from the UK

Introduction—Get Paid In US Dollars While Freelancing From The UK

Freelancing is providing opportunity for professionals all around the world to work with international clients. If you’re a freelancer in the UK then you might have noticed that many overseas clients, especially from the USA want to pay in US dollars (USD). But here’s the confusion: How can you get paid in US dollars as a UK freelancer easily, and with little fees?

 

In this guide, you will know the best ways to get paid in US Dollars while freelancing from the UK, what tools you can use and how to avoid other costs.

 

Why Get Paid in US Dollars While Freelancing From The UK?

 

Before we get into the how, let’s quickly cover the why. Getting paid in USD can have several advantages:

 

1. Access to higher-paying clients – Many US-based businesses are willing to pay more than local clients.

2. Easier for global clients – USD is now used as the most common currency for international transactions.

3. Exchange rate benefits – It depends on the market, converting USD to GBP can sometimes give you more income .

4. Builds credibility – Working with international clients shows that you are trusted on a global level and can earn more.

 

Challenges of Getting Paid in US Dollars from the UK

 

While earning in USD has some difficulties like it also comes with some challenges:

 

  • You can face high currency conversion fees from banks or payment processors.
  • You may face delays in payments due to international transfers.
  • Platform fees eating into your income.

 

The good news? There are ways to reduce these issues and get the most out of your USD payments.

 

Step by Step Guide: Get Paid In US Dollars While Freelancing From The UK

 

1. Use Online Payment Platforms

One of the best and easiest ways to receive USD payments from US clients is by using online payment platforms. These services are like a middleman allowing you to get paid directly in USD and later you can withdraw the funds to your UK bank account.

 

a. PayPal

Pros: These are widely accepted, fast payments and are easy to use.

Cons: charge higher fees due to currency conversion charges.

Tip: You should keep your balance in USD and convert only when rates are higher.

 

b. Payoneer

Pros: It allows you to hold multiple currency balances, charge lower fees than PayPal.

Cons: Consider longer withdrawal times.

Tip: You should use the USD account details provided by Payoneer to receive payments like a local US bank.

 

2. Open a Multi-Currency Accounts

Some of the UK banks and fintech companies allow you to hold multiple currencies in a single account. This means you can keep your payments in USD without converting them to GBP earlier.

 

Popular options:

Revolut Business / Freelancer account – Great for freelancers who want to hold and spend USD directly.

Starling Bank multi-currency account – Lets you hold USD and convert when needed.

Wise multi-currency account – As mentioned earlier, ideal for freelancers.

 

Benefit: You control when to convert USD to GBP, potentially getting better exchange rates.

 

3. Work Through Freelance Marketplaces That Pay in USD

If you are working on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Toptal.or Freelancer.com then you can set your currency preference to USD. These platforms handle the payment collection for you from clients and pay out to you in USD.

 

How to make the most of it:

 

  • Choose USD as your primary currency in account settings.
  • Withdraw funds to a service like Payoneer or Wise instead of directly to your bank.
  • Avoid unnecessary currency conversions by withdrawing in USD.

 

4. Invoice Clients Directly in USD

 

If you work with clients outside of platforms, you can invoice them directly in USD.

 

Tools for USD invoicing:

  1. FreshBooks
  2. QuickBooks
  3. Zoho Invoice
  4. Wave Accounting (free option)

 

Pro tip: You should add your USD account details from Payoneer or your multi-currency bank to your invoice to make it easy for clients to pay for your work.

 

5. Negotiate Payment Methods

One mistake many freelancers make is waiting until after the project starts to talk about payments.

Instead:

  • Confirm with your client that you prefer to be paid in USD.
  • Discuss which payment platform you will use.
  • Mention any fees and who will cover them.

 

Example:

“I usually receive payments via Payoneer in USD. This method avoids high fees for both of us and ensures you don’t have to deal with currency conversions.”

 

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6. Minimise Fees and Maximise Earnings

 

  • Every payment method has fees — but you can reduce them by:
  • Choosing the right platform for each client’s location.
  • Holding USD until conversion rates are favourable.
  • Avoiding double conversions (USD → GBP → USD).
  • Setting a minimum payment amount to avoid multiple small transactions.

 

7. Keep Track of Taxes

 

Just because you’re getting paid in USD doesn’t mean you can skip UK tax obligations.

As a UK freelancer:

 

  • You should declare your USD income in GBP when filing taxes from UK.
  • Always keep records of payment dates, amounts and exchange rates if you use.
  • You should use accounting software to make it easier than ever.

 

Tip: HMRC’s exchange rate tables can help you calculate the correct GBP value for your USD earnings.

 

8. Watch the Exchange Rates

 

The exchange rate between USD and GBP changes daily, sometimes higher to lower. A small change can make a difference to your earnings. Always check it before withdrawal.

 

How to Check:

  • You have to use app like XE Currency.
  • You should set alerts for when rates hit your Target to withdraw.
  • If rates are low then you should hold USD until they improve.

 

9. Maintain Long-Term Relationships with USD Clients

 

The easiest way to get paid in USD more is to have repeat clients from the US or other countries using USD.

 

To do this:

  1. You should deliver high-quality work to clients.
  2. You have to communicate clearly and on time.
  3. You should offer flexible payment methods in USD to your client.

 

10. Always Stay Professional

 

International clients want to know that they are dealing with a trusted freelancer.

Showing clearness about your payment process from the start will show them professionalism and reduce misunderstandings.

 

Example:

  • You should include payment terms in your contract.
  • Always state your preferred currency (USD) in writing.
  • You Must provide clear invoicing and receipts to clients.

 

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FAQs— Get Paid In US Dollars While Freelancing From The UK

 

Q1. Which payment method is best for freelancers?

The best payment method for freelancers is the one that’s fast, low in fees, and easy for both you and your client—like Wise or Payoneer for smooth USD payments.

 

Q2. Do freelancers get taxes in UK?

Yes, freelancers in the UK must pay taxes on their earnings, no matter if they’re paid in GBP or USD, and it’s reported through self-assessment.

 

Q3. Can a UK citizen work remotely in the USA?

Yes, a UK citizen can work remotely for a US company, as long as they follow UK tax rules and don’t physically work in the USA without the right visa.

 

Q4. Which freelancing skills are in demand in UK?

In the UK, high-demand freelancing skills include web development, graphic design, digital marketing, content writing, and video editing, as businesses keep going online.

 

Q5. How to pay less tax as a freelancer in UK?

You can pay less tax as a freelancer in the UK by claiming all allowed business expenses and using tax-free allowances the right way.

 

Conclusion

 

Getting paid in USD while freelancing from the UK is not only possible but it can also be more profitable for you if you use the right tools and strategies that are provided in this article.

The main key is to:

1. Choose the right payment platform.

2. Always hold your USD when possible to benefit from better exchange rates.

3. You should Minimize fees and avoid unnecessary fees.

4. Always follow UK tax laws.

 

Whether you’re working with US clients, with global companies or on freelance platforms, having this USD payment strategy will help you to earn more and keep more of what you earn.