If you are a freelancer or contractor, you know the feeling all too well. You’ve finished the project, polished the final deliverables, and sent the invoice. You’ve done your part. But now begins the waiting game.
Will the payment arrive next week? Next month? Will hidden fees eat into your hard-earned income? Will the exchange rate drop before the money hits your local account?
For millions of creative professionals and remote workers, managing international payments is where things can get complicated. But it shouldn’t be.
We believe you should have as much control over when and how you get paid as you do over the work you create. That’s why we’ve introduced a new way for global workers to get paid – faster, more transparently, and on your terms.
The struggle of getting paid globally
The freelance economy is thriving, and today’s global payment systems are more feature-rich than ever. Yet, for many freelancers, some systems still fall short of meeting essential needs. While platforms and banks offer a wide range of services, they often lack what freelancers value most: control and clarity.
Freelancers typically have little say in when or how they get paid. They’re often at the mercy of the client’s timing, payment method, and prevailing exchange rates. All factors that can shift unpredictably. Even with mature infrastructure, the journey from invoice to payout can feel frustratingly opaque. Intermediary fees, unclear deductions, and fluctuating conversion rates make it difficult to know exactly how much will land in your account until the payment finally arrives.
This uncertainty makes financial planning difficult. What freelancers truly need is a system that works on their terms. One that doesn’t just move money, but empowers them with real control. The ability to request payments, choose when to convert or withdraw funds, and act when exchange rates are in their favor isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. With the right tools, freelancers can gain the reliability, speed, and autonomy they deserve—so they can focus on what they do best: their work.
How to request payment as a freelancer with Remitly
Designed specifically with freelancers in mind, our new tool puts you in control of the entire payment process. No more sharing sensitive banking details or chasing down invoices. With just a few taps in the Remitly app, you can request payments from clients, track the status of every payment in one place, and receive funds instantly. You decide when to hold, convert, or withdraw. All on your schedule, and at rates that work for you.
Whether you want to wait for a better exchange rate or need access to your money right away, you stay in control of your earnings from start to finish.
Our freelancer tool is powered by the Remitly app, a platform trusted by millions for secure and fast international money transfers. Even if you’re new to Remitly, getting started is simple. Here’s how easy it is to request a payment:
- Download and Open the Remitly App: Select “Get Paid for Global Work” to create your account and get started with requesting payments.
- Select “Request”: Enter the amount you are owed.
- Send the Link: The app generates a payment request link. You send this directly to your client via email, WhatsApp, or text.
- Client Pays Securely: Your client clicks the link, creates an account, and pays using their preferred method (like a bank card).
- Get Paid Instantly: As soon as your client completes payment, the funds arrive instantly in your Remitly Wallet*.
Take control with Remitly Wallet
Getting the money is step one. Deciding what to do with it is step two. This is where Remitly Wallet gives you a real advantage.
When you receive a payment through Remitly, you’re not forced to convert it right away. You can choose to hold your earnings in U.S. Dollars (USD) and decide when to convert or withdraw, giving you full control over timing and currency decisions.
Why does this matter? Exchange rates fluctuate daily. By holding your funds in USD, you can monitor the rates and convert to your local currency when it benefits you most. This way, you’re able to maximize the value of every payment.
A smoother experience for your clients
If you are worried that asking your clients to use a new system might be a burden, don’t be. This feature was designed to make their lives easier, too.
No matter who your clients are, they’ll appreciate a simple, secure way to pay. Remitly’s payment requests remove unnecessary steps and make it easy for clients to send payments quickly, giving both of you more time to focus on the work that matters.
This experience is designed with global workers in mind, but it also makes life easier for the clients who pay them. With Remitly’s payment requests, your clients can:
| Benefit | What it means for your clients |
| Pay Quickly and Securely | Send payments through a simple link — no need to collect or enter banking details. |
| See What They’re Paying | No hidden fees, competitive exchange rates, and full transparency from start to finish. |
| Track Payment Status | Get automatic receipts and real-time updates so they know exactly when a payment is in progress or completed. |
| Feel Confident with Security | All transactions are processed through a trusted platform. |
By offering your clients a streamlined way to pay, you look more professional, and they spend less time on admin. It is a win-win.
Start getting paid on your terms
If you are ready to start managing your income with confidence, visit our website to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can receive payments through Remitly?
If you work with clients around the world, whether as a translator, video editor, virtual assistant, designer, developer, or consultant, Remitly makes it fast and secure to receive international payments on your terms.
How do I send a payment request?
Open the Remitly app, choose “Request,” and enter the amount you’re requesting. The app will generate a link that you send to your client to complete the payment.
How fast will I get paid?
As soon as your client completes the payment on their end, the funds arrive instantly** in your Remitly Wallet.
Do I have to withdraw money right away?
No. You have the flexibility to hold funds in USD within your Remitly Wallet. You can then withdraw the money into your local currency anytime or when the exchange rate works best for you.
Legal Disclaimers
**Delivery speed is dependent on payment method, delivery method, transaction review and system availability of Remitly and our partners.
Nothing herein should be construed as an offer, solicitation, or invitation to use Remitly’s products or services in any jurisdiction where Remitly or its affiliates are not licensed or otherwise authorized to provide such services. Service availability is subject to customer eligibility and compliance with applicable laws. Not all products or services are available in all jurisdictions.