September 13, 2025

If you’re trying to receive dollars in Nigeria as a freelancer, you’ve probably hit the usual roadblocks. Your local bank takes forever, the fees are all over the place, and don’t get me started on those exchange rates. That $2,000 writing project you just scored is starting to look like it’ll be around ₦2.7 million when it hits your naira account instead of ~₦3 million. Ouch. This scenario plays out daily for thousands of Nigerian freelance writers. You land international clients, deliver excellent work, but lose a chunk of your earnings to outdated payment systems and fees. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through all of these mental gymnastics thanks to apps and platforms that allow you to receive dollars in Nigeria. In this guide, I’ll break down some of the best platforms you can use to receive international payments as a Nigerian freelance writer. I’ve used some of these platforms myself, while others are “wisdom of the crowd.” Whether you’re getting paid through Upwork, working directly with international clients, or looking for the absolute lowest fees possible, there’s a solution here that’ll save you money and headaches. Best payment platforms to receive dollars in Nigeria at a glance Platform Best for Setup time Deposit fees Exchange rates Cleva Modern solution without bank bureaucracy Under 30 minutes 0.8% (max $15, min $1.5 ACH/$10 wire) Real-time competitive rates Deel Professional contracts & enterprise clients Longer setup Free to receive Poor naira rates Domiciliary account Traditional banking & large wire transfers Multiple bank visits Inconsistent (~$20 sometimes) Poor bank rates Grey Global nomads & multi-country work Quick 0.8% (min $2, max $10) 24/7 consistent rates Wise Long-term stability & reliability More documentation for USD 6.11 USD per wire/SWIFT Real mid-market rates Geegpay Reliability & excellent customer service Quick verification Checking pricing page for info Competitive Vban Lightning-fast transactions Minutes Not fully documented Better than competitors ($1=₦1507) Cleva Best for: Cleva is ideal for freelancers looking for a modern solution without the bureaucracy of traditional banks. Cleva is designed for African freelancers and remote workers who need to receive USD payments. Think of it as your bridge to the US banking system, where you get US account details that work with platforms like Upwork, Deel, and even crypto payments. The whole setup takes less than 30 minutes. You download the app, upload your ID, complete the KYC process, and you’ve got actual US bank account details that you can use anywhere.  It works if you’re getting paid through Upwork, receiving direct payments from international clients, or even getting USDC from crypto-savvy clients. In my experience, it took 2-3 working days from when the client sends the money for me to receive it in my Cleva account. You’ll typically receive an email and an in-app notification informing you that you’ve been credited. Converting the USD from there to your Naira account is easy. The app shows live exchange rates, and you can transfer to your local bank account instantly (and for free). Cleva also allows you to create a virtual USD card that you can use to pay for subscriptions and other services. If you’re earning $500-$5,000 monthly from platforms like Upwork or direct clients, and you want the convenience of instant conversion plus virtual cards for your subscriptions, Cleva hits the sweet spot. Cleva works well for writers just starting out with international clients, as the KYC process is straightforward and the fees are transparent. The crypto support also makes it future-proof, as it enables you to work with tech clients who prefer USDC payments. Skip Cleva if you’re receiving huge payments regularly (that $5,000 deposit limit will be annoying) or if you prefer established platforms with longer track records. Pros Cons Pricing/Charges Deposit fee: 0.8% with a maximum fee of $15. For ACH transfers, there’s a minimum chargeable fee of $1.5. Wire transfers have a minimum fee of $10.  You can view their pricing page to learn more about the charges involved in creating a virtual card and money transfers. If a client sends you $2000, you’d receive $1,985 on Cleva. Deel Best for: Freelancers who want bulletproof contracts, tax compliance, and professional credibility with enterprise clients. Deel is popularly known for helping companies hire from over 180 countries. It also has features that allow contractors to get paid by their clients. If you’re tired of getting stiffed by clients, dealing with messy payment arrangements, or having a client disappear after delivery, or arguing about scope creep, Deel eliminates those nightmares. The platform handles creating legally sound contracts, managing invoices, and ensuring timely payment. You can set up different payment structures (fixed rates, milestones, or hourly), and the whole process feels like working with a proper company rather than some random person you found on Twitter (never call it X). What I like about Deel is the protection it offers. When clients like Convertflow and Veed paid through Deel, the dollar payment was held in escrow until I delivered my drafts. The money was available, and I received it upon completing the work.  One heads up, though—their naira conversion rates aren’t great. You’re better off withdrawing to your domiciliary account and converting locally. But honestly, that’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind and professional setup they provide. Pros Cons Pricing/Charges: It’s free to receive payments on Deel as a freelance writer. Most of the cost falls on your client.  Withdrawing funds from Deel incurs processing fees, depending on the method used. However, Deel’s virtual card costs $5, and a physical card costs around $10, depending on your location. There are no transaction fees on the card for transactions made in USD. However, if you were to buy something in the United Kingdom or anywhere else that doesn’t accept USD, a 1.25% fee applies. Domiciliary Accounts Best for: Freelancers who prefer traditional banking and work with clients who are comfortable with wire transfers. A domiciliary account is basically a foreign currency account with your local Nigerian bank. It’s