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 You land international clients, deliver excellent work, but lose a chunk of your earnings to outdated payment systems and fees.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

• Super quick KYC process (30 minutes max)
• Competitive exchange rates updated in real-time
• No hidden fees or monthly charges
• Free instant naira transfers to your Nigerian bank account
• Works with major freelance platforms
• Can receive both traditional payments and crypto
• Referral program ($5 for each person who deposits $300+)

Cons

• Can’t run a zero balance (must keep $1 minimum)
• Relatively new platform, so it has less track record
• $5,000 deposit limit might be restrictive for high earners

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

• Eliminates client payment risks through escrow
• Professional contracts that protect your interests
• Automatic tax documentation for international work
• Multiple withdrawal options (bank, PayPal, Wise, crypto)
• Strong dispute resolution process
• Works with enterprise clients who prefer formal systems
• $500 referral bonus for bringing new clients

Cons

• Poor naira conversion rates
• $49/month cost for clients, which might deter smaller clients
• Requires proper documentation and tax compliance
• Can feel overkill for simple projects
• Longer setup process compared to basic payment platforms

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 the old-school way of receiving USD payments, and while it may feel dated compared to fintech solutions, it still has its place, especially for freelancers dealing with large clients who prefer traditional banking routes.

The process varies significantly between banks, but it’s generally more involved than modern alternatives. 

For my bank setup, I needed a utility bill, a passport photo, a valid ID, completed forms, and two referees who already had current accounts with any Nigerian bank. 

Other banks, such as Access or Sterling, have slightly different requirements, but expect to spend a few hours at the branch to complete the process. That’s already too much for most people.

One thing I dislike about domiciliary accounts is the difficulty in transferring funds between accounts of different banks. You’ll likely need to visit the bank and fill out a physical form before you can initiation such transactions.

This limitation can be frustrating when you’re trying to pay other freelancers or contractors.

To get the most functionality out of your domiciliary account, you’ll want to get a dollar card (like GTBank’s USD Mastercard). This creates a separate account that you can fund from your domiciliary account, allowing you to make international purchases and withdrawals. 

Without the card, you’re pretty limited in how you can use the funds. I noticed a feature in my bank app that allows me to convert from USD to my naira account. But then, it doesn’t offer competitive exchange rates.

The fee structure is, in fact, confusing and inconsistent. I’ve received payments where the bank deducted charges, and others where they didn’t. It seems to depend on how clients send the payment and the correspondent banks involved.

Pros

• Traditional banking backed by Central Bank regulations
• Can receive large wire transfers, unlike fintech apps
• Physical branch support when things go wrong
• Dollar debit cards for international spending
• Works with most international banks and financial institutions
• Account statements accepted by immigration for visa applications

Cons

• Complex setup process often requires multiple visits to the bank
• Can’t transfer between different bank domiciliary accounts
• Inconsistent and unpredictable fee structure
• Poor customer service for international issues
• Slow processing times (3-7 business days typical)
• Regular concerns about changing regulations affecting accounts
• Requires a separate dollar card application for spending flexibility

Pricing/Charges

You can open a USD bank account for free, but a deposit of approximately $2 is required to activate it. 

Like I said, the charges for deposits have been inconsistent. Sometimes, there is $20 charge. Other times, I receive the payment in full.

Grey

Best for: Global freelancers and digital nomads who need true worldwide banking without geographic restrictions.

Grey works well for Nigerian freelancers whose work and life span multiple countries and currencies. The app design is stunning, the user experience feels premium, and the whole system works the way international freelancers need it to.

One thing I like about Grey is their “no geographic blocks” philosophy. While other platforms restrict access based on location, Grey allows you to open USD, EUR, and GBP accounts from practically anywhere—Lagos, Dubai, South Africa, Mexico City, Jakarta, and more.

You don’t get locked out just because you’re not in Lagos or Durban. They’ve also solved the weekend currency conversion problem that plagues other platforms; you get consistent, transparent rates no matter where you’re converting money from.

Grey integrates with PayPal, Skrill, Stripe, and major freelance platforms, so you don’t have to jump through multiple hoops.

One of the biggest drawbacks I saw online about Grey was their customer service.

Many users express frustration over how, although Grey has nailed the product experience, they fall short in human support. When things work, which is most of the time, Grey is fantastic. When you need help, you’re mostly on your own.

That said, if you’re the type of person who rarely needs support and values beautiful design, Grey might be worth the trade-off. Just know what you’re getting into.

Pros

• Beautiful, intuitive app design that actually works globally
• No geographic blocks or “service not available” messages
• Consistent exchange rates 24/7
• Quick account opening and set up
• Local withdrawal options in dozens of countries
• Seamless platform integrations without workarounds
• Transparent pricing with real-time rate display
• Built specifically for international freelancers and nomads

Cons

• Customer support is sometimes unresponsive
• USD accounts were “under maintenance” for extended periods
• The $4 virtual card creation fee is higher than that of some competitors
• Some users report account restrictions without clear explanations

Pricing/Charges

You can open an account for free. Like Cleva, Grey charges 0.8% for deposits via ACH. Unlike Cleva, Grey has a minimum charge of $2 and a maximum of $10.

You can find other information about their pricing here.

Wise

Best for: Freelancers who prioritize long-term stability and want direct transfer to their local bank account.

Wise is a veteran in the fintech space that’s built a reputation for reliability over more than a decade. The platform is solid and doesn’t look like it’d pack up soon.

Chidinma, a freelance writer friend, uses Wise because the company operates outside Nigeria. As such, she is not constantly worried about some new CBN policy or local fintech regulation suddenly affecting her account. 

When you’re building a freelance business, that peace of mind is worth a lot.

One thing that makes Wise special is its straightforward approach to cross-border and foreign payments. They use the real mid-market exchange rate and give some of the best rates if you want to receive your funds in naira.

You can also create a USD account, but it requires more documentation.

A significant limitation for Nigerian users with Wise is that it doesn’t issue debit cards to individuals residing in this country. While you can receive and convert money, you can’t spend it directly on subscriptions or international purchases without first transferring it elsewhere. 

That’s where platforms like Grey and Cleva still have an edge over Wise.

Pros

• Publicly traded company with proven long-term stability
• Operates globally, so it’s not entirely dependent on Nigerian regulations
• Real-time exchange rates
• Strong integration with business tools and platforms
• Excellent track record for reliability and customer trust

Cons

• No debit cards available for Nigerian residents
• Can’t spend directly from your Wise balance for subscriptions/purchases
• Limited customer support for complex issues

Pricing/Charges

Opening and maintaining an account with Wise is free. There’s a 0.1-2% charge on currency conversion depending on the currencies. 

Receiving USD wire and SWIFT payments costs 6.11 USD per payment.

You can check Wise’s pricing page for more information.

Geegpay

Best for: Freelance writers who want reliability, excellent customer service, and seamless international spending.

Geegpay is another fintech platform with glowing recommendations among Nigeria’s freelance community.

What sets Geegpay apart for Chuks, another freelance writer friend, is that he’s never had to cross-examine if they’re having any issues with receiving international payment. He copies and pastes his dollar account on his invoice and gets his pay. 

Another thing that stands out about Geegpay is its customer service. They take a “solution-oriented” approach to customer concerns.

The platform really shines for international spending. If you’re traveling to the UK (or anywhere internationally), their card works seamlessly with Apple Pay and Google Pay for contactless payments. You can shop at Zara, pay for your Uber, grab coffee—all without the usual headaches of Nigerian cards being declined on international platforms.

Pros

• Exceptional reliability and uptime
• USD, GBP, and EUR virtual accounts for receiving international payments
• Outstanding customer service with genuine problem-solving
• Great exchange rates and competitive fees
• Works seamlessly for international travel and spending
• Easy signup process with quick verification
• Cards work on all major international platforms
• No monthly maintenance fees

Cons

• Card creation fee increased to $3 (was $1 initially)
• $0.50 fee per transaction and funding
• Relatively newer platform compared to some alternatives
• Limited physical presence for in-person support

Pricing/Charges

You can find information about Geegpay’s pricing here.

Vban

Best for: Remote workers who want lightning-fast transactions and a clean user interface.

Vban is the newest player in the international bank transfer space.

They have somehow managed to make everything work seamlessly without sacrificing security or functionality. Users consistently rave about getting their money in “literal seconds” and “under a few minutes.“

The app’s interface is clean and intuitive. What you get is a simple design that gets you from A to B without friction. The onboarding process is short, with users being verified and able to complete transactions within minutes.

As you can tell already, one of Vban’s biggest selling points is speed.

Another thing that stands out is that Vban offers a slightly better USD-to-naira rate than Grey, Cleva, and the rest. 

For example, as of the time of writing this piece (September 13th), the dollar-to-naira exchange rate on Vban was $1 to ₦1507, while it was $1 to ₦1500 on Cleva and $1 to ₦1485 on Grey.

This slight difference becomes more significant as your income increases.

Pros

• Exceptional transaction speed
• Beautiful, user-friendly interface
• Virtual USD cards for global spending
• Great exchange rates consistently
• Seamless onboarding process

Cons

• Relatively new platform
• Less established customer support history
• Limited information about the fee structure transparency

Pricing/Charges

You can open an account for free. However, considering that it’s a newer platform, detailed fee structures aren’t as publicly documented as those of established competitors.

Why getting paid in USD matters for Nigerian freelancers

Now that you’ve seen the best options to choose from, let’s talk about why you should insist on dollar payments in the first place.

Higher purchasing power compared to the Nigerian naira

The USD is one of the world’s strongest currencies. As a freelancer living in Nigeria, earning in dollars gives you serious buying power that your friends stuck with naira gigs just don’t have.

A $500 writing project gives you the equivalent buying power of someone earning ₦750,000+ locally, depending on the current exchange rate. That’s money for rent, a decent laptop, or four months of groceries, all from one article.

This really hits home when you’re buying software and tools for your business. That $60 Grammarly subscription costs the same whether you’re earning in dollars or naira, but it stings way less when it’s 10% of your monthly earnings instead of 50%. Same with other subscriptions or tools you use for your writing.

Protection from the naira’s ups and downs

The naira doesn’t exactly have a reputation for stability. We’ve all watched it tank against the dollar more times than we’d like to count.

Take, for example, the USD/Naira exchange rate in 2020, where it stood at around ₦380 to $1. Today, in 2025, $1 is now worth approximately ₦ 1,500, indicating a nearly 300% depreciation.

USD earnings act as your financial insurance policy. When you receive foreign currency payments and hold them as USD—even temporarily—you’re protected from those sudden naira crashes that make everyone’s savings disappear. 

Your $2,000 monthly income stays $2,000, regardless of what drama is happening with the local currency.

Pro tip: You can game the system a little by timing when you perform a currency exchange.

Monitor exchange rates and convert your funds when the naira is weaker against the dollar. This simple move can boost your effective income by 5-10% without writing a single extra word.

Access to international markets and higher-paying clients

It wasn’t until I figured out how to handle international money transfers that I started attracting most of my high-paying clients.

These clients don’t want to deal with the headache of converting currencies or explaining to their accounting department why project costs keep fluctuating with exchange rates. They’ve got budgets in USD, think in USD, and want to pay in USD.

When you can confidently tell a potential client, “I accept USD payments directly,” you’re immediately separating yourself from freelancers who still make clients jump through conversion hoops. 

You’re positioning yourself for those higher-tier projects that pay $500+ per article instead of $20.

Professional credibility with global clients

Accepting USD payments signals that you’re a serious freelancer, not just someone testing the waters. It shows you work with international clients regularly.

This credibility factor is subtle but powerful. Clients feel more confident working with you if you can handle cash flows across borders. They’re more likely to offer long-term contracts and higher rates when they don’t have to worry about payment complications.

Plus, when you quote prices in USD from the start, you’re speaking their language. There are no awkward conversations about “well, that’s $500, but if the naira strengthens…”

What to consider before choosing a platform to receive dollars in Nigeria

With so many options available, selecting the right payment platform can be overwhelming. But focusing on these key factors will help you make the right choice for your specific freelancing situation.

Security

Your money and personal information need to be protected. Look for platforms that use bank-level encryption, two-factor authentication, and have proper regulatory backing. Check if they’re registered with financial authorities like the CBN in Nigeria or international regulators.

Red flags include platforms that don’t clearly explain their security measures, lack regulatory oversight, or request unnecessary personal information. If a platform has been around for years without major security incidents, that’s usually a good sign.

Payout speed

Time is money when you’re freelancing. Some international money transfer platforms process funds in seconds, while other money transfer services take 3-7 business days. 

Consider your cash flow needs. If you need money quickly for bills or business expenses, prioritize faster platforms.

Don’t just look at the advertised speed, though. Check user reviews to see if the platform delivers on its promises. A platform that claims “instant transfers” but regularly has delays isn’t going to help your business.

Customer experience and support

When something goes wrong with your money, you want actual human help, not chatbots sending you in circles. Look for platforms that offer responsive customer service, multiple contact methods, and a proven track record of resolving problems efficiently.

Again, check review sites and online user sentiment to get an idea of what the money transfer service’s customer service is like.

Fees and pricing transparency

Understand exactly what you’ll pay before signing up. Some platforms advertise ‘low fees’ but hit you with hidden transaction fee charges for withdrawals, currency conversion, or account maintenance. Calculate the total cost based on your typical usage pattern.

For example, if you receive $2,000 monthly, compare the total fees across platforms rather than just looking at deposit fees. A platform with higher deposit fees but free withdrawals might be cheaper overall than one with low deposit fees but expensive withdrawal charges.

Exchange rates

The difference between a good exchange rate and a poor one can cost you hundreds of dollars annually. Some platforms offer real-time market rates, while others add significant margins to maximize their profits.

Check the actual rates offered against the mid-market rate (you can find this on Google or XE.com). A 2-3% difference in exchange rates on a $2,000 payment means you’re losing $40-60 per transaction.

Platform integrations

If you work through Upwork, Fiverr, or other freelance platforms, check which payment providers integrate directly with them. Direct integrations typically result in faster transfers and fewer steps in your workflow.

Some platforms work without hiccups with major freelance marketplaces, while others require manual transfers that can delay your remittance from clients and add extra steps to your process.

Account limits and restrictions

Ensure the platform can handle your income level. Some have monthly receiving limits, daily withdrawal caps, or restrictions on the types of payments they accept. If you’re planning to scale your freelancing business, choose a platform that can grow with you.

Also consider geographic restrictions. Some platforms work great for US clients but have issues with clients from certain countries or regions.

Multi-currency support

If you work with clients who pay in different currencies (USD, EUR, GBP), having multi-currency accounts can save you money on conversion fees. Some platforms let you hold multiple currencies and choose when to convert, giving you more control over exchange rates.

This is especially useful if you have regular expenses in foreign currencies (like software subscriptions) since you can pay directly without converting to naira first.

Backup options and reliability

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Even the most reliable platforms can have technical issues or regulatory problems. Have at least two payment methods set up so you can quickly switch if your primary option has issues.

Consider how long the platform has been operating and its track record during challenging periods. Newer platforms might offer great features, but they haven’t been tested through economic downturns or regulatory changes.

Withdrawal methods

Check how you can actually access your money once it’s in the platform. Some only allow bank deposit transfers, while others offer multiple options like cash pickup locations, mobile wallet transfers, or even crypto. 

Having more withdrawal options gives you flexibility and backup plans.

Also, consider the fees and speed for each withdrawal method. A platform might have free bank deposit transfers but charge for cash pickup services. Or offer instant transfers to mobile wallets, but slower traditional bank deposit options.

Get your dollars on time without losing too much

With the platforms covered in this guide, you can keep more of what you earn and get paid faster than ever before.

Pick one platform that aligns with your current needs, set it up this week, and begin using it. You can always add more payment methods later as your freelance business grows.

Your future self will thank you when that next $2,000 project actually puts ₦3 million in your account instead of ₦2.7 million.

👋🏽 Liked this article? Come tell me over on LinkedIn or hire me to write for your company.