International payment platform for freelancers

When receiving payments from the UK without getting crushed by traditional wire transfer fees and terrible exchange rates, you have a few top-tier options.

• Wise (formerly TransferWise): Widely considered the gold standard for freelancers.
  • How it works: You can set up a Wise Business Account to get your own virtual UK sorting code and account number. Your UK client just makes a local Faster Payments transfer into your Wise account.
  • Why it's great: It uses the real mid-market exchange rate with transparent, low upfront conversion fees (typically 0.35% - 1%). No hidden markups.[wise.com](https://wise.com/gb/blog/paypal-vs-payoneer)[[2](https://grey.co/blog/best-cross-border-payment-platforms-compared-2026)](https://grey.co/blog/best-cross-border-payment-platforms-compared-2026)
• Revolut Business: A strong alternative if you want a more traditional digital banking feel.
  • How it works: Revolut Business lets you hold multiple currencies, accept international payments, and issue corporate cards.
  • Why it's great: Excellent multi-currency handling and fast transfers, though you should check their plan limits and markup allowances depending on your volume.[wise.com](https://wise.com/gb/blog/paypal-alternatives-for-freelancers)
• Payoneer: Best if your client is already in the Payoneer ecosystem or you work across major global marketplaces.
  • How it works: Provides you with local receiving accounts (including GBP) so clients can pay you domestically.
  • Why it's great: Receiving from another Payoneer user is free, but watch out for their withdrawal and currency conversion fees if you pull the money out to a local bank later.[wise.com](https://grey.co/blog/best-cross-border-payment-platforms-compared-2026)[[2](https://grey.co/blog/best-cross-border-payment-platforms-compared-2026)](https://wise.com/gb/blog/paypal-alternatives-for-freelancers)[[3](https://wise.com/gb/blog/paypal-alternatives-for-freelancers)]()
• Avoid PayPal: While convenient, PayPal hits you with massive international transaction fees (often 3%+ once you factor in cross-border fees) and hidden currency conversion markups that can eat up to 4% to 5% of your hard-earned invoice.

To help narrow down the absolute best fit, tell me:

• What country/currency is your local bank account in?
• Roughly how much is the invoice worth?

I can tell you which platform will net you the highest payout after all fees.