Method choice affects fees, speed, and power in a dispute.
11 min readCommon methods (Filipino VAs)
| Method | Pros | Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | Good rates, USD receive | Client must use Wise or wire |
| PayPal | Client knows it | FX spread, withdrawal fee |
| Payoneer | Some marketplaces | Fee schedule |
| Bank SWIFT | Direct | Slow, sender/receiver fees |
See how VAs get paid internationally.
Fee math example
$800 invoice:
- Wise to PHP: often best net
- PayPal: check "amount after conversion"
- Bank: ask who pays $25 to $40 wire fee
Track net PHP, not headline USD.
Kickoff payment line
Payment: [currency] [amount] due [date] via [Wise/PayPal]. Client covers transfer fees unless we agreed otherwise.
Red flags
- "We pay after product launches"
- Gift cards or crypto only
- New client insists on reversible chargeback method with no deposit
- Payment details change mid-project
Use payment method risk check mindset.
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Accepting any method client picks | Match to your setup |
| Ignoring fees in rate | Bump quote |
| No payment line on invoice | Always list |
| First job, no deposit, PayPal only | Deposit or milestone |
How Salag helps
- Freelance Readiness Checker: payment before kickoff.
- Late Fee Calculator: terms when pay is slow.
- Scope Creep Detector: free work while payment unclear.
Move safer. Not faster.
In short
Pick one primary method with each client: Wise, PayPal, or bank wire.
Put it on the invoice. Know the fee and how long PHP lands in your account. Method affects your real pay.
Not tax advice. Just payment mechanics.
Common questions
Pick one primary method with each client: Wise, PayPal, or bank wire. Put it on the invoice. Know the fee and how long PHP lands in your account. Method affects your real pay. Not tax advice. Just payment mechanics.
Ask client how they usually pay overseas contractors. Set up that method before day one. Test with small transfer.
USD invoice common for US/UK/AU. Wise or PayPal popular. Confirm who pays fees in writing.
Payment method, currency, and due date in scope or invoice footer.
If they insist on slow method, adjust rate or deposit for float risk.
Pick method, Agree currency, Yield to net terms only with leverage, track fees to PHP.
Wrong method scams, chargebacks, or net-90 with no deposit. Walk away.
Yes. Kickoff email with "pay via Wise to [details]" prevents confusion.
Payment method risk check and readiness tools.
Wise, PayPal, Payoneer, bank SWIFT, invoice PDF.
One hour account setup once. Two minutes per invoice.
Same method usually. Projects may use milestone deposits.
No clear payment path, no start.