Fee Structures and Transfer Costs
Sending $1,000 doesn't mean receiving $1,000-worth of Pesos. Different platforms have hidden spreads.
Higher Fee Platforms
- PayPal: High fees (4%+) and terrible exchange rates (often ₱2 below market).
- Direct Bank Transfers: Slow (3-5 days) + fixed wire fees ($25+).
Moderate Fee Platforms
- Payoneer: Better than PayPal. Good for Upwork/Fiverr withdrawals. ~1-2% fees.
- WorldRemit / Remitly: Okay for personal transfers, sometimes flagged for business.
Lower Fee Platforms
- Wise (formerly TransferWise): Uses the real “Google Rate”. Very low fixed fee.
- GCash Global Pay via Payoneer: Instant withdrawal, decent rates.
How to Switch Your Client
The Wise Proposal
Clients worry that Wise is harder. It's not. It's actually cheaper for them too (local bank transfer).
Straight answers
Compare the offered rate to your minimum from expenses, taxes, non-billable hours, and desired income, if it falls short, renegotiate scope or walk away.
If the rate cannot meet your floor after scope is clear, reducing scope or declining protects long-term income more than accepting and resenting the work.
Include sales, admin, and learning time in your rate calculation. Only billable hours pay for the full business.
Compare payment methods before you accept a job.
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