Top payment platforms for freelancers in UK 2024
Whether you're just starting as a freelancer in the UK or have been working remotely for a while, choosing the best payment platform is key to smooth transactions.
Freelancers, especially those working with international clients, often face challenges with fees, exchange rates, and delayed payments.
It can get frustrating when receiving payments becomes a complicated process, especially when every penny counts. In the UK freelancing community, a common question is: which platform makes receiving payments seamless and affordable?
In this article, I’ll highlight the top 5 payment platforms for freelancers in the UK in 2024.
These platforms not only help you avoid unnecessary fees but also make it easier for clients to pay you quickly and securely.
After all, as freelancers, our focus should be on delivering quality work—not worrying about getting paid on time.
As we dive into the top 5 payment platforms for freelancers in the UK, you might want to keep an eye on OhentPay as a noteworthy option.
OhentPay offers flexible payment solutions, particularly for freelancers working with both local and international clients. With competitive fees and instant transfer speed ,it’s designed to streamline the process of receiving payments.
Top 5 payment platforms for freelancers in the UK (2024)
Whether you’re freelancing to earn extra income or running a full-time service, choosing the right payment platform is essential to streamline your finances.
From handling international payments to ensuring quick, secure transactions, having the best payment methods can make a world of difference for freelancers.
Here’s a list of the top platforms to help you get paid as a freelancer in the UK!
OhentPay
OhentPay is a reliable and straightforward payment platform that offers both personal and business accounts with a strong focus on international transactions.
It stands out due to its transparent, flat-rate fees and quick transfer times, making it a go-to for freelancers who need an affordable and efficient way to manage payments.
● Flat-rate fee of £1.50 per transaction for personal accounts
● Supports 40+ currencies worldwide
● Available in over 190 countries
● Fast, direct bank transfers with swift processing times
● FCA regulated, PCI DSS compliant, and SOC 2 certified
● Simple and interactive platform for easy account management
● Dedicated UK-based customer support
Freelancers can use OhentPay for both domestic and international transactions, enjoying a flat £1.50 fee per transaction, regardless of whether it's a local or cross-border payment.
With support for 40+ currencies and availability in over 190 countries, it’s an ideal choice for freelancers working with clients globally.
The platform also offers currency exchange services, making it easy for freelancers to receive payments in different currencies without complicated fee structures.
And with quick transfer times, freelancers can expect their funds to arrive promptly.
Even though OhentPay doesn't have specialized packages for freelancers, its transparent fees and user-friendly interface make it a solid option for those looking for simplicity and global accessibility.
Plus, with FCA regulation and tiered security, freelancers can trust the platform to keep their finances secure.
Stripe
Stripe is a leading payment platform for freelancers, providing a seamless way to accept payments online. It’s like the backbone of your payment system, handling everything from credit card payments to bank transfers:
● No monthly fees
● Customizable checkout options for your website
● Send and manage invoices directly within the app
● Supports international payments in multiple currencies
● PCI DSS Level 1 certified (top-tier security)
Oh yes, the big pull for freelancers is how simple Stripe makes getting paid. You can create payment links or integrate a checkout system on your website with minimal fuss.
Clients can pay via card, and payments are deposited directly into your bank account. No complicated steps or hidden fees.
Even though Stripe is designed for all kinds of online businesses, it works particularly well for freelancers in UK with clients around the globe.
You can send invoices directly through the app, and Stripe even provides automated reminders for outstanding payments. Tracking payments is a breeze.
Stripe also offers instant payouts (for a small fee) and competitive rates for international transactions. With Stripe, you can keep your cash flow smooth while handling clients worldwide.
While it doesn’t offer a "free plan" for everything, Stripe’s transparent pricing and excellent features make it a solid choice for freelancers.
- Stripe Fees for Freelancers in UK:
- 1.5% + £0.20 for standard UK cards(domestic fees)
- 1.9% + £0.20 for premium UK cards(domestic fees)
- 2.5% + £0.20 for European cards(international payments)
- 3.25% + £0.20 for non-EEA international cards(international payments)
- 2% fee applies if currency conversion is needed
- 1% instant payoutfee (standard payout is free but can take a few days)
Square
Square is a widely-used payment platform that offers freelancers a flexible and reliable way to accept payments, whether in person or online. It’s designed to make life easier for freelancers, from managing transactions to sending invoices.
● 1.4% + 15p for transactions with UK cards
● 2.5% + 15p for transactions with non-UK cards
● Accept credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay
● Create and share payment links and QR codes
● Send and track invoices easily
The big draw for freelancers is how simple it is to get paid. You can create a payment link or QR code in minutes, making it easy to accept payments even without a website.
Plus, Square’s invoicing tools let you send professional estimates and invoices, with reminders and tracking all included.
Square’s POS system isn’t just for brick-and-mortar stores. Freelancers can also accept online payments by creating an online store or sharing payment links.
The flat-rate fees are straightforward, with 1.4% + 15p for UK cards and 2.5% + 15p for non-UK cards, so you always know what to expect.
Square also integrates with platforms like WordPress, Wix, and WooCommerce, making it a great choice for freelancers who want to expand their reach online without much hassle.
With no monthly fees and a simple, interactive platform, Square is ideal for freelancers looking to manage payments with ease.
Revolut
Revolut is one of the most popular financial platforms for freelancers, especially those working internationally. Here’s why:
- No monthly fees (on the Free plan)
- Supports over 25 currencies
- 1,000 free local transfers per month on the Scale plan
- 25 free international transfers per month
- Free metal cards available
- 0.8% fee for UK consumer card payments
Now, here’s what makes Revolut stand out for freelancers:
Revolut’s multi-currency support is a game-changer if you're working with clients abroad.
You can hold and exchange multiple currencies at real-time exchange rates, and on higher plans, you get a huge £50k per month allowance before any fees kick in!
With Revolut Pro, you can earn 1% cashback on all your card purchases, meaning you save a little money every time you spend. Setting up the account is quick—it only takes a few minutes in the Revolut app.
Revolut also simplifies invoicing—you can send professional invoices straight from the app and track payments with ease.
It even offers tools to manage expenses and payroll, making it a one-stop-shop for freelancers who need to handle their finances without the fuss.
Plus, if you're doing international transfers, Revolut gives you up to 25 free transfers on the Scale plan.
For freelancers who often work with global clients, it’s a smart way to save on fees.
To sign up, you need to have a Revolut Personal account and be self-employed. Just remember, the account is for business purposes only, and you’ll need to go through Revolut’s standard onboarding checks to get started.
Paypal
PayPal is one of the most popular payment platforms worldwide, and it's easy to see why so many freelancers in the UK use it:
● No monthly fees
● Available in over 200 countries
● Supports multiple currencies
● Instant transfers to your bank
● Strong buyer and seller protection
But here’s the catch for freelancers: PayPal’s international fees can get quite high. For every payment you receive from a client outside the UK, you’ll pay domestic fees plus 1.29% for EEA transactions.
For non-EEA, it's even higher. Still, for freelancers dealing with international clients, the global reach and security PayPal offers can outweigh the costs.
Another nice perk? You can send invoices directly from the PayPal platform, and clients can pay by card or from their PayPal balance. Micropayments are also an option, with fees set at 6% + £0.05, which makes it useful for smaller transactions.
The downside is definitely the international fees and currency conversion costs. But if your clients prefer PayPal or if you deal with micropayments, it’s still a strong option for UK freelancers.
Tips for choosing a payment platform for your needs as a freelancer in UK
When you are choosing a payment platform, there are several key factors to consider to ensure smooth transactions and cost-efficiency. Here's what to look out for:
- Transaction fees
Freelancers need to be mindful of the fees charged for both domestic and international transactions. Look for platforms with transparent pricing, and consider:
- Domestic fees: For UK-based clients, you’ll want the lowest possible fee per transaction (e.g., Ohentpay charges £1.9 on all transactions).
- International fees: If you work with global clients, check for additional fees for non-UK cards and currency conversion rates (e.g., PayPal or Stripe might have higher fees for international payments).
- Currency support
If you’re working with international clients, make sure the platform supports multiple currencies and offers competitive exchange rates. Platforms like Ohentpay are great for handling currency conversions at low costs.
Check out our article on how to exchange money without paying huge transaction fees, which provides useful tips on how to save money when dealing with international payments.
- Payout speed
Fast access to your funds is crucial. Some platforms take a few business days for payouts, while others, like Stripe or Square, offer instant payouts for an additional fee.
4. Ease of use
Look for a platform that’s easy to set up and use, especially for invoicing and tracking payments. You don’t want to spend hours figuring out how to send an invoice.
Platforms like Ohentpay offer user-friendly dashboards and invoicing tools that simplify the process.
5. Security
Security should be a top priority. Ensure the platform complies with PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) and offers features like two-factor authentication (2FA) and encryption to protect your funds and data.
6. Customer support
Freelancers need reliable support in case issues arise. Check whether the platform offers 24/7 customer service and the availability of different support channels (e.g., live chat, phone, email).
7. Integration options
If you’re using accounting software or selling through a website, check for integration capabilities with platforms like WordPress, Wix, QuickBooks, or Xero. Platforms like Square and Stripe integrate smoothly with these services, making it easier to manage your finances in one place.
8. Reputation and trustworthiness
Choose a platform with a solid track record. Look for reviews and recommendations from other freelancers and professionals. Platforms like PayPal, Stripe, and Square are trusted globally and have a proven history of reliable service.
By considering these factors, UK freelancers can select a payment platform that not only suits their business needs but also helps them manage payments efficiently and securely.
Choosing the right payment platform is a critical decision for freelancers in the UK, as it can directly affect how smoothly your business operates and how quickly you get paid.
Platforms like OhentPay, Stripe, and PayPal offer versatile solutions that can cater to different needs, from low transaction fees to seamless international payment processing.
It's important to consider key factors such as fees, payout speed, ease of use, and security when making your choice.
After selecting a platform, setting up your payment gateway is the next essential step.
Our detailed guide on how to set up a payment gateway for your business in the UK can help you through the process, ensuring you’re ready to accept payments without any hassle.
