Why Crypto Payments Are Favorable for Freelancers
Freelance work is taking the world by storm. Almost half of millennial workers are freelancing, and by 2027, the majority of the U.S. workforce is expected to be freelance.
But what does it really mean to freelance? A freelancer is a 1099 worker who’s not a regular company employee. They usually juggle many different clients and projects at once. Freelancers can be anything from computer programmers to writers to accountants to photographers. The flexibility freelancing offers has prompted many workers to ditch the traditional 9-to-5 life.
But freelancing takes a lot of hustle and dedication, since there’s no employer making sure the work gets done. Freelancers have to adapt to new systems to find and complete work, and solopreneurs are always looking for new ways to grow based on market demand. This is where Noumena comes in — giving freelancers help with professional support and flexible financing resources they need to grow their business.
Freelancers also have to manage their finances and ensure prompt payment from clients. Workers today don’t have to wait for a check to arrive in the mail to get paid — and in fact, many freelancers are opting to request payment in cryptocurrency.
So, is crypto a good payment option for small businesses? This guide will cover tips on using crypto, how to save money for your small business with crypto, and why it’s a great option for freelancers.
Traditional Methods for Freelancer Payment
Freelancers have typically invoiced clients for services provided, and within 30 to 45 days, they receive a check in the mail or a direct deposit into their checking account.
However, many freelancers now see the value in accepting payment through instant cash-transfer apps like Venmo or digital platforms like PayPal. They no longer have to wait on a check — instead, they can get their money right away. Workers can also request funds directly through these apps, so formal invoices aren’t always necessary.
However, using platforms like PayPal, Upwork, or Fiverr often means that exchange rates or fees may apply to earnings. Cryptocurrency is another option that gets rid of some of these concerns and provides a higher level of protection for freelancers.
How Freelancers Are Using Crypto
First, let’s talk about what crypto really is. It’s a digital currency that offers additional protections that traditional currency doesn’t provide. It’s protected by cryptography, which means that it’s almost impossible to counterfeit. Cryptocurrencies are based on a network that extends over many computers, so crypto is decentralized and thus isn’t controlled by the government or other institutions.
Crypto payments are becoming more and more common for freelancers. One recent survey from Humans.net found that 38% of U.S. freelancers use cryptocurrencies periodically or regularly.
Why Freelancers Benefit From Crypto Payments
So, why is crypto such an enticing option for freelancers? How is it different from traditional payment options? Here are a few key benefits:
Easy To Accept or Send International Transactions
Crypto makes it much easier to engage in international financial transactions. Conversion rates and transfer fees may apply when using other payment methods, but crypto doesn’t have those downsides. Many employers in other countries are looking for freelancers who are willing to accept crypto, so workers can have a competitive edge if they go this route.
Instant Processing
Any type of payment, global or otherwise, is processed instantly with crypto. Freelancers can receive a payment in just moments. This is a huge improvement from the long wait times associated with sending payments via check or waiting a few days for your money to be accessible in a checking account.
Better Privacy Protections
Fraud is much less likely to occur with crypto than with other digital payment types like credit card transactions. Payments are anonymous, so no personal data has to be shared unnecessarily. Freelancers don’t have to share their bank account number, for example, so you’re much less likely to be targeted by a hacker.
Decentralization
No banking institutions are involved in cryptocurrency exchanges, thanks to decentralization and blockchain technology. Blockchain is a shared database in a computer network that stores digital data, so cryptocurrency transactions can be recorded and decentralized. There’s no need for a third party to create trust and ensure security.
Tips on How To Accept Crypto for Payment
There are clear benefits of using crypto as a freelancer. But how do you do it?
It all starts with creating a crypto wallet. Crypto wallets for small businesses are programs or devices similar to the wallet app that many people have on their smartphones. The wallet is completely digital and specific to crypto transactions.
You can buy, sell, and hold different types of crypto such as Tether, Ethereum, Bitcoin, or others. You’ll have a unique, private key to ensure your currency is always safe but accessible to you.
Your crypto wallet then connects with other applications so that transactions can be made seamlessly. Clients can pay you in crypto that goes to your wallet, and you can then exchange it into whatever currency you want. Note that your crypto wallet doesn’t actually store your crypto funds, which live on the blockchain. It just makes it possible for you to access money with your private key.
You can set up hardware wallets or mobile app wallets. For example, Ledger is an offline option that’s similar to a USB stick, and Coinbase Wallet is a simple, user-friendly app.
MetaMask, a preferred option for freelancers, is an all-around great choice for a crypto wallet and gateway to blockchain apps.
Here are a few more of the best crypto apps for freelancers to consider:
Electrum
Mycelium
Exodus
Crypto.com
How To Invoice in Crypto
To invoice a client in crypto, you simply create an invoice or email and send the client your crypto wallet’s deposit address and the amount owed. The client then opens their crypto wallet, copies and pastes your deposit address, and sends you the amount they owe you. It’s fast, easy, and cost-efficient.
Ready To Start Accepting Crypto Payments?
Crypto for freelancers can give you more security, help you save on fees, and make you look attractive to global clients. It’s not too hard to find clients who want to pay you in crypto — sites to check out include Bitfortip or Jobs4Bitcoin, among many others.
Start accepting payments by creating your wallet and ensuring the clients you work with are willing to pay you in crypto.
When you need assistance navigating financial concerns as a freelancer, download the Noumena app and join our community for more advice and support for your small business.
