Landing a client in the United States is a big win for any Nigerian freelancer. But knowing how to get paid by US clients from Nigeria is just as important as landing the client in the first place.
You get the project, agree on your rate, deliver the work, and send your invoice. Then comes the question that can complicate everything:
“How do you want to receive your payment?”
For a Nigerian freelancer, getting paid by a US client is not always as simple as sharing your regular bank account details. Your client may want to pay through ACH, wire transfer, a freelance platform, or another payment service.
The good news is that you have more options today.
With the right setup, you can receive USD from US clients, keep your earnings in dollars, and decide when you want to convert your money to naira.
This guide explains how to get paid by US clients from Nigeria, the payment methods available to you, and how to choose the option that works best for your freelance business.
What is the best way to get paid by US clients from Nigeria?
The best way to get paid depends on how your US client prefers to pay.
Some clients use ACH transfers. Others prefer wire transfers. If you found the client through Upwork, the platform may handle the payment process for you.
For direct clients, however, having a USD account that can receive payments from US banks can make the process much easier.
With a Cleva USD account, eligible users can receive USD payments through ACH, Wire transfers, stablecoins and FedNow. You can also receive payments from platforms such as Upwork and Deel.
Instead of asking your US client to figure out an unfamiliar payment method, you can provide the appropriate account details and receive your payment directly.
5 ways to get paid by US clients as a Nigerian freelancer
Here are some of the most common ways Nigerian freelancers receive payments from US clients.
1. ACH Transfers
ACH is one of the most common ways US businesses send money electronically.
If your client is based in the US, they may already use ACH to pay contractors, employees, and service providers.
To receive an ACH payment, you typically need US bank account details, including your:
- Account number
- Routing number
- Account name
A USD account that supports ACH can therefore be useful for Nigerian freelancers working with US clients.
Cleva supports ACH deposits, which typically take 1–3 business days.
ACH deposits into Cleva currently cost 0.8%, with a $2 minimum and $5 maximum. Eligible Upwork deposits are completely free on Cleva.
This makes ACH particularly useful for freelancers who receive recurring payments from US clients.
2. Wire Transfers
Some US businesses prefer sending larger payments through wire transfers.
Wire transfers can be useful when you’re receiving a significant payment or when your client’s payment system doesn’t support ACH.
Cleva supports USD wire deposits. The current fee is $10 per wire deposit.
However, wire transfers can be more expensive than ACH, especially for smaller freelance payments.
Before choosing this option, check whether your client can send an ACH payment instead.
3. Freelance Platforms
If you find clients through platforms such as Upwork, you don’t necessarily need to negotiate payment directly with each client.
The platform collects the client’s payment and gives you withdrawal options.
However, the withdrawal process can still involve fees.
For example, Upwork introduced a $2.99 withdrawal fee for freelancers whose tax address is outside of the U.S. from September 1, 2026. This fee is determined by the tax address on your Upwork profile, not the USD account you withdraw to.
Cleva does not add another deposit fee when eligible Upwork payments arrive in your Cleva account. Upwork deposits remain free on Cleva throughout 2026.
So, if you use Upwork, you pay Upwork’s applicable withdrawal fee once rather than paying another Cleva deposit fee when the money arrives.
4. Payment platforms
Your client may also use platforms such as PayPal, Payoneer, Deel, or Wise to pay you.
These platforms can be convenient because they handle the payment process between you and your client.
However, you should always check:
- Withdrawal fees
- Currency conversion rates
- Transfer limits
- Processing times
- Whether you can keep your money in USD
The goal isn’t simply to receive your money.
It’s to keep as much of your hard-earned income as possible.
For eligible platforms that support transfers to a Cleva USD account, you can receive your dollars and manage the funds from there. Cleva currently lists platforms such as Payoneer, PayPal, Wise, and Gusto among examples of ACH/FedNow deposit sources.
5. Stablecoins
Some international clients and businesses use stablecoins for payments.
Stablecoins are digital assets designed to maintain a value close to the US dollar.
If your client pays you in stablecoins, you can deposit supported stablecoins into Cleva and manage the funds alongside your USD earnings.
Cleva currently charges a $2 fee for USDT and USDC deposits.
This can be useful when speed matters because stablecoin transfers can arrive faster than traditional bank transfers.
What information should you give your US client?
Once you’ve chosen your payment method, your client will need the correct payment details.
For an ACH payment, they may ask for:
- Your account name
- Account number
- Routing number
- Bank name
- Bank address, where required
For a wire transfer, they may require additional information.
Always provide the exact details shown in your USD account. A small mistake in the account number or routing number can delay your payment.
If you’re using Cleva, you can share the relevant US account details with your client and receive eligible USD payments directly into your account.
Should you use ACH or Wire Transfers?
For many Nigerian freelancers, ACH is the better option for regular payments from US clients.
Here’s a quick comparison:
The right option ultimately depends on your client’s payment system and the size of the payment.
If your client can send ACH, it may be the more cost-effective choice for smaller or recurring payments.
What happens after you receive your USD?
Getting paid is only half the story. You also need to decide what to do with your dollars.
With a Cleva USD account, you can keep your eligible earnings in USD until you’re ready to use them.
You don’t have to convert everything to naira the moment your payment arrives.
You can:
1. Hold your USD
Keep your international earnings in dollars and convert them when you need naira.
2. Convert to naira
When you need local currency, you can convert your USD and transfer the naira to your Nigerian bank account. Cleva does not charge a conversion fee when you convert your USD to naira.
3. Spend your USD
You can also spend directly from your USD balance using the Cleva Classic Card. It can also be used with Apple Pay and Google Pay for international spending.
This means you can use your freelance earnings for international subscriptions, software, online shopping, and other eligible purchases without first converting your dollars to naira.
4. Earn Cleva Points
Eligible transactions can also earn you Cleva Points, which you can redeem for cash or data.
So your international income doesn’t have to simply arrive and disappear into your regular bank account. You can receive it, manage it, spend it, and earn rewards from eligible transactions.
5. Save in Cleva Pots
Put your USD savings in Cleva Pots and earn up to 3% annual rewards while your money stays saved.
How to get paid by a US client with Cleva
Getting started is straightforward.
Step 1: Create your Cleva account
Download Cleva and complete the account setup and verification process.
Step 2: Get your USD account details
Once eligible, you’ll receive the account details you need to receive USD payments.
Step 3: Send your details to your client
Give your US client the appropriate account information based on their preferred payment method.
For example, if they’re paying through ACH, they’ll need your ACH-compatible account details.
Step 4: Receive your payment
Your client sends the payment, and the USD arrives in your Cleva account.
Step 5: Decide what to do with your money
You can hold your USD, convert it to naira, spend it with your Cleva Classic Card, or use other available Cleva features
How much does it cost to receive USD from a US client?
The cost depends on how your client sends the money.
With Cleva, current USD deposit fees include:
- ACH & FedNow: 0.8%, minimum $2 and maximum $5
- Upwork deposits: Free
- Wire deposits: $10
- USDT/USDC deposits: $2
Your client may also have fees from their bank or payment platform. Those are separate from any fee charged by Cleva.
Always check the total cost on both sides before choosing a payment method.
How to avoid losing money when getting paid by US clients
Your payment method can affect how much of your freelance income you actually keep.
Here are a few things to consider.
1. Don’t focus only on the payment fee
A payment method may appear cheap but give you a poor exchange rate when you convert your dollars.
Look at the total cost, including withdrawal fees, deposit fees, and conversion costs.
2. Don’t convert USD automatically
If you don’t need naira immediately, consider keeping your earnings in USD.
This gives you more control over when you convert.
3. Use the payment method your client already supports
If your client already uses ACH for contractors, there’s little reason to make the process complicated.
Give them compatible USD account details and make the payment easy for both sides.
4. Keep your freelance income separate
A dedicated USD account can make it easier to track your international income, particularly if you work with multiple clients.
5. Look beyond receiving money
The best payment solution should help you manage your money after payday, too.
Being able to hold USD, convert when you need to, spend internationally, and earn rewards can make your payment experience more useful.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a Nigerian freelancer receive payment directly from a US client?
Yes. Nigerian freelancers can receive payments from US clients through methods such as ACH, wire transfers, freelance platforms, payment platforms, and supported stablecoins.
2. What is the easiest way to get paid by US clients from Nigeria?
For direct payments from US clients, a USD account that supports US payment rails such as ACH can make receiving money easier. Cleva provides eligible users with USD account details for receiving supported international payments.
3. Can I receive ACH payments in Nigeria?
Yes. Platforms such as Cleva allow eligible users in Nigeria to receive ACH payments into their USD accounts. ACH is commonly used for recurring payments such as freelance invoices and salaries.
4. Can I receive my Upwork earnings in Cleva?
Yes. You can receive eligible Upwork payments into Cleva, and Cleva does not charge a deposit fee on Upwork payments throughout 2026.
5. Can I keep my freelance earnings in USD?
Yes. With a USD account such as Cleva, eligible USD earnings can remain in your dollar balance until you’re ready to spend or convert them.
6. Can I spend my USD earnings in Nigeria?
Yes. You can convert your USD to naira when you need local currency. You can also use your Cleva Classic Card to make eligible international payments directly from your USD balance.
7. Do I need a domiciliary account to receive USD from US clients?
Not necessarily. Eligible Nigerians can use digital USD accounts such as Cleva to receive supported international payments without relying on a traditional Nigerian domiciliary account.
Conclusion
Getting a US client is exciting. Figuring out how to get paid shouldn’t take away from it.
Whether you’re a graphic designer, software developer, writer, marketer, virtual assistant, consultant, or creator, the right payment setup can make working with international clients much easier.
If your clients are based in the US, start by understanding how they prefer to pay. For recurring payments, ACH can be a practical option. For larger payments, your client may prefer a wire transfer. And if you’re working through platforms like Upwork, you can use a compatible USD account to receive your earnings.
The bigger goal is to find a payment solution that doesn’t just get your money into Nigeria, but also gives you control over what happens next.
With Cleva, eligible users can receive USD payments, hold their dollars, convert to naira when they choose, spend internationally, and earn rewards on eligible transactions, all from one account.
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