Getting Paid in Crypto: Guide for Freelancers & Expats

We see all around us that more and more freelancers and remote workers are choosing to get paid in crypto. Whether you’re a designer, writer, developer, or consultant, crypto payments can offer faster transfers, fewer fees, and more control over your finances. But if you’ve never used crypto before, it can feel overwhelming because of technical complexity. But it should not be this way.

Our crypto experts, who are also nomads, freelancers and remote workers, created this guide walks you through every step, from zero knowledge to receiving your first crypto payment.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Paid in Crypto

1. Understand What Crypto Is (Briefly)

Before accepting crypto, understand the basics:

• Cryptocurrencies are digital assets (like Bitcoin or USDT) that allow peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries.
• Payments are usually fast, secure, and borderless.

No need to dive into blockchain tech right now – just know it works like digital money you can control. Use our Start Here guide to cryptocurrency for beginners to learn more. But let’s move on with our guide on getting paid in crypto for now. 

2. Choose the Right Crypto to Get Paid In

Here are the most commonly used:

USDT / USDC (stablecoins) – Pegged to the US dollar. Minimal price volatility. Great for invoices.

BTC (Bitcoin) – Widely accepted, but volatile. Better for long-term holding (if you believe its value will grow longer term).

ETH (Ethereum) – Popular, but fees can be higher than other popular coins. Also be careful – it’s volatile as well.

XRP / SOL / TRX – Fast and cheap. Could be less volatile than BTC/ETH, but be careful anyways.

✅ Best for beginners: Start with stablecoins like USDT (Tether) or USDC.

3. Set Up a Crypto Wallet

This is where you’ll receive and hold your crypto. You have 2 beginner-friendly options:

a) Custodial Wallet (Easiest)

• Platforms like Binance give you an easy wallet.
• You sign up, verify your ID, and get a wallet address.
• Perfect for first-timers.

✅ Best for ease of use and converting to fiat.

b) Non-Custodial Wallet (More control)

• Apps like Trust Wallet, MetaMask.
• You own your keys = full control.
• Write down your recovery phrase and NEVER share it.

✅ Better for privacy and self-custody. Slight learning curve.

c) Hardware Wallet (More security for bigger amounts)

• Devices like Trezor, Ledger, Bitbox, Safepal, Keystone, Tangem.
• Full control and best security.
• Easy to set up.
• Consider these if your payments are quite large.

✅ Better for maximum security.

4. Generate Your Wallet Address

Once your wallet is ready:

• Choose the coin you want to receive.
• Click “Receive” → copy your wallet address.
• Share it with your client.

Ask your client which network they will be using and then double-check you’re using the correct network (e.g. TRC-20 for USDT on Tron).

5. Agree on Terms with the Client

Include in your contract or email:

• The crypto type you’ll accept (e.g. USDT on TRON).
• Wallet address
• Who pays the transaction fee (in most cases, the fees will be considerably lower than of traditional banking)
• When payment is considered “complete”

📌 Pro Tip: In case of receiving volatile coins (BTC, ETH and lesser widespread altcoins), consider negotiating and adding a buffer (e.g. 5-10% extra). The best is to agree on stablecoins like USDT or USDC. When you receive the payment, you may want to decide to convert it or part of it to, say, BTC; but you can do it when you want to do it. 

6. Send an Invoice

You can use tools like:

• 🧾 Request Finance – create crypto invoices, track payments.
• 🧾 Koinly Pay or BTCPay Server – for custom setups.
• Start small and simple! Create a normal PDF invoice with your crypto address listed. It will be enough in most cases, simply double-check the wallet address and save in a PDF document.

7. Get Paid and Confirm the Transaction

• When paid, the transaction will appear in your wallet.
• On centralised exchanges, it might take a few minutes.
• On non-custodial wallets, you can verify it on blockchain explorers.

🔍 Use tools like:

• Tronscan.org (for TRON)
• Etherscan.io (for ETH)
• Blockchain.com (for BTC)

Note: it’s an optional step simply to check that they sent the payment and it is being confirmed on the blockchain. In many cases, you’d see your payment very quickly in your wallet account. 

8. Store or Convert Your Crypto

You now have options:

• Hold the crypto in your wallet.
• Convert to fiat via:
  • Exchange (e.g. Binance)
  • Crypto card (consider getting one from our recommended list of crypto cards)
  • P2P platforms (e.g. Binance P2P)

🔐 Don’t keep large amounts in custodial wallets – consider moving to a secure non-custodial wallet or hardware wallet (like Ledger or Trezor) if you plan to hold long-term. See our comparison of the best hardware wallets here.

Real-World Scenarios

Scenario 1: You’re a designer and want a simple setup

1. Open a Binance account.
2. Verify your identity.
3. Choose USDT on the TRON network (TRC-20).
4. Send your invoice with the address to your client.
5. Receive payment, convert to EUR/USD or spend with a WhiteBit Card.

Scenario 2: You want full privacy and control

1. Buy Hardware Wallet like Ledger or Trezor (see our Best Crypto Wallets page or more in detail comparison of the best hardware wallets here).
2. Choose to receive USDC on Solana (cheap fees).
3. Share your address with the client.
4. Hold it in your hardware wallet.
5. Send some funds for everyday transactions to ByBit or WhiteBit where you have crypto card.
6. Use a crypto debit card for everyday transactions.

Paying Taxes on Crypto Income (Introduction)

Even if you’re paid in crypto, it’s still taxable income in most countries.

Here’s what you need to know (keep it simple for now):

✅ Do:

Track every payment (amount, date, crypto, value in fiat)

Keep records using tools like Koinly, CoinTracker

Understand your local tax law (income vs. capital gains)

❌ Don’t:

Avoid reporting thinking “crypto is anonymous”

Mix business/personal wallets without labelling

Assume it’s the same as PayPal or Wise

General Rules:

• If you’re paid in crypto → it’s taxed as income.
• If you later sell that crypto and it has gained or lost value → that’s capital gains or losses, respectively.

🧠 For now: Track everything. You’ll thank yourself during tax season.

🎁 Bonus Tips

• 💳 Consider a crypto card to spend earnings easily.
• 🛡️ Always back up your seed phrase if using a non-custodial wallet.
• 🌍 Be aware of local laws – some countries restrict or regulate crypto.

Our Verdict on Getting Paid in Crypto

Getting paid in crypto is not just trendy: it’s practical for many remote workers, expats and digital nomads. You gain speed, flexibility, and in many cases, fewer headaches with banks and borders. Start small, choose reliable tools, and always stay informed.

We would like to welcome you to your new crypto-powered freelance life. It will bring more freedom to your life and make borderless living so much easier. Follow us for more helpful guides created by people who actually live the nomad life.

Recommended & Most Popular Products:

Trezor | Ledger | Tangem | Bitbox | Safepal | Keystone

ByBit Card | WhiteBit Earn Program