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Ask HN: Best Payment Solutions for Freelancers in Developing Countries?
2 points by andry_lebedev 17 hours ago | hide | past | favorite | 1 comment
We’re building a tool to help freelancers in developing countries (India, Southeast Asia, Africa, etc.) receive payments from international clients.

The problem: Many freelancers struggle with payment systems that are either unavailable in their country, too complex, or charge high fees. Traditional banking and PayPal solutions often have delays, and explaining crypto to clients can be a hassle.

Our approach: We’re developing a tool where freelancers can generate a unique payment link. Clients can pay via credit cards, Apple Pay, or bank transfers, and the freelancer receives payment in stablecoins directly to their crypto wallet. From the client’s perspective, it’s just like making a regular card or bank payment—they don’t even need to know they’re using crypto.

Why this matters: - Freelancers don’t need to set up complicated legal or banking structures. - Payments are fast and stable (no waiting for international transfers).

We’d love to get your feedback: 1. Have you seen similar solutions in action? What worked or didn’t? 2. Would this be helpful for freelancers you’ve worked with or know of?

We’re still iterating and want to ensure we’re solving a real pain point. Appreciate any thoughts, ideas, or feedback!






Have you considered how much money you could loose to credit card chargebacks and similar fraud?

How will you stop a flood of scammers trying to use your service to pay a 'freelancer' that is actually an accomplice in Nigeria by paying with a credit card then calling the card company and saying they never did that, or using stolen cards?

Have you seen the recent news stories about North Korea using fake identities and proxies to get North Korean workers remote jobs?

You will need to verify the identities of people you are sending money to.

This sounds like a cryptocurrency exchange with extra steps. Cryptocurrency exchanges have found it very difficult to avoid having their bank accounts closed as soon as the flood of fraud claims starts. Expect most banks to refuse to give you a business account as soon as you mention cryptocurrency.

There are lots of laws around this such as international sanctions, money transfer laws, money laundering regulation, the US Patriot Act, and the requirement for a payment processor to submit form 1099-K to the IRS for anyone receiving over $600.

The entity that is paying will, in many cases, be required to withhold 30% and give it to the IRS, so it will not be as simple as a client just paying you with a credit card. "Withholding tax" can be complicated.




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