For freelancers and digital nomads working with U.S.-based clients, getting paid shouldn't be a headache. Yet many non-resident professionals find themselves losing money to hefty international transfer fees, dealing with payment delays, and missing out on lucrative opportunities simply because they lack access to American banking services. In this guide, freelance finance expert Ethan M. Stone breaks down how U.S. bank accounts can transform your international freelancing career from boosting client credibility to keeping more money in your pocket.

Byline: Ethan M. Stone

Understanding U.S. Bank Accounts for Non-Residents: Set-Up and Function

With the growth of remote work, digital nomads and non-residents working outside the United States are facing unique challenges to their lifestyles. Chief among these difficulties is getting paid in USD, a process complicated by cross-border payment policies and quirks of international banking.

Gaining access to a US bank account for non-residents and an international USD debit card often resolves these challenges and then some, unlocking opportunities like credibility in contracts, access to global financial tools, and higher-paying clients.

Freelancing and Going Without a U.S. Bank Account

Freelancing without access to a U.S. bank account comes with a series of challenges that often limit professional and financial growth. Many U.S.-based clients, for instance, tend to prefer working with vendors who have U.S. accounts, as they are often viewed as more trustworthy and therefore more credible. Manila Standard states that, “for remote professionals, the ability to collaborate with global businesses hinges on access to efficient payment systems” [Manila Standard, 2025].

Platforms like Payoneer and PayPal are options, but because they apply additional fees to international transactions, these options eat into freelancer income and lack long-term viability as a result. Additionally, they can sometimes experience payment delays that affect project delivery and financial stability.

 Freelancers Find Freedom in U.S. Bank Accounts

In addition to helping freelancers keep more of their earnings, U.S. bank accounts provide users with several means of growing their careers. Having the ability to store payments as USD means freelancers can choose when to exchange their earnings for local currency, providing agency in the face of unstable exchange rates.

Depending on where the freelancer is based, their local banking systems may not have access to some financial tools. With a U.S. bank account, however, freelancers have more options for their money.

Since having access to a U.S. bank account makes freelancers who have them more favorable to U.S.-based clients, these freelancers can build stronger global portfolios that operate more smoothly across borders, versus those using intermediaries like PayPal to process transactions.

The Value of USD Debit Cards

Much in the same way that U.S. bank accounts open freelancers up to new financial and professional options, so too do USD debit cards provide a means of paying for goods and services without contending with the hassles associated with using local bank cards for international platforms.

Not all USD debit cards are equal, however, as they can differ when it comes to features like travel perks, in-app security, foreign transaction fees, and fee-free ATM withdrawals [Monito, 2025]. Regardless of the particular card, all of them can pay for global software tools like Figma, Adobe, and GitHub without needing to exchange currencies.

Advancements in International Banking

As the gig economy continues to grow, freelancers will need to remain mindful of the developing financial options available to them. Remote onboarding, for example, is making it possible to access U.S. accounts from anywhere. Additionally, the rise of fintech means traditional banks’ shortcomings may have appealing solutions soon.

International banking is bound to become friendlier to freelancers in the future, but in the interim, they should consider the freedom and professional opportunities that come with U.S.-based bank accounts and debit cards.

FAQs

Q: Does a U.S. account have to be opened in person?

A: No. Many digital banks allow international freelancers to apply online with a passport as a form of identification.

Q: Is it possible to work with U.S. clients without a U.S. account?

A: Yes, but U.S. clients are less likely to work with freelancers without a U.S. account. These freelancers may also face higher fees and slower payments.

Q: Is a PayPal account different from a U.S. bank account?

A: Yes, while PayPal is an intermediary service with fees, a U.S. bank account allows users to get paid directly in USD.

Q: Do USD debit cards work for business tools and subscriptions?

A: Yes. They’re useful for platforms like Google Workspace, AWS, and Adobe.