How to Get Paid as a Voice Over: International Payment Methods Explained

As an international voice over artist, you work with clients from all over the world, meaning you’ll encounter different payment methods. But how do you ensure you get paid easily and without excessive fees, especially if your clients are in the U.S. or Europe? Banking systems vary by region, and if you’re not careful, hidden transaction fees and delays can eat into your earnings.

In this blog, I’ll share my experience as a professional voice-over and give you the best tips to make international payments smooth and hassle-free.

The Best Solution for International Payments as a Voice-Over

My top tip: Use Wise. This platform makes it easy to receive payments in multiple currencies without the high fees that come with traditional banks. For voice-over artists, it’s an ideal solution because it allows you to provide clients with a local bank account number, which builds trust and simplifies the payment process.

➡️ Use this link to create your Wise account and get £15 in free transaction fees (and I do too!).

🔹 Personal account: Free

🔹 Business account: One-time fee (€50 in Belgium, $31 in the U.S.)

🔹 Benefit: Clients can easily pay via local bank transfers

As a voice-over, you’ll work with both U.S. and European clients. Wise ensures you can receive payments without your client worrying about exchange rates or extra costs.

How Payments Work in the U.S. for Voice-Over Artists

The U.S. banking system is quite different from Europe’s, and surprisingly, many businesses still rely on paper checks—something almost unheard of in most European countries. Unfortunately, Wise does not accept checks, so if a client insists on paying this way, you’ll need an alternative.

Here are the best options:

1. ACH (Automated Clearing House)

ACH is the cheapest and easiest way to receive payments in the U.S. It works similarly to a standard bank transfer in Europe. Always ask your client to send an ACH payment instead of other methods.

2. Wire Transfers

Wire transfers are similar to instant payments in Europe, but they come with high fees in the U.S. As the recipient, you’ll often be charged a significant fee when receiving a wire transfer. If possible, always request an ACH payment instead.

3. Payment Details You’ll Need

In the U.S., you need two numbers to receive a bank transfer:

• Bank account number

• Routing number

⚠️ Important! The U.S. banking system is less secure than in Europe. Anyone who has your bank account and routing number can theoretically withdraw money from your account. This is why some clients are hesitant to share these details. Only share your banking information with people you trust.

Credit Cards and PayPal for Voice-Over Payments: Good or Bad?

Many American clients prefer to pay with credit cards, as they earn reward points for flights and purchases. However, for you as a voice-over, these transactions come with high fees.

✔️ Tip: If you accept credit card or PayPal payments, include the transaction fee in your total rate rather than listing it as a separate fee. Nobody likes to pay extra just to make a payment.

Another option is Stripe, but it also comes with relatively high fees.

Payment Options If You Live in the U.S.

If you’re based in the U.S. (like me), you have access to additional payment methods that Americans often use:

✅ Zelle

✅ Venmo

✅ Apple Pay

✅ Bank check

These are excellent for domestic transactions, especially for smaller projects or direct payments from individuals.

Getting Paid from Europe

If you’re a U.S.-based voice-over receiving payments from a European client, the European banking system works differently:

🔹 Europeans prefer bank transfers over credit cards.

🔹 Routing numbers don’t exist in Europe—you only need a bank account number to receive payments.

With Wise, you can easily receive payments from Europe and convert them to USD with low exchange fees.

Conclusion: How to Get Paid as a Voice-Over

International payments can seem complicated, but with the right tools, it becomes simple.

🔹 Best solution for international payments: Wise

🔹 Cheapest way to get paid in the U.S.: ACH

🔹 What to avoid: Wire transfers, credit card fees, checks

As a voice-over, you want to get paid without unnecessary fees or complications. By offering your clients clear payment options and using platforms like Wise, you can optimize your income and ensure smooth transactions.

Do you have experience with international payments? Share your tips in the comments!