Freelancing and remote work have surged in popularity over the last decade, allowing users to earn foreign currencies like the USD. However, converting these earnings into local currency, such as the naira, without excessive fees or delays, remains a challenge.

Platforms that offer low fees, competitive exchange rates, and quick transaction times are essential for everyday remote workers.  

Unfortunately, many traditional options such as banks or remittance systems often fail to meet these needs. Most are characterised by high conversion costs, lengthy processing times, and bureaucracy that make them less appealing. 

For freelancers, every dollar matters, so paying exorbitant fees can significantly impact their earnings. This is why digital platforms are becoming the preferred alternative.  

What makes an excellent cross-border payment platform?

To serve freelancers and remote workers effectively, a cross-border payment platform must be distinguished by the following key qualities:  

Speed and reliability

As a freelancer or remote worker, one’s priority criteria when seeking out a cross-border payment app is how quickly payments are processed and the absence of delay in getting naira funds. 

In other words, freelancers need platforms that ensure they can have seamless access to their funds as soon as they are needed. This is one of the bottlenecks associated with traditional cross-border payment systems and it’s one of the focus of emerging digital platforms. 

Accessibility

Equally important, the ability to open an online USD account without visiting a physical branch is essential and paramount to freelancers and remote workers. Traditional financial institutions are notorious for demanding the physical presence of customers for even the least consequential transactions.

Now, digital platforms that have now found a way to streamline this process, thanks to technology, are a game-changer. 

Low transaction fee

There are some cross-border payment platforms used by freelancers for receiving international payments. However, high transaction fees and limited USD-to-NGN conversion options are drawbacks.

These unending and sometimes hidden fees for receiving payments are often high and can eat into the hard-earned profits of freelancers. 

To address this issue, the best cross-border payment platforms are not only transparent about their charges, but they also offer competitive rates to freelancers who need to make international transactions. 

Currency conversion

Traditional banks and remittance systems, with their high conversion costs, lengthy processing times, and bureaucracy make the process of converting USD to naira and vice versa a herculean task.

For freelancers, not only does every penny matter, but every minute is consequential too, so paying exorbitant fees and waiting long periods can significantly impact their earnings and productivity. 

This is why the remarkable quality of an excellent cross-border payment system is instant and affordable USD-to-naira conversion. Nigerians who work for foreign clients desire to receive USD payments and convert them to naira seamlessly.

Cleva; best cross-border payment platform for 2025

Whether it’s paying a graphic designer in Lagos or receiving payment from a US-based client, reliable platforms are vital for financial stability. While several platforms aim to meet these needs, Cleva has emerged as a standout option for freelancers and remote workers in 2025. 

Cleva has positioned itself as the ultimate solution for freelancers, remote workers, and digital entrepreneurs who need seamless financial services. Here are some of the reasons why Cleva stands out:  

• Free USD-to-Naira transfers: Unlike other platforms, Cleva allows users to convert USD to naira and transfer funds to local bank accounts without any fees. This is a game-changer for Nigerians who frequently struggle with hidden charges when converting currencies.  
• Easy account creation: Opening a Cleva USD account is straightforward. With just an email and government-issued ID, users can set up their accounts in minutes. There are no account opening fees or monthly maintenance costs, making it highly accessible to everyone.  
• Affordability: Cleva caps deposit fees, ensuring that users are never charged more than $20 for any deposit received. ACH deposits cost only 0.9% of the deposit amount, with a minimum fee of $1. Wire deposits follow the same structure, with a $10 minimum. This affordability makes Cleva ideal for freelancers handling payments from platforms like Upwork, Deel, and Fiverr.  
• Access to virtual USD Cards: Cleva offers virtual USD cards that allow users to make global transactions effortlessly. For a one-time creation fee of $3, freelancers can unlock a reliable payment option for international subscriptions, ads, and other expenses.  

With over 10 years of experience in the US banking system, Cleva’s team is dedicated to creating an excellent user experience. The company is backed by Y Combinator, a global startup accelerator, further solidifying its credibility.

Other Popular cross-border payment platforms

There are several other well-known platforms in the market that you can consider. These, include Payoneer, PayPal, and Wise. Each offers unique features: 

• Payoneer: This platform is widely used by freelancers to receive international payments. However, the high fees and limited USD-to-NGN conversion options can be a drawback.  
• PayPal: This platform is well known for its global reach, but restrictions in Nigeria make it less accessible for freelancers. Additionally, transaction fees for receiving payments are considered high by many users.
• Wise: This option is great for transparent exchange rates but lacks features tailored specifically to Nigerian users.  

While these platforms have their strengths, they often fall short in delivering affordability, accessibility, and ease of use to Nigerian freelancers. This is where Cleva steps in.  

Lastly

As remote work continues to grow, platforms like Cleva are setting the standard for what freelancers and remote workers need. Affordable, secure, and user-friendly, Cleva ensures that users can focus on their work rather than worrying about how to access their funds.  

Take the first step toward seamless cross-border transactions by exploring Cleva. Visit Cleva’s website or download the app via Google Playstore or App store today to experience fast, secure, and affordable payment solutions tailored for freelancers and remote workers.