In today’s global economy, freelancers, digital nomads, and independent contractors need efficient and cost-effective payment providers to manage their finances seamlessly. The right payment provider can help reduce transaction fees, speed up transfers, and offer competitive currency exchange rates.
Freeberry is designed to support self-employed professionals across Europe by simplifying financial management and helping them save on business expenses. Whether you’re a freelancer looking for an easy way to receive international payments or a contractor in need of a reliable invoicing solution, Freeberry provides the tools and services to streamline your invoicing as well as help you open and run a company anywhere in the world.
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compared four popular payment providers—Emerald24, TransferGo, Revolut, and Wise.
Payment providers available for freelancers in Europe
Emerald24
Emerald24 is a UK-based financial service provider offering secure and efficient online payments. It specializes in business accounts and international transactions, making it a great choice for companies operating in multiple markets. Key benefits of Emerald24 include:
- Multi-currency accounts for easy global transactions
- Low-cost international transfers
- Secure online banking with 24/7 access
- User-friendly interface for managing business finances
TransferGo
TransferGo is a European payment provider specializing in fast, secure, and cost-effective international money transfers. Designed for both personal and business use, TransferGo allows freelancers and entrepreneurs to send and receive payments quickly without the high fees typically charged by traditional banks.
Key benefits include:
- Instant and next-day transfers to over 160 countries
- Competitive exchange rates with no hidden fees
- Simple and user-friendly mobile app
- Bank-to-bank transfers with high security
Wise
Wise (formerly TransferWise) is a top choice for freelancers and digital nomads who need a transparent and cost-effective way to manage international payments. Unlike traditional banks that add hidden fees, Wise provides multi-currency accounts with real mid-market exchange rates, ensuring fair conversions.
With Wise, freelancers can send and receive payments in multiple currencies, hold balances, and even get local bank details in various countries. This makes it an ideal solution for professionals working with international clients, especially those looking to avoid high bank fees and unfavourable exchange rates.
- Real mid-market exchange rates – No hidden fees or markups.
- Multi-currency accounts – Hold and manage over 50 currencies.
- Local bank details – Get bank accounts in multiple countries.
- Low-cost international transfers – Transparent pricing for cross-border payments.
Revolut
Revolut goes beyond payments by offering a full financial ecosystem for both personal and business users. Freelancers can take advantage of its multi-currency accounts, budgeting tools, and even investment options like crypto and stock trading.
For businesses, Revolut provides seamless integration with invoicing, employee expense management, and business cards. While the free plan covers basic services, premium plans unlock additional perks, such as higher exchange limits and better withdrawal rates. However, users should be aware of potential weekend exchange rate markups and that some features require a subscription.
- Multi-currency accounts – Hold, exchange, and spend in multiple currencies.
- Budgeting & financial tools – Track spending, and automate savings.
- Investment options – Crypto, stocks, and commodities available.
- Business accounts with invoicing – Manage expenses and payments easily.
Wise vs Revolut vs Emerald 24 vs TransferGo compared
At Freeberry, we compared key payment providers to help you choose the best fit. Prices may vary, please double-check the official websites, but here’s an overview:
| Provider | Benefits | Pricing | Inconveniences |
| Emerald24 | Multi-currency support, fast international transfers, business-friendly | Account Opening Fee: – Personal (EU residents): €10 – Personal (Non-EU residents): €100 – Business (EU entities): €200 – Business (Non-EU entities): €1,000 Monthly Maintenance Fee: – Personal (EU residents): €5 – Personal (Non-EU residents): €25 – Business (EU entities): €25 – Business (Non-EU entities): €100 Outgoing SEPA Payments: – Up to €1,000: €1 – €1,001 to €15,000: €2.50 – €15,001 to €50,000: €5 – €50,001 to €100,000: €10 – Over €100,000: €20 | Limited availability in certain regions |
| Wise | Multi-currency accounts, low FX rates, transparent fees | Account Setup: Free Currency Conversion: From 0.47% per transaction Debit Card Issuance: €7 ATM Withdrawals: – Up to €200/month: Free (max 2 withdrawals) – Above €200/month: 1.75% + €0.50 per withdrawal | No traditional banking services (loans, credit, etc.) |
| TransferGo | Fast international transfers (some within 30 minutes), fixed fees | Account Setup: Free Currency Conversion: From 0.35% per transaction Bank Transfers: Free Card Transfers: From 0.2% (varies by region/card) Same-Day Delivery: £0.99 flat fee | Limited services beyond money transfers |
| Revolut | Advanced budgeting tools, crypto & stock trading, multi-currency support | Plans: – Standard: Free – Plus: €3.99/month – Premium: €9.99/month – Metal: €15.99/month – Ultra: €45/month ATM Withdrawals: – Standard & Plus: Up to €200/month free – Premium: Up to €400/month free – Metal: Up to €800/month free – Ultra: Up to €2,000/month free Currency Exchange: – Standard & Plus: Up to €1,000/month free – Premium, Metal & Ultra: Unlimited | Exchange rate markup on weekends, some features are behind paywalls |
Which Payment Provider Should You Choose as a Freelancer?
The best payment provider depends on your specific needs:
- If you need a multi-currency business account, Emerald24 or Wise are great options.
- For freelancers seeking an affordable European payment solution, Revolut is a strong contender.
- If you prioritize fast international transfers, TransferGo is a top choice.
- If you want the best exchange rates and low fees, Wise stands out.
How Freeberry Enhances Your Payment Experience
While these providers offer great solutions for transactions, Freeberry goes a step further by simplifying the invoicing and tax compliance process for freelancers. With Freeberry, you can:
- Send VAT-compliant invoices effortlessly
- Get paid via your preferred payment provider
- Reduce tax burdens with proper invoicing solutions
Choosing the right payment provider is crucial, and with Freeberry, managing your finances as a freelancer or business owner becomes even easier.
Ready to take control of your finances?
