The Best Payment Apps for 2021

Stripe, which incorporates software and APIs to help small businesses (including freelancers) get paid, takes our top spot because of its robust payment processing platform. Its powerful products also accept payments and send payouts. Customers can send money from their bank account through a credit or debit card transaction directly to your freelancers’ business account.

We chose Stripe because it’s easy for freelancers to take on its suite of payment products, including the ability to accept payments and send payouts globally. Stripe accepts all major debit and credit cards from customers in every country, so you don’t need to limit your clients to the U.S. 

Stripe’s products also prevent fraud, issue virtual and physical cards, and help freelancers manage how much they spend in their business.

Stripe offers mobile apps for iPhone and Android devices. You can gain access to its comprehensive dashboard from your mobile device. It also offers transparent, pay-as-you-go pricing. Stripe costs 2.9% plus 30 cents for each successful card charge. You can do what you need to from there without extra set-up fees, monthly fees, and other hidden fees. 

As a freelancer, you’ll feel secure knowing that Stripe meets PCI Service Provider Level 1 certification requirements, the highest level possible in the payments industry. 

Freelancers often need to get paid quickly, and you can tap into Instant Payouts (for a 1% fee of the payout amount) to send earnings to a debit card within minutes. Daily payout limits may apply but this feature works 24/7 year-round.

Be aware that the first payout for every new Stripe account takes seven days after the first payment but can take up to 14 days for businesses in certain industries. 

As long as you own or administer the Stripe account, you can invite anyone to access the account under Business Settings.