Freelancing has opened up new opportunities for Filipinos to earn more, work from anywhere, and take a more agile approach to time management overall. For virtual assistants (VAs) in particular, the global shift toward remote work has created an international client base that values skill, reliability, and professionalism, qualities that many Filipino workers are known for.
But while landing clients and completing tasks may feel like the hard part, there’s another piece of the puzzle that deserves equal attention: the virtual assistant payment method you use. The right freelancer payment method can affect everything from how soon you access your money to how much of it actually makes its way into your savings account. The last thing you want is to have delays, hidden fees, and complicated withdrawal processes eating into your earnings and stressing you out more.
That’s why it pays to work with a reliable digital bank. Whether you’re just starting out or already juggling multiple overseas clients, Maya can help you handle freelance payroll efficiently and securely. In this article, we’ll walk you through your options for receiving gig payments as a VA based in the Philippines so you can choose the one that fits your workflow and goals best.
Virtual Assistant Payment Methods You Can Consider
Direct Bank Transfers
Many virtual assistants still receive payments through direct deposits to their local bank accounts. This method is secure and familiar, especially for clients who prefer traditional payment setups. It can be an especially convenient option for long-term contracts or scheduled monthly payouts. However, international bank transfers can come with added costs like wire fees and currency conversion charges, and they may also have to be processed over several working days. If you choose this route, it’s worth clarifying all potential fees with your client ahead of time.
PayPal
PayPal is one of the most widely used payment platforms for freelance work, and many clients default to it because it’s fast, trusted, and easy to use. For VAs, it provides a reliable way to receive funds in US dollars or other currencies. The main consideration comes when withdrawing those funds, as there are often transfer fees and exchange rate differences that can slightly reduce your payout. Still, it remains a practical choice for many freelancers, especially when paired with a wallet that offers more efficient PayPal cashout options.
Other Cross-Border Payment Services
Platforms like Wise and Payoneer now cater specifically to freelancers and remote workers, offering cross-border money transfers with better exchange rates and more efficient processes than traditional banks. These tools can be a good fit if you have clients in different countries or prefer to keep freelance payments separate from your personal accounts. Depending on the service, setup might just take a bit more time, and you may have to educate your clients about how they work. Even so, they’re worth exploring if you want more flexibility in how you receive funds.
E-Wallets
E-wallets are becoming a popular choice for freelancers who want instant access to their earnings. With Maya, for example, you can receive payments from local clients directly and use them right away for bills, transfers, online payments, or even savings. As a BSP-licensed digital financial platform, Maya provides the reliability of a bank with the ease of a mobile wallet. It’s especially helpful for freelancers managing multiple income streams or working on short-term gigs. And with added features like high-interest accounts and credit options, it’s more than just a place to store your money; it’s a tool to help you grow it.
Why Maya Is the Smartest Payment Companion for VAs in the Philippines
Whether you’re working with local clients, overseas ones, or both, receiving payments should be seamless, not another hurdle in your workflow. We at Maya aim to give Filipino virtual assistants a secure and flexible way to manage their freelance income, no matter where in the world it’s coming from.
If you regularly withdraw from PayPal, you should know that we have a limited-time promo that lets you get up to PHP 250 back per month in PayPal-to-Maya transfer fees. Just transfer at least PHP 7,000 from PayPal to your Maya Wallet, and you’ll receive a 100% refund of the transfer fee, credited back to your wallet within 14 business days. It’s an easy way to keep more of your hard-earned money without changing how your clients pay you.
Beyond the promo, freelancing with Maya gives you powerful tools to stay in control of your finances. You can use your funds instantly for settling bills, buying mobile load, QR payments, or fund transfers. You can also grow your income with boosted interest rates of up to 15% p.a. through Maya Savings. Everything’s accessible in the app, with real-time notifications and strong security features to help you stay on top of your money, wherever you work.
As a virtual assistant, how you receive and manage your income can completely change how you navigate your freelance career. With Maya, you have a tool that works as hard as you do. Take advantage of smarter, faster, and more rewarding ways to access your earnings, starting with free PayPal-to-Maya transfers for a limited time.
