Upwork paid freelancers over $4 billion in 2024, and thousands of those freelancers live in Nigeria. Yet many of them never get to keep their full earnings.

Why?

They lose money due to high withdrawal fees, unfavourable exchange rates, delayed payments, and platforms that require them to convert their dollars into unstable local currencies.

You can be the most skilled freelancer in your niche — but if your money leaks before it reaches you, you’re not building a career. You’re surviving.

To succeed on Upwork, you must first address the financial issue.

That starts with one move: Get a USD account!

This article breaks down five practical steps you can take today to earn more, keep more, and scale your freelance income — starting with a Nearpays Dollar Account.

1. Get a USD Account Designed for Freelancers

The single biggest financial mistake freelancers make is receiving international payments in naira.

Why it hurts you:

• You lose money instantly to bad bank rates
• You cannot hold or save in dollars
• You have less control over when and how you withdraw

With a Nearpays USD Account, you can:

• Receive Upwork payments directly via ACH or wire
• Keep your earnings in dollars
• Withdraw only when the exchange rate makes sense
• Avoid hidden conversion fees

If you earn $1,000 every month, this one change could save you $50–$150 monthly.

Open your Nearpays USD Account – FREE

2. Build Long-Term Clients and Move Payments Off-Platform (Legally)

Upwork is an amazing gateway. But long-term success comes from client retention.

Once you complete a few contracts and build trust, negotiate direct billing.

Real benefits:

• Clients pay you faster
• You control your payment method
• You can invoice in USD straight to your Nearpays account

3. Price in USD. Always.

If you charge in naira, you’ve already lost.

The naira devalues. The dollar doesn’t. Even if you work with local clients, price in USD and convert only when necessary.

Example: ₦500,000 today may be worth ₦390,000 next month. $500 today will still be $500 next month.

Smart freelancers protect their value with currency choice.

4. Save in USD Before You Convert

Many Nigerian freelancers withdraw everything the moment Upwork pays them.

That’s a mistake.

Instead:

• Keep a portion of your earnings in USD
• Convert only when the rate works in your favour
• Build a dollar buffer for travel, learning, or emergencies

Nearpays lets you store, save, and move your USD with ease. Imagine saving $300 monthly for 6 months, you now have over ₦500,000 in extra value simply by avoiding bad FX timing.

5. Use a Virtual Dollar Card for Global Tools

To compete globally, you need global tools:

• Canva Pro
• LinkedIn Premium
• ChatGPT
• Upwork connects
• Zoom Pro
• Paid learning platforms

Most Nigerian cards get declined or come with insane FX fees.

With a Nearpays Virtual Dollar Card, you can:

• Pay for global tools in USD
• Maintain full control of card funding
• Avoid bank restrictions and failed transactions
• Spend online without worrying about naira limits

One card. Every subscription. Zero FX stress.

THE WINNING FREELANCER IN 2025

They don’t just have skills, but also have financial systems.

They earn in USD - Save in USD - Spend in USD. Withdraw when it’s convenient for them.

If you fix how you get paid, every other part of your freelance career becomes easier.

• Open your Nearpays USD Account today
• Receive Upwork payments in dollars.
• Spend globally with ease.
• Keep more of what you earn.

Click here to get started.