5-Point Checklist Before You Pay a Freelancer

The faster you pay, the more the basics matter. Settle these five things before you start paying per job.

1. Contract and payment terms

Put the scope, completion criteria, amount and payment timing in writing. Include how revisions and cancellations are handled.

2. Receiving account

Confirm that the account belongs to the freelancer. Double-check any request to change accounts through a different channel to prevent fraud.

3. Currency and fees

Agree on which asset or currency you’ll pay in and who covers the fees.

4. Approvers and limits

Decide who confirms finished work and approves payment. With amount limits for each approver, small payments go out right away and only larger ones get a second check.

5. Shared payment records

Give both sides access to records showing the job number, date and amount. It greatly reduces the time spent reconciling amounts.

To get started with Xerovan, see the guide to paying freelancers right away.

Note: This article is general information, not financial or legal advice. Xerovan is not a bank; card and payment services are provided by licensed partners. Availability and fees vary by country, and merchants and issuers decide whether to approve a payment. Digital assets involve risks, including price volatility, network disruptions and possible loss of funds.