If you're a freelancer on Upwork outside the United States, you know the pain. You've worked hard, your earnings are in, and the moment you hit "Withdraw" is when they start shrinking.

That "Direct to U.S. Bank (ACH)" option on your payout screen is tempting. It’s FREE. But it requires a US bank account, which is nearly impossible for most international freelancers to get.

So, you're stuck with the expensive options:

• Direct to Local Bank: This seems cheap at $0.99 per withdrawal, but Upwork also charges a currency conversion fee that can be as high as 3-5%—a hidden cost that eats into your income over time.
• PayPal: This costs $2.00 per withdrawal to move it to your PayPal wallet, and then you still face conversion fees when you pull it from there.
• Wire Transfer: At $30.00 per transaction, this isn't a viable option for people who withdraw regularly.

What if you could use that free, fast ACH option without living in the U.S.?

You can. And the solution is a Virtual USD Account in MiniPay.

The solution: Your free virtual US account for Upwork

MiniPay's new Virtual Account feature(powered by Noah) gives you the one thing you've been missing: your own verified US bank account details.

Once verified, you instantly get a personalized ACH Account Number and Routing Number you need to use Upwork's best payout option. This isn't a proxy or a shared account; these details are unique to you.

You can now connect your Upwork account to a virtual US receiving account that you control, all within your self-custodial MiniPay wallet.

How MiniPay solves the Upwork payout problem

1. Receive Your Full Earnings for Free. Zero Deposit Fees
   You select the "Direct to U.S. Bank (ACH)" option on Upwork. Upwork charges you $0.00. MiniPay charges $0.00 to receive it. The $1,000 you withdrew is the $1,000 you get.
2. Hold your money in digital dollars & earn rewards
   The moment the ACH transfer lands in your virtual account, it's automatically converted into a dollar stablecoin (like USDT) in your MiniPay wallet and automatically start earning daily rewards up to 2% per week. 
3. Cash Out or spend whenever you want
   You are no longer forced to convert your money on Upwork's schedule. You can instantly withdraw your funds from MiniPay to your local bank account, Mobile Money (M-Pesa, MoMo), Pix, or GCash whenever you need it, at transparent, competitive rates.

To provide this secure infrastructure, we've partnered with global financial technology provider Noah. This ensures your virtual account is fully compliant, secure, and reliable, giving you peace of mind.

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Step-by-step: How to link MiniPay to Upwork

Ready to stop paying fees? Follow these exact steps.

Step 1: Activate your MiniPay virtual account

1. Download the MiniPay app and set up your wallet. It only takes a few seconds
2. On the home screen, tap "Deposit" and select "Virtual Accounts".
3. Complete the one-time identity verification (KYC). This is a standard security step.
4. Once verified, your Virtual USD (ACH) Account details will be generated. You'll see your Account Number and Routing Number (ABA).

Step 2: Add your new account to Upwork

1. Log into your Upwork account (it's best to do this on a desktop browser).
2. Go to Settings → Get Paid.
3. Click "Add a Method".
4. Select the best option: "Direct to U.S. Bank (USD)".

Step 3: Enter your MiniPay account details

On the Upwork form, carefully enter the details you got from MiniPay in Step 1.

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Crucial Pro-Tip: The name on your MiniPay account must match the verified name on your Upwork profile. This is a critical step for Upwork's security and to prevent payment failure.

Step 4: Confirm and get paid!

Upwork will take about three days to verify any new payment method. Once it's approved, set it as your primary method. The next time you get paid, your earnings will be transferred for free and will arrive in your MiniPay wallet as stablecoins.

MiniPay vs. Other Upwork Payout Methods: A Clear Comparison

This solution is a game-changer for freelancers in Nigeria, gig economy workers in Kenya, and digital nomads in the Philippines who rely on platforms like Upwork for their income.

Ready to Keep 100% of Your Upwork Earnings?

Stop letting withdrawal fees and poor exchange rates eat into your hard-earned money. With MiniPay, your global work finally has a truly global, affordable, and flexible wallet.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is this allowed by Upwork?

Yes. You are using a legitimate, unique US-based checking account to receive an ACH transfer. This is 100% compliant with Upwork's Terms of Service for "Direct to U.S. Bank" payments.

Is this safe?

Yes. Your MiniPay wallet is self-custodial, meaning you and only you have control over your funds. Your virtual account is provided by our compliant, regulated partner, Noah, to ensure security.

What are the fees to cash out from MiniPay?

MiniPay is free for receiving USD from Upwork. When you decide to cash out your local currency, Zero-fee withdrawals are available in most markets, but the provider may charge a small transparent fee, which is far more competitive than the 3-5% you lose on forced currency conversions.

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