Secure the Bag: A Jamaican’s Guide to Getting Paid in USD (Wise, Payoneer & Veem)
You fixed your CV. You passed the interview. You got the "You’re Hired!" email. Congratulations!
Now comes the most important question: How do you actually get the money?
If you walk into a typical Jamaican bank and ask them to accept a wire transfer from the US, you might get hit with a $25–$40 USD receiving fee, plus a terrible exchange rate, plus a 3–5 day wait. We are not doing that. We are working hard for our US dollars, so we want to keep as many of them as possible.
Here is the breakdown of the "Big 3" payment platforms for Jamaican remote workers: Wise, Payoneer, and Veem.
1. Wise (Formerly TransferWise)
The Fan Favorite.
How it works: When you sign up for Wise, they essentially give you a "virtual" US Bank Account. You get a Routing Number and an Account Number just like an American. You give these numbers to your employer, and they pay you via Direct Deposit (ACH).
The Pros:
The Real Exchange Rate: Wise is famous for giving you the "mid-market" rate (the one you see on Google), not the marked-up bank rate.
Speed: Transfers from Wise to your local Jamaican bank (NCB, Scotia, JMMB) are incredibly fast. Some users report getting money in 24 hours.
Low Fees: Their transparency is unmatched. You see exactly what you pay.
The Cons:
Getting the physical Wise Debit Card sent to Jamaica can sometimes be tricky (though the digital account works perfectly fine).
Best For: Getting paid by clients who treat you like an employee (Direct Deposit) and transferring money straight to your local savings account.
2. Payoneer
The Freelancer Standard.
How it works: Payoneer is huge in the "Gig Economy." If you work on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Appen, Payoneer is often the default integrated option.
The Pros:
The Card: Payoneer will mail you a physical MasterCard to Jamaica. You can use this to buy groceries at Super Valu or withdraw cash at any ATM (just watch the ATM fees!).
Easy Integration: It connects seamlessly with almost every major freelance website.
Network: You can transfer money to other Payoneer users for free.
The Cons:
Fees, Fees, Fees: They charge you an annual fee, withdrawal fees, and currency conversion fees. It is usually more expensive than Wise.
Minimums: Sometimes there is a minimum amount required (e.g., $50) before you can withdraw to your bank.
Best For: People working on gig platforms (Upwork/Fiverr) or those who need a physical debit card to spend USD directly.
3. Veem
The Business Pro.
How it works: Veem is less "retail" and more "business-to-business." It is designed for contractors and small businesses. If you have a direct client (e.g., a Real Estate broker in Florida who hired you directly), introduce them to Veem.
The Pros:
Fee-Free Options: If your client sends USD and you choose to receive it in JMD (Jamaican Dollars), Veem often waives the transaction fee (they make money on the spread, but it’s usually competitive).
Professional: It looks very professional to send a Veem invoice compared to a PayPal link.
Tracker: You can track the payment exactly like a FedEx package, so you know exactly where your money is.
The Cons:
It is not usually used for "gig" apps (like Appen or Arise). You need a direct relationship with the client.
Setup can take a few days to verify your identity.
Best For: Virtual Assistants (VAs) who have direct contracts with US small business owners.
🛑 The "Avoid" List: PayPal
We have to say it: Avoid PayPal if you can. While convenient for shopping, PayPal is difficult for Jamaican freelancers.
Withdrawal issues: Getting money off PayPal into a Jamaican bank account is often a headache involving third-party agencies or high fees.
Freezes: PayPal is notorious for freezing accounts for "suspicious activity" without warning. Do not leave your salary sitting in PayPal.
💡 FirstGen Strategy: The "Hybrid" Setup
Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
Open a Wise Account for your main salary deposits (Best rates).
Open a Payoneer Account if you plan to do side-gigs on Upwork.
Open a local USD Account at your Jamaican bank (NCB/Scotia/JMMB/CIBC).
Pro Tip: Transfer from Wise -> Local USD Account. This keeps your money in hard currency until you are ready to change it, giving you control over the exchange rate.
📅 Catch Us Next Week!
Now your money is secure. But are you stuck earning $5 an hour?
Next week, we are Leveling Up. We will be discussing "From $5 to $25 an Hour: The Top Skills You Need to Learn to Escape Entry-Level Rates." We’ll show you which free certifications actually matter to employers.
New posts drop here on the FirstGen website every Monday and Friday at 9:00 AM.
Set your alarm. Secure the bag.
Walk good.
