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What is a payment gateway?
A payment gateway is the service that processes card payments for your invoices — Stripe, Square, PayPal. The client clicks 'pay,' the gateway handles the card securely, and the money lands in your account minus a fee (typically ~2.9% + 30 cents). Offering card payment measurably speeds up collection.
In practice
A $1,000 invoice paid by card through a gateway nets the freelancer about $970.70 after fees — and gets paid in 2 days instead of 30.
Get paid by card, faster
Put clear payment instructions on every invoice — card options cut payment time dramatically.
Create an invoice — freeFrequently asked questions
How much do payment gateways charge?
Typically around 2.9% + 30 cents per transaction for cards; ACH is much cheaper. International cards cost more.
Should I pass the fee to the client?
You can via a 'convenience fee' where legal — but many businesses just absorb it as the cost of getting paid fast. Surcharging has state-level rules.
Do I need a payment gateway as a freelancer?
Not required, but invoices with a 'pay by card' option get paid significantly faster. The fee usually pays for itself in cash flow.