Direct Client Fee Calculator
Direct client work is the highest-margin freelancing arrangement: no platform takes a cut, you negotiate freely, and you own the relationship. The only real costs are payment-processor fees and currency conversion. This calculator shows your true bank deposit on a direct invoice.
Income source
Step 1No platform fee. Processor fees may still apply.
Outsourcing
Step 2I outsource this work
Toggle off if you do it all yourself.
Also used as your income withdrawal method for FX losses.
Apply 18% GST on outsource fees
Applied to base cost.
How Direct Client fees actually work
When you invoice a client directly (no platform middleman), the math is mostly about how you receive the money. Different processors charge wildly different fees, and the FX spread can dominate for international clients.
Platform commission
- 0% — there is no platform middleman
- You own the client relationship, billing, and dispute resolution
- No clearance period, no holds, no platform-side approval needed
Payment processor fees (your real cost)
- Wise: ~0.5% conversion fee, near mid-market rates
- PayPal: free withdrawal, 4 to 6% FX spread for cross-currency
- Stripe: 2.9% + $0.30 per charge (good for card payments)
- Razorpay: ~2% per transaction (India-focused)
- Bank wire: $25 to $50 fixed (worth it only for very large amounts)
The hidden cost: invoicing and admin
- You handle contracts, invoicing, late payment chasing
- Disputes are your responsibility — no platform mediator
- Tax compliance is on you (GST/VAT/Sales Tax registration as applicable)
A $1,000 direct invoice via Wise to an India bank: ~$5 Wise fee, near-zero FX spread, you receive ~₹94,000 of the ₹95,000 mid-market value. Compare to the same $1,000 on Fiverr: $200 platform fee, then PayPal 5.7% FX spread → ~₹68,000 to your bank. Direct client is ₹26,000 better per $1,000.
How to calculate your real Direct Client profit
- 1
Enter the invoice amount in the client currency.
- 2
Pick your country in the header for accurate display.
- 3
Select your payment method — Wise for the best FX, Stripe/Razorpay for card payments.
- 4
The breakdown shows the processor fee and (if applicable) the conversion spread.
- 5
Net profit equals close to the full invoice value.
6 tips to maximize Direct Client earnings
- 1Always use Wise for cross-border direct invoices — saves 4 to 6% vs PayPal
- 2Set up a Wise multi-currency account to receive USD/EUR/GBP locally before converting
- 3Use Stripe or Razorpay payment links for card-paying clients (lets them check out fast)
- 4Always send a written contract before starting work — protects you if disputes arise
- 5Charge 50% upfront on first-time direct clients to validate intent
- 6Track your invoicing time separately — direct clients require more admin than platforms
Common questions about Direct Client
Calculate for your own situation
Switch between all 11 platforms, 30 countries, and live FX rates on the main calculator.
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