A growing number of people are no longer paid through regular bank transfers. This means many workers, especially freelancers, part-timers, or people in the gig economy, get paid in non-traditional ways.
Sometimes, it’s a handwritten check. Other times, it might be a money order, a reloadable debit card, or a payment sent through a peer-to-peer app. These methods can feel confusing, especially when you’re used to getting money straight into your account.
So what do you do when you receive a form of payment that isn’t simple cash or a direct deposit? The good news is that there are practical solutions for handling each method. You just need to know where to start.
Table of Contents
1. How to Handle a Money Order Payment
Money orders are still used by people who don’t have bank accounts or prefer not to share their banking details. You might get one after selling something online, from a customer paying in person, or even from a company issuing a refund. They’re often seen as a safer way to send funds, especially between people who don’t know each other well.
A money order works like a prepaid check. The money is already paid for upfront, which means it won’t bounce the way a personal check might. This makes it more reliable.
If you’ve never handled a money order before, SoFi offers a helpful breakdown of what to expect, including steps for cashing it and what documents you’ll need.
Head to https://www.sofi.com/learn/content/how-to-cash-a-money-order/ to learn more about how to cash one and what to bring with you.
Make sure your name is spelled correctly and that you have ID on hand. If anything seems off, contact the issuer before trying to cash it.
2. What to Expect When You Get a Paper Check
Getting paid with a check may seem old-school, but it still happens often. Some small businesses or clients prefer to mail checks instead of sending money electronically. If you receive one, you can deposit it at an ATM, inside your bank, or through a mobile banking app.
Make sure the name on the check matches your ID and your account. If you’re not sure where to go, your own bank is the safest place. Keep in mind, it might take a day or two for the check to clear. This means you shouldn’t count on spending that money right away. Also, be careful about check scams. If the check is from someone you don’t know well, always confirm it’s real before spending the money.
3. What to Know About Getting Paid with Prepaid Debit Cards
Some companies send payments on prepaid cards instead of cash or checks. These cards are often reloadable and backed by Visa, Mastercard, or another network. You can use them for purchases or withdraw money from an ATM. But you should check for any fees before using them. Some cards charge for balance inquiries or ATM withdrawals.
You also need to watch for expiration dates. If a card expires and you haven’t used the balance, it could be harder to recover the funds. In some cases, the card provider might charge monthly inactivity fees too. If you receive this type of payment often, look into whether the company can offer other options — or make sure the card is registered and secure.
4. Using Payment Apps the Right Way
Getting paid through apps like Venmo, Cash App, PayPal, or Zelle is very common today. Many freelancers, small business owners, and even individuals use them to send and receive money quickly. But not all of these platforms are the same.
Some apps are linked directly to your bank, while others let you hold money in the app. If you leave money sitting there, it’s not always protected the same way a bank account is. It’s better to transfer the money out as soon as you can. Also, watch for fees. Some apps charge for instant transfers or when using a credit card.
Make sure your account is verified and that you enable two-step verification to protect your funds. Also, keep records of each payment — screenshots, emails, or app logs — so you can track what you earned and when.
5. Dealing with Gift Cards as Payment
Some people receive gift cards as rewards, refunds, or even payment for small jobs. If you receive a store-specific card, you’re limited to using it only at that retailer. That’s fine if it’s somewhere you already shop, but not very helpful otherwise.
You can try to exchange it for cash online, but be careful. Many websites take a cut of the value or charge fees. Some may even offer less than the full amount. In-person kiosks also exist, but they work the same way — convenience for a price.
Always check the balance and expiration date. If it’s a Visa or Mastercard gift card, you can use it almost anywhere. But again, pay attention to any usage or inactivity fees. It’s best to treat gift cards like cash and use them promptly.
Also read: Why Every Plumber Needs Mobile Billing Software?
6. When You’re Paid in Cryptocurrency
Some people, especially in tech and creative fields, are now accepting crypto as payment. It’s fast and can go across borders without the delays that banks have. But you need to be cautious.
To receive crypto, you’ll need a wallet — either online or a secure physical one. You’ll also need to know how to check that the payment came through. Crypto’s value can fluctuate quickly, so if it’s worth $1000 today, it could be worth less tomorrow.
If you plan to convert your crypto to dollars, you’ll need to use an exchange platform. Some charge transaction fees. Also, in many countries, you’ll need to report crypto income on your taxes. If you’re new to it, read up before you accept this type of payment regularly.
Getting paid in unusual ways doesn’t mean being unprepared. Checks, apps, cards, gift balances, or even crypto — they all work, but they require different steps. When you understand how each method functions, you can avoid delays, reduce fees, and stay safe.
Don’t wait until you get one of these payments to figure out what to do. A little knowledge goes a long way. Whether it’s organizing your records or asking the right questions before a job starts, the goal is the same — to get paid fairly, safely, and on time.
