As remote workforces continue to become more global, these teams are quickly starting to understand why crypto payroll can be such a benefit for not only the contractors, but for the employers as well.
In order to give you everything you need to know about these advantages, we have compiled this thorough list where we answer 20+ of the internet’s most asked questions when it comes to crypto payroll.
Let’s dive in and start with the basics.
What is Crypto Payroll?
Crypto payroll refers to the practice of compensating employees or contractors with cryptocurrencies instead of traditional fiat currencies like the US dollar, Euro, or others.
Advantages of Crypto Payroll for Employees
Flexibility and Customization
Crypto payroll allows employees to choose from a wide range of cryptocurrencies for their compensation, providing greater flexibility compared to traditional payroll systems that typically offer only fiat currency options.
With thousands of cryptocurrencies available, employees can select the digital currency that aligns with their preferences and investment strategies.
Fast, International, and Direct Payments
One of the most significant advantages of crypto payroll is the speed of transactions.
Unlike traditional banking methods, which can take several days for international payments, crypto transactions are generally processed almost instantaneously.
On Rise, your contractors simply connect their personal crypto wallet and their funds will be immediately available after withdrawing from the platform.
Possible Tax Rebates
In several countries, such as Germany, Singapore, and Switzerland, crypto payments can be tax-free or subject to significantly lower tax rates.
This can lead to cost savings for employers and potentially higher net earnings for employees, making crypto payroll an attractive option for businesses operating in these jurisdictions.
Cost and Time Savings
When using Rise, you can automate your onboarding and contractor payments, freeing up much needed time for other tasks.
Fees on Rise for crypto payroll are only $2.5 per transaction on layer 1 blockchains and free on layer 2.
Hedge Against Fluctuations
Crypto payroll can mitigate the risks associated with currency fluctuations.
Since cryptocurrencies such as stablecoins can maintain their stable value across different countries, employees can receive stable compensation regardless of the local currency's volatility.
This is particularly beneficial for global teams working in regions with unstable fiat currencies.
Independent of Currency Conversion
Cryptocurrencies have a universal value, meaning that an employee's salary in crypto will hold the same value regardless of where they are located.
This eliminates the complexities and costs associated with currency conversion, making it easier for employees to manage their earnings.
Risks of Crypto Payroll
Market Volatility
The value of cryptocurrencies can fluctuate significantly, which poses a risk for employees receiving their salaries in crypto.
While this volatility can lead to potential gains, it can also result in substantial losses if the value of the cryptocurrency drops before it is converted to fiat currency.
This risk however can be eliminated if your contractors choose stablecoins which have a stable value of $1.
Regulatory Landscape
The regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies is still evolving, and businesses considering crypto payroll need to stay informed about local laws and compliance requirements to avoid legal issues.
However, Rise is SOC 2 Type 1 compliant and we take care of staying updated on all regulations for you.
Comparison of Popular Cryptocurrencies for Payroll
Stablecoins vs. Volatile Cryptocurrencies
Stablecoins (e.g., USDC, USDT): These are pegged to traditional currencies, providing price stability and making them a safer option for employees concerned about volatility.
They are particularly useful for those who want to avoid the risks associated with fluctuating crypto values while still benefiting from the advantages of crypto payroll.
Volatile cryptocurrencies (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum): While these can offer significant investment potential, they also come with higher risks due to their price volatility.
Employees who are comfortable with risk may prefer to receive part of their salary in these cryptocurrencies to capitalize on potential price increases.
Future Outlook for Crypto Payroll
Increasing Adoption
As awareness and acceptance of cryptocurrencies grow, more companies are expected to adopt crypto payroll systems.
The trend is particularly appealing to younger, tech-savvy employees who are more likely to embrace digital currencies as part of their compensation packages.
Innovations in Payroll Technology
The development of crypto-friendly payroll software is likely to enhance the efficiency and security of crypto payroll systems.
These platforms can automate processes, ensure compliance with tax regulations, and facilitate seamless integration with existing payroll systems, making it easier for businesses to implement crypto payroll.
Integration with Emerging Technologies
The future of crypto payroll may also involve integration with decentralized finance (DeFi) and Web3 technologies, allowing for more innovative payment solutions and investment opportunities for employees.
This could further streamline payroll processes and enhance the overall employee experience.
Can I pay my employees with crypto?
Yes, you can pay your employees with cryptocurrency.
This method of payment is becoming increasingly popular as businesses and workers seek more flexible, global, and often more efficient ways of handling payroll.
Crypto payroll enables employees to receive their earnings directly in cryptocurrency, bypassing traditional banking systems and often reducing transaction times and fees.
In fact, with Rise you can pay contractors in over 190 countries.
How do I pay my employees with crypto?
Paying your employees with crypto is a straightforward process when you leverage the capabilities of a platform like Rise.
Here's how to simplify the payment process:
1. Create a Business Account
Visit Riseworks.io and sign up for a business account by providing basic company information, such as your business name, address, and contact details.
After registration, you'll be prompted to complete a verification process to ensure the security and legality of your account, which may involve submitting additional documents or information about your business.
2. Invite and Onboard Your Contractors Compliantly
Next, you’ll invite your contractors to join the Rise platform simply by sending them an email.
From there, your contractors will be onboarded quickly and compliantly by going through KYC checks and identity verification.
They will be given a unique Rise ID, a digital wallet address, and will be able to set up their preferred payment methods for withdrawals.
3. Fund Your Payroll
Rise gives employers the unique ability to fund payroll in either US dollars or USDC stablecoin, so that global employers are not limited by traditional banking systems.
If you choose to fund in USDC, you can use any of our integration partners including:
- Arbitrum
- Coinbase
- Uniswap
- Ethereum
- Metamask
- Avalanche
- Gnosis Safe
- Optimism
- Polygon
- MEW
- Torus
Once the funds are available, you can easily allocate them to your payroll needs within the Rise platform, setting up automated payments in either fiat or cryptocurrency according to your payroll setup.
4. Set Up Payment Schedules
Within the Rise platform, you can establish payment schedules that fit your business operations, whether that's weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or custom intervals.
This flexibility allows you to align payroll disbursements with your company's cash flow and contractor expectations.
Moreover, Rise offers the capability to automate these payments, ensuring that your contractors receive their earnings on time, every time, without manual intervention, thus reducing administrative workload and enhancing payment accuracy.
5. Contractors Withdraw in Their Preferred Currency (Fiat or Crypto)
Contractors have the freedom to withdraw their earnings in their preferred currency, whether it's fiat or a variety of cryptocurrencies, directly from their Rise digital wallet.
This feature supports the diverse needs of a global workforce, enabling seamless conversion and transfer of funds to their personal accounts without the need for intermediaries.
And that’s all there is to it. You can get started now by visiting Rise and scheduling a demo.
Can I get my paycheck in crypto?
Yes, if your employer has funded global payroll with Rise, you as a contractor have the opportunity to withdraw your paycheck in either crypto or local fiat currency.
How do you take salary in crypto?
Taking your salary in crypto involves providing your employer with your cryptocurrency wallet address and choosing the cryptocurrency in which you'd like to be paid.
Even easier, you and your employer join Rise and will easily process all payroll (fiat & crypto), and your salary will be deposited into your wallet by the next payroll cycle.
Which companies pay employees in crypto?
Many tech-forward and blockchain-based companies pay their employees in crypto.
Here are some traditional companies that pay employees in cryptocurrency:
- EY (Ernst & Young): This global professional services firm allows its employees to receive part of their salaries in Bitcoin. EY has been a strong advocate of blockchain technology and has developed its own solutions for auditing and financial services (TriNet HR) (Horizons).
- Overstock: As one of the early adopters of Bitcoin, Overstock not only accepts Bitcoin for its retail transactions but also allows its employees to be paid in Bitcoin (TriNet HR).
- AT&T: This telecommunications giant has partnered with BitPay to enable its customers to pay bills with Bitcoin and also offers its employees the option to receive part of their paychecks in cryptocurrency (TriNet HR).
- Twitch: Owned by Amazon, this popular streaming platform allows its content creators and employees to receive payments in various cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum (Gilded Blog).
- Square: Now known as Block, Square has integrated Bitcoin into its operations, offering its employees the option to be paid in Bitcoin as part of its broader strategy to support cryptocurrency (TriNet HR) (Horizons)
Mainstream adoption is growing however, with companies outside the tech sphere beginning to explore crypto payroll options.
Also, keep in mind that any company can pay contractors in crypto simply by integrating their payroll with Rise.
Is it legal to accept crypto as payment?
Yes, accepting crypto payments as a contractor is legal, as long as both parties agree to the terms and comply with tax regulations and reporting requirements.
In many places, it is legal to use cryptocurrency as a form of payment, provided all parties comply with local tax laws and regulations concerning employment and financial transactions.
RELATED: Global Independent Contractor Laws
Is it safe to get paid in crypto?
Getting paid in crypto is completely safe if proper security measures are taken.
This includes using secure wallets, enabling two-factor authentication, and understanding the volatility of the cryptocurrency market.
Employers and employees should also ensure they use reputable crypto payroll platforms to manage payments.
Why do people want to get paid in crypto?
Receiving income in cryptocurrency offers several benefits, reflecting the growing interest in digital currencies and the broader shift towards a more decentralized financial system.
Here are some of the key advantages:
- Receive your money faster: Cryptocurrency transactions can be faster than traditional bank transfers, which may take days to clear, especially for international transactions. Crypto transactions can be completed in minutes or seconds, depending on the blockchain and network congestion.
- No cross-border problems: Cryptocurrencies are not bound by national borders, making it easier to receive payments from anywhere in the world without worrying about exchange rates or international banking fees.
- Financial inclusion: For individuals in countries with unstable currencies or limited access to traditional banking, cryptocurrencies offer a viable alternative for receiving income and holding assets securely..
- Investment opportunities: Receiving income in cryptocurrency can be a form of investment. As the value of cryptocurrencies can increase over time, holding your income in crypto might result in capital gains. However, this comes with the risk of volatility.
- Automated payments: Using smart contracts, payments can be automated and guaranteed without the need for intermediaries, reducing the risk of non-payment and streamlining the payment process.
What are the benefits of using crypto for payroll?
For employers, it simplifies the process of paying international employees, avoiding the complexities of currency conversion.
Using crypto payroll offers the advantage of streamlined global payments, enabling employers to easily send wages to international workers without the high fees and delays of traditional banking.
How to automate crypto payments for employees?
Automating crypto payments for employees can easily be achieved through platforms like Rise, which offer tools like smart contracts to automate the payroll process.
Rise smart contracts automate and secure the payroll process, ensuring that payments in both fiat and cryptocurrency are executed according to pre-set conditions without manual intervention.
Once an employer inputs the payment details and the conditions are met (such as the arrival of the payroll date), the smart contract automatically processes the payments to employees, contractors, or freelancers.
This technology not only minimizes errors and delays but also enhances transparency and trust between employers and their global workforce by providing an immutable, decentralized ledger of transactions.
How do crypto payroll services handle currency conversions?
Rise crypto payroll handles currency conversions by allowing employers to fund payroll in fiat currency, which is then converted to the chosen cryptocurrency at the current exchange rate at the time of payment.
This process is automated and integrated within the payroll platform, simplifying the payment process for both employers and employees.
How does the volatility of cryptocurrency affect crypto payroll?
The volatility of cryptocurrency can affect crypto payroll by causing fluctuations in the value of payments between the time they are processed and received.
Some crypto payroll platforms such as Rise offer solutions such as stablecoin payments or locking in exchange rates at the time of payroll processing to mitigate these effects.
Which crypto is best to get paid in?
The best cryptocurrency to get paid in depends on individual preferences and needs.
Many opt for stablecoins like USDC or USDT due to their price stability.
Others prefer cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) or Ethereum (ETH) for their investment potential and wider acceptance.
RELATED: 20 Incredible Crypto Payroll Statistics
How to pay employees in stablecoins?
To pay employees in stablecoins, employers need to choose a crypto payroll platform that supports stablecoin payments.
After setting up the payroll system, employers can select a stablecoin like USDC or USDT as the payment currency, ensuring a stable value for employees’ earnings.
How to get paid in USDC?
To get paid in USDC, simply have your employer join the Rise platform. They will then send you an invite link in order to verify your identity and pass necessary KYC.
After that, they will fund their payroll in either fiat or crypto.
From there, you as the independent contractor can withdraw your earnings in USDC without any manual intervention from your employer.
Both the employer and employee will receive a new crypto wallet address, but you can also choose to use your own.
How to get paid in USDT?
To get paid in USDT simply have your employer join the Rise platform. They will then send you an invite link in order to verify your identity and pass necessary KYC.
After that, they will fund their payroll in either fiat or crypto.
From there, you as the independent contractor can withdraw your earnings in USDT without any manual intervention from your employer.
Both the employer and employee will receive a new crypto wallet address, but you can also choose to use your own.
How to get paid in ETH?
To get paid in ETH simply have your employer join the Rise platform. They will then send you an invite link in order to verify your identity and pass necessary KYC.
After that, they will fund their payroll in either fiat or crypto.
From there, you as the independent contractor can withdraw your earnings in ETH without any manual intervention from your employer.
Both the employer and employee will receive a new crypto wallet address, but you can also choose to use your own.
You can withdraw earnings in USDC, USDT, and ETH as a contractor on the Rise platform.
How to fund payroll in crypto?
To fund payroll in crypto on Rise, employers first transfer their desired cryptocurrency into their Rise account or deposit fiat currency, which can be converted into cryptocurrency.
After setting up payroll details, including employee information and payment amounts in the chosen crypto, they simply execute the payroll.
The automated system then distributes the crypto payments directly to employees' wallets.
How do hybrid payroll systems work?
Hybrid payroll systems allow for payment in both fiat currency and cryptocurrency, offering flexibility for both employers and employees.
Employers can fund payroll in either currency, and employees can choose their preferred payment method. This system accommodates diverse preferences and reduces reliance on traditional banking systems.
How to onboard employees who get paid in crypto?
Once again, onboarding employees for crypto payments is made super easy when using the Rise platform.
Here’s how it’s done in a few quick steps:
- Invite employees/contractors to Rise
- Verify their identity and compliance (KYC)
- Generate and send out service agreements
- Let Rise handle tax forms for you
- Start scheduling payment schedules
How much do crypto workers make?
The earnings of individuals working within the cryptocurrency sector can indeed vary significantly based on a multitude of factors.
Here are some examples to illustrate the range of potential earnings:
Blockchain Developers: Often at the forefront of cryptocurrency projects, blockchain developers are in high demand.
Salaries can range from $70,000 to over $150,000 per year, with experienced developers in high-demand areas or with specialized knowledge in smart contracts and decentralized applications potentially earning more.
Cryptocurrency Analysts: These professionals analyze market trends and provide insights on cryptocurrency investments.
Their earnings can vary widely, from $50,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on their expertise and the platform or company they work for.
Cybersecurity Specialists: Given the critical importance of security in the crypto industry, cybersecurity specialists can command high salaries, often ranging from $90,000 to $160,000 or more, especially if they have a strong background in securing blockchain and crypto-related technologies.
RELATED: Pros and Cons of Working in Web3
Community Managers and Marketing Professionals: Those who work to build and maintain the community around a cryptocurrency project or platform can earn from $40,000 to $100,000.
This range reflects the varying sizes of projects and the importance of community engagement in the crypto space.
Compliance and Legal Officers: With the regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies evolving rapidly, professionals in legal and compliance roles are crucial.
They can earn between $75,000 and $200,000, depending on their experience and the complexity of regulatory issues they manage.
These examples highlight the diversity of roles within the cryptocurrency industry and the potential for lucrative earnings, reflecting the sector's growth and the specialized skills required to navigate its challenges.
Do you have to pay taxes if you get paid in crypto?
Yes, in most jurisdictions, receiving payment in cryptocurrency is subject to income tax, just like receiving fiat currency.
It's essential to report your crypto earnings and pay any taxes owed according to your local tax laws.
How much money do you have to make in crypto to pay taxes?
The amount of money you have to make in crypto to owe taxes depends on your local tax laws.
In many places, any amount of income received, regardless of form, must be reported and may be taxable. It’s advisable to consult with a tax professional for specific guidance.
How to file taxes for employees who get paid in crypto?
The Rise platform automatically issues 1099s, W8-Bens, and W9-Bens directly to the contractors so that your job is made easier.
How do I cash out crypto without paying taxes in the USA?
Cashing out crypto without incurring taxes is not legally possible in the USA, as converting cryptocurrency to fiat currency is a taxable event.
However, strategic planning with a tax advisor can help minimize tax liabilities through legal means such as capital gains strategies and retirement accounts.
How do I convert my crypto to cash?
To convert your crypto to cash, you can use a cryptocurrency exchange that allows fiat withdrawals.
After selling your cryptocurrency on the exchange, you can withdraw the fiat currency to your bank account.
Some crypto payroll platforms, however, also offer direct conversion services to streamline this process for payroll purposes.
Best crypto payroll?
Rise is the best crypto payroll service by offering an all-encompassing platform tailored for the global, Web3 workforce.
Rise simplifies hiring, onboarding, and paying international teams with a mix of fiat and cryptocurrency options, ensuring compliance across over 190 countries.
Key features like flexible payment schedules, instant mass payouts, and comprehensive tax and compliance automation make it highly adaptable for a wide range of clients, from startups to global enterprises.
Partner with us today to revolutionize how you compensate your international contractors.
