Maher Ayari
For years, PayPal has dominated online payments for freelancers worldwide. However, as the freelance economy in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) continues to grow, traditional payment platforms have proven to be expensive, slow, and unreliable.
High fees, unexpected account freezes, and slow transaction times have made it difficult for freelancers to get paid efficiently. Enter Sorbet — a modern USDC-based payment solution designed specifically for freelancers in MENA.
In this article, we compare Sorbet vs. PayPal, highlighting why freelancers should consider switching to a better way to get paid.
The Problems with PayPal for Freelancers
While PayPal remains one of the most widely used online payment platforms, it comes with several major drawbacks for freelancers in emerging markets.
1. High Transaction Fees Cut Into Earnings
Freelancers often lose a significant percentage of their earnings to PayPal’s fees, including:
Transaction fees: 2.9% — 5% per transaction, depending on the country
Conversion fees: Additional charges when withdrawing funds in local currency.
Hidden charges: Unexpected costs that reduce freelancers’ take-home pay.
For freelancers working with international clients, these fees quickly add up, reducing profits and making it harder to sustain a business.
2. Account Freezes and Unjustified Blocks
PayPal is notorious for freezing accounts without warning, which can be devastating for freelancers relying on timely payments. Some common issues include:
Funds being held for up to 180 days without explanation.
Account verification issues, leading to withdrawal restrictions.
Poor customer support with no clear resolution process, especially for freelancers in non-Western markets.
For freelancers who depend on quick access to funds, PayPal’s unpredictability is a major financial risk.
3. Slow and Unreliable Withdrawals
Even when payments go through, freelancers often wait days or even weeks to access their money.
In many MENA countries, additional restrictions make it even harder to withdraw funds, leading to frustration and cash flow issues.
Why Freelancers Are Switching to Sorbet
Freelancers in MENA need a payment solution that works for them, not against them. That’s where Sorbet comes in.
1. Zero Fees During Beta & Transparent Pricing
Unlike PayPal, Sorbet is committed to fair pricing.
0% global transaction fees during Beta.
Lower fees than traditional payment platforms after launch.
No hidden costs — what you earn is what you keep.
2. Instant, Secure Payments with USDC
Sorbet leverages USDC stablecoins, offering freelancers:
No currency conversion losses — get paid in a stable USD-equivalent.
Instant transactions — no waiting for banks or third parties
No risk of frozen funds — your money is always accessible.
With Sorbet, freelancers can receive payments instantly and withdraw seamlessly to their preferred bank accounts or wallets.
3. Designed for MENA Freelancers
Unlike PayPal, which doesn’t prioritize MENA users, Sorbet is built specifically for freelancers in the region.
Supports local withdrawal methods (ACH, Wire, SEPA, SWIFT).
Complies with local regulations and financial infrastructures.
Offers tailored customer support for freelancers in MENA.
With Sorbet, freelancers get a reliable, region-focused payment solution.
4. Freelancer-Focused Tools for Business Growth
Sorbet is more than just a payment processor — it’s a business management tool designed to help freelancers streamline their workflow.
Send professional invoices to clients.
Track payments and cash flow with ease.
This allows freelancers to focus on their work while ensuring they get paid on time.
If You Get Paid in USD, It’s Time to Switch to Sorbet
For freelancers in the Middle East and North Africa, PayPal is no longer the best option.
High fees eat into earnings.
Unreliable withdrawals create financial uncertainty.
Sudden account freezes can lock up funds for months.
Sorbet is built for freelancers like you — offering fast, secure, and transparent payments with USDC.
Ready to become a global freelancer?
Take your career further with a borderless wallet to collect money with ease.
🌐 Global Invoicing: Stop chasing payments. Create and send invoices easily.
🔀 Payment Flexibility: Clients pay how they want, in USD (ACH, wire) or USDc.
💰No Fees, No Worries: 0% Freelancer Fees for Full Creative Freedom.
Start collecting money today ➡️ Sign Up!
