How payments usually work (and where they break)
A Karachi freelancer with a US client usually tries one of three approaches. Direct bank transfer is the obvious choice, but it often fails. US accounts-payable teams are built for domestic payments, so international wires get flagged, delayed, or rejected. When they do go through, intermediary banks and unfavourable exchange rates take a cut.
Platforms like freelance marketplaces handle payments centrally, but they charge both sides a fee and insert themselves into the client relationship. You lose direct contact and often compete on price.
Opening a US bank account or entity can solve the payment friction, but it requires legal paperwork, a US address, and ongoing costs that outweigh the benefit for most solo freelancers.
Merchant of record: a fourth way
With a merchant of record, you separate billing from the work. PANORAMA SYSTEMS, a Florida-based company, sends the invoice to your client under its own name. Your client pays a US company, just like any other vendor.
Once the payment clears, PANORAMA SYSTEMS sends you the amount minus its service fee. You are not an employee, and the client relationship stays yours to manage.
This arrangement avoids the need for you to incorporate in the US or explain international banking to a client. The client sees a clean, domestic transaction. You focus on delivering the project.
How payouts reach you in Karachi
For Pakistan, payouts are available only in USDT. No bank rails — Wise, SWIFT, SEPA, or local transfers — are supported. You choose a network (TRC-20, ERC-20, BEP-20, TON, or Solana) and receive the stablecoin equivalent, less fees.
Crypto payouts mean you handle conversion to PKR yourself if you need local currency. You also need to be comfortable managing a wallet and choosing a network. Settlement times depend on when the client pays and on blockchain conditions, not on a fixed schedule.
Taxes and independence
PANORAMA SYSTEMS does not provide tax advice and is not your employer. The service does not withhold any taxes for Pakistan. Your tax obligations remain exactly as they would be if you invoiced directly.
You set your rates, choose your projects, and work your own hours. The merchant of record only handles invoicing and collection.
Because international freelancing can create complex tax situations, it's wise to consult a local tax professional in Karachi about what you need to file and pay.