How-To Guide on Getting Paid in Bitcoin
As crypto continues to make its way into the mainstream, we’re seeing more high-profile individuals seek payment in Bitcoin instead of old-fashioned greenbacks.
It’s not just movers and shakers in the tech industry who prefer to be paid in BTC and other cryptocurrencies. Athletes, actors, artists – many of them are eager to fill their crypto wallets rather than focusing on fiat currency.
Being paid in Bitcoin isn’t out of the question, but can you pull it off in a practical way if you’re working a regular job or running your own business?
Let’s figure out whether getting paid in Bitcoin is a good idea and outline a how-to guide that anyone can put into practice with a bit of effort.
Why Should You Get Paid in Bitcoin?
Before you start demanding BTC as payment, determine whether Bitcoin is the ideal form of compensation for you and your lifestyle.
Benefits
The most significant obvious benefit of being paid in Bitcoin is the ever-present possibility of a price increase. In other words, that BTC could be worth a lot more in the future, which could equate to a serious boost in the total reward for your work.
After seeing towering all-time highs in April of 2021, Bitcoin attracted much attention from the investment world, including major institutions and everyday investors.
Another appealing aspect of BTC payments is convenience. While Bitcoin isn’t known for its transaction speed or capacity, it is significantly more fluid than the “legacy” payroll systems used by banks, payment processors, and employers.
Furthermore, Bitcoin allows for an advanced degree of privacy and security if handled correctly.
This can be a big advantage for freelancers, contractors, and other types of workers who receive a one-off payment for a single job or short-term employment, remote or otherwise.
Risks
Being paid in Bitcoin sounds fun and futuristic, in addition to its exciting upside potential.
But on the flip side, we need to consider some real risks to being paid in BTC.
The main risk factor is the volatility of Bitcoin’s price. While you might be thrilled to receive BTC one week, the value of that paycheck might drop steeply a week later – it’s not exactly a consistent or predictable form of compensation.
Practicality is the other issue that could stem from being paid in BTC. While crypto has seen some significant mainstream acceptance in recent years, it still pales compared to US Dollars (or your regional currency) when paying bills and everyday expenses.
Finally, we need to account that most employers are not going to have the know-how or the resources to pay employees in Bitcoin, especially smaller organizations that are still in the midst of fundamental digital transformation.
For example, if you work as an auto mechanic or a pizza maker, it isn’t reasonable to expect your employer to pay you in Bitcoin. That’s because they’ve been using the same payroll solutions for several decades already.
Being paid in BTC seems like an obvious improvement for those constantly immersed in the crypto culture. However, don’t forget that most of the world is still operating on the old standard of payment and legacy financial processes.
How To Get Paid in Bitcoin
Maybe you’ve got your heart set on receiving Bitcoin as payment, and you want to put your plan into action. Here are some practical steps you can take to make it a reality.
As an Employee
For employees looking to be paid in Bitcoin, you’ve got to be the one to start the conversation with your employer and other teammates in your staff.
If your employer is crypto-savvy, most of the work is already done. All you need to do is coordinate a transfer system from the company’s crypto accounts to your wallet using a reliable address and following a strict schedule.
This might require payroll staff to put in a bit of extra work and learn some new systems, but given the simplicity of Bitcoin transfers, it might be an overall time saver when fully implemented.
Of course, your employer might be utterly oblivious to crypto in general and refuse to acknowledge the possibility of paying staff members in Bitcoin.
If this is the case, you may want to seek out another form of employment or get involved in freelancing with organizations that are willing to accept your terms of payment in BTC.
As an Owner
Business owners will have an easier time receiving BTC as payment because they control payment methods and the technologies that underpin their operations.
This feat is more easily accomplished online than in a brick-and-mortar setting, so eCommerce and online service providers will be better positioned to receive Bitcoin at the moment.
For instance, Shopify stores or SaaS businesses can easily set up dedicated plugins to receive Bitcoin and other cryptos in exchange for goods and services.
While there might be small fees involved, offering this option will also open doors for new business opportunities that you should not overlook.
Receiving Bitcoin in a physical storefront may prove more difficult, but crypto wallets and Bitcoin debit cards are becoming more popular and functional for regular payments as well.
If you are a firm believer in Bitcoin and own a business of your own, you can play a role on the front lines of the crypto movement by allowing customers to pay in BTC and other assets.
Other Considerations for Bitcoin Payments
Receiving your paycheck in Bitcoin comes with responsibilities for both earners and employers. Keep these in mind if you plan to be paid in BTC in the future.
Track Earnings
Because the price of Bitcoin rises and falls daily, we recommend tracking your total earnings over time concerning the fiat value of the asset.
Tracking your earnings will help you determine whether being paid in BTC is genuinely the right move for your career or if you want to make a change to your compensation strategy.
Watch the Markets
Crypto markets are a rollercoaster that not everyone is willing to ride. Be ready to watch markets regularly and stay tuned to crypto news as it reaches the public.
Not everyone wants this added pressure to their already-busy careers, so getting paid in crypto may not be for them.
Be Smart About Storage
If you’re building a significant stash of Bitcoin or other cryptos, be sure to take storage seriously and ramp up your security measures if necessary.
This is a matter of protecting your wealth and your safety, so safe storage should be a primary focus moving forward.
What the Future Holds for Crypto Payments
Bitcoin can be earned in many ways, from green crypto mining methods to decentralized finance contracts and much more.
Crypto payments will likely be a more realistic option for employees shortly, which is why workers should seize the current opportunity to familiarize themselves with all the relevant technologies and guidelines.
Earn in Bitcoin, Secure Your Future
You don’t need to be a pioneering crypto mining mogul or a blockchain genius to get paid in Bitcoin and enjoy the many benefits.
Keep these insights in mind and pursue the compensation plan that best fits your needs.
Sources:
Getting Paid in Bitcoin | Deel