The Dream: Getting Paid in Monero
I’ve been running my freelance design business accepting only Monero for two years now. It’s not always easy, but it’s absolutely worth it. This stack is what makes it possible.
Why Monero-Only?
- No chargebacks. Once paid, it’s done.
- No payment processor fees. 2.9% + $0.30 adds up fast.
- No frozen accounts. PayPal once held $3,000 of my money for 180 days. Never again.
- Privacy for clients. Some clients need privacy. I don’t ask why.
The Stack
Cake Wallet — Treasury
All client payments go to Cake Wallet. I use subaddresses for each client—makes accounting much easier. The built-in exchange lets me convert to fiat when needed (rarely).
Pro tip: Label your subaddresses with client names. Export the transaction history monthly for your records.
Proton Mail — Client Communication
Professional email that doesn’t scan my conversations. I use a custom domain for credibility. Clients appreciate the security focus—it’s part of my brand.
SimpleX Chat — Quick Questions
For clients who prefer chat over email, SimpleX is perfect. No phone numbers means no awkward “add me on WhatsApp” moments.
Mullvad VPN — Always On
Essential for accessing client resources securely and keeping my IP private. Also useful when traveling.
Finding Clients
The hardest part is finding clients who pay in XMR. Here’s what works:
- Monerica.com — List your services there
- Monero communities — Reddit, Matrix, forums
- Word of mouth — Happy clients refer others
- Privacy-focused niches — VPN companies, crypto projects, security firms
The Numbers
After two years:
- Average project size: 0.5-2 XMR
- Monthly revenue: 3-5 XMR
- Overhead: ~25 EUR (tools) + ~50 EUR (electricity, internet)
- Profit margin: Very healthy
Lessons Learned
- Price in XMR, not USD. Avoids awkward “but the price changed” conversations.
- 50% upfront, always. Non-negotiable.
- Build a reserve. Keep 6 months of expenses in XMR for volatility.
The freedom is worth every challenge.