6 Best Ways to Pay Employees

Getting people paid used to be simple. Print a check and drop it in the mail. Fast forward to today, and payroll has become a much more dynamic process. Companies are now hiring across continents, managing hybrid and remote teams, and dealing with everything from compliance to contractor taxes. That shift has opened the door to new tools and smarter methods to keep employees and freelancers happy, on time and on budget.

If you're building a modern workforce, these six payment methods are worth knowing. From old-school direct deposits to the rise of crypto payroll, here’s what’s shaping the way we pay people in 2025.

1. Direct Bank Transfers: Reliable and Regulated

The default for most full-time employees, direct deposit is dependable and easy to set up. Whether it’s through ACH in the U.S., SEPA in Europe, or international SWIFT transfers, this method works well for domestic teams and global payroll.

Transfers are processed through licensed financial institutions, which means they’re regulated, secure, and compliant with local labor laws. That makes direct deposits a safe bet for companies with HR departments juggling tax withholdings and benefits.

The downside? International wires can take several business days, rack up high transfer fees, and aren’t always ideal for fast-paced teams spread across multiple time zones. Still, if compliance and recordkeeping are top priorities, this remains a strong go-to option.

2. Payroll Cards: Banking for the Unbanked

Not everyone has easy access to a bank account. For those employees, especially in the gig economy or in regions with underdeveloped banking infrastructure, payroll cards can be a lifeline.

These reloadable prepaid cards are funded on payday, working just like a debit card. Employees can use them for purchases, bill payments, or ATM withdrawals. For companies, payroll cards offer a digital solution without the need for a traditional bank account.

That said, some providers charge fees for withdrawals or balance checks, and not all cards are accepted everywhere. But for businesses with high numbers of hourly or seasonal workers, this is a practical alternative to direct deposit.

3. Paying Employees in Cryptocurrency: the Rise of Digital Payroll

What was once a niche experiment has become a legitimate payroll strategy for global and remote teams. Paying employees in cryptocurrency, whether in Bitcoin, Ethereum, or stablecoins like USDT or USDC, is gaining traction across tech and finance sectors.

And no, this isn’t just about jumping on a trend. There are real, tangible reasons companies are exploring crypto payroll:

Lower Transaction Costs

Traditional international bank wires can cost anywhere from $25 to $50 per transfer, not to mention currency conversion fees. Crypto, especially stablecoins, offers a low-fee alternative that clears in minutes.

Instant and Global Payouts

Timing matters when you're paying someone halfway across the world. With crypto, you don’t have to worry about banking hours, holidays, or weekend delays. Blockchain transactions happen 24/7, often settling in under 10 minutes.

This speed isn’t just a tech gimmick. It’s changing expectations. Take sectors like online gaming, where players expect to cash out immediately. A strong example is how instant payout crypto casinos handle withdrawals: fast, secure, and borderless. eCommerce platforms are adopting crypto for similar reasons. That same infrastructure is now being adapted to payroll, giving employees a similar sense of control and immediacy when receiving their wages.

Attracting Crypto-Native Talent

Offering crypto payments can help attract talent in Web3, fintech, and developer communities. These workers often use digital wallets, hold tokens, and invest in crypto markets, not just as a financial choice, but as a personal motivation.

Financial Inclusion and Flexibility

In parts of the world where access to banks is limited or local currencies are unstable, crypto provides a more reliable way to get paid. All that’s needed is a smartphone and a wallet address. No ID checks, no bank forms, no middlemen.

Long-Term Value Potential

For employees who choose to hold their crypto, there’s a chance that today's paycheck could be worth more tomorrow. While volatile, this potential for appreciation adds an investment layer to compensation that fiat simply can’t match.

Privacy and Security

Blockchain records are transparent and tamper-proof. At the same time, they don’t require personal banking information to process payments. That adds a layer of privacy that’s appealing to security-conscious users, especially in freelance or global gig settings.

Of course, crypto payroll isn’t without its challenges. Legal frameworks vary by country, and volatility can complicate financial planning. Companies also need secure systems to manage wallets and ensure tax compliance. But when done right, it unlocks a new level of flexibility.

4. Digital Wallets and Payment Apps: Speed Meets Simplicity

Apps like PayPal, Venmo (in the U.S.), Wise, and Revolut have changed the way people send and receive money. That disruption is now entering the payroll world, especially among startups, freelancers, and remote-first companies.

Payouts are often instant, fees are generally lower than international wires, and employees get access to funds right on their mobile devices. This method works well for contractors, project-based teams, and anyone needing flexible, short-term pay.

But it’s not always suitable for salaried staff. In some countries, labor laws require pay to be handled through regulated systems, which means wallet apps aren’t a full replacement for payroll software. Still, when used right, they offer unmatched speed and ease.

5. Payroll Software: One-Stop Shop for Compliance

Growing teams are a common reason for companies to invest in payroll platforms that do more than move money. Products such as Gusto, Paychex, or ADP package payroll, taxes, compliance, and benefits all in one platform.

That integration saves time, cuts down on errors, and makes it easier to stay compliant with local labor laws. For HR departments juggling multiple roles, especially in companies with employees in multiple states or countries, this is a must-have.

The best part? These platforms often support multiple payment methods, from direct deposit to contractor wallet payments, giving you flexibility as your team grows.

6. Paper Checks: Still Kicking (But Barely)

It may seem outdated, but yes some companies still cut physical checks. It is either because of the employees’ preference or the absence of digital access or age-old internal systems, paper checks make up a small fraction of the payroll ecosystem.

They can be useful in rural areas or as a backup in case the electronic methods cannot work. But they’re also prone to delays, fraud, and accounting errors, not to mention, they cost more to process and track. In 2025, they’re mostly a legacy option, used only when necessary.

There’s no single best way to pay your team, but there’s almost certainly a better way than whatever you’re using now. Regardless of modernizing an outdated system or designing your payroll from scratch, consider the best strategy that fits your team’s structure and expectations.

Between traditional rails, mobile-first wallets, and crypto solutions that defy borders, 2025 is giving companies more control than ever over how they reward the people who keep them moving.