Rise has quickly become the top choice for both Web3 and traditional companies that need to pay their global teams quickly and compliantly.
It supports fiat and crypto payments, handles tax filings, and gives businesses access to legally compliant hiring options across borders.
In 2025, over $500 million in payroll has already been processed through Rise, reflecting its growing role in the future of global workforce management.
Key Takeaways
- Pay contractors and employees in fiat or crypto (100+ supported tokens)
- Global reach: onboard and pay in 190+ countries
- Supports W-2 payroll in the U.S., full EOR in 3+ countries, and contractor payouts worldwide
- Built-in KYC, AML, tax compliance, and classification protection
- Contractor portal and reusable Rise ID streamline onboarding and payments
What Is Rise Payroll?
Rise is a global payroll platform built for modern, distributed teams. It lets companies hire, onboard, and pay people around the world while ensuring compliance with local labor laws and tax rules. With support for both fiat and crypto, Rise offers flexibility that traditional payroll systems don’t.
Who Uses Rise?
This platform is especially useful for:
- Crypto-native and Web3 startups that prefer paying in stablecoins
- Fintech and tech companies with international teams
- Distributed agencies working with freelancers globally
- U.S.-based companies hiring overseas or managing 1099 contractors
Core Features and Capabilities
Global Contractor Payout
Managing international contractors is complex, but Rise simplifies it with one dashboard. Businesses can onboard freelancers, manage contracts, and pay in local currency or crypto. Rise also takes care of KYC, classification risk, and compliance with global tax regulations.
- Payments available in USDC, USDT, and 100+ crypto assets
- Contractors in 190+ countries supported
- Flexible pay schedules like weekly, monthly, or milestone-based
- Pricing: $50 per contractor per month, plus 3% of the total payout amount
Employer of Record (EOR)
If your company wants to hire full-time employees without opening legal entities abroad, Rise’s Employer of Record service is the solution.
Rise acts as the legal employer, handling tax, payroll, and benefits in supported countries. Crypto-savvy companies will also appreciate features like hybrid fiat/crypto payments and a crypto-compatible 401(k).
- Currently available in the U.S., UK, and Canada
- Expanding coverage to 60+ countries
- Pricing: $399 per employee per month
Direct Payroll (U.S. Only)
For U.S. companies, Rise offers a fully compliant W-2 payroll service across all 50 states. It’s automated, handles tax filings, and supports daily, bi-weekly, or custom pay runs. Employees can also opt to receive their pay in USD, stablecoins, or other cryptocurrencies.
- Integrated benefits marketplace for healthcare and perks
- Custom pay schedules supported
- USD and crypto options available
Learn more about Crypto Payroll and Stablecoin Payroll
Agent of Record (AOR)
Some companies want extra protection when hiring contractors. Rise’s AOR model provides that by acting as the legal intermediary. It helps reduce misclassification risk, especially in highly regulated industries or where contractor status might be questioned.
- Rise signs the agreement with the contractor
- Handles contracts, classification, and tax filings
- Pricing: $70 per contractor per month, plus 3% of payment volume
Rise ID and Contractor Portal
Every contractor onboarded through Rise gets a unique, reusable digital identity called Rise ID. This simplifies future onboarding, speeding up workflows for contractors who work across different companies. The contractor portal allows workers to view contracts, invoices, and choose their payment method directly.
- Reusable identity for smoother onboarding
- Full control over withdrawals and payment preferences
Pricing
Rise offers straightforward, service-based pricing with optional add-ons. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Global Contractor Payout: $50/month per contractor + 3% of payout volume
- AOR Service: $70/month per contractor + 3% of payout volume
- EOR Service: $399/month per employee
- Direct Payroll (U.S.): Custom pricing depending on team size and benefits usage
Comparison: Rise vs. Other Payroll Platforms
| Feature | Rise Payroll | Deel | Remote | Oyster |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crypto Payments | Yes (100+ tokens) | Limited (USDC) | No | No |
| Hybrid Fiat + Crypto | Yes | No | No | No |
| EOR Services | Yes (US, UK, Canada) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| AOR Services | Yes (US) | No | No | No |
| Contractor Onboarding | Yes (190+ countries) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Blockchain Integration | Yes (wallets & multisig) | No | No | No |
| Local Tax Compliance | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Health Benefits | Yes (global + crypto 401k) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Works in 190+ countries for both contractors and employees
- Hybrid fiat and crypto payments are supported by default
- Fully compliant with KYC, AML, tax, and classification checks
- Contractor portal and reusable Rise ID speed up operations
Cons
- Volume-based fees may be high for large contractor payments
- EOR is currently limited to three countries, with expansion in progress
Who Should Use Rise?
Best For
Rise is a good fit for:
- Web3 and crypto-native teams who need crypto payroll
- U.S. businesses hiring contractors or full-time employees abroad
- Startups scaling fast without time to set up legal entities
- Teams that want flexibility in how employees and contractors are paid
Fun Fact: Rise also enables Daily Payroll and Auto Payroll
Not Ideal For
Rise may not be suitable for:
- Local businesses operating only in one country
- Companies on a tight budget looking for minimal-cost payroll solutions
Conclusion
In 2025, Rise Payroll stands out as a future-ready solution for paying and managing a global workforce. Its ability to combine fiat and crypto payments, while staying compliant in 190+ countries, makes it one of the most flexible payroll options on the market.
If you’re running a fast-growing company with global ambitions, you need to be using Rise.
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FAQ
What countries does Rise support?
Rise supports contractor payouts in over 190 countries and EOR services in the U.S., UK, Canada, with plans to expand to 60+ countries.
Can you pay employees in both crypto and fiat?
Yes, you can pay in both fiat and crypto, with the ability to split payments based on the contractor’s or employee’s preference.
What blockchains and wallets does Rise integrate with?
Rise supports Ethereum, Arbitrum, and Polygon networks, and connects with MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, and multisig wallets.
How does Rise ensure compliance?
Rise handles KYC, AML, and classification checks, and automates the generation of tax documents like W-8BEN and 1099 forms.
How fast are payouts?
Fiat payments are processed in 1 to 3 business days. Crypto payouts are near-instant, depending on network activity.
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