Banking without charges

[DameHelena]

Hi all. I freelance, am based in the UK and largely work for UK-based companies, but one client is in the US and pays in US dollars. They pay into my UK bank account, and my bank (Co-op) HAMMERS me with overseas payment charges. Like, £80–£100 for a payment of about £700.
I've been looking at banks that give you a global account in more than one currency and so don't charge for receiving overseas payments. I'm looking at Wise, chosen purely at random from a google of the topic. Does anyone use them? Are they OK? Are there better ones?

TIA.

I don't use them (as I don't have a need at the moment), but a colleague does, as he buys and sells products in both euros and US dollars, as well as pounds. He hasn't had any issues.

Thank you.

I have used Wise in the past when I got paid in RMB through Payoneer. I also have a US dollar account with Revolut. Remember to check the account either has FSCS protection, or ensure you transfer the money out straight away. Currently I'm paid via Paypal, which annoying I can't change, as PayPal automatically converts at a rubbish rate.

Thank you; yes, it's the FSCS protection thing that makes me hesitate over going with a non-bank provider.

I can't advise much on Wise, but I was recommended to use them by my US-based tax advisor; I live in the UK but am a US citizen so need to file taxes yearly. Wise was an easy way to get a US bank without residency.

I used to work for RBS. When we keyed an overseas payment we could select who paid the charged, sender or recipient.

Obviously they are choosing recipient. You might want to have a word!

*charges!

Really?! Fucking hell. So it's a lottery.