Sigma vs Gusto: Fewer Workarounds, Faster Payments
No hidden FX. No slow wires. Just flat-fee global payouts your contractors actually get paid through.
Side-by-Side on What Really Matters
Compare real costs, speed, and experience between Gusto and Sigma.
$35/month base + $6 per contractor
$18/month per active contractor - reduced rates for teams of 20+
1-2.5% FX markup hidden in exchange rate - contractor receives less than what you send.
0% FX with USD wallets; ~1% FX only if converting to local currency
May incur $20-$50 in SWIFT/intermediary bank deductions - Gusto doesn't cover these.
$0 with USD wallet (no forced conversions)
2-5 business days depending on country, currency, and bank route.
1-2 business days, or instant with USDC. Optimized infrastructure
No wallet support; payouts always auto-convert to local currency. Limited payout control.
Contractors hold USD wallet, choose when and how to convert
HR-led setup with forms and contracts; W-8 BEN form collection.
<15 min mobile onboarding
S24/7 support available, but global contractor issues often face delays or canned responses.
Fast, human-first support optimized for contractor payouts
Pain Points with Gusto
What frustrates fast-moving teams and global contractors when using Gusto:
Hidden FX markups: Gusto bakes a 1-2.5% FX fee into the exchange rate, with no visibility or control for sender or recipient.
Surprise withdrawal costs: Contractors may receive $20-$50 less due to SWIFT and intermediary bank fees - and Gusto doesn't cover it.
No wallet control: Contractors can't hold USD or decide when to convert. Payouts are always auto-converted to local currency.
Slow cross-border payments: Transfers take 2-5 business days, especially in emerging markets.
Clunky onboarding for global contractors: Admins must manually upload W-8 BEN forms and manage contract setup through the HR portal.
Support not optimized for global issues: Gusto's 24/7 support often falls short when resolving international payout or compliance issues.
Why Sigma Wins
Key advantages that make Sigma the smarter choice for global payroll.
Flat Fees, No Surprises: $18/month per active contractor - reduced rates for teams of 20+. 0% FX on USD wallet payments; ~1% FX when currency conversion is required.
USD Wallets Built In: Contractors keep 100% of what you send - no forced conversion.
Faster Payouts, Globally: 1-2 business day transfers or instant stablecoin delivery via USDC/USDT.
Better for LATAM, Africa, Asia: Mobile-first onboarding, crypto-native infrastructure, and wallet support.
No Shutdown Surprises: Real human support helps your team stay paid - fast.
FAQ
See Common Question and Answer
Everything you need to know before switching to Sigma.
We get you to every country
From Buenos Aires to Manila, hire contractors and employees anywhere with Sigma. Read our latest insights on global hiring.
160+ countries
To hire from.
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