Starter Stack
The Freelancer Starter Stack
Everything a solo freelancer needs to look professional and get paid — and nothing more.
By the OneStopShop Editors · Updated October 2026
1. Separate your money
Open a business account so client payments never mix with groceries.
Mercury
Business banking · Banking & Payments
Online business banking built for startups and small companies (US).
Our take: A clean, modern business account that many new founders open first.
Relay
Business banking · Banking & Payments
Small-business banking with multiple accounts for organizing cash (US).
Our take: Handy if you like splitting money into separate accounts for taxes, payroll and profit.
2. Send contracts and invoices
A signed agreement and a clear invoice prevent most freelance headaches.
Dropbox Sign
Contracts & e-signature · Formation & Legal
Simple e-signatures from Dropbox (formerly HelloSign).
Our take: A lighter-weight way to get proposals and contracts signed.
Wave
Accounting · Accounting & Payroll
Accounting and invoicing for freelancers and very small businesses.
Our take: The budget pick for when you just need clean books and invoices.
3. Get paid
Offer card payments so clients can pay the moment they approve.
Stripe
Payments · Banking & Payments
Online payments infrastructure: checkout, subscriptions, invoices and more.
Our take: The default choice for taking card payments in software products.
PayPal Business
Payments · Banking & Payments
Accept PayPal and card payments, send invoices and get paid internationally.
Our take: Many customers already have PayPal, which can make checkout easier.
4. Look the part
A simple portfolio site and tidy visuals go a long way.
Squarespace
Site builders · Websites & Hosting
Polished website templates, domains and simple online selling.
Our take: Good-looking results without hiring a designer.
Canva
Design tools · Design & Creative
Easy design for social posts, decks, flyers and logos.
Our take: Lets non-designers produce professional-looking marketing quickly.
Questions
Do I need an LLC to freelance?
Not always. Many freelancers start as sole proprietors. Rules vary by country and state, so check with a local accountant.
Editorial picks are chosen independently. How we make money.