Trolley, formerly Payment Rails, is a payouts and tax compliance platform used by businesses that pay many people: creator platforms, marketplaces, affiliate networks, music distributors and gaming companies. If a platform pays you through Trolley, you’ll use its forms to add your bank details and tax information, and you’ll receive payouts in your local currency. You can’t sign up to Trolley as an individual; it’s a tool for the companies paying you, and for anyone building a platform of their own.
At a glance
| What it is | Payouts and tax platform for businesses paying many recipients |
| Coverage | 210+ countries and territories, 135+ currencies |
| Payout methods | Bank transfer, PayPal, Venmo, mobile wallets, debit cards and more |
| Tax forms | W-8/W-9 collection and U.S. 1099 and 1042-S filing |
| Price | Plans for businesses start at $49 a month |
| Individuals | Interact only through platforms that use it |
If you’re paid through Trolley
When a platform uses Trolley, you’ll get an onboarding link or form inside that platform. You’ll add your payout method, verify your identity and fill in tax forms, such as a W-9 if you’re in the U.S. or a W-8BEN if you’re not. Trolley then sends your payouts in the method and currency you chose and, for U.S.-sourced income, generates the year-end tax forms your platform must issue.
Choosing your payout method
Trolley supports several ways to get paid, and fees or speed can differ between them. Bank transfer to a local account is often the cheapest. If you use a multi-currency account such as Wise, you may be able to receive in the original currency and convert later. Check your platform’s payout page for the options it has switched on.
Tax forms
Filling in tax forms correctly matters. For non-U.S. recipients, a correctly completed W-8BEN can reduce U.S. withholding where a tax treaty applies. Trolley collects and validates the forms, but you’re responsible for your own tax in your country.
If you run a platform
For anyone building a marketplace, membership site or affiliate program that pays many people, Trolley handles recipient onboarding, global payouts and tax reporting, including EU DAC7 and OECD digital platform reporting. It’s built for growing businesses rather than small hobby projects.
Owen’s take
You’ll probably meet Trolley as a payout screen inside a platform you already use. Take five minutes to choose the cheapest payout method and fill in your tax forms properly, and your payments will arrive smoothly.
Who it suits
It suits creators and freelancers paid by platforms that use it, and founders building marketplaces that pay many people. It suits less well individuals looking for their own payment account.
Similar options
- Wise offers local account details for receiving international payments.
- Sharetribe helps you build your own marketplace.
- Payoneer pays out for many freelance marketplaces.
- PayPal is a common payout method on many platforms.
More options are in Resources.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Payouts in many countries and currencies
- Handles tax forms and filing
- Multiple payout methods
Cons
- Not available to individuals directly
- Payout options depend on your platform
- Business plans cost money
FAQ
Can I open a Trolley account myself?
No, you use Trolley through a platform that pays you.
Why does a platform ask me for tax forms through Trolley?
So it can apply the right withholding and issue year-end tax forms.
Which countries does Trolley cover?
More than 210 countries and territories.
How do I choose how I’m paid?
In your Trolley onboarding, among the methods your platform offers.
How much does Trolley cost businesses?
Plans start at $49 a month.
