Which is the Safest AdSense Payment Method?

When you become an AdSense Publisher, your goal is to increase monetization of your websites by realizing AdSense payments from the cost per click and/or AdSense search programs. You will earn income every time a visitor to your site clicks on one of the ads you have agreed to host or clicks on ads located on the search results pages. You will be paid when your AdSense earnings have met the payment thresholds if you are in compliance of policies and there are no holds on your AdSense account.
Before you can choose a payment method, your AdSense revenue must meet the payment method selection threshold. You will than choose your AdSense payment options by editing the payment details on the account setting page. You will choose from 5 different methods of payments and it is most important that you fully understand your choices and select the one most suited to your needs. Each of these payment options have pros and cons and eligibility maybe further determined by your own location and type of accounts, such as individual or business. It is recommended that you review the AdSense Payment Guide as to when payments are made, the payment process including the 5 steps to setting up your account, and essential information such as payment of taxes on AdSense earnings before finalizing your payment methods. The following AdSense payment options are available:

US Checks or Local Currency Checks
When you select this payment method, you will have the option to receive US funds or currency related to your country. The checks are drawn on Citibank, valid for one year from date of issuance. However, if you’re choosing local currency checks, you must review the list of eligible countries to ensure participation. You must also ensure that your financial institution will accept Citibank checks for negotiation keeping in mind that there will be fees issued. Publishers receive their checks about 2 to 4 weeks after the mailing date and sometimes longer when located in remote rural areas. You can choose Secured Express Delivery option which is quicker and safer and takes 5 to 7 days for delivery. There is a fee for courier services if you choose receiving checks as your payment option. The cons with this method of payment include time delays/fees in receiving and processing checks and the possibility of losing and having to reissue checks. Tracking aids are available through your AdSense account to ensure that you can follow your payments.
Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT)
An EFT is an electronic service that directly deposits your AdSense payments into your bank account and in your local currency. EFT’s are available to publishers whom addresses are in the supported countries listed. These online payment methods are the quickest, simplest and safest of all the payment options. However, while it does require you to have a bank account, you do not have to travel to pick up funds or negotiate checks. To ensure that this online payment method works, a test amount is processed to ensure that it is accurately deposited to your account. This service is available to all levels of AdSense account holders. You cannot use a Bank Account in another country due to tax and security reasons unless you change the country field in your payment address. There are no drawbacks to online payment methods other than for those whom would prefer to not disclose or have a bank account to receive these funds.
Western Union Quick Cash
Western Union is a worldwide money transfer service, but before choosing this AdSense payment option, you must ensure that Western Union is available in your country and that they offer the Quick Cash services. If you want cash upfront than Western Union Quick Cash is the payment method for you. You are allowed to receive your AdSense payments in cash available for pickup at your local Western Union Agent one day after being sent following the normal payment schedule established. You don’t have to wait for mail or courier services to deliver your check. There are no fees charged. You do not have the hassles of dealing with a bank and their related high fees, depositing and waiting for these funds to clear. While payment is in US Dollars, most Western Unions will give you the option to exchange these funds into local currency at the conversion rates applicable that day. You have 60 days in which to pick up your payment from a Western Union, otherwise funds are returned to your account. This payment option is only available to individual publishers due to the personal ID required by Western Union to be presented in order to receive funds. Overall, Western Union Quick Cash is worthy of consideration for those wanting quick, no hassle payment options and prefer cash in their pocket.
Rapida
Rapida is another payment method that allows users to receive their AdSense payments in Cash, however, this service is available only in Russia at this time and you have to find a local post branch that offers this service. You don’t have to worry about bank fees and long clearing timeframes associated with depositing checks. This method of payment is also only available to individuals and there may be limitations on the payment amounts. Users of this payment option generally have a 3 working day delay from the date shown on your “payment details” page. Payment is in US Dollars with the ability to exchange into local currency based on the local post branch conversion rates applicable that day.
Conclusion: The safest method of payment is the online payment method known as the Electronic Fund Transfer which puts the funds directly into your account as soon as AdSense payments are available. This is followed by the cash in your pocket offered by either Western Union or Rapida. Choose wisely when making these decisions.