SpeakWrite

SpeakWrite (in business since 1999; 60,000+ clients) is a 100% human-powered voice-to-text transcription service for law enforcement, child protective services, law firms, insurance, finance, and othe

Transcription & Captioning Verified Sep 2026

Quick facts

SpeakWrite quick facts
FactDetail
CategoryTranscription & Captioning
Platform typeFreelance transcription platform
Websitespeakwrite.com
Pay unitPer task
Payout methodsPaper check (mailed), ACH bank transfer
Payout cadenceTwice monthly
Minimum ageUNVERIFIED — no explicit minimum age published; adult status implied by legal-residency, work-history, and independent-contractor requirements
Countries2 tracked — United States and Canada only — applicants must be legal residents of the US or Canada.
Languagesen, es
EquipmentComputer, Headphones, Stable internet, Quiet workspace
Experience neededIntermediate
Identity verificationLegal resident of US or Canada; detailed work history verification (1+ year professional transcription/word-processing experience in an office environment within the past 5 years — general office, data entry, accounting experience NOT sufficient); signed Confidentiality Agreement and security/confidentiality forms with exact name matching; independent contractor status.
Last verified2026-09-08

In one paragraph

SpeakWrite pays for audio transcription — billed per task, paid via Paper check (mailed) and ACH bank transfer. Available: united states and canada only — applicants must be legal res. Minimum age UNVERIFIED — no explicit minimum age published; adult status implied by legal-residency, work-history, and independent-contractor requirements.

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Pros & cons — facts only

Pros

    Cons

    • Minimum payout not published — verify before your first cash-out.
    • Entry gated by qualification/identity checks.

    How to join SpeakWrite

    1. 5-step application: (1) submit application form after confirming requirements; (2) pass the online typing test (60+ WPM, 90% accuracy) via the Typist Dashboard; (3) sign the Confidentiality Agreement and provide detailed work history and availability (30-day window to complete the evaluation process once approved); (4) complete policy training videos and quizzes; (5) download the software and complete practice transcription training examples, which are evaluated for policy compliance before a contract offer. Foot pedal purchase (if desired) is recommended only after training is complete and a contract is offered.

    Signup involves: Sign up · Qualification test · Skills assessment · Approval or waitlist · Paid onboarding

    Pay & payouts

    • Billed per: Per task
    • Payout methods: Paper check (mailed), ACH bank transfer
    • Payout cadence: Twice monthly
    • Minimum payout: Not published

    Requirements

    Minimum age
    UNVERIFIED — no explicit minimum age published; adult status implied by legal-residency, work-history, and independent-contractor requirements
    Languages
    English, Spanish
    Identity verification
    Legal resident of US or Canada; detailed work history verification (1+ year professional transcription/word-processing experience in an office environment within the past 5 years — general office, data entry, accounting experience NOT sufficient); signed Confidentiality Agreement and security/confidentiality forms with exact name matching; independent contractor status.
    Skills
    1+ year of professional transcription/word processing experience in an office environment (past 5 years); typing 60 WPM with 90% accuracy; expert Microsoft Word including advanced formatting; strong English grammar/spelling/punctuation; available 4+ hours per week; willingness to learn SpeakWrite policies and maintain quality; must accept assigned jobs (re-queue only for offensive content); no medical transcription or data entry positions.
    Equipment
    Windows-based PC with minimum 6 GB RAM, Windows 10 or newer, 64-bit OS (Apple computers only if running Windows OS; no tablets/smartphones); headphones to listen to dictation; foot pedal to control audio is optional (SpeakWrite provides software alternatives for hands-free audio control; recommended model info provided when needed); SpeakWrite's secure Typist app delivers assignments.

    Where it's available

    United States and Canada only — applicants must be legal residents of the US or Canada.

    Restrictions: California residents excluded (due to California law AB-5, SpeakWrite cannot accept their applications); Puerto Rico excluded (US territory but not a state; only US/Canada residents accepted); all other countries excluded by the US/Canada residency requirement.

    • Canada
    • United States

    What kind of work

    • Audio transcription
    • Legal transcription

    Transcription gear

    • Foot pedal
    • Quiet workspace
    • Desktop computer
    • Headphones
    • Transcription software

    SpeakWrite FAQ

    Is SpeakWrite legit?

    Yes — SpeakWrite is a real, operating platform. We verified its signup, payout, and policy pages directly on 2026-09-08 using 6 sources.

    How does SpeakWrite pay out?

    Via Paper check (mailed), ACH bank transfer. Payout cadence: Twice monthly.

    Who can join SpeakWrite?

    Minimum age UNVERIFIED — no explicit minimum age published; adult status implied by legal-residency, work-history, and independent-contractor requirements. United States and Canada only — applicants must be legal residents of the US or Canada. Legal resident of US or Canada; detailed work history verification (1+ year professional transcription/word-processing experience in an office environment within the past 5 years — general office, data entry, accounting experience NOT sufficient); signed Confidentiality Agreement and security/confidentiality forms with exact name matching; independent contractor status.

    How do I sign up for SpeakWrite?

    5-step application: (1) submit application form after confirming requirements; (2) pass the online typing test (60+ WPM, 90% accuracy) via the Typist Dashboard; (3) sign the Confidentiality Agreement and provide detailed work history and availability (30-day window to complete the evaluation process once approved); (4) complete policy training videos and quizzes; (5) download the software and complete practice transcription training examples, which are evaluated for policy compliance before a contract offer. Foot pedal purchase (if desired) is recommended only after training is complete and a contract is offered.

    What skills does SpeakWrite require?

    1+ year of professional transcription/word processing experience in an office environment (past 5 years); typing 60 WPM with 90% accuracy; expert Microsoft Word including advanced formatting; strong English grammar/spelling/punctuation; available 4+ hours per week; willingness to learn SpeakWrite policies and maintain quality; must accept assigned jobs (re-queue only for offensive content); no medical transcription or data entry positions.

    Sources & verification

    Facts on this page were verified against 6 sources. Last full check: .

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