Payoneer Fee Increase in Pakistan: What Freelancers and Businesses Need to Know

If you’re a freelancer, e-commerce seller, or digital entrepreneur in Pakistan, you’ve probably relied on Payoneer for receiving international payments. It’s long been considered a fast, secure, and user-friendly option. But in October 2024, Payoneer introduced a significant change that has disrupted workflows and raised concerns among thousands of Pakistani users:

Payoneer has increased its transaction fees for card payments in Pakistan.

This change has a direct impact on freelancers, agencies, remote workers, and small business owners who depend on every dollar they earn. Whether you’re invoicing clients on a regular basis or withdrawing funds monthly, this fee hike could be eating into your income without you even noticing.

In this detailed guide, we’ll explore what exactly changed, why it matters, and what smart, actionable steps you can take to protect your earnings.

What Changed in Payoneer’s Pricing for Pakistan?

What Changed in Payoneer’s Pricing

On October 20, 2024, Payoneer implemented a new fee structure affecting users in Pakistan who accept credit or debit card payments through:

• “Request a Payment”
• “Initiate a Payment”

These are the most commonly used options by freelancers and service providers when collecting money from international clients.

New Fee Breakdown:

• Transaction Fee via Credit/Debit Card:
  • Increased from 2% to 3%
• Fixed Fee per Transaction (based on currency):
  • $0.49 for USD
  • €0.45 for EUR
  • £0.39 for GBP
  • $0.75 for AUD
  • $0.67 for CAD
  • ¥73.76 for JPY

These new fees are in addition to any existing currency conversion charges and local bank withdrawal fees you may already be paying.

Why This Fee Hike Matters for Pakistani Freelancers

At first glance, a 1% increase may not seem like much, but let’s break it down with a real-world scenario:

Example: Monthly Earnings Through Payoneer

Annual Impact: $15/month x 12 months = $180/year (approx. Rs. 50,000)

That’s a big hit, especially for freelancers already juggling fluctuating exchange rates, withdrawal delays, and platform-specific fees.

How Pakistani Freelancers Are Reacting

“This is frustrating. We already deal with conversion losses, and now this? I’m considering moving to Wise.”
— Adeel I., Graphic Designer from Karachi

“I had to increase my rates slightly to offset the fee. Thankfully, my long-term clients understood.”
— Sana R., Virtual Assistant from Lahore

Freelancers and small businesses are actively looking for alternatives and making financial decisions to protect their profit margins.

What You Can Do: Actionable Tips to Reduce Costs

Here are four proven strategies you can apply immediately:

1. Switch to Lower-Fee Payment Platforms

Consider these alternatives to Payoneer:

• Wise (formerly TransferWise): Low transfer fees, real exchange rates.
• Skrill: Suitable for certain types of freelance niches.
• Revolut Business: Good for users dealing with EU/UK clients.

⚠️ Always test alternatives with a small transaction first to compare actual costs.

2. Negotiate Payment Methods with Clients

Many clients pay via card for convenience. But once you explain the situation, they may be open to switching:

Suggested Message Template:

“Hi [Client Name], just a quick update—Payoneer recently raised its fees for Pakistani users. If you’re open to using Wise or another lower-cost option, I can offer a small discount as a thank-you. Let me know what works best!”

3. Batch Your Invoices

Instead of multiple smaller payments, invoice your clients monthly or per project milestone. This reduces the number of transactions and fees.

4. Review and Adjust Your Pricing

You may need to raise your rates slightly to absorb rising costs. Most clients won’t object, especially if your work quality remains high.

Should You Still Use Payoneer?

Despite the fee hike, Payoneer still offers advantages, particularly if:

• You work with clients who insist on credit card payments
• You use Fiverr, Upwork, or platforms where Payoneer is the default method
• You frequently withdraw to a Pakistani bank with ease

However, if you’re mostly dealing with direct clients who are flexible with payment methods, switching might save you hundreds of dollars annually.

Key Takeaways

• Payoneer now charges 3% + fixed fee per card transaction in Pakistan
• This update impacts freelancers, agencies, and digital professionals
• Switching to Wise or similar platforms can cut costs significantly
• Communicate with clients and adjust your billing strategy

Final Thoughts

Payoneer’s recent fee hike is a reminder that freelancers and online workers must stay alert and flexible in managing their finances. By making smart payment choices and having open conversations with clients, you can protect your income, reduce unnecessary losses, and continue growing your business with confidence.

Always track fee updates, compare platforms, and keep an eye on the fine print—because every rupee saved is a rupee earned.