Payoneer, one of the most trusted payment platforms for freelancers in Pakistan, has officially updated its fee structure—and the change is significant. Starting 2025, Payoneer will now charge a flat 3% withdrawal fee on transactions in USD, EUR, and GBP for Pakistani users. For a country where thousands of freelancers depend on Payoneer for international payments, this update has caused a stir in the freelancing community. In this post, we’ll break down what changed, why it matters, and what strategies can help you save on fees.
What Changed?
Until recently, Payoneer’s withdrawal charges for Pakistani users were:
- 2% fee on foreign currency withdrawals to local bank accounts
- Additional hidden margins on currency conversion
Now, the new structure includes:
✔ 3% flat withdrawal fee for USD, EUR, and GBP
✔ Transfers under $100: $1 receiving fee
✔ Transfers above $100: 1% receiving fee
✔ Currency conversion margin: Still applied, meaning an extra cost baked into exchange rates
This change represents a 50% increase in withdrawal fees—from 2% to 3%. For example:
- On a $1,000 withdrawal:
- Old fee: $20
- New fee: $30
That’s $10 more on every $1,000 you withdraw, and it adds up over time.
Why It Matters for Freelancers
Freelancers in Pakistan already operate in a tight margin environment. A sudden increase in fees directly affects:
- Net income: Lower take-home earnings for the same amount of work
- Competitiveness: Higher costs make pricing strategy harder
- Cash flow: Delays or smaller withdrawals can impact budgeting
When combined with Payoneer’s exchange rate margin, this increase can reduce overall payouts significantly.
Strategies to Reduce Impact
1. Withdraw Less Frequently in Larger Amounts
Each withdrawal incurs the 3% fee. Instead of multiple small withdrawals, consolidate your funds and transfer larger amounts less often to reduce overall charges.
2. Explore Alternatives Like Elevate Pay
Elevate Pay is emerging as a promising alternative for Pakistani freelancers, offering virtual USD accounts and competitive rates. Compare before you stick to Payoneer.
3. Use Linked Accounts Like JazzCash
Payoneer recently integrated with JazzCash, allowing easier access to your funds without relying solely on traditional banks. For smaller amounts, this could be convenient.
4. Consider Local Marketplaces
If your work allows, explore platforms offering local payout solutions with lower fees.
What About Wise or PayPal?
Unfortunately, Wise is still restricted in Pakistan, and PayPal has yet to launch despite years of rumors. Until then, freelancers should focus on platforms actively serving the local market like Payoneer and Elevate.
Bottom Line
The new 3% Payoneer withdrawal fee is a wake-up call for freelancers in Pakistan to diversify payment methods and plan withdrawals strategically. Relying on a single provider is no longer practical—especially when new players like Elevate Pay are entering the scene.
Freelancing in Pakistan is booming, with IT exports and gig economy contributions growing every year. To stay profitable, freelancers must adapt quickly, manage costs wisely, and leverage every alternative available.
Payoneer Increases Withdrawal Fees to 3% in Pakistan – What Freelancers Need to Know
