Freelancing and digital entrepreneurship in Pakistan are growing rapidly, and with them comes a common question: what is the best way to receive international payments? Among the most popular platforms are Payoneer, Wise (formerly TransferWise), and PayPal. Each has unique strengths and challenges, especially for Pakistani users.
At 2Pay.com.pk, we believe in empowering users with reliable financial solutions. In this blog, we’ll compare Payoneer, Wise, and PayPal to help you decide which platform works best for your needs.
Payoneer in Pakistan
Payoneer is widely used by Pakistani freelancers, IT professionals, and eCommerce sellers. It allows you to receive payments from international clients and marketplaces like Upwork, Fiverr, and Amazon.
Advantages of Payoneer
- Global Reach: Accepted by top freelancing and eCommerce platforms.
- Local Withdrawals: Easily transfer funds to Pakistani bank accounts.
- Prepaid Card Option: Payoneer Mastercard can be used for ATM withdrawals and online payments.
- Lower Fees (Compared to PayPal): Transfer costs are competitive.
Limitations of Payoneer
- Annual Fees: The prepaid card comes with maintenance costs.
- Exchange Rates: Slightly higher conversion charges.
- Not Accepted Everywhere: Some clients prefer PayPal.
Best For: Freelancers and eCommerce sellers looking for reliability and direct bank withdrawals.
Wise (TransferWise) in Pakistan
Wise is gaining popularity due to its transparent fee structure and real exchange rates. It is designed for international bank transfers and cross-border payments.
Advantages of Wise
- Real Exchange Rate: No hidden conversion markups.
- Transparent Fees: Users know exactly what they’re paying.
- Fast Transfers: International transfers usually arrive within 24–48 hours.
- Multi-Currency Accounts: Ideal for handling multiple currencies.
Limitations of Wise
- Limited Local Integration: Not as widely integrated with freelancing platforms.
- No Direct PayPal Link: Cannot withdraw directly from PayPal.
- Availability Issues: Some users in Pakistan face restrictions depending on banks.
Best For: Professionals receiving international transfers directly from clients.
PayPal in Pakistan
PayPal is one of the world’s most trusted payment systems, but it is not officially available in Pakistan. Many freelancers still face challenges because international clients often prefer PayPal.
Advantages of PayPal
- Global Acceptance: Widely used by clients worldwide.
- Instant Payments: Funds transfer quickly between PayPal accounts.
- Buyer & Seller Protection: Extra trust for eCommerce transactions.
Limitations of PayPal in Pakistan
- Not Officially Supported: Pakistani users cannot open a PayPal account directly.
- Workarounds Are Risky: Using third-party accounts can lead to blocked funds.
- Higher Fees: More expensive than Payoneer or Wise.
Best For: Clients abroad—but not practical for most Pakistani freelancers.
Quick Comparison: Payoneer vs Wise vs PayPal
| Feature | Payoneer | Wise (TransferWise) | PayPal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability in Pakistan | Yes | Yes (limited banks) | No |
| Freelancer Platforms | Widely accepted | Limited | Widely accepted (but not in PK) |
| Fees | Moderate | Low & transparent | High |
| Withdrawal to PK Banks | Yes | Yes (select banks) | No |
| Ease of Use | High | High | High (outside PK) |
| Best For | Freelancers, eCommerce sellers | Direct client payments | Clients abroad |
Which Payment Platform Should Pakistanis Use?
- If you are a freelancer or Amazon seller, Payoneer is the most practical option.
- If you work with direct clients overseas, Wise offers better exchange rates and transparent fees.
- PayPal is not yet viable in Pakistan, but if it launches in the future, it could be a strong competitor.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right payment platform depends on your needs. While PayPal is globally recognized, its unavailability in Pakistan makes Payoneer and Wise the most practical choices. Payoneer is best for freelancers connected to major platforms, while Wise is excellent for direct international transfers with real exchange rates.
