Online Earning with Payoneer: How-to Guide for US Businesses

Online earning with Payoneer has become a payment solution for US entrepreneurs and small businesses. Unlike a traditional bank, Payoneer acts as a platform that connects businesses to clients, marketplaces and contractors in more than 190 countries. Learn how Payoneer works, the types of online income it supports, the benefits and limitations for American users, and the costs to expect. We'll also discuss the Wise Business account. The global account that can help your company with all things cross-border.

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What Is Payoneer and How Does It Work?

Payoneer is a money service business financial services company that provides cross-border payment solutions for businesses, freelancers, and online sellers. It is not a bank, but it offers features similar to one, including a multi-currency account, local receiving accounts, and debit cards. Users can accept payments from international clients in currencies such as USD, EUR, GBP, CAD and JPY, then withdraw those funds to a US bank account or use the Payoneer card for purchases and ATM withdrawals.¹

How Can US Entrepreneurs Earn Online with Payoneer?

There are several ways to generate online income that can be collected through Payoneer:

• Freelance Platforms: Many leading freelance marketplaces, including Fiverr, Upwork and PeoplePerHour, offer Payoneer as a withdrawal option. Freelancers can set Payoneer as their primary payout method, giving them access to funds within 24 hours of release.²
• E-Commerce and Online Selling: Amazon, Walmart Marketplace and eBay sellers often use Payoneer to receive disbursements in multiple currencies. Payoneer’s global receiving accounts allow sellers to operate in different regions without opening foreign bank accounts.³
• Online Teaching and Consulting: Platforms such as Cafetalk and Preply pay tutors and consultants via Payoneer. US entrepreneurs offering virtual classes or professional consulting can withdraw earnings to a US account at competitive rates.⁴
• Surveys, Digital Products, and Remote Work: Niche opportunities, including survey sites, app testing and selling digital products, also use Payoneer as a payment option.⁵ While smaller in scale, these streams are popular among US side hustlers.

Benefits of Online Earning with Payoneer

For US entrepreneurs looking to expand globally, Payoneer offers several advantages that go beyond simply receiving payments. These features make it easier to manage cash flow, reduce costs and operate across borders.

Limitations for US Businesses

Although Payoneer is powerful for online earning, there are some important drawbacks US entrepreneurs should keep in mind before making it their primary payment solution.

Not a Bank

Funds are stored in an account managed by Payoneer, which means they are not FDIC-insured like those held in a US bank account. For businesses, this makes Payoneer best suited as a payment gateway rather than a full replacement for traditional banking. It should complement, not substitute, a company’s main financial institution.

Fees

While Payoneer is often more cost-effective than traditional banks, there are still charges to consider. Withdrawal fees apply when converting currencies or transferring to a non-USD account, and additional costs may arise when clients pay using credit cards. Over time, these expenses can add up, especially for companies managing frequent cross-border payments.

Restrictions

Not all platforms and marketplaces accept Payoneer. Some US-based online jobs, gig economy platforms, or survey sites only support alternatives such as PayPal or gift cards.⁵ This limits flexibility for entrepreneurs relying on multiple income sources. Businesses should confirm in advance whether their key marketplaces or partners are compatible with Payoneer.

Conversion rate

Payoneer’s exchange rate is based on real-time numbers and add a 0.5% fee. The conversion charge could be as high as 3.5% for the Payoneer card.

Save Time and Money On Overseas Payments With Wise Business

Wise Business can help you save big time on international payments.

Wise is not a bank, but a Money Services Business (MSB) provider and a smart alternative to banks. The Wise Business account is designed with international business in mind, and makes it easy to send, hold, and manage business funds in currencies.

Signing up to Wise Business allows access to BatchTransfer which you can use to pay up to 1000 invoices in one go. This is perfect for small businesses that are managing a global team, saving a ton of time and hassle when making payments.

Some key features of Wise Business include:

• Mid-market rate: Get the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden fees on international transfers

• Global Account: Send money to countries and hold multiple currencies, all in one place. You can also get major currency account details for a one-off fee to receive overseas payments like a local

• Access to BatchTransfer: Pay up to 1000 invoices in one click. Save time, money, and stress when you make 1000 payments in one click with BatchTransfer payments. Access to BatchTransfer is free with a Wise Business account

• Auto-conversions: Don't like the current currency exchange rate? Set your desired rate, and Wise sends the transfer the moment the rate is met

• Free invoicing tool: Generate and send professional invoices

• No minimum balance requirements or monthly fees: US-based businesses can open an account for free. Learn more about fees here

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Costs of Using Payoneer

US entrepreneurs should budget for the following charges:

• Currency Conversion Fee: About 0.5% above the mid-market exchange rate.⁶
• Withdrawal Fees: Up to $3% or a fixed rate.⁶
• Annual Card Fee: $29.95 for the Payoneer Mastercard.⁶
• Transfer Fees: Payments between Payoneer accounts are free, while receiving payments from clients without a Payoneer account may incur up to 3% depending on the method.⁶

Final Thoughts

For US entrepreneurs and growing businesses, online earning with Payoneer offers a flexible way to connect with international clients, marketplaces and partners. While it is not a replacement for a traditional bank, its global reach, competitive costs and multiple payout options make it an important tool for managing online income.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Payoneer Safe for US Entrepreneurs?

Yes. Payoneer is a licensed financial institution regulated in multiple jurisdictions. It uses encryption, two-factor authentication and compliance checks to secure transactions.

How Long Does It Take to Withdraw Money to a US Bank Account?

Most withdrawals clear within one to two business days, though some banks may take longer.

Can I Use Payoneer Instead of a US Bank?

No. Payoneer is not a bank. It is a money service business that complements your US business bank account.

What Types of Online Jobs Pay Through Payoneer?

Freelancing, e-commerce, tutoring, surveys, consulting and digital product sales are among the most common.

Does Payoneer Charge Monthly Account Fees?

No. There are no monthly maintenance fees. You only pay when using specific services such as withdrawals, card usage or conversions.

Is Payoneer Better Than PayPal for US Businesses?

Payoneer often has lower conversion fees and better marketplace integrations, but PayPal may be more widely accepted among US-based clients.