Payoneer and PayPal

PayPal or Payoneer: which one is better? Whether you are a freelancer, an online business owner, or a large corporation, it’s crucial to understand the advantages and disadvantages of these platforms. Doing so is necessary to make the most of their capabilities and make your financial processes more efficient.

Is Payoneer better than PayPal? The answer depends on your business model, the number of partners, transaction volume, and long-term goals. For example, you may be looking for an affordable tool with the potential for international market expansion. Therefore, it’s important to understand the unique features of each platform to make an informed decision.

We have analyzed the question, “Payoneer or PayPal, which is better?” and are ready to share the results. By evaluating the features, you can make a well-informed decision and unlock new opportunities for the growth of your business’s financial performance.

Payoneer: An In-Depth Look

Payoneer: An In-Depth Look

The Payoneer system was launched back in 2005 with the support from prominent IT figures, including Elon Musk. Despite its rapid launch and media hype, it never became a dominant payment system. Payoneer is ranked only 4,632nd in the global Financial Planning and Management category.

However, the system is quite advanced in terms of technology and commission policy for its users. Moreover, the payment platform operates in over 200 countries and supports approximately 150 currencies.

Payoneer Features:

  • Users and businesses can transfer funds, make e-commerce payments, and even manage internal system accounts, digital cards, etc.
  • A subscription model is supported (e.g., monthly payroll payments).
  • All transactions within Payoneer are commission-free.
  • The card issuance process is done manually, guaranteeing the transaction’s security.
  • The annual fee is $29.95.

It is believed that Payoneer's key competitor is PayPal, a payment system with the same rich history and functionality. However, the platforms offer slightly different features for users and businesses. So, let’s take a look at how Payoneer payment system is different from PayPal.

PayPal: An In-depth Look

PayPal: An In-depth Look 

The PayPal system was founded in 1998 and quickly gained users' loyalty worldwide. The geography of the payment aggregator is constantly expanding, as are its operational capabilities. PayPal ranks 67th in the Banking Credit and Lending category. According to 6Sense, it holds about 35.15% of the payment system market. It might be already clear from these numbers which is better PayPal or Payoneer.

Unlike Payoneer, PayPal is a combined platform that simultaneously includes a payment gateway and processor, creating organic and independent conditions for financial transactions. It supports about 200 countries and 26 currencies.

PayPal Features:

  • PayPal allows you to send and receive payments without authorization on the platform.
  • All popular methods and sources of transactions are supported, including PayPal Credit (installment plans).
  • PayPal Invoicing is available: the system monitors invoices and checks them for completion of payment transactions.
  • There are no annual fees for using cards.
  • Businesses are offered a PayPal Business Loan, which is based on company potential.

The most vital point in the Payoneer vs. PayPal is the payment process and account security. In addition to multi-factor authorization, the platform has a state-of-the-art anti-fraud system. For example, if the product fails to match its description, PayPal Purchase Protection guarantees a full refund.

Is Payoneer cheaper than PayPal? Let’s explore key differences, costs, advantages, and common features of both platforms.

Comparing Payoneer And PayPal: Similarities And Differences

Both these payment systems have been operating in the fintech market for nearly 20 years and have gained the loyalty of their audience. While the platforms share similarities, the difference between PayPal and Payoneer impacts how businesses and individuals interact with them.

Depending on your needs, one platform may be more cost-effective than the other. Below is a table comparing PayPal to Payoneer transfer fees and payment commissions, transaction speeds, and more.

 

Payoneer

PayPal

Receiving Payments

- From partner marketplaces: Often free or very low cost (e.g., Upwork, Fiverr).

- From credit card: Typically 1–3% of the transaction.

- Via Payment Request: May include a 3% fee (varies by region).

- Goods/Services payments: ~2.9% + $0.30 (domestic, in US); higher for international.

- Friends/Family (domestic): Often free if funded by PayPal balance or bank account.

- Cross-border: Additional fees and currency conversion surcharges.

Sending Payments

- To another Payoneer user: Often free or low cost.

- To a bank account: May incur a 1%–2% fee or currency-conversion markup.

- Currency conversion: Typically 2% above mid-market rate.

- Friends/Family (domestic): Free if funded by PayPal balance/bank.

- Friends/Family (credit/debit): ~2.9% + fixed fee per transaction.

- Goods/Services: Same as receiving fee (2.9% + $0.30 in the US) plus possible currency conversion fees.

Processing Speed

- Payoneer balance: Funds from partner marketplaces usually arrive in 1–2 days (sometimes instantly).

- Withdraw to bank: ~1–2 business days (region-dependent).

- Payoneer Prepaid Card: Funds are available as soon as Payoneer releases them.

- PayPal balance: Instant for received payments, but subject to PayPal review holds.

- Withdraw to bank: 1–3 business days (faster “instant” transfer option may be available with an extra fee).

- Card to card: Usually immediate but can have holds.

Debit/Prepaid Card PayPal vs. Payoneer Fees

- Payoneer Prepaid Mastercard

- Annual fee: ~$29.95 (varies by region).

- ATM withdrawal fees + currency conversion fees.

- Accepted worldwide where Mastercard is supported.

- PayPal Debit Mastercard (available in limited regions, e.g., the US):

- No annual fee, but foreign transaction and ATM fees apply.

- Directly uses PayPal balance.

- Accepted anywhere Mastercard is accepted (where issued).

International Coverage

- Available in 200+ countries with varying levels of functionality.

- Supports multiple currencies (USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, etc.).

- Local receiving accounts in key currencies (e.g., USD, EUR, GBP) for eligible users.

- Also available in 200+ countries (though certain regions are restricted).

- Supports many currencies (more than 25).

- Local currency availability depends on the region, with different fees for cross-border transactions.

Taxes & Regulatory Compliance

- Payoneer must comply with tax regulations in relevant jurisdictions.

- No “no audit” guarantee — reporting obligations vary by region.

- Issues forms (e.g., 1099 in the US) as required.

- PayPal also complies with global and local tax regulations.

- No “no audit” guarantee; your tax reporting depends on your local laws.

- Issues 1099-K in the US for qualifying accounts/transactions.

Bulk / Mass Payouts

- Mass payout solutions for businesses to pay multiple freelancers/suppliers.

- Specific limits and eligibility may depend on your account setup and location.

- PayPal Payouts / Mass Pay feature for sending payments to large numbers of recipients.

- Volume limits depend on business account status, region, and compliance checks.

Business Loans / Working Capital

- Offers working-capital-style funding to eligible users, often via partnerships with marketplaces like Amazon, Walmart, etc.

- Eligibility and maximum amounts vary by your region and transaction volume.

- PayPal Working Capital and PayPal Business Loans in select countries.

- Typically based on your PayPal sales volume and account history.

- Repayment terms and eligibility vary by country.

Payoneer vs. PayPal Exchange Rate

You should be prepared to pay more if you often need to convert currencies between your own accounts or make multicurrency transactions. PayPal charges about 3.5–4% of the exchange amount, regardless of whether you convert internally within your own account or send money for goods or payroll.

Payoneer is much more affordable in conversion fees, with a margin of 2%. Accordingly, it is better suited for international payments with seamless currency exchange. At the same time, the multicurrency capabilities of the system are more powerful than PayPal’s (150 currencies vs. 26).

When Is One Or Another System Used?

When Is One Or Another Payoneer vs. PayPal System Used

Depending on the market and the number of transactions, you will need a specific payment platform based on its capabilities. For example:

  • If you need to pay salaries in bulk or order foreign goods, Payoneer is the best option. Despite the limit of 200 payments at a time (compared to PayPal’s limit of 10,000), this payment system supports 150 currencies (versus 26 for PayPal). It is an ideal choice for international business.
  • If you want to protect your funds and all financial transactions as much as possible, opt for PayPal. In addition to a money-back guarantee and account security, PayPal offers instant refunds in all proven fraud cases. Is Payoneer safe, though? While both systems offer robust security, PayPal has a larger network and additional security features that make it a safer option in certain cases.
  • Payoneer and PayPal will provide additional business opportunities for you. The only difference lies in the methods, terms, and lending amounts.

The key advantages of a particular system can sometimes become its disadvantages. That is especially true when combining payment platforms to maximize transaction flexibility and reduce transaction costs.

Conclusion

Payoneer and PayPal: which is better? Both are reliable and advanced payment platforms that offer many opportunities for businesses and individuals. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, which can be crucial when selecting a permanent system for transactions.

  • If you work with international financial transactions, Payoneer will provide the best rates and transaction flexibility.
  • If you focus on the domestic market, such as the United States, PayPal offers faster transactions and fraud protection.

The choice of a payment platform depends on the needs of the business, so each entrepreneur must decide which system best suits their requirements.

FAQ

Can I use Payoneer and PayPal without a bank account?

Yes, you can use it by registering through the website of a payment system partner. You can also link an existing MasterCard to your balance or order a new one on the platform.

Can I keep money on Payoneer or PayPal?

Yes, you can store funds directly on your account and a linked bank card.