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5 Best Payoneer Alternatives in 2025 for International Payments in India

anoosh-kotak
Anoosh Kotak27 January 2025
Which Payoneer alternative offers lower fees and better forex rates?

Payoneer has been enabling cross-border payments since 2005, helping Indian businesses seamlessly connect with global clients. Through its virtual bank accounts, marketplace integrations, and multi-currency support, the platform has made international transactions more accessible than ever.

While Payoneer offers a robust suite of global payment solutions, it may not always be the most optimal fit for every business. 

Depending on your specific needs, there are other platforms that offer competitive pricing, faster settlements, or tailored features.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the following 5  five strong alternatives to Payoneer that might better suit your international payment requirements:

  • Skydo
  • Wise Business 
  • PayPal
  • PingPong
  • Stripe
Which Payoneer alternative offers lower fees and better forex rates?

What is Payoneer? 

Payoneer is a global payment platform established in New York in 2005. It helps businesses and freelancers receive international payments.

Here are some of the key features of Payoneer:  

Virtual International accounts 

Payoneer provides local bank account details in multiple countries, meaning you get a real US bank account to collect USD, a European business account for EUR, and more. When clients pay into these accounts, they make a local transfer - no international wire fees. Currently, you can get receiving accounts in USD, GBP, EUR and more. 

Multi-currency support 

While you get virtual accounts in 9 major currencies, Payoneer supports receiving online payments in over 70 currencies. Your clients can pay you through:

  • Bank transfers
  • Credit cards
  • ACH bank debits (for US clients)
  • PayPal (available in US and UK only)

Marketplace integrations 

Payoneer has partnered with over 2,000 global marketplaces and platforms. If you're selling on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, Airbnb, or Wish, your earnings automatically flow into your Payoneer account, no manual transfers are needed.

Pros of Payoneer 

Being one of the oldest global payment platforms, Payoneer has built several features that make receiving international payments more manageable for Indian businesses and freelancers. Here are the main advantages:

Getting paid from marketplaces 

Payoneer simplifies payouts for freelancers and sellers on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Amazon. Your earnings land directly in your Payoneer account and can be easily withdrawn to your Indian bank.

Digital FIRA available at no extra cost 

Payoneer provides free FIRA for every transaction which you can  Every time you receive money, Payoneer provides a free digital FIRA (Foreign Inward Remittance Advice). This document is crucial for Indian businesses as it helps you comply with RBI regulations and simplifies tax filing.

Supports multiple payment methods 

Your clients can pay you through various methods:

  • Local bank transfers in their currency
  • Credit cards
  • ACH bank debits (for US clients)
  • PayPal (US and UK only)

Cons of Payoneer

Payoneer is a widely used platform with several convenient features for receiving international payments. However, like any platform, it has certain considerations to be aware of:

Fees Structure

Payoneer follows a tiered pricing model, which may add up depending on your transaction volume and payment method:

  • Credit card payments: 3.2% + $0.49
  • Withdrawals to Indian bank accounts: Up to 3%
  • Annual fee: $29.95 if you receive under $2,000/year
  • Currency conversions may include additional forex markup

It’s worth reviewing these carefully based on your business needs and payment volumes.

Support Experience

While many users benefit from Payoneer’s global support network, as per some reviews on G2, few users have experienced longer response times, especially during high-demand periods. For Indian businesses, it’s helpful to plan ahead and explore available support channels to ensure smooth resolution in time-sensitive scenarios.

Please note: These insights are based on user reviews gathered from public platforms and do not reflect Skydo’s opinions.

Which Payoneer alternative offers lower fees and better forex rates?

5 Payoneer Alternatives to Take Note of

Let's explore five alternatives to Payoneer that can help you receive international payments more efficiently and cost-effectively:

Save 50% on every international transfer
Receive from 150+ countries
Get global accounts
Zero forex margin
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Skydo: An India-based Payoneer Alternative

Skydo is an India-focused international payment platform prioritizing transparent pricing plans and quick access to funds. Built specifically for Indian businesses and freelancers, it simplifies receiving payments from global clients and marketplaces.

Top features:

  • Global receiving accounts in 10+ countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia
  • Instant FIRA generation at no extra cost
  • Simple pricing: $19 for payments up to $2,000, $29 for payments up to $10,000, 0.3% for payments above $10,000 along with live forex rate
  • Real-time payment tracking within 24 hours
  • GST-compliant invoicing system
  • Direct integration with Amazon Global Selling
ProsCons
Get actual market exchange rates without markups, ensuring you receive the maximum value for your international paymentsCurrently, it only supports receiving international payments but does not allow sending money abroad.
Receive Foreign Inward Remittance Advice immediately after each transaction at no extra costThe flat fee structure might be expensive for transactions under $1000
Transparent pricing with $19 for payments up to $2,000 and $29 for payments up to $10,000
The India-based support team is available to assist with your specific needs and queries

Wise Business: A Solid Payoneer Alternative for Freelancers and Small Businesses

Wise is a UK-based financial technology platform that started in 2011 as TransferWise. Unlike traditional payment platforms, Wise focuses on providing actual mid-market exchange rates for international money transfers. For Indian businesses, it offers a straightforward way to receive payments from global clients without excessive currency conversion fees. Wise's user-friendly UI and mid-market rate make it a popular choice among freelancers and small businesses 

Top features: 

  • Mid-market exchange rates
  • Local receiving accounts in major currencies
  • Digital FIRA for Indian businesses
  • Integration with accounting software
  • Batch payment processing
  • Multi-user access for team management
ProsCons
Access to mid-market exchange rates without hidden markupsA 1.6% to 1.8% fee on transaction value can be significant for larger amounts
Digital FIRA for every transactionUnlike some competitors, Wise business account charges extra for FIRA documentation
Intuitive platform that makes managing international payments simpleCan only receive upto USD 10,000 per invoice

Learn more about Wise alternatives.

Save 50% on every international transfer
Receive from 150+ countries
Get global accounts
Zero forex margin
globe_with_skydo

PayPal: A Globally Accepted Payoneer Alternative 

PayPal is one of the oldest digital payment platforms, and it has been operating since 1998. For Indian businesses, it provides a familiar way to receive international payments, particularly useful when dealing with US and European clients who prefer PayPal for its security features and buyer protection.

Top features:

  • Wide global acceptance
  • Multiple currency support
  • Integrated invoicing tools
  • Buyer and seller protection
  • Digital FIRA for Indian accounts
  • Mobile app for payment management
ProsCons
Widely trusted and accepted worldwideFees include: 4.4% transaction fees plus fixed fee plus 4% currency conversion charges
 Built-in security featuresMany PayPal features available globally are restricted in India (e.g., recurring payments and subscription billing aren't available for Indian merchants)
Monthly free FIRA 

Learn more about Payoneer vs. PayPal. 

PingPong: A Suitable Payoneer Alternative for Ecommerce Sellers

Founded in 2015, PingPong specializes in helping ecommerce sellers and digital businesses manage cross-border payments. The platform particularly shines for marketplace vendors who need to collect payments from multiple international marketplaces.

Top features:

  • Free digital FIRA
  • VAT/GST payment support
  • Marketplace payment collection
  • Competitive exchange rates
  • Multi-currency accounts
ProsCons
Seamless connection with major e-commerce platformsLack of clarity on forex rates
Simplified tax payment process for international transactions1% fee structure can become expensive for larger transactions
Free FIRA for every transaction 
Save 50% on every international transfer
Receive from 150+ countries
Get global accounts
Zero forex margin
globe_with_skydo

Stripe: Payoneer Alternative Suited for Established Businesses

Stripe has built its reputation as a developer-first payment platform since 2010. As of 2025, it operates as invite-only in India, offering businesses robust tools to accept international payments. It's particularly suited for companies that need deep payment integration into their websites or apps.

Top features:

  • Extensive API documentation
  • Multiple payment method support
  • Advanced fraud protection
  • Automated reconciliation
  • Real-time payment tracking
  • Custom payment flows
Pros Cons
Comprehensive tools for various payment needsInvite-only access for Indian businesses
Developer-friendly API and documentationRestricted payment options for international transactions
4.3 % transaction fee plus 2% for currency conversion

Receiving International Payments with Payoneer Vs. Skydo: A Quick Comparison 

Several factors can impact your bottom line when choosing between Payoneer and Skydo for receiving international payments. In terms of fees, Skydo comes out as a clear winner. On a $10,000 payment, you could pay up to $300 just in withdrawal fees. There's an additional fee if you receive the payment via credit card, ACH debit etc, while Skydo charges just $29 with no additional forex charges. 

This significant difference in fees, combined with faster payment processing and local support, makes Skydo a more cost-effective choice for many Indian businesses - especially those receiving regular payments from international clients.

Want to explore Skydo firsthand? 

Get Started!

Save 50% on every international transfer
Receive from 150+ countries
Get global accounts
Zero forex margin
globe_with_skydo
Frequently asked questions

Which is better than Payoneer?

Payoneer is a stalwart when it comes to enabling international payments. However, in terms of cost and customer support, Skydo can be a better alternative to receiving international payments in India

How trustworthy is Payoneer?

Is Payoneer better than Stripe?

What is the best Payoneer alternative for freelancers?

About the author
anoosh-kotak
Anoosh, an IIT graduate with a background in engineering, now leads growth initiatives at Skydo. Sports, Travel & Binge-watching
Save 50% on every international transfer