Payoneer imposes 3% withdrawal fees on Pakistani users, causing concerns between freelancers

Payoneer, the global financial services platform widely used by freelancers and digital professionals, has introduced a 3% withdrawal fee for users in Pakistan – raising widespread concern between the country’s growing workforce.

The updated structure of the fees, which came into force this week, marks a significant shift in business costs for tens of thousands of Pakistanis freelancers and small business -based businesses. The move comes as Pakistan continues to expand its digital economy, with a growing number of people earning foreign income through remote and independent work.

According to the new pricing structure, Payoneer accounts with non-local bank accounts-such as USD, EUR or GBP, are now subject to a flat 3% fee, representing a 50% increase in previous prices. Previously, some transactions were either exempt or submitted lower charges.

Third -party banking, sometimes partly free, now bear the same flat fee of 3% regardless of the currency. Also affected are internal transfers between Payoneer accounts: Payments to USD, EUR or GBP now charge a 0.60% fee for amounts exceeding 500 points and a flat charge of 3.00 in the corresponding currency for smaller transport.

In a further blow, receiving payments is no longer free. Dollar carries under $ 100 now come with $ 1 charge, while over $ 100 attracts a 1%fee. Similar remuneration levels have been applied to various coins, including GBP, EUR, CAD, AED and AUD.

Although the company has retained the existing currency conversion fees, these new trading fees are additionally and are applied separately.

For many Pakistanis freelancers – who often depend on every dollar earned abroad – the increase in service costs comes to a time of economic uncertainty and coin instability. The online communities expressed their frustration over the lack of prior notice and transparency around the decision.

Digital professionals are invited to consult the Payoneer account ‘fee’ section to evaluate how new fees affect their specific trading standards. The updated structure of the fees applies to all Pakistani account holders, including individuals, unique owners and registered companies.

Payoneer has not yet issued a formal statement about the changes of fees or concerns raised by its users in Pakistan.