Payoneer, a global financial services platform popular among freelancers and digital professionals, has quietly introduced a 3% withdrawal fee for users in Pakistan, sparking concern across the country’s growing online workforce.

The new fee structure, which came into effect this week without much notice, significantly increases the cost of cross-border transactions for thousands of Pakistani freelancers and small businesses.

Many of these users rely on Payoneer to receive payments from international clients as Pakistan’s digital economy continues to expand.

Under the revised policy, withdrawals from Payoneer accounts to non-local currency bank accounts such as USD, EUR, or GBP now carry a flat 3% fee.

This marks a 50% increase compared to earlier charges, when some transactions were exempt or incurred lower fees.

Transfers to third-party banks, which were previously partially free, are now also subject to the 3% flat fee regardless of currency.

Internal Payoneer transfers in USD, EUR, or GBP have also changed—payments above 500 units now incur a 0.60% fee, while smaller transfers are charged a flat fee of 3.00 in the respective currency.

Additionally, receiving funds is no longer free. Incoming payments under $100 now carry a $1 fee, while payments over $100 are charged at 1%.

Similar charges have been applied to other currencies such as GBP, EUR, CAD, AED, and AUD.

While Payoneer’s currency conversion fees remain unchanged, these new transaction charges are added on top of the existing costs.

For Pakistani freelancers, many of whom depend on every dollar earned from abroad, the added fees come at a difficult time, as the country grapples with economic instability and a fluctuating currency.

Online communities have voiced frustration over the sudden rollout and lack of transparency surrounding the changes.

Users are being advised to check the ‘Fees’ section of their Payoneer account to understand how the changes may affect their transactions.

The updated charges apply to all account types in Pakistan, including individuals, sole proprietors, and registered businesses.

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