Stripe vs Payoneer: The ultimate 2025 comparison guide for global payments

For businesses operating internationally, the Payoneer vs Stripe decision isn’t just about who offers the lowest fees. It’s a strategic call that affects how fast you get paid, how easily you expand into new markets, and how much control you have over your funds.

Both platforms support cross-border payments, but they cater to different audiences and use cases. Stripe is known for its developer-first design and deep customisation. Payoneer is often the go-to for freelancers, marketplace sellers, and businesses needing to collect payments in multiple currencies. This comparison breaks it all down, and introduces Airwallex as a powerful global-first alternative.

What is Stripe?

Stripe is a global payments platform built for developers, SaaS companies, marketplaces, and eCommerce brands that need scalable infrastructure. Operating in over 45 countries and supporting 135+ currencies, Stripe offers tools for accepting online payments, automating billing, and building custom checkout flows.

Key features:

• Developer-first API and extensive SDKs

• No-code checkout options

• Multi-currency and local payment method support

• Settlements in AUD, USD or NZD

• Stripe Checkout and Elements for optimised conversion

• Subscription billing and invoicing tools

• Stripe Radar for AI-powered fraud protection

• Integration with 300+ third-party platforms

Stripe has become a default for tech-first companies that want speed, control, and access to a broad range of global payment methods.

What is Payoneer?

Payoneer is a cross-border payment platform designed to help freelancers, service providers, and businesses get paid globally. It's available in over 160 countries and allows users to hold funds in multiple currencies, access local receiving accounts, and withdraw to local bank accounts or cards.

Key features:

• Local receiving accounts in USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, and more

• Supports 150+ currencies

• Marketplace integrations with platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Amazon

• Mass payouts functionality for marketplaces and platforms

• Prepaid Mastercard and direct bank withdrawals

Payoneer is especially popular among international contractors and marketplace sellers who want an easy, low-fuss way to receive payments from global clients. 

Stripe vs Payoneer: A head-to-head comparison

Data current as of August 2025

Detailed fee comparison table

Data current as of August 2025

Stripe fees explained

Stripe offers a transparent, pay-as-you-go pricing structure with no setup fees, monthly charges, or lock-in contracts. Fees are charged per transaction, with optional add-ons for billing tools, fraud protection, and integrations.

Examples:

• Domestic card payments: 1.7% + A$0.30 per transaction

• International cards: 3.5% + A$0.30 (includes FX and cross-border surcharge)

• Stripe Terminal (POS): 1.7% + A$0.10 per in-person domestic card transaction; 3.5% + A$0.10 for international cards

• Currency conversion: 2% FX margin (included in international pricing)

• Chargebacks: A$25 per dispute

• Instant payouts: 1.5% fee (to eligible debit cards)

Payoneer fees explained

• Receiving from marketplaces: Often free (e.g. Upwork, Amazon)

• Receiving from clients: Up to 3% for card payments, 1% for bank transfers

• Currency conversion: Up to 3% FX margin depending on region and method

• Bank withdrawals: Free to same-currency accounts; fees may apply across currencies

• Card usage fees: US$29.95 annual card fee; ~US$3.15 ATM withdrawal; up to 3.5% FX margin

Payoneer’s pricing varies depending on the type of transaction and destination. It’s often cost-effective when sending or receiving payments within the Payoneer network but can become more expensive for cross-border transfers or card withdrawals. A key benefit is that Payoneer refunds processing fees on returned payments, which can offer savings for businesses with higher refund volumes.

Who is Stripe best for?

Stripe is best for:

• Digital-first businesses and startups

• SaaS platforms and subscription models

• Companies with global customers

• Teams with developers building custom workflows

• Businesses using no-code tools like Payment Links or hosted Checkout

• Sellers with in-person POS needs using Stripe Terminal (e.g. small shops, markets, mobile services)

Stripe combines powerful developer tools with ready-to-go solutions. Businesses can build complex flows like recurring billing or marketplace payouts or get started quickly with tools like hosted Checkout. Stripe Terminal also supports in-person payments with Tap to Pay and card readers, making it easy to manage both online and offline sales in one place.

Who is Payoneer best for?

Payoneer is a practical solution for businesses and individuals that need to send and receive international payments without the complexity of custom development. It’s ideal for:

• Freelancers and contractors getting paid by global clients

• Marketplace sellers on platforms like Amazon, Upwork, and Fiverr

• Small businesses working with overseas suppliers and service providers

• Companies needing mass payout capabilities across multiple countries

• Users who want multi-currency accounts with local receiving details

With its simple onboarding, broad currency support, and connections to global marketplaces, Payoneer suits users who prioritise ease of use over technical flexibility. It’s especially useful for businesses expanding internationally without large in-house development teams.

Beyond the basics: Key differences between Stripe and Payoneer

Onboarding and setup: Stripe offers fast digital onboarding and instant account approval in most markets. Payoneer is also straightforward to set up, especially for marketplace users, though verification may delay first-time withdrawals.

Integration flexibility: Stripe provides extensive APIs, SDKs, and developer tools that allow fully customised workflows. Payoneer is designed for ease of use with plug-and-play integrations, but doesn’t support deep developer customisation.

Payment methods: Stripe supports cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, BECS Direct Debit, bank transfers, and more. Payoneer enables receiving funds via bank transfer or through connected marketplaces but does not offer direct card processing.

Marketplace support: Payoneer is natively integrated with platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Amazon, making it easy for freelancers and sellers to collect payments. Stripe must be integrated manually or through third-party platforms to serve marketplaces.

Payout experience: Stripe offers standard payouts in 3 business days or instant payouts for a 1.5% fee. Payoneer allows bank and card withdrawals, but payout speeds vary depending on destination and method – often taking 2–5 days.

Currency handling and FX: Stripe charges a 2% FX margin in Australia, with cross-border card surcharges between 0.25%–1.25%. Payoneer supports 70+ currencies but charges up to 3% FX margin, which can be less transparent.

Refunds and disputes: Stripe does not refund processing fees when issuing refunds. Payoneer does, which can benefit businesses with frequent returns. Stripe offers more advanced chargeback tools via Stripe Radar.

Customer support: Stripe provides robust self-serve documentation, with live chat or email support for verified users. Payoneer offers support via help desk and email, but resolution times vary by region.

Fraud and security tools: Stripe is PCI-DSS Level 1 compliant and uses Stripe Radar for real-time fraud detection. Payoneer includes KYC/AML processes and platform-level security but lacks live transaction-level fraud tools.

Mobile and app access: Payoneer has a dedicated mobile app for managing balances, transferring funds, and tracking activity. Stripe does not offer a standalone app but its dashboard is mobile responsive.

Reporting and analytics: Stripe’s dashboards are detailed and designed for developers and finance teams. Payoneer offers basic reporting suitable for individuals, freelancers, and small businesses.

Why Airwallex is a powerful alternative (and how we compare)

Airwallex provides a unified financial platform purpose-built for businesses that operate across borders. While Stripe focuses on developer-first online payments and Payoneer on marketplace payouts, Airwallex brings together payments, FX, multi-currency accounts, cards, and expense tools in one flexible, global solution.

Key advantages of choosing Airwallex:

• Like-for-like settlement in 14+ currencies: Receive and hold funds in the same currency you're paid in – no forced conversions, no hidden FX markups. Unlike Stripe or Payoneer, you don’t need separate accounts or incur double conversion fees.

• Fast global account creation: Open local and foreign currency accounts in minutes and start accepting payments in 60+ currencies.

• Local bank details in 70+ countries: Accept payments as a local business in key markets like the US, UK, EU, China, and more.

• Live FX pricing: Trade in 90+ currencies with access to real-time interbank rates. Over 100 currencies are priced live.

• Save on FX costs: Businesses can reduce FX fees by up to 80% compared to banks, Stripe, and other traditional providers.

• Smarter global payouts: Send funds to 200+ countries using local payment rails where possible. 95% of payouts settle same day or faster, with over half arriving instantly.

• Integrated financial stack: From global collection and FX to virtual cards and expense management, everything operates through a single, secure platform.

Airwallex is a great fit for businesses that:

• Want to avoid forced currency conversion or inflated FX fees

• Need to receive and hold multiple currencies without friction

• Operate internationally and require fast, low-cost global payouts

• Prefer a single platform to manage global financial operations end to end

Final verdict: Choosing the right payment platform

Stripe and Payoneer both offer real value, depending on your business model.

Choose Stripe if you:

• Want developer-first customisation and infrastructure

• Run a SaaS, platform, or tech-driven eCommerce business

• Operate in markets where Stripe is already supported

Choose Payoneer if you:

• Work as a freelancer or contractor with global clients

• Sell through online marketplaces like Amazon or Upwork

• Want easy access to local currency accounts and bank withdrawals

Choose Airwallex if you:

• Need local accounts and global reach from day one

• Want full control over FX and transparent pricing

• Are scaling internationally and need one platform to manage payments, FX, and spend

With Airwallex, there’s no trade-off between flexibility, transparency, or scale. You get all three.

Stripe vs Payoneer: frequently asked questions

Is Stripe better than Payoneer?

That depends on your business model. Stripe is better suited for developers and digital-first businesses that want full control over their payment flow. Payoneer is often a better fit for freelancers, contractors, or marketplace sellers who just need to receive payments quickly and easily. For global businesses needing low FX fees, Airwallex can offer the best of both.

Who is better than Payoneer?

If you're primarily receiving payments from marketplaces, Payoneer is convenient. But if you need lower FX fees, faster settlements, and more flexibility, platforms like Airwallex or even Wise may offer stronger value. Stripe is also better if you want to build custom checkouts or scale SaaS infrastructure.

Can I use Payoneer on Stripe?

No. Stripe doesn’t support Payoneer as a payout method. However, you may be able to transfer funds from a Stripe-connected bank to a Payoneer account manually, depending on the region and banking setup.

Which payment gateway is better than Stripe?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Stripe is one of the best for custom payment setups, but it can get expensive with international surcharges. If you want a global-ready platform with transparent FX, real-time reporting, and lower fees, Airwallex may be a better fit – especially for businesses operating across multiple countries.

Does Payoneer support credit card payments?

Yes, but only in specific scenarios. Payoneer allows clients to pay invoices via credit card, but it doesn’t offer a full-featured card processing gateway like Stripe or Airwallex.

Is Payoneer safe for international payments?

Yes. Payoneer is regulated in multiple jurisdictions and complies with KYC/AML requirements. It’s a trusted platform with millions of users worldwide. However, support and resolution times can vary.

Can I refund customers using Payoneer?

You can return funds, but the refund process is more manual than Stripe’s. Stripe allows automated refunds through its dashboard or API. Payoneer typically requires direct fund transfers or communication with the payer.

Does Stripe offer better fraud protection than Payoneer?

Yes. Stripe’s Radar system uses machine learning trained on billions of transactions for real-time fraud detection. Payoneer provides essential risk controls but doesn’t offer the same level of dynamic fraud protection.

Can I link a Payoneer card to Stripe?

No. Stripe does not support prepaid cards like Payoneer’s Mastercard for payouts. A supported bank account is required to receive Stripe funds.

Sources:

https://stripe.com/pricing

https://www.payoneer.com/en-in/about/pricing/