Receiving international payments is a daily requirement for freelancers online businesses agencies marketplaces and remote workers. Choosing the right payment platform can directly affect your profits speed of payments and overall business efficiency Skrill vs Payoneer.
Two popular platforms in the global payments space are Skrill vs Payoneer.
Both services allow users to receive international payments hold multiple currencies and withdraw funds to local banks but they work very differently and are designed for different types of users Skrill vs Payoneer.
This detailed Skrill vs Payoneer guide will help you decide which platform is best for your needs Skrill vs Payoneer.
What Is Skrill?
Skrill is a digital wallet and online payment system that allows users to:
Send and receive money internationally
Hold balances in multiple currencies
Make online payments
Use a prepaid Skrill card
Transfer money to bank accounts
Skrill is widely used in:
Online trading platforms
Forex & crypto services
Gaming and betting platforms
International money transfers
What Is Payoneer?
Payoneer is a global financial services company focused on cross-border business payments. It is especially popular among freelancers, agencies, and online sellers.
Payoneer allows users to:
-
Receive payments from international companies
-
Get local receiving accounts (USD, EUR, GBP, etc.)
-
Withdraw funds to local banks
-
Use a Payoneer Mastercard
-
Receive payments from marketplaces
Payoneer is commonly used by:
Freelancers
Amazon, eBay & Etsy sellers
Agencies & SaaS companies
Marketplaces and platforms
Skrill vs Payoneer: Core Difference
| Feature |
Skrill |
Payoneer |
| Platform Type |
Digital wallet |
Business payment platform |
| Target Users |
Individuals, traders |
Freelancers, businesses |
| Local Receiving Accounts |
Limited |
Yes |
| Marketplace Support |
No |
Yes |
| Card Availability |
Prepaid |
Mastercard |
| Business Tools |
Limited |
Advanced |
Account Setup Comparison
Skrill Account Setup
Email-based registration
Personal account focus
Optional business account
Identity verification required
Instant wallet access
Best for: Individual users, online spending, trading platforms
Payoneer Account Setup
-
Business-focused onboarding
-
Detailed profile verification
-
Requires proof of work/business
-
Approval-based registration
Best for: Freelancers companies long term business use
Supported Countries & Currencies
Skrill
Available in 100+ countries
Supports multiple currencies
Some regions restricted
Payoneer
Available in 200+ countries
Strong global banking coverage
Better support for developing countries
Winner: Payoneer wider global support
Receiving International Payments
Skrill Receiving Methods
Skrill to Skrill transfers
Card payments limited
Bank transfers
Not ideal for receiving business or marketplace payments.
Payoneer Receiving Methods
Local receiving accounts USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD
Marketplace payments
Client direct bank transfers
Platform payouts
Winner: Payoneer business friendly
Fees Comparison
Skrill Fees
Receiving money: May include fees
Currency conversion: High markup
Withdrawal: Fixed + percentage fees
Inactivity fee applies
Payoneer Fees
Receiving from marketplaces: Often free
-
Receiving from clients: Small percentage
-
Currency conversion: Competitive
-
Withdrawal: Low local bank fee
Winner: Payoneer (more transparent for businesses)
Cards Comparison
Skrill Card
Prepaid card
Useful for online spending
Limited ATM availability in some regions
Payoneer Card
Prepaid Mastercard
Widely accepted globally
ATM withdrawals supported
Winner: Payoneer better card usability
Best Use Cases
Use Skrill If You:
Need a digital wallet
Use trading or gaming platforms
Make frequent online payments
Want quick wallet-to-wallet transfers
Use Payoneer If You:
Are a freelancer or agency
Receive payments from marketplaces
Need local bank receiving accounts
Run an international business
Skrill vs Payoneer for Freelancers
Payoneer is generally better for freelancers because:
Clients can pay via bank transfer
Works with Upwork, Fiverr, Toptal
Lower conversion losses
Skrill is more suitable for personal transfers, not professional invoicing.
Skrill vs Payoneer for eCommerce Sellers
Payoneer is widely supported by:
Amazon
eBay
Etsy
Airbnb
Walmart
Skrill lacks marketplace integrations.
Security & Compliance
Both platforms offer:
KYC verification
AML compliance
Two-factor authentication
Fraud monitoring
Both are secure, but Payoneer has stronger business compliance systems.
Pros & Cons Summary
Skrill Pros
-
Easy setup
-
Good digital wallet
-
Useful for trading
Skrill Cons
-
High fees
-
Not business-friendly
-
Limited integrations
Payoneer Pros
Payoneer Cons
-
Strict verification
-
Slower approval process
Final Verdict: Skrill vs Payoneer
Choose Skrill if:
-
You need a simple digital wallet
-
You make online payments frequently
-
You are not running a business
Choose Payoneer if:
-
You are a freelancer or business
-
You receive international payments regularly
-
You work with global marketplaces
Overall Winner for Business & Freelancing: Payoneer
FAQs – Skrill vs Payoneer
Which is cheaper: Skrill or Payoneer?
Payoneer is usually cheaper for business payments.
Can freelancers use Skrill?
Yes, but Payoneer is better for professional use.
Is Payoneer safe?
Yes, Payoneer is regulated and widely trusted.
Does Skrill support marketplaces?
No, Skrill has limited marketplace support.
Skrill Official Website
Payoneer Official Website
Skrill Fees & Pricing
Payoneer Fees & Pricing
PayPal Setup Guide Create Verify Use PayPal for Payments