Last Updated on October 19, 2025
Payoneer is a U.S.-based cross-border online payment platform that supports users in more than 200 countries worldwide.
It has become one of the best PayPal alternatives for receiving and sending money online in countries where PayPal is not fully supported or has limited services. In this article, I’ll share my personal experience using Payoneer in the UAE.
Although PayPal is available in the UAE, many people still look for alternatives because PayPal requires full account verification.
To verify a PayPal account, you must link your debit or credit card. However, in the UAE, salary account debit cards usually cannot be linked to PayPal because many local banks restrict international online transactions.
If you have a credit card, verifying your PayPal account and making cross-border payments is easy. But for individuals who do not have a credit card, a virtual debit card from UAE banks or money exchange companies can be used to verify PayPal. You can learn more about that here.
How Does Payoneer Work?
When you register with Payoneer, you receive a U.S. bank account along with several other global accounts (USD, GBP, EUR, JPY, CAD, AUD, MXN, etc.). These accounts allow you to receive local bank transfers from clients or organizations worldwide.
You can also request payments directly from companies, marketplaces, or individuals. Payoneer provides a virtual debit card connected to your account, allowing you to withdraw money globally or use it for online purchases.
Benefits of Using the Payoneer Card
- Receive local and international bank transfers
- Get paid by global clients or companies
- Send money to other Payoneer users
- Transfer money to international bank accounts
- Purchase software, digital products, and items online
- Pay for domain registration, web hosting, and renewals
Is Payoneer Legal in the UAE?
Yes. Payoneer is completely legal in the UAE. The platform provides you with a virtual U.S. bank account and debit card. When you withdraw funds using the Payoneer card from any UAE bank ATM, the transaction is processed just like any other Visa, MasterCard, or American Express transaction.
How to Get Started with Payoneer Dubai
To begin, visit the official Payoneer website and register. You’ll need to verify your identity by submitting a scanned copy of your Emirates ID or passport and a utility bill or bank statement as proof of address.
When I registered, I uploaded the first and last pages of my passport showing my personal details and address. Once your account is verified, you can start receiving payments—even before ordering a physical Payoneer card.
How to Request a Payoneer Card from UAE
- Log in to your Payoneer account
- Go to the Card section
- Confirm or update your delivery address
- Submit a card order request
Note: Payoneer now requires you to maintain a minimum balance of $40 USD before ordering a card. You can meet this requirement by asking a friend or client to transfer funds, or by receiving payments through online marketplaces.
Can You Add Money from a UAE Bank to Payoneer?
No. At present, UAE bank accounts cannot be linked to top-up or upload funds to a Payoneer card. Similarly, you cannot transfer money from your UAE bank to PayPal directly. However, you can still make international payments using UAE-issued credit cards.
How to Withdraw Money from Payoneer in UAE
You can withdraw Payoneer funds to your UAE bank account through wire transfer, which usually takes less than 24 hours. Alternatively, you can use your Payoneer debit card to withdraw money from any UAE ATM that supports international cards.
Payoneer UAE Fees
- From another Payoneer user: Free
- Receiving account transfers: 0–1%
- Direct payments from clients: 3% (credit card), 1% (ACH bank transfer)
- Marketplaces & networks: Usually free (depends on platform policy)
Conclusion
Payoneer UAE is a reliable and legal solution for freelancers, business owners, and professionals who need to send or receive international payments. It’s one of the best PayPal alternatives in Dubai—easy to set up, widely accepted, and convenient for withdrawing cash from UAE ATMs or transferring funds to your local bank
