Before your first payout
Three things that cost people money
The hidden exchange-rate cut
"No fee" often means a worse rate. Compare what lands in your account, not the headline fee.
International wires lose money
A wire can pass through banks that each take $15–$50. Local details (ACH, SEPA) avoid this.
Have a backup account
Accounts get paused for checks. A second option keeps your income flowing.
Quick answer
Which one should you use?
- Paid by bank transfer (salary, Deel, Remote)Wise →
- Your platform pays through Payoneer, or no one else serves your countryPayoneer →
- Your platform pays through StripeStripe (check your country) →
- You live in Europe, the UK or another supported country and want a spending cardRevolut →
Most people use two: one main account and one backup.
4 options checked
Our picks
Wise
Lowest cost when you're paid by bank transfer
Your own US, EU and UK bank details, converted at the real exchange rate.
Rough cost on $1,000
Our rough guide (1–5), not a precise measurement.
Good for
- Employees and contractors paid by bank transfer
- Anyone converting to a local currency often
Not for
- People in countries Wise doesn't serve
- Platforms that only pay through Payoneer
Payoneer
Widest country coverage and platform payouts
Works in almost every country and is built into many freelance and AI platforms.
Rough cost on $1,000
Our rough guide (1–5), not a precise measurement.
Good for
- People in countries others don't serve
- Freelance and AI-platform workers
Not for
- Anyone paid by bank transfer who can use Wise
- Large regular salaries (fees add up)
Stripe
Platforms that pay workers through Stripe
When a platform says it pays through Stripe: what you set up and where it works.
Rough cost on $1,000
Our rough guide (1–5), not a precise measurement.
Good for
- People in supported countries
- Workers on platforms that use Stripe
Not for
- Anyone in an unsupported country
- Anyone wanting a balance or card to spend from
Revolut
Workers living in Europe, the UK or other supported countries
Multi-currency app account with cheap conversions, for the countries it serves.
Rough cost on $1,000
Our rough guide (1–5), not a precise measurement.
Good for
- Remote workers living in supported countries
- People spending abroad often
Not for
- Anyone outside supported countries
- Platforms that only pay via Payoneer
Fees change often and depend on your country and plan. Treat these as rough guides and check the provider's own fee page before you sign up.