SeeGlancePayPal vs Wise vs Payoneer: how to work out what you actually keep
Headline fees mislead. The cost that hurts is the sum of three: what is taken when money arrives, the spread when currency is converted, and the fee to withdraw to your local bank. This guide gives you a method to compare any payout route for your own country.
About the numbers. Provider fees change and vary by country, account tier, amount and currency. The percentages below are illustrative examples for the method, not current quotes. Check each provider’s fee page for your own country before you decide.
The three costs that matter
- Receiving fee. What is taken (percentage plus any fixed fee) when the client’s payment arrives.
- Currency conversion spread. The gap between the rate you get and the mid-market rate when money changes currency. Often bigger than the headline fee.
- Withdrawal fee. What it costs to move money into your local bank account.
Add the three, and you get the number that matters: total cost as a percentage of the invoice.
Worked example (illustrative rates)
An invoice for $1,000, paid by a client abroad and withdrawn to a local bank in another currency.
| Route | Receive | Convert | Withdraw | You keep (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Route A (card-based, high spread) | 4.4% + $0.30 | 3.5% | 0.5% | ≈ $918 |
| Route B (local transfer, small spread) | 0% | 0.6% | 0% | ≈ $994 |
| Route C (receiving account) | 1% | 0.5% | 1.2% | ≈ $973 |
The gap between Route A and Route B is about $76 on a single $1,000 invoice — roughly 8%. Over a year of invoicing that is a month of income. That is why comparing providers is worth an hour of your time.
How the figures are calculated: receive fee comes off first, the spread applies to what remains, and the withdrawal fee applies last. Real providers may order these differently; use the provider’s own calculator to confirm.
A checklist for comparing any payout route
- Which currency will the client pay in? Can you receive in that currency without converting?
- Does the client’s payment method change the fee (card vs bank transfer vs wire)?
- What exchange rate is used, and how does it compare with the mid-market rate on the day?
- Is there a minimum, maximum or fixed fee per withdrawal?
- How fast does the money arrive, and is there a hold on new accounts?
- Does your country restrict this provider, or do you need extra documents?
- Can you give the client a payment link that is simple to use?
Decision guide
- Client pays by local bank transfer: a multi-currency account with local receiving details is usually cheapest.
- Client uses a marketplace like Upwork or Fiverr: you are often tied to that platform’s withdrawal options. Compare them.
- Client insists on a card payment: expect higher fees; consider adding a card surcharge only if your contract allows it and it’s legal where you are.
- Client is comfortable with crypto: network fees and exchange spread still apply; check how you will convert to local currency and what your country’s rules say.
Pick your payout method per invoice
SeeGlance does not hold your money. Each invoice carries a payment link for the payout method you choose — Payoneer, Wise, Skrill or a crypto wallet — so the client pays you directly. Different clients can use different routes, and the invoice editor shows an estimate of what you would keep before you send it.
The fee estimator in the dashboard does the three-fee calculation for you. It starts from typical fee presets, but every number is editable because real fees depend on your country and account, and it tells you the result is an estimate and not a quote.
Also see the guide on W-8BEN if US clients ask for tax paperwork before paying.
FAQ
Which is cheapest for freelancers: PayPal, Wise or Payoneer?
It depends on your country, the invoice currency, the amount and your account tier. Wise is often cheapest when the client can pay by local bank transfer, and PayPal is often the most expensive after conversion. Run the three-fee calculation with current numbers instead of trusting a headline percentage.
What is the currency conversion spread?
It is the gap between the rate you receive and the mid-market rate. It is frequently larger than the stated fee, especially on card-based providers.
Should I invoice in USD or my local currency?
Invoice in the currency your client budgets in. Avoid being forced to convert twice; receive in the invoice currency and convert once, at a provider with a transparent rate.
Does SeeGlance hold my money?
No. Invoices carry a payment link to the payout method you choose (Payoneer, Wise, Skrill or a crypto wallet). The money goes to you directly.
Run this whole workflow in one place?
The fee estimator lets you edit every number and shows your net on each payout method — and the invoice editor shows the estimate before you send.
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