Are you a Nigerian freelancer, online business owner, affiliate marketer, or digital entrepreneur looking for a safe and reliable way to receive international payments in USD, GBP, or EUR?
If yes, Payoneer might be your best option in 2025.
In this guide, we’ll explore:
- What Payoneer is,
- Why it’s better than PayPal for Nigerians,
- How to open a verified account,
- How to get the Payoneer card,
- And how to withdraw to your Nigerian bank account.
🟢 What Is Payoneer and Why Is It Popular in Nigeria?
Payoneer is a global financial platform that allows individuals and businesses to receive cross-border payments, access USD/GBP/EUR virtual accounts, and make withdrawals to local banks—including in Nigeria.
It’s especially popular among:
- Freelancers (Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer.com)
- Affiliate marketers (Amazon, ClickBank, CJ Affiliate)
- eCommerce sellers (eBay, Shopify, Teespring)
- Virtual assistants and consultants
💡 Why Nigerians Prefer Payoneer
- ✅ It works seamlessly in Nigeria unlike PayPal, which is restricted.
- ✅ You can receive payments in dollars or euros directly into your Payoneer account.
- ✅ Withdrawals to Nigerian banks like Access Bank, GTB, UBA, Zenith are easy and fast.
- ✅ You can apply for a Payoneer Prepaid Mastercard for ATM withdrawals and online payments.
🇳🇬 Is Payoneer Legal in Nigeria in 2025?
Yes. Payoneer is fully legal in Nigeria and complies with Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) regulations for international remittances.
Several Nigerian banks (like First Bank and Access Bank) have formal integrations with Payoneer for seamless withdrawals in naira.
🚫 What About PayPal?
PayPal is only partially available in Nigeria. You can send money but cannot receive it unless you use foreign workarounds. Payoneer provides a legit and scalable alternative.
📝 How to Open a Verified Payoneer Account in Nigeria
Follow these steps to set up your account and get verified:
Step 1: Visit www.payoneer.com
Click on “Sign Up” and select what best describes you: freelancer, business, or affiliate.
Step 2: Enter Your Personal Details
Use your real name, valid Nigerian phone number, and email address.
Step 3: Provide National ID
You’ll need one of the following:
- National ID Card (NIN)
- Voter’s Card (PVC)
- International Passport
- Driver’s License
Ensure the name matches your bank account name.
Step 4: Add Your Nigerian Bank Account
Enter your Naira or USD bank account details for withdrawals. Supported banks include:
- GTBank
- Access Bank
- Zenith
- UBA
- First Bank
- Kuda (in some cases)
You may need to verify by submitting a bank statement or utility bill.
💳 How to Get the Payoneer Prepaid Mastercard in Nigeria
Once your account is verified and you’ve received at least $100, you’ll become eligible to order a Payoneer Mastercard.
Features:
- Works on ATMs, POS, and online stores globally.
- Accepted on Amazon, AliExpress, Netflix, Google Ads, and Facebook Ads.
- Helps bypass FX restrictions for global payments.
How to Apply:
- Log into your Payoneer dashboard.
- Go to “Settings > Card Management”
- Click “Order Card”
- Fill your Nigerian delivery address
Cards usually arrive in 2–6 weeks, depending on your region and postal service.
💸 How to Withdraw from Payoneer to Nigerian Bank
Withdrawing money from your Payoneer account to your local bank is simple:
- Go to your Payoneer dashboard
- Click “Withdraw > To Bank Account”
- Select your linked NGN or USD bank account
- Enter the amount you want to withdraw
- Click “Review” and “Confirm”
Notes:
- Payoneer converts USD to NGN using current FX rates (which are better than most banks).
- Transfers take 24–72 hours to reflect.
- You can also withdraw USD if your bank supports domiciliary accounts.
💼 Use Cases: What Can You Do with a Payoneer Account in Nigeria?
1. Freelancing (Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer.com)
Easily receive your USD payments into Payoneer and convert them into naira.
2. Affiliate Marketing
Amazon, CJ Affiliate, WarriorPlus, and others pay via Payoneer.
3. Online Business / eCommerce
If you run a dropshipping or print-on-demand store, Payoneer allows you to pay suppliers, receive client payments, and withdraw profits.
4. Remote Jobs
Get paid by international clients for VA, design, writing, or tech work.
🤔 Payoneer vs PayPal vs Wise – Which Is Best for Nigerians?
| Feature | Payoneer | PayPal (NG) | Wise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Receive USD | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not available | ✅ Yes |
| Withdraw to Bank | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Card Access | ✅ Prepaid Mastercard | ❌ No local cards | ✅ Debit Card (Not all regions) |
| Legal in Nigeria | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Limited access | ✅ Yes |
Verdict: For receiving payments in Nigeria, Payoneer wins in 2025 for freelancers and online entrepreneurs.
🔐 Common Payoneer Problems Nigerians Face (and Solutions)
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Can’t receive card | Use a more reliable address, e.g., urban or office location |
| Bank account not linking | Use a bank with good FX support (e.g., GTB, UBA) |
| Long withdrawal delays | Withdraw early in the week to avoid weekend bottlenecks |
| USD transfer not reflecting | Ensure your bank supports domiciliary USD accounts |
📈 How to Make the Most of Your Payoneer Account
- Refer friends using the Payoneer Referral Program to earn $25 per signup.
- Create multiple income sources: Fiverr, Amazon KDP, Upwork, Etsy, etc.
- Track your earnings using Payoneer’s mobile app.
- Use the card to pay for ads, subscriptions, or purchases without CBN FX stress.
Payoneer is more than just a payment tool. It’s a gateway for Nigerian freelancers, online business owners, and remote workers to access the global economy. In a time when the naira struggles and traditional payment systems limit Nigerians, Payoneer offers a smart, scalable, and legally supported solution.
So if you haven’t signed up yet, now is the best time to open your Payoneer account, get verified, and start receiving international payments with ease.
