The Best Ways to Receive Payment Online as an International Business

If you have a business that’s operating in the global marketplace, receiving international payments online is a top priority and often a challenging one. High currency conversions, unexpected fees, and lengthy transfer times are all common barriers that can impact cash flow and business efficiency for cross-border transactions. 

The good news is that modern platforms like Payoneer have helped evolve how businesses receive payments online. With frictionless integration, multi-currency capabilities, and competitive fees, Payoneer eliminates many of the obstacles associated with traditional international transaction methods.

This article looks at the best ways to receive international payments, highlighting solutions that offer security, flexibility, and ease of use. Whether you’re a freelancer, an e-commerce vendor, or a small to medium-sized business (SMB) that’s scaling fast, you’ll find an option that suits your needs.

Effective ways to receive payment online and overcome challenges

Receiving international payments online comes with its own set of unique challenges. Below are some of the most common ones you may face as a business. 

High transaction fees

Conventional methods like wire transfers often involve hefty fees for international transactions. These fees can escalate quickly, eating into your bottom line, especially for SMBs.

Currency conversion costs

Dealing with a variety of currencies can result in pesky exchange rates, creating another hole for your earnings to leak out of. Managing these conversions is critical for your profit margins.

Slow processing times

Bank transfers or wires can take several days to process, and sometimes get stuck for days over avoidable technicalities. This causes delays in cash flow and impacts operations.

Compliance and documentation

Complying with international regulations and compiling all the necessary documentation, especially if your business is registered in a developing country, can be time consuming and complicated. 

These common challenges highlight the need for modern, dependable, cost-effective, and flexible solutions. That’s where a platform like Payoneer comes in. By addressing these issues head-on, the question of how to receive payments online becomes much easier to answer. 

Learn more about how to get paid by clients using Payoneer. 

How to receive payments online: Popular methods for international transactions

When it comes to receiving international payments, businesses have a number of options:

Bank Wire transfers (SWIFT)

The SWIFT network is a very commonly used system for international bank wire transfers, connecting banks globally to facilitate cross-border payments. SWIFT transactions are known for their security and reliability, making them a preferred choice for how to receive international payment. 

However, they come with setbacks, including steep transaction fees, unfavorable exchange rates, and processing times that can take several business days. Despite these challenges, SWIFT is still the go-to method for many businesses that require secure and traceable international payments.

Bank Transfers (ACH)

Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers are a cost-effective and reliable method for receiving payments, particularly within the United States. ACH is ideal for recurring transactions, such as subscription services or payroll, as it facilitates direct bank-to-bank transfers with minimal fees. 

While ACH transfers are generally slower than credit card or digital wallet payments, they are highly secure and efficient for domestic transactions. However, ACH payments may not always be a viable option for international transactions, as their availability depends on the banking networks involved.

Payoneer

Payoneer stands out as an all-inclusive solution for receiving international payments. It offers businesses the ability to open local receiving accounts in multiple currencies, including USD, EUR, and GBP. This removes the need for costly FX conversions and makes cross-border payments simpler. 

With competitive fees, smooth marketplace integration, and an intuitive platform, Payoneer is perfect for freelancers, e-commerce sellers, and global SMBs alike.

Why Payoneer is the best choice for international business payments

Payoneer irons out the complexities of international payments, making it a popular solution for businesses looking to grow globally without worrying about how to receive payments online. Here’s why:

Multi-currency receiving accounts

Payoneer provides local receiving accounts in multiple currencies, enabling you to accept payments like a local in the US, UK, or EU. This removes the obstacle of managing multiple accounts or dealing with excessive conversion fees.

Seamless marketplace integration

Payoneer integrates with leading marketplaces like Amazon, and Fiverr,, allowing freelancers and e-commerce sellers to streamline their payment processes.

Competitive exchange rates and cost-effective fees

Payoneer offers competitive fees and conversion rates when it comes to international payments online, helping businesses save more and strengthen their bottom line.

Intuitive dashboard

Track all your transactions, manage multiple currencies, and withdraw funds to your local bank account easily with Payoneer’s user-friendly dashboard.

Whether you’re a contractor receiving payments from international clients or a business managing cross-border transactions, Payoneer provides the flexibility that ensures fast, secure, and cost-effective ways to receive payment online. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can you receive payment in an online business?

Online businesses can receive payments through various means, including online payment gateways like PayPal, credit card processors, and traditional bank transfers. Payoneer is a top choice for many international businesses because it offers local receiving accounts in multiple currencies, providing a way for you to accept payments from international clients without hassle. 

What is the cheapest way to receive payments online?
Using a platform like Payoneer would be one of the most cost-effective ways to receive payments online. With competitive transaction fees and transparent currency conversion rates, Payoneer helps businesses save more compared to traditional banks or more ubiquitous payment gateways like PayPal, which usually charge higher fees for cross-border transactions.

How can my business safely receive payments online?
To ensure the safety of your transactions, you should use reputable and secure platforms like Payoneer, which offer advanced encryption, fraud detection, and operate within strict regulatory boundaries. You should avoid sharing sensitive financial information directly with clients and make sure your payment methods are protected against cyber-attacks.

How do I set up online payments for my business?
To set up online payments, choose a dependable payment platform like Payoneer. Once you sign up for an account, you can easily link it to your local bank and give your clients the payment details they need to fulfill their end of the transaction. Payoneer’s intuitive platform makes it easy to integrate with marketplaces and receive payments securely.

Which payment processor is best for small businesses?
For small businesses, Payoneer is a top choice. It offers competitive fees, multi-currency receiving accounts, and frictionless integration with major global platforms. Its user-friendly dashboard and dedicated customer support also make it ideal for managing international payments efficiently.