How to Pay Remote Workers: 8 Best Payment Methods Compared (2025 Guide)
Building a remote team offers incredible advantages, including access to exceptional talent at competitive rates regardless of geographical location. However, to maximize your investment and maintain smooth operations, selecting the optimal payment method for your remote workforce is crucial.
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Successfully paying remote workers requires careful consideration of five fundamental factors when evaluating payment partners:
- Geographic coverage: Countries and regions supported
- Currency flexibility: Available currencies for transactions
- Cost structure: Transaction fees and hidden charges
- Transfer efficiency: Payment processing speed
- Integration capabilities: Compatibility with accounting systems and ease of use
While hundreds of payment solutions exist in the marketplace, many limit themselves to domestic transfers or impose substantial fees for international transactions. Each platform employs different fee structures, making the selection process complex and potentially costly.
We’ve conducted comprehensive research to eliminate this burden for you. This guide presents the top eight payment solutions for remote teams, complete with a practical evaluation checklist to streamline your decision-making process.
If you’re seeking fast international transfers with minimal fees, this analysis will guide you to the most effective payment methods for your remote workforce.
1. Wise (Formerly TransferWise)
Wise stands as one of the premier money transfer platforms for remote worker payments, combining competitive pricing with exceptional user experience.
Key Advantages
Transparency and simplicity represent Wise’s greatest strengths. Before creating an account, you can simulate any payment and view exact transfer fees—no hidden charges or surprise costs. This upfront transparency distinguishes Wise from competitors who often obscure their true fee structures.
Multi-currency functionality allows you to maintain accounts in over 50 currencies with guaranteed mid-market exchange rates. This feature proves invaluable for businesses with geographically diverse teams.
Regional Support
Wise provides excellent support for Eastern European markets, handling Croatian, Ukrainian, Romanian, and Polish currencies alongside the widely-used Euros and US Dollars that facilitate payments across Europe and globally.
Fee examples for $1,000 transfers:
- Czech Republic, Romania, Poland: ~1%
- Ukraine: ~2.3% (highest regional fee)
Important limitation: Wise doesn’t currently support Bosnian or Serbian currencies. For team members in these countries, consider paying in alternative currencies (USD is commonly accepted and used successfully by many companies).
Transaction Methods and Speeds
Same-currency transfers incur minimal fees (under 1% even when using credit cards), with recipients handling any local currency conversion needs.
Transfer timeframes:
- Credit card payments: Within 24 hours
- Bank account transfers: Up to 2 business days
Additional considerations: Banking hours, weekends, holidays, and receiving bank processing times may extend these timeframes.
Wise Feature Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Transaction Fee (€1,000 same-currency) | Bank account: 0.06% / Credit card: 0.47% |
| Currency Exchange | Mid-market rate only |
| Xero Integration | Yes |
| Business Account | Yes |
| Supported Currencies | 50+ including AUD, EUR, USD, GBP, CAD, JPY, and Eastern European currencies |
| Transfer Time | Up to 2 business days |
2. Payoneer
Payoneer operates in over 200 countries with support for 150 local currencies, making it particularly popular among freelancers worldwide due to its competitive rates compared to PayPal.
Account Structure and Features
Upon registration and receiving their first $30, employees pay an annual membership fee of $29.95 and receive a MasterCard debit card. This card enables three withdrawal options:
- Direct spending: International payments from the Payoneer account
- ATM withdrawals: Using the Payoneer MasterCard
- Bank transfers: Moving funds to local bank accounts
Cost Structure
Transaction fees: Up to 3% per transfer Processing time: 2-5 business days Currency conversion: Mastercard’s official rate plus up to 3.5% conversion fee
Real-World Application
Transformity, a London-based company with team members across Bulgaria, Russia, Portugal, India, and other regions, successfully uses Payoneer. CEO Lilia Stoyanov reports:
“The onboarding process with Payoneer was quick and easy and our members love it which increased the conversion rate. The payout process is fully automated which dramatically optimized the costs on our side.”
Important Considerations
Additional fees: Some Eastern European workers report ATM fees up to $4 and occasional account blocking issues after receiving payments.
Wirecard incident: The 2020 Wirecard collapse temporarily froze millions of prepaid cards worldwide, including Payoneer cards. While services have been restored and new security measures implemented, this incident highlighted potential risks with third-party card issuers.
Payoneer Feature Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Transaction Fee | Up to 3% |
| Currency Exchange | Mastercard rate + up to 3.5% + additional fees |
| Xero Integration | Yes |
| Business Account | Yes |
| Supported Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY |
| Transfer Time | Up to 2 business days |
3. PayPal
PayPal remains one of the most recognizable online payment platforms, offering both personal and business accounts (business accounts are recommended for employers managing remote teams).
Fee Structure
US-based senders:
- Base transaction fee: ~$0.30
- European payments over $100: Additional $2.99
- Non-US/Canada/Europe payments: Additional $4.99
Example: Sending $100 to European workers costs approximately $3.30 in fees.
UK-based senders:
- Amounts above £100: £1.99 (US, Canada, Europe) or £3.99 (rest of world)
Payment Methods Impact
Bank account/PayPal balance: Standard fees apply Credit/debit cards: Additional 2.9% of transaction amount
Example: A $100 payment via credit card results in the recipient receiving approximately $93.80.
Currency and Processing
Currency conversion: ~4% rate Supported regional currencies: Polish, Romanian, Czech (Serbian and Bosnian workers require alternative currencies) Advertised transfer time: 3-5 days Reality for Eastern Europeans: Payments frequently held for up to 21 days, causing significant frustration
PayPal Feature Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Transaction Fee | Bank: $1-$5 / Credit card: $1-$5 + 2.9% |
| Currency Exchange | 3.5-4% + additional receiving/transfer fees |
| Xero Integration | Yes |
| Business Account | Yes |
| Supported Currencies | 25+ including major global currencies |
| Transfer Time | 3-5 business days (potentially longer for Eastern Europe) |
4. TransferMate
Established in 2010, TransferMate serves 162 countries with 132 supported currencies, including Eastern European markets often overlooked by competitors, such as Bosnian and Serbian currencies.
Unique Advantages
Banking system bypass: TransferMate operates its own network of local bank accounts, reducing both processing time and fees. Typical transfer time: 1-2 days Payment methods: Bank transfers and wire transfers only (no credit/debit card options)
Cost Structure
Standard transaction fee: ~$11 per transfer Recommended minimum: $1,000+ per transaction for optimal cost efficiency Currency conversion: 0.10% to 1% above mid-market rate
Professional Endorsement
PwC Finance Director Gerry Clarke states:
“Paying into TransferMate’s local accounts has saved us both time and administrative headache. Even better, TransferMate’s rates are the most competitive we have found on the market.”
TransferMate Feature Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Transaction Fee | $11 (bank account only) |
| Currency Exchange | 0.10-1% above mid-market rate |
| Xero Integration | Yes |
| Business Account | Yes |
| Supported Currencies | 132+ including rare Eastern European currencies |
| Transfer Time | Up to 2 business days |
5. Deel
Deel has emerged as a leading comprehensive HR and payroll platform, specifically designed for global remote teams operating across 150+ countries. Unlike traditional payment platforms, Deel combines payroll, compliance, and contractor management in one integrated solution.
Comprehensive Global Solution
All-in-one platform: Deel handles contracts, compliance, payments, and HR functions, making it particularly valuable for companies scaling internationally without establishing local entities.
Multiple payment options: Deel offers several payment methods including Deel Card, Deel Instant Card Transfer, Binance, Coinbase, PayPal, Payoneer, Revolut, Local Banks Transfer, and International Bank Transfers/SWIFT
Key Advantages
Compliance automation: Deel automatically handles local tax requirements, labor law compliance, and employment regulations for each country, reducing administrative burden significantly.
Contractor and employee support: The platform supports both independent contractors and full-time employees, with different pricing structures for each.
Flexible payment timing: Companies can offer short-term cash advances to eligible contractors through Deel Advance, providing financial flexibility to workers
Cost Structure
Contractor payments: Hiring and payroll plan prices start from $19 per employee per month for the Deel U.S. Payroll plan Off-cycle payments: $29 USD flat fee for off-cycle payroll processing Currency conversion: Competitive rates with minimal fees and efficient payment processing in preferred currencies
Deel Feature Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Transaction Fee | $19+ per employee/month (subscription model) |
| Currency Exchange | Competitive rates with minimal markup |
| Xero Integration | Yes |
| Business Account | Yes |
| Supported Currencies | 100+ currencies across 150+ countries |
| Transfer Time | Same-day to 2 business days |
6. Revolut
Revolut has gained significant traction among remote workers and businesses for its modern approach to international banking and payments. Originally focused on personal banking, Revolut Business now offers comprehensive solutions for paying global teams.
Modern Banking Approach
Multi-currency accounts: Hold and manage funds in 25+ currencies with competitive exchange rates and minimal conversion fees.
Instant transfers: Revolut-to-Revolut transfers are free and instant, making it ideal when both parties have accounts
Business-focused features: Transfer allowances based on plan level, with no transfer fees for Revolut-to-Revolut transactions
Cost Structure
Plan-based pricing: Transfer allowances vary by business plan, with fees applying after allowance is exceeded
Weekend premium: Additional 1% fee for currency exchanges between 5 PM Friday and 6 PM Sunday when markets are closed
Competitive exchange rates: Generally offers rates close to mid-market with transparent fee structures
Regional Considerations
European focus: Strongest coverage in European markets with excellent support for EU currencies and regulations
Growing global presence: Recent Visa Direct partnership enables real-time cross-border transactions for business customers worldwide
Revolut Feature Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Transaction Fee | Plan-based allowances, then variable fees |
| Currency Exchange | Near mid-market rates (+1% on weekends) |
| Xero Integration | Yes |
| Business Account | Yes |
| Supported Currencies | 25+ major currencies |
| Transfer Time | Instant (Revolut-to-Revolut) / Up to 2 days (external) |
7. Remitly
Remitly specializes in international money transfers with a focus on reliability and competitive rates, particularly strong in emerging markets and regions often underserved by traditional platforms.
Reliability Focus
Guaranteed delivery: Promise that every money transfer is delivered on time, or they’ll refund your fees
Wide coverage: Fast, secure, and affordable transfers to over 100 countries—perfect for payroll, contractors, and global teams
Flexible delivery options: Multiple ways for recipients to receive funds including bank transfers, cash pickup, and mobile wallets
Cost Structure
Transfer fees: Example: 3.99 USD transaction fee per transfer to India, waived for first transaction or transfers over 1000 USD
Exchange rates: Typically charges a markup of 0.5% to 3.0% over the mid-market rate with additional fees based on transfer size and speed
Volume discounts: Better rates for larger transfers, making it suitable for payroll payments
Service Tiers
Economy service: Lower fees with longer processing times (3-5 business days) Express service: Higher fees for faster delivery (minutes to hours)
Remitly Feature Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Transaction Fee | $0-$4 (waived for large transfers) |
| Currency Exchange | 0.5-3% above mid-market rate |
| Xero Integration | Limited |
| Business Account | Yes (business-focused service) |
| Supported Currencies | 100+ currencies across 100+ countries |
| Transfer Time | Minutes (Express) / 3-5 days (Economy) |
8. Xoom
Xoom, established in 2001 and acquired by PayPal in 2015, specializes in international payments across 70+ countries using bank accounts, debit cards, or credit cards.
Verification Requirements
Documentation needed:
- Government-issued ID
- Recent bank statement
- Additional verification may be required
This enhanced verification process can delay initial setup but provides additional security for international transfers.
Cost Considerations
Transaction fees: $0-$40 depending on payment method and amount Currency conversion: Up to 2.4% above mid-market rate Eastern European support: Most currencies supported with additional conversion fees
Xoom Feature Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Transaction Fee | Bank: $0-$5 / Credit card: Up to $40 |
| Currency Exchange | Up to 2.4% above mid-market rate |
| Xero Integration | No |
| Business Account | No |
| Supported Currencies | 30+ including select Eastern European currencies |
| Transfer Time | Up to 2 business days |
Comprehensive Comparison Matrix
| Platform | Eastern Europe Support | Currency Conversion | Accounting Integration | Additional Fees | Transfer Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | ✓ (except Bosnia/Serbia) | ✓ Mid-market only | ✓ | Minimal | Up to 2 days |
| Payoneer | ✓ Full support | ✓ | ✓ | Conversion + extras | 2-5 days |
| PayPal | ✓ (except Bosnia/Serbia) | ✓ | ✓ | Conversion + extras | 3-5 days |
| TransferMate | ✓ Full support | ✓ | ✓ | Conversion only | Up to 2 days |
| Deel | ✓ Full support | ✓ | ✓ | Subscription model | Same-day to 2 days |
| Revolut | ✓ Strong EU focus | ✓ | ✓ | Plan-based allowances | Instant to 2 days |
| Remitly | ✓ Strong emerging markets | ✓ | Limited | Volume discounts | Minutes to 5 days |
| Xoom | ✓ Most currencies | ✓ | ✗ | Conversion only | Up to 2 days |
Our Recommendation
For most remote teams: Wise emerges as the optimal solution due to its combination of minimal fees, transparent pricing, and efficient processing times. Key advantages include:
- No hidden fees: Complete transparency in pricing
- Fast processing: Reliable 1-2 day transfers
- No recipient requirements: Employees need only a bank account
- Mid-market exchange rates: No markup on currency conversion
For scaling companies: Deel offers the best comprehensive solution when you need compliance, contracts, and payments in one platform. While more expensive, it provides significant value for companies hiring internationally.
For European teams: Revolut provides excellent value with instant transfers between Revolut users and competitive rates for European currencies.
For emerging markets: Remitly offers strong coverage in regions often underserved by traditional platforms, with guaranteed delivery and flexible payment options.
Essential Considerations
Regardless of your chosen payment method, remember that employees may face additional local banking fees and currency conversion charges. Transfer times can vary based on local banking processing speeds—factors beyond your control.
Success depends on communication: Collaborate with your team to establish systems that work effectively for both parties.
Payment System Selection Checklist
Before committing to a payment platform, evaluate these critical factors:
1. Geographic Coverage
- Current needs: Does it support all countries where you currently have team members?
- Future expansion: Will it accommodate potential new markets?
2. Currency Flexibility
- Range: How many currencies does it support?
- Regional focus: Does it handle your specific regional requirements?
3. Cost Analysis
- Fee structure: Are you comfortable with the total cost structure?
- Annual impact: Consider cumulative costs across your entire yearly payroll
- Hidden charges: Are there any undisclosed fees?
4. Transfer Efficiency
- Speed: Can it meet your payment schedule requirements?
- Reliability: Is processing time consistent?
5. Integration and Usability
- Accounting systems: Does it integrate with your existing tools?
- User experience: Is the platform intuitive for both you and your employees?
- Administrative burden: Will it save or create additional work?
Next Steps
Selecting the right payment method for your remote team requires balancing cost, efficiency, and user experience. While Wise currently offers the best overall value proposition for straightforward payments, your specific needs may favor alternative solutions:
- Deel for comprehensive HR and compliance needs
- Revolut for European-focused teams
- Remitly for emerging markets coverage
- TransferMate for high-volume transfers
The key to success lies in thorough evaluation of your requirements, clear communication with your team, and implementation of systems that support both your business objectives and employee satisfaction.
Ready to build your remote team? Now that you understand how to pay remote workers effectively, you can confidently expand your hiring internationally. Access thousands of qualified candidates at competitive rates and transform your business with global talent.
Looking for more insights on remote work management? Explore our comprehensive guides on remote team building, international hiring best practices, and global workforce management strategies.
