# Moving from Payoneer to Align: a switching checklist

Companies move from Payoneer for named account details and to avoid the 1% fee on payments in a non-local currency. Keep it for marketplaces that pay only through Payoneer, run both for a month, announce new details safely, and close it last.

By Pavel Skalin, Founder & CEO, Align · Updated 2 November 2026 · 3 min read · https://alignlabs.dev/guides/switch-from-payoneer

## Key takeaways

1. Companies usually move from Payoneer for two reasons: fees on payments in a non-local currency, 1% with a minimum of 1.00 USD as of October 2026, and wanting account details in the company's own name.
2. If marketplaces or platforms pay you through Payoneer, you may need to keep it for those payouts and move only the payments you control.
3. Open the new account first and run both for at least a month. Announce new details from a known channel, with a confirmation letter, and invite customers to call you back.
4. Download statements and payment records before you close Payoneer, and keep it open until the last payment to it has landed.

## The short answer

As of October 2026, Payoneer gives local receiving details in 13 currencies, free when you're paid in the local currency and 1% (minimum 1.00 USD) when you're paid in another. Companies tend to move when those fees add up, when they want account details in the company's own name, or when customers want to pay in USDC or USDT.

The switch is about not losing a payment on the way. Keep Payoneer for any marketplace that pays only through it, open the new account first, run both for at least a month, and close Payoneer only when nothing more is due to it.

## When it's worth switching, and when it isn't

**Switch, or add Align, if:**

- you're a registered company and want named USD, EUR, GBP and AED account details in its own name
- customers pay you in USDC or USDT, or you pay suppliers from a stablecoin balance
- you're paid mostly by your own customers rather than by marketplaces

**Stay with Payoneer, or keep it alongside, if:**

- a marketplace or platform pays you only through Payoneer
- you're a freelancer paid in your own name: AlignPay is built for registered companies
- you need receiving details in more currencies than Align's four

[Payoneer alternatives](https://alignlabs.dev/guides/payoneer-alternatives) and [Wise vs Payoneer](https://alignlabs.dev/guides/wise-vs-payoneer) compare the options.

## Before you switch: open the new account

Apply with your company documents: certificate of incorporation, articles, a register of shareholders and directors, proof of address, ID for everyone who owns 25% or more, and evidence of your source of funds. The [KYB documents guide](https://alignlabs.dev/guides/business-account-kyb-documents) has the full list. Align's review takes 1 to 5 business days once everything is in; US account details for ACH and wires are requested separately and reviewed again by Align's US banking partner.

## Split what moves from what stays

Before you tell anyone, sort your incoming payments into two lists:

- **Payments you control:** customers who pay you by bank transfer from your invoices. These move to your new details.
- **Payments you don't:** marketplaces and platforms that pay out through Payoneer. These stay until the platform offers another payout method you can use.

## Run both accounts in parallel

Put only the new details on new invoices, move money across as it arrives, and keep a list of who has paid to which details. A month of overlap is a sensible minimum; longer if customers pay quarterly.

## Tell customers your new details safely

A message saying "our bank details have changed" is what invoice fraudsters send, so make yours easy to check:

- send it from an address customers already know, and repeat it on your invoices
- attach an account confirmation letter: AlignPay produces one for each account, naming your company as the holder
- invite customers to confirm by phone on a number they already have
- give them your exact legal name, so their bank's name check shows a match

## Close the old account last

When nothing has arrived for a few weeks and no platform pays into it:

1. Download every statement and transaction export your accountant and auditors need.
2. Withdraw the remaining balance.
3. Close the account, and note the date for your records.

## How Align compares

| | Payoneer, as of October 2026 | Align |
|---|---|---|
| Who it serves | Freelancers and businesses | Registered companies |
| Receiving details | 13 currencies | Named USD, EUR, GBP and AED details in your company's name |
| Fee to receive in a non-local currency | 1%, minimum 1.00 USD | Quoted on request |
| Account fees | 29.95 USD a year if you receive under 6,000 USD in 12 months | No monthly fee |
| Stablecoins | A separate stablecoin wallet powered by Bridge, rolling out in phases and subject to eligibility | Balances held as USDC or USDT, or EURC for euros; send USDC and USDT to wallets |

## Sources

- Payoneer, [Pricing](https://www.payoneer.com/pricing/) (October 2026)
- Payoneer, [Receiving accounts - FAQ](https://payoneer.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/18786/~/receiving-accounts---faq) and [Receiving accounts](https://www.payoneer.com/receiving-accounts/) (October 2026)
- Payoneer, [Freelancers](https://www.payoneer.com/freelancer/), [Businesses](https://www.payoneer.com/business/) and [Stablecoin payments](https://www.payoneer.com/stablecoin/) (October 2026)
- Align, [Payoneer alternatives](https://alignlabs.dev/guides/payoneer-alternatives) and [Documents you need to open a business account](https://alignlabs.dev/guides/business-account-kyb-documents)

## Common questions

### Can I keep Payoneer for marketplace payouts and use Align for the rest?

Yes. If a marketplace or platform pays out only through Payoneer, keep it for those payouts and move your direct customers and suppliers to Align. Moving the balance across from time to time keeps your treasury in one place.

### Does Payoneer charge to keep an account open?

As of October 2026, Payoneer's pricing page lists an annual fee of 29.95 USD if you receive less than 6,000 USD in any 12 consecutive months. Check the current page before you decide how long to keep it.

### Can freelancers switch to Align?

AlignPay's business account is built for registered companies. Payoneer serves freelancers as well as businesses, so a freelancer paid in their own name may be better staying with Payoneer or Wise Business.

### How long does switching take?

Align's review takes 1 to 5 business days once your documents are complete, and USD ACH and wire access has a second review by Align's US banking partner. Plan on about a month to move most customers and suppliers.

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This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and providers' terms change; check the sources linked above and take advice on your own situation.

## Related guides

- [Payoneer alternatives for businesses receiving international payments](https://alignlabs.dev/guides/payoneer-alternatives)
- [Wise vs Payoneer for businesses: receiving fees, withdrawals and who can open one](https://alignlabs.dev/guides/wise-vs-payoneer)
- [Supplier says its bank details have changed? How to check before you pay](https://alignlabs.dev/guides/supplier-bank-details-change-fraud)
- [What documents you need to open a business account: KYB and source of funds explained](https://alignlabs.dev/guides/business-account-kyb-documents)