Stripe is known for easy payments and fast transfers. It helps freelancers accept money from clients in the US, UK, and other countries. Stripe works with websites, apps, and e-commerce stores. It is trusted, secure, and gives full control over payment links, invoices, and subscriptions.
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Can You Withdraw Stripe Funds in Pakistan
You can’t directly withdraw Stripe payments to a Pakistani bank. Stripe is not officially supported in Pakistan. If you try to open a Stripe account using a Pakistani business or bank, it won’t work. That’s why most people in Pakistan use an indirect method to access their funds.
The common way is to register a business in a Stripe-supported country like the US or UK. Then, they create a virtual bank account using services like Payoneer or Wise. These accounts act as a bridge between Stripe and your local bank. You add the virtual bank details to your Stripe account, and Stripe sends the money there.
Once the payment reaches Payoneer or Wise, you can withdraw it to your Pakistani bank account. This method works well for freelancers, agencies, and online sellers. It’s not official, but it’s widely used and trusted.
Requirements Before Withdrawing Funds
Register a Business in a Supported Country
To use Stripe from Pakistan, you need a business registered in a country where Stripe works, like the US or UK. Many people create a US-based LLC. It’s easy to set up online and doesn’t cost much. You’ll also need an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS, which allows your business to receive payments legally through Stripe.
Set Up a Virtual Bank Account
Stripe needs a bank account from a supported country. You can use services like Payoneer or Wise to get a virtual receiving account. These accounts give you bank details (like a US routing number and account number) that you can add to Stripe to receive payments.
Match All Account Details
Your business name, bank account name, and Stripe account name should all match. This prevents issues during verification and withdrawal. Stripe checks for name mismatches and may hold funds if things don’t line up.
Complete Identity and Business Verification
Stripe will ask for documents like your ID, proof of address, and business registration papers. Make sure you upload clear and correct files. If anything looks suspicious or is missing, your account may be paused or limited.
Best Methods to Withdraw Stripe in Pakistan
1. Using Payoneer
Payoneer is the most common way to withdraw Stripe payments in Pakistan. You can get a US receiving account through Payoneer. This account can be added to your Stripe account as your payout method. Once Stripe sends money, it goes to your Payoneer balance. From there, you can easily withdraw it to your Pakistani bank. The transfer usually takes 1–2 days, and the fees are around 2–3%.
2. Using Wise (TransferWise)
Wise gives you international account details like those in the US, UK, and EU. You can use these to receive Stripe payouts. Wise offers better currency conversion rates than Payoneer. But recently, it has become harder to create Wise business accounts for Pakistan-based users. If you already have one, it works well and is faster and cheaper than Payoneer in many cases.
3. Using Trusted Third-Party Services
Some Pakistani freelancers use third-party platforms or agents to receive Stripe payments. These services charge a small fee and transfer the money to your local bank. However, you must be careful with this method. Only use trusted services or agencies. Avoid sharing your Stripe login or personal info with unknown people.
Connect Payoneer with Stripe
To connect Payoneer with Stripe, you first need to create a verified Payoneer account. Go to Payoneer’s website, sign up, and choose the option for receiving international payments. During registration, enter correct personal or business details and upload your ID. After approval, Payoneer will give you access to a US virtual bank account through its Global Payment Service.
Next, log in to Payoneer and find your US bank details. These include your bank name, routing number, and account number. These details are what you’ll add to Stripe as your payout method. Make sure the name on your Payoneer account matches the name on your Stripe account. If names don’t match, Stripe may reject the bank link or delay payments.
Now go to your Stripe dashboard. Open the “Settings” section and find “Bank Accounts and Scheduling.” Click “Add Bank Account” and enter the Payoneer US bank details. Save the settings and wait for Stripe to verify the account.
How Long Does the Withdrawal Process Take
The time it takes to withdraw Stripe funds in Pakistan depends on the method you use. If you’re using Payoneer, Stripe usually sends the money within 1–2 business days after the payout is scheduled. Once the money reaches Payoneer, it can take another 1–2 days to appear in your Pakistani bank account. So, the full process may take around 3–4 working days.
If you’re using Wise, the process is often quicker. Stripe transfers usually reach your Wise account within 1 day. Wise then transfers the money to your local bank in 1–2 business days, depending on your bank’s speed. Overall, Wise may take 2–3 working days in total. Keep in mind, weekends and holidays can delay both services. Also, your first withdrawal might take a little longer due to account verification.
Things to Avoid During Withdrawal
- Avoid Using Fake or Unverified Information: Always provide real and correct details. If your name, business info, or bank details don’t match, Stripe may delay or reject your payments. Using fake documents can lead to account suspension or permanent loss of funds.
- Don’t Link Accounts That Aren’t Yours: Never connect a Payoneer or Wise account that’s not under your name. Stripe expects the payout account to belong to the same person or business registered on Stripe. Mismatched accounts can cause payout failures.
- Never Share Your Login Details: Keep your Stripe login and security codes private. Don’t share them with anyone, not even agents. Giving someone access to your Stripe account puts your money and data at risk.
- Be Careful with Third-Party Services: Some people offer to withdraw your Stripe funds for a fee. Many of these services are unsafe or scams. Always research before trusting anyone. Use only well-known and secure platforms like Payoneer or Wise.
Alternatives If Stripe Doesn’t Work for You
1. Use Payoneer to Get Paid Directly
If Stripe feels too complex, you can ask international clients to pay you directly through Payoneer. Payoneer lets you send payment requests or receive payments through their Global Payment Service. It’s reliable and widely used by freelancers in Pakistan.
2. Try Freelance Platforms with Built-in Payments
Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour manage payments for you. You don’t need to set up Stripe or any other gateway. These platforms collect payments from clients and send them to you via Payoneer, Wise, or even local banks.
3. Use PayPal Through Trusted Agents
PayPal isn’t officially available in Pakistan, but many trusted agents help receive money. They give you their PayPal email, receive the funds, and send the amount to your bank after taking a small fee. Be careful and only work with well-reviewed agents.
4. Try Other Payment Gateways
Some websites use gateways like 2Checkout, Paddle, or Braintree. These services can also help collect payments and send them to your bank. However, setup and approval can take time, and not all are beginner-friendly.
Conclusion
With Stripe not directly available in Pakistan, using Payoneer or Wise is the best way to withdraw your money. These services act as a bridge between Stripe and your local bank. You just need to follow the right setup and use real information to stay safe.
Many freelancers and businesses in Pakistan use this method every day. It takes a little effort in the beginning, but once everything is connected, the process becomes smooth. Just avoid shortcuts and fake accounts.