Global payment options, compared.
Bank wires, Wise, Payoneer, PayPal and stablecoins all move money across borders. Here's how they differ for a UK or EU business getting paid from the US or paying people abroad.
For receiving from US clients, local USD account details (from Wise, Payoneer or Petl Pay) are usually faster and cheaper than a SWIFT wire. For paying teams in places like South Africa or Latin America, stablecoin rails like USDC can settle in moments and reach local banks quickly. The right choice depends on your corridors, volumes and who you're paying.
Fees and features change often. Check each provider's own pricing page before deciding. We haven't listed competitor prices here for that reason.
The options at a glance
| Option | Best for | Speed | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| SWIFT bank wire | Large, occasional payments between banks | Often 1 to 5 working days | Intermediary bank fees and exchange rate margins |
| Wise | Multi-currency accounts and transfers on major corridors | Often same day on major routes | Coverage and limits vary by country |
| Payoneer | Freelancers and marketplace sellers receiving from clients and platforms | Varies by method | Fees on receiving, conversion and withdrawal |
| PayPal | Small payments and clients who already use PayPal | Instant between accounts | Currency conversion costs and holds |
| Petl Pay (bank and USDC) | UK and EU businesses paid by US clients, and teams in Africa, LatAm and Europe | Wallet to wallet near instant; about 45 seconds to local currency | KYB needed before using USDC |
Getting paid by US clients
US clients prefer to pay like they pay any supplier: by ACH or domestic wire. An international SWIFT wire is slower and often costs both sides.
With local USD account details in your business name, your client pays locally. With Petl Pay, the payment lands in your wallet as USDC, and you can hold it, pay your team wallet to wallet for free, or withdraw to EUR or USD.
Paying a team abroad
For contributors in South Africa, Brazil, Mexico or Colombia, local payout coverage matters most. Petl Pay pays out to ZAR, BRL, MXN, COP, EUR and USD, with KYC on every worker before they can be paid.
| Contributor | Where | How they're paid |
|---|---|---|
| Thabo Mokoena | Cape Town | USDC, withdrawn to ZAR in about 45 seconds |
| Carla Souza | São Paulo | USDC, withdrawn to BRL by PIX |
| Inês Duarte | Lisbon | USDC, withdrawn to EUR by SEPA |
What stablecoins are, simply
A stablecoin like USDC is a digital dollar designed to hold its value at $1. It moves between wallets in moments, at any time of day. You still need a regulated on and off ramp to get in and out of local currency, which is where providers like Petl Pay's licensed partners come in.
Petl Pay costs
Wallet to wallet payments between businesses and individuals.
End to end when money changes currency, including on and off ramps and conversions, depending on volume.
For context, the World Bank puts the average cost of sending $200 abroad at 6.36%, and 14.99% through banks (Remittance Prices Worldwide, Q3 2025).
How to choose
- Mostly receiving USD from US clients? Look for local USD details in your business name.
- Paying people in emerging markets? Check local payout coverage and speed to their bank.
- Large one-off transfers? A bank wire may still suit you.
- Clients already on PayPal? Fine for small amounts; watch conversion costs.
- Need it all in your books? Check the Xero integration.
Frequently asked
Is a stablecoin payment safe?
USDC is widely used and designed to track the US dollar. With Petl Pay, your wallet is held by a licensed partner, Petl Pay never holds your funds, and KYB is required before you use USDC.
Can I withdraw to GBP?
For the US to UK and EU flow, withdrawals are to EUR or USD today. Ask us about other corridors.
Is Petl Pay cheaper than Wise or PayPal?
It depends on the corridor and volume. Petl Pay is free wallet to wallet and 0.4 to 1.4% end to end when money changes currency. Compare against each provider's current pricing for your route.
Tell us where your money needs to move.
Share where your clients pay from and where your team gets paid. We'll set you up with the right accounts and corridors.
Petl Pay never holds your funds. Payments are carried out by licensed, regulated payment partners. Petl Pay calculates and tracks CIS deductions and doesn't file returns itself; have them filed with an accountant. Tax rules change, so check the latest guidance at gov.uk.