Cenoa vs Payoneer vs Wise | Which is better for global freelancers?
Compare Cenoa vs Payoneer vs Wise for global freelancers. See real fee comparisons, exchange losses, and why US bank accounts matter in 2025.
![Cenoa vs Payoneer vs Wise | Which is better for global freelancers?](data:image/svg+xml,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"/>)
Why choosing the right payment platform matters for freelancers
For global freelancers, getting paid is about more than speed, it’s about how much money actually ends up in your pocket. Payment platforms often advertise convenience, but hidden fees, FX spreads, and withdrawal costs can quietly reduce your earnings.
If you’re working with international clients or platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Amazon, or Shopify, choosing the right payment provider can mean thousands saved each year.
This guide compares Cenoa, Payoneer, and Wise using real fee breakdowns from $1.000 global earnings, based directly on the comparison tables on Cenoa’s website.
How We Compare Cenoa, Payoneer, and Wise
To ensure fairness and transparency, this comparison focuses on:
Net amount received
Total fees (%)
Receiving fees
Withdrawal and FX conversion costs
Speed and usability for freelancers
All calculations assume $1.000 in international earnings, withdrawn to local currency.
Cenoa vs Payoneer: Real Cost Comparison
Net Amount Received
Cenoa: $990
Payoneer: $915
That’s a difference of $75—money lost purely to fees.
Total Fees
Cenoa: $10 (0.99%)
Payoneer: $85 (8.5%)
Fee Breakdown
| Fee Type | Cenoa | Payoneer |
| Receiving fee | 0.5% | 1% |
| Withdrawal to local currency | 0 | 3% |
| FX conversion (to local currency) | 0.49% | 4.5% |
Bottom Line
According to Forbes’ analysis of hidden payment fees, FX spreads and layered withdrawal fees are the biggest sources of income loss for freelancers.
❌ With Payoneer, these costs add up quickly.
✅ With Cenoa, fees stay below 1% end-to-end.
Cenoa vs Wise: Real Cost Comparison
Net Amount Received
Cenoa: $990
Wise: $924
That’s $66 more in your pocket with Cenoa.
Total Fees
Cenoa: $10 (0.99%)
Wise: $85 (4.5%)
Fee Breakdown
| Fee Type | Cenoa | Wise |
| Receiving fee | 0.5% | 0 |
| Withdrawal to local currency | 0 | $31.42 |
| FX conversion (to local currency) | 0.49% | 4.5% |
Why US bank accounts make the biggest difference
The biggest advantage in this comparison is holding funds in USD.
Without a US bank account:
Platforms force early conversion
FX rates are often unfavorable
You lose control over timing
How Cenoa is built for global freelancers
Cenoa is designed specifically for people earning internationally and withdrawing locally.
10x Cheaper
The cost of receiving end-to-end payments with Cenoa is less than 1%, which is up to 10 times cheaper than alternatives charging up to 8.5%. Freelancers can receive earnings from abroad and withdraw them in local currency to their local bank accounts.
Withdraw in local currency instantly
No more waiting days for payouts. Withdrawals arrive in your chosen local bank account within minutes.
Opening a US bank account is easy and free
Open a US bank account in just 3 minutes with only your ID. No paperwork, no account opening fees, no maintenance fees, and no monthly fees.
Powered by Stripe and Lead Bank
US bank accounts are opened at Lead Bank through Stripe, one of the largest payment platforms in the US. In 2024, Stripe processed $1.3 trillion in payments and is known for strong security and regulatory compliance.
Easily receive all your global income
Get paid directly from any US bank account via ACH, including payments from Upwork, Fiverr, Amazon, Etsy, Shopify and more, or direct clients.
Fast and real customer support
Cenoa provides fast support from real people, not bots, directly through the app. Support is also available at support@cenoa.com
Which platform is best for global freelancers in 2025?
Based on real payout data:
Cenoa keeps the most money in your pocket
Payoneer is the most expensive
Wise sits in the middle but still loses thousands annually
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which platform has the lowest fees for freelancers?
Cenoa, with total costs below 1%.
2. Why does Payoneer cost so much?
High FX conversion fees and withdrawal charges.
3. Is Wise cheaper than Payoneer?
Yes, but FX conversion still significantly reduces earnings.
4. Can I get paid in USD with Cenoa?
Yes, via a US bank account with ACH support.
5. How fast are withdrawals with Cenoa?
Within minutes to a local bank account.
6. Is Cenoa safe?
Yes, powered by Stripe and Lead Bank with strong compliance standards.
Conclusion
For global freelancers, the difference between platforms isn’t small, it’s thousands per year. Based on real payout comparisons, Cenoa vs Payoneer vs Wise shows one clear winner for freelancers who want to keep more of what they earn. With ultra-low fees, US bank accounts, and instant local withdrawals, Cenoa is built for how freelancers work in 2025.
