Many freelancers open a Payoneer account, use it for a while, and then forget about it.
What they don’t realize is that Payoneer charges an inactivity fee under certain conditions.
This guide explains exactly when the Payoneer inactivity fee applies, how much it costs, and how to avoid paying it.
What is the Payoneer inactivity fee?
The Payoneer inactivity fee is an annual charge applied to accounts that do not meet minimum activity requirements.
It is designed to cover the cost of maintaining unused accounts.
How much is the Payoneer inactivity fee?
The standard inactivity fee is typically $29.95 per year.
This amount may change over time, so it’s important to check the official fee schedule inside your Payoneer account.
When does Payoneer charge the inactivity fee?
The inactivity fee usually applies if:
- Your account has not received qualifying transactions for 12 months
- You have not met the minimum activity threshold
In simple terms: if no money comes into your account for a full year, you may be charged.
What counts as qualifying activity?
Typically, receiving payments into your Payoneer account counts as activity.
Merely logging in or checking your balance does not.
Withdrawals alone may not prevent inactivity status if no incoming funds are received.
Does the inactivity fee apply if my balance is zero?
If your balance is zero, Payoneer usually cannot deduct the fee immediately. However, once funds are received in the future, the fee may be applied automatically.
This surprises many users who return to their account after a long break.
Who is most affected by the inactivity fee?
- Freelancers who stopped using marketplaces
- Seasonal sellers
- Users who switched to other payment platforms
If you opened Payoneer “just in case” and left it unused, you’re in the risk group.
How to avoid the Payoneer inactivity fee
You have several options:
- Receive at least one qualifying payment per year
- Close the account if you no longer use it
- Switch to a platform that doesn’t charge inactivity fees
Many freelancers who want more flexibility and transparent fee structures choose multi-currency services like
Wise,
which does not charge a traditional inactivity fee on personal accounts.
Should you worry about this fee?
If you actively use Payoneer, probably not.
If you rarely receive payments, then yes — you should track your activity timeline carefully.
Final thoughts
The Payoneer inactivity fee is not hidden — but it is often forgotten.
For active freelancers, it’s usually not an issue. For occasional users, it can become an unexpected deduction.
Understanding platform fee policies is essential if you manage international income streams.
Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links. If you sign up through them, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. The information provided is for educational purposes only.
You may also want to read our guides on Payoneer exchange rate markup and withdrawal limits to better understand the full cost structure.
