In Pakistan, freelancers, bloggers, and online entrepreneurs often face challenges when receiving international payments. Platforms like Stripe and Payoneer provide solutions, but Stripe is not officially available in Pakistan. However, there are workarounds for setting up a Stripe account, and Payoneer remains a popular alternative. This guide will walk you through the process of setting up Stripe and Payoneer accounts in Pakistan to receive payments from international clients and platforms like Medium, Upwork, Fiverr, and Amazon Associates.

How to Set Up a Stripe Account in Pakistan (Workaround)

Step 1: Understand Stripe’s Availability

Stripe is not available in Pakistan, but it is accessible in countries like the US, UK, UAE, and Singapore. To create a Stripe account, you need:

• A business presence in a supported country.
• A bank account in a supported country to receive payments.
• A phone number and address from that country.

Step 2: Use a Friend or Family Member’s Address (Alternative 1)

If you have a friend or family member in a Stripe-supported country, you can:

1. Ask them to register a Stripe account for you.
2. Use their address and phone number.
3. Add your Payoneer account as the payout method (to receive funds in Pakistan).

Step 3: Register a Stripe Account via Payoneer (Alternative 2)

Some users register a US business entity through Payoneer and use it to open a Stripe account. Here’s how:

1. Sign Up for Payoneer (explained below) and get a US bank account via Payoneer’s Global Payment Service.
2. Use a virtual address service like ReShip, Shipito, or a friend’s address in the US.
3. Get a US phone number through services like TextNow or Google Voice.
4. Sign up on Stripe and use these details to register.
5. Link your Payoneer US bank account to withdraw payments.

Step 4: Verify Your Stripe Account

• Stripe may ask for ID verification, so you might need an international Payoneer card or a foreign ID.
• Use real information to avoid future issues.

Step 5: Connect Payoneer or Wise for Withdrawals

To withdraw funds to Pakistan:

• Go to Stripe Dashboard > Payout Settings.
• Add your Payoneer US bank account as the withdrawal method.
• Withdraw funds from Stripe to Payoneer, then from Payoneer to your local bank.

How to Set Up a Payoneer Account in Pakistan

Step 1: Visit Payoneer’s Website

• Go to Payoneer’s official website and click Sign Up.

Step 2: Choose Your Account Type

• Select “Freelancer” or “Online Seller” if you’re a freelancer or business owner.
• Choose “Get Paid by Marketplaces and Clients.”

Step 3: Enter Your Details

• Fill in your Full Name, Email, and Date of Birth.
• Provide your CNIC/NICOP/Passport for identity verification.
• Enter your Pakistani bank account details to link Payoneer for withdrawals.

Step 4: Set Up a Global Payment Service Account

After account approval, activate Payoneer’s Global Payment Service to receive payments from:

• Stripe (using the workaround above).
• Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer.com.
• Amazon Associates and affiliate programs.

You will receive virtual bank accounts in USD, GBP, and EUR to accept payments from different countries.

Step 5: Order a Payoneer Mastercard (Optional)

• Once your account is active, you can request a Payoneer Prepaid Mastercard.
• Use it for online transactions or ATM withdrawals.

Step 6: Withdraw Funds to Your Pakistani Bank Account

• Link your Pakistani bank account in Payoneer.
• Transfer funds from Payoneer to your local bank.
• Withdraw via ATM or direct deposit.

Stripe vs. Payoneer – Which One Should You Choose?

Setting up Stripe in Pakistan requires extra steps like a Payoneer US bank account or a foreign business entity. Payoneer, however, is a simpler option for Pakistani freelancers and bloggers.

If you need Stripe for platforms like Medium or Shopify, use the workaround method. Otherwise, Payoneer is the easiest way to receive international payments in Pakistan.