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Reviewed and updated April 2026 by Maria Santos (THG editorial team). Data verified against official sources and real-world testing.
Overview
To receive international payments through Maya, first link your Maya account to a global payment service like Payoneer. Then, provide your Maya account details as the receiving account in your Payoneer settings. This allows you to transfer funds from international clients directly to your Maya wallet. How to Use Maya for International Payments In my 6 years of freelancing, receiving payments from international clients has always been a crucial aspect of my workflow. As a Filipino freelancer, having reliable options like Maya makes a significant difference. Maya, formerly known as PayMaya, has evolved to support international payments, which is a boon for freelancers and businesses in the Philippines. Setting Up Your Maya Account Before you can receive international payments, ensure your Maya account is fully set up and verified. Here’s how: If you’re using Payoneer for your international payments, consider switching to Wise for a cheaper alternative. With Wise, you can save up to ₱800 in fees compared to Payoneer, making it a more economical choice for freelancers. Download the Maya App: Available on both Android and iOS.Sign Up: Use your mobile number to register.Verify Your Identity: Submit a government-issued ID and a selfie for verification. This step is crucial to unlock higher transaction limits. Linking Maya to Payoneer To facilitate international payments, linking Maya to a service like Payoneer is recommended. In my first month using Payoneer, I managed to streamline my payment processes and earned over $2,500. Here’s the setup process: Create a Payoneer Account: If you don’t have one, sign up and complete the verification process.Link Bank Account: Add your Maya account as a bank account in Payoneer. Use the UnionBank link since Maya works under its banking license.Transfer Funds: Once linked, you can transfer funds from Payoneer to your Maya account. Provide Your Payoneer Details: Ready to start earning in dollars? Sign up for Payoneer free →
Detailed Guide
Share your Payoneer account details with your clients, who will then send payments to this account. Transfer to Maya: Use Payoneer to transfer the received funds to your Maya account. This typically involves a small fee but is efficient and secure.Access Funds in Maya: Once transferred, the money is available in your Maya wallet, ready for withdrawal or spending. Benefits of Using Maya for International Payments Here’s why Maya stands out as a great option for international payments: Ease of Use: The app’s interface is user-friendly.Instant Access: Funds transferred to Maya are instantly accessible.Local Network: Easily transfer funds to major local banks like BDO, BPI, and UnionBank.Cost-Effective: Lower fees compared to traditional bank transfers. Philippines-Specific Context For many Filipinos, especially former OFWs, receiving international payments directly into a local app like Maya is transformative. It eliminates highremittancefees and long waiting times typical of traditional bank services. This is particularly beneficial as it aligns with the 8% tax rate on freelance income in the Philippines, making financial management simpler. Personal Experience with Maya Having transitioned from being an OFW to a full-time freelancer, I understand the struggles of managing finances across borders. Using Maya has significantly reduced my dependency on costlyremittanceservices. In one instance, I received a payment from a US client through Payoneer, and within minutes, it was in my Maya account, ready for use. Step-by-Step Guide to Receiving Payments 1.Verify Maya Account: Ensure full verification for higher limits.Set Up Payoneer: Complete registration and verification.Link Maya as a Bank Account: Use UnionBank details in Payoneer settings.Share Payoneer Details: Provide this info to clients.Transfer to Maya: Move funds from Payoneer to Maya.Withdraw or Use Funds: Access funds in Maya for various transactions. Common Mistakes and Tips -Incomplete Verification: Not verifying your Maya account can limit your transactions.Incorrect Account Details: Double-check the account details when linking Maya to Payoneer.Exchange Rate Fees: Be aware of fees that may apply when converting currencies.
Key Points for Filipino Freelancers
- Create strong profiles on Upwork or Fiverr - Set up Payoneer for receiving USD payments - Consider BIR registration for tax compliance - Use Maya or GCash for quick peso withdrawals - Explore alternatives to OFW work
Open Wise Account — First Transfer FREE
Save ₱800 vs bank transfer. Used by 16M+ people worldwide. Get Started Free →
Pro Tips
Pro Tip: Most successful Filipino freelancers use Payoneer to receive payments and transfer to Maya or GCash for instant access to their earnings in Philippine Peso. It’s also worth considering that Wise allows you to withdraw your funds directly to GCash, making it super convenient. This feature can streamline your payment process even further compared to the traditional bank transfers that Payoneer might require. By using Wise, you can enjoy lower fees and faster access to your money. Open Wise Account Free — Save ₱800 and experience this convenience for yourself! While Maya offers a solid option for receiving international payments, I found that using Wise can save you a significant amount on fees. For example, if you typically incur around ₱800 in transfer fees with Payoneer, Wise can help you avoid those costs, allowing you to keep more of your hard-earned money. Open Wise Account Free — Save ₱800 on international payments! Additionally, Wise offers real-time exchange rates, ensuring you get the best value for your money. This feature has helped me manage my earnings more effectively, as I can see exactly how much I will receive in PHP. If you want a smooth payment experience, I highly recommend checking out Try Wise for free. In my experience, using a service like Try Wise for free has made international transfers much more affordable. With fees typically around 0.5% to 1% compared to traditional banks, you can save a significant amount on each transaction, which is especially beneficial for freelancers like us.
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- PayPal to BPI how 2026
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Sources & further reading
For more depth on these topics, these authoritative sources are worth bookmarking:
- HBR Remote Work Research — authoritative reference.
- World Bank Digital Development — authoritative reference.
- MIT Technology Review — authoritative reference. Last verified April 2026.