Payoneer’s Pakistan Ban is Partial – Only ATM Withdrawls Are Affected

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Today Payoneer support provided details regarding ban and it appears that this ban is limited in nature, its not complete ban for Pakistani cardholders. So please don’t through away your card, keep it as you can still use it partially and have good hopes that this problem may get fixed soon.

Due to a change in requirements from our regulators, we are no longer able to issue cards to some countries listed by the US government as having strategic AML (Anti-Money Laundering) deficiencies.

After May 31st, you will no longer be able to use the card inside Pakistan. However, you will be able to make online purchases with international websites (that are not located in Pakistan). You will also be able to continue receiving payouts and private payments into your Payoneer account. Please note that you will be able to use the Payoneer card regularly outside of Pakistan at any place that accepts MasterCard.

It means,

  • You will be able to use card outside of Pakistan at ATMs.
  • You can still make payments to online merchants except Pakistani merchants.
  • You will be able to receive private loads and partner payouts.
  • No more new cards for Pakistani users.
  • No ATM withdrawals within Pakistan or other restricted countries.

A good news for all those who have to pay hosting bills and was worried of service suspension. Also being an optimist I see opportunity in this situation, there are workarounds available for receiving payments from Payoneer after May 31st.

For example you can fund your MoneyBookers account from Payoneer card and then receive these funds using SWIFT transfer to your Pakistani bank account. You will lose extra few dollars but you will still be able to receive funds.

Something is better then nothing 🙂 Meanwhile we should continue to air our voices so that Pakistani law makers may hear us.

29 Comments

  • I have also tried to contact Payoneer and have asked them the reasons why Payoneer has blocked its transactions in Pakistan and now waiting for their reply. I also asked them that Pakistan’s Anti-Money Laundering Ordinance (AMLO) that expired on 26 March 2010 has got anything to do with this ban.

  • Nabeel says:

    YES!!!!!!
    That is absolutely good news! I was most worried about the PAYMENTS I give to 3 vendors/service providers in USA each month. This is a GREAT relief!!!!

    I can receive money by cheques, until this gets solved!

    And it also means that the problem is temporary!

    Thanks Aqeel for providing this info!!

    Nabeel.

  • Imran Ali says:

    But i was reading the blog entry on rentacoder.com. They are saying this:
    ===============================================
    Payoneer is one of the 3rd party money transfer providers used by the site. They have notified us (as well as all Payoneer users effected) that the United States government (specifically the U.S. Treasury – Office of Foreign Assets Control) will be prohibiting them from sending payments to cards in the following countries, which were listed as having anti-money laundering jurisdictional issues:

    • Angola (AO)
    • Ecuador (EC)
    • Ethiopia (ET)
    • Pakistan (PK)
    • Turkmenistan (TM)
    • São Tomé and Príncipe (ST)

    If you are in one of these countries:

    1) Payoneer has permission to send you the remaining money on your card, as long as you use it on or before May 31st. After that date, you will not be able to use your current card in the above countries (although it will work in any other country not listed). So you ened to spend money right away.

    2) Be sure to change your payment option on the site to something else to avoid a delay or issue.
    ============================

    If you read this it says that they will not be sending the payments on Payoneer card, anymore and this was instructed by Payoneer.

    There is a clash in 2 statement.

    You can read full entry here:
    http://blog.vworker.com/2010/05/payoneer-money-sending-restrictions.html

  • Tomer says:

    Hi,

    Tomer from payoneer here.

    As of June 1, 2010 Payoneer was required by US regulators to stop transactions to Pakistan.

    We fully understand the problem this will cause to our cardholders and we are trying to find a solution.

    The solution might include additional verification checks to demonstrate to regulators that Pakistanis cardholders can indeed use Payoneer cards.

    We will update you as soon as possible. Please know that we, at Payoneer, are doing all we can to find a solution.

    Thanks
    –Tomer

  • Imran Ali says:

    Hi guys and galz, here is another update from Payoneer team. Read this:

    ============================================
    Hi,

    Tomer from Payoneer here.

    As of June 1, 2010 Payoneer was required by US regulators to stop transactions to Pakistan.

    We fully understand the problem this will cause to our cardholders and we are trying to find a solution.

    The solution might include additional verification checks to demonstrate to regulators that Pakistanis cardholders can indeed use Payoneer cards.

    We will update you as soon as possible. Please know that we, at Payoneer, are doing all we can to find a solution.

    Thanks
    –Tomer

    =============================================

    You will be happy to read this. Payoneer team is trying to find a solution. They may add more verification methods, like phone verification, bank account verification, address verification etc. After those verifications, we may be allowed to use the payoneer card to withdraw money in Pakistan 🙂

  • Aqeel Syed says:

    @Tomer

    Thank you for stopping by and updating us.
    I can feel the sincere effort Payoneer team is making to resolve this issue and this sincerity is one of the reasons that Pakistani freelancers are so desperate to work with Payoneer.

    I hope this could be over soon.

    Thank you.

  • Freelancer says:

    This is wonderfull news from payoneer that they are finding solution for us & this is also good news again we can still use the cards after 31 May outside the Pakistan, i hope so this problem will be fully resolved because Freelancers, Webmasters, individuals love to user Payoneer Card, Thanks Tomer for the information….

  • Payoneer User says:

    Guys Tomer Didnt post this comment himself over here any mate copy and paste this email here but yes Tomer sent this response in email to our one of the payoneer community mate.

    I hope and I Pray Payoneer card will resume even after June1 and till then Problem should be resolved .

    looking for more updates.

    Thanks Aqeel You are doing a great Job! Keep it Up

  • Imran Ali says:

    What if we get money in our payoneer card and then send to pakistan through WU.

    I mean transferring money from Payoneer to WU. Will it be possible?

  • Syed says:

    The Tomer is a Payoneer Community Admin. In short guy who said he got email from payoneer Top management he is just lieing. Tomer replied the above msg in Payoneer Community. So guys say true regarding this matter . Dont ease others coz its a critical matter we should not sit idle until it resolved

  • Syed says:

    The Tomer is a Payoneer Community Admin. In short guy who said he got email from payoneer Top management he is just lieing. Tomer replied the above msg in Payoneer Community. So guys say true regarding this matter . Dont ease others coz its a critical matter we should not sit idle until it resolved.

  • Dear Aqeel,

    What the processe for earn money can u share wid meee ?

  • Ali Ahmed says:

    Aqeel you have mentioned that we can receive money through moneybookers.

    By first transferring the money from the payoneer card to moneybookers and then from moneybookers to any bank account here in Pakistan.

    Can you please, provide details on how to do this.
    -what about swift codes and charges?
    -which bank have the facility to receive money from moneybookers?
    -what will be the bank charges?
    -Is it necessary to have foreign currency account?

    Looking forward for your help.

  • Ali Naz says:

    I currently have above 200 USD in my account i want to weather i will be able to use my balance after 1st of June outside Pakistan?

  • Ali Ahmed says:

    with draw them as soon as you can.

  • Imran Ali says:

    I just got this reply from payoneer support. Nothing new but i want share it with you
    —————————————————-
    Thank you for contacting us.

    Due to a change in requirements from our regulators, as of June 1, 2010 Payoneer cards will be blocked for transactions in the countries listed by the US government as having strategic Anti Money Laundering (AML) deficiencies. This change will affect card usage in the following countries: Angola, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Turkmenistan and Sao Tome and Principe.

    If your card is in use in one of the countries listed, we encourage you to use all funds by May 31, while transactions are still possible in these countries.

    Please note that beyond May 31 your card will continue to be fully functional in all countries not banned by the US government, and we will be happy to load payments to the card without any change.

    We cannot guarantee that online transactions will be processed successfully as it depends on the merchants themselves.

    We apologize for the inconvenience and hope that the Payoneer card will continue to provide you with valuable service.

    Please feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions.

    Sincerely,

    Kay

    Payoneer Customer Support

  • Nabeel says:

    Yeah I received a similar response!

    Dear Nabeel

    Thank you for contacting us.

    We do not know how this will affect on-line transactions, this will depend on the merchant.
    After June 1st you will still be able to receive funds to your account from Freelancer.com. Your account will not be closed and your card will not be blocked. You will still be able to use your card after June 1st outside of Pakistan.

    We are working to find a solution to this and apologize for the inconvenience.

    Please feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions.

    Sincerely,

    Dominique

    Payoneer Customer Support

    —————————-
    So before they were saying we could pay online merchants (that are based outside pakistan), but now they are not sure!

    Aqeel what so you have to say regarding this issue?

    And I think you should update your post accordingly.

    Nabeel.

  • Nabeel Amin says:

    Aqeel can you please update your blog? Did you receive any news?

    Nabeel.

  • Aqeel Syed says:

    Nabeel, no news for now – I do not have any further updates.

  • Ali says:

    Just to update you all, Payoneer cards issued to Pakistanis are not working on Moneybookers now.

  • Aqeel Syed says:

    @Ali
    I made a transaction to moneybookers.com and it went fine.

  • ali says:

    This is realy sad news payoneer remove Pakistan in their list even if you try to contact by clicking on email us link===> http://www.payoneer.com/contactUs.aspx you will no longer find Pakistan name in their list so how Pakistanies will contact to payoneer?

    its Payoneer duty to give Customer Services atleast 31 May but they will not they are playing & jocking with our country & they will never reply my emails after ban so i will sugess you all just forget Payoneer & try to use Moneybooker.com, Thanks

  • Assalamu Alaikum Muslims,

    I requested my new card from payoneer due to their notice of expiration after 2 months. What they have replied is strange but I will get back here as soon as I hear back about card usage policy in Pakistan. (perhaps, some verifications may require by them)

    Here are some responses from my inbox
    —————-
    1. Following our previous notice about the change in our regulations, Payoneer is happy to inform you that we are able to offer you a new Payoneer card that will be usable *in your country*.

    2. Once you have completed the process of ordering the new card, you will receive an email requesting you to *provide a copy of a valid photo ID*. Providing the ID is mandatory in order for us to process your card application and issue a card.
    —————-

    well, I’m still doubtful about “in your country” and “valid photo id” for new card but let see.

  • freelancer says:

    i just got a Positive response from payoneer, i am happy to share with you that is following ===>

    Thank you for contacting us.

    Following our previous notice about the change in our regulations, Payoneer is happy to inform you that we are able to offer you a new Payoneer card that will be usable in your country.
    The new card carries the same benefits you enjoyed with your previous Payoneer card, and can be used at ATMs, in stores and online. Additionally, the new card is configured for higher daily spending limits.

    Within a few days we will send you an email with instructions for ordering your new card from your Payoneer “My Account” at http://www.payoneer.com.

    Once you have completed the process of ordering the new card, you will receive an email requesting you to provide a copy of a valid photo ID. Providing the ID is mandatory in order for us to process your card application and issue a card.

    Once you receive the new card and activate it, allow two hours for funds and services associated with your existing card to be transferred to the new card.

    We look forward to completing the process of issuing a new card for you and hope you will continue to enjoy Payoneer’s services.

    Please feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions.

    Sincerely,

    Rachel

    Payoneer Customer Support

  • Imran Ali says:

    Yes Payoneer has started a new card for all user all over the world. That card will have 2500$ daily ATM withdrawal limit and $2500 daily loading limit.

    They will also issue these cards for pakistan. But for Pakistan they will ask for some photo ID. It means any ID or card(with photo) with the same name and address as on the payoneer card.

    They will be sending the emails in the next week in which there will be instructions for ordering the new choice debit card.

  • Thanks Imran Ali for sharing more details here.

    I had ordered new card and here is more detail from their support in response to my questions.

    1. The card you have at the moment, you will still NOT be able to use inside of Pakistan after May 31st.

    2. The new card that we will be allowing you to order within the next week or so, yes this card you WILL be able to use inside of Pakistan.

    @Glory to the Allah and all praise to him.

    Goodluck Brothers/Sisters.
    – FeamanAllah

  • Good news:

    I received an email from Payoneer today that said:

    ScriptLance is glad to provide you with the new Payoneer prepaid MasterCard® card, with higher daily withdrawal and spending limits, to replace your current Payoneer card.

    Similar to your existing card, the new Payoneer prepaid MasterCard® card is a debit card and can be used at ATMs, at stores and online.

    New Payoneer pre-paid MasterCard card limits:
    The daily ATM withdrawal limits is $2,500.
    The daily purchase limit (at stores/online) is $2,500
    Total daily spending limit is $5,000

    This card will replace your existing Payoneer prepaid MasterCard® card.

    To order the new card, please login to your Payoneer My Account at http://www.payoneer.com, and request a new Payoneer card.
    The new card will be shipped to you within a few days, without any shipping charges or Activation fee.

    Order your card within the next 30 days. You can use your current card until you get the new card. Your existing card will be closed within 2 months.

    Once you receive the new card and activate it, funds and services associated with your existing card will be transferred automatically to the new card. Please allow 2 hours for the transfer to be completed.

    I checked the Payoneer Forum and found this:

    From Tomer, Payoneer Forum Admin:

    “I’m happy to tell you all we managed to find a solution for the change in regulations and effective immediately we are continuing serving our Pakistan card holders.

    New Pakistan users who want to use the Payoneer card to get their payments are welcome to sign up for the card, you will soon get an email inviting you to register for the new card.

    User will be required to provide a copy of a photo ID.

    As always, we are committed to continue providing the best international payment solution and I’m very happy we managed to find a solution for our Pakistan card holders.

    Thanks”

    http://community.payoneer.com/Pakistan-Not-in-List-m2057.aspx

  • Sajjad Shah says:

    Aqeel brother please help me.

    Brother mere pass payoneer ka debit card hai. but pakistan mia payoneer card bann hogya hai. aur payoneer ki site mai $900 parhy hain mere.

    ab please muje yeh batian k mai wo amount kasay withdraw krwaon?

    reply me. please

    quicqsolution@gmail.com

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