Top 10 Payment Apps That Let South Africans Receive International Money

In a globalized economy, South Africans increasingly work with clients, companies, and partners abroad. Freelancers, small business owners, and remote employees often need fast, reliable ways to receive international money. Traditional bank transfers can be slow, expensive, and complicated.

Thankfully, payment apps have revolutionized cross-border transfers. These apps allow South Africans to receive funds from anywhere in the world with low fees, fast processing, and secure transactions.

In this guide, we explore the top 10 payment apps for South Africans to receive international money in 2025. We will compare features, fees, speed, usability, and security, helping you choose the best solution for your needs.

Why Payment Apps for International Money Transfers Are Important

1. Speed: Instant or same-day payments are now possible, unlike traditional bank wire transfers that take several days.

2. Lower Fees: Many apps offer better exchange rates and lower transaction costs than banks.

3. Convenience: Receive money directly to your phone or local bank account.

4. Global Accessibility: Work with clients, freelancers, and companies worldwide without borders.

5. Security: Trusted apps use encryption and authentication protocols to protect your money.

For South Africans earning in USD, GBP, or EUR, these apps provide a reliable and fast way to manage international income.

Top 10 Payment Apps for Receiving International Money in South Africa

1. PayPal

• Features:

  • Accepts money in multiple currencies.

  • Instant transfer to linked South African bank accounts.

  • Buyer and seller protection.

• Benefits:

  • Widely recognized and trusted globally.

  • Simple integration for online businesses and freelancers.

• How to Use:

  1. Create a PayPal account using your email.

  2. Link your South African bank account or card.

  3. Share your PayPal email with international clients.

  4. Receive payments and withdraw funds to your local account.

2. Skrill

• Features:

  • Multiple currency support.

  • Low transfer fees for personal and business accounts.

  • Digital wallet and prepaid card options.

• Benefits:

  • Fast access to international payments.

  • Flexibility for online purchases or ATM withdrawals.

• How to Use:

  1. Register for a Skrill account.

  2. Verify identity for compliance.

  3. Share wallet ID or email for payment.

  4. Withdraw to local bank or spend via Skrill card.

3. Payoneer

• Features:

  • Receive global payments from companies and marketplaces.

  • USD, EUR, GBP receiving accounts for freelancers.

  • Prepaid Mastercard for instant local use.

• Benefits:

  • Ideal for freelancers working on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Amazon.

  • Competitive fees and flexible withdrawals.

• How to Use:

  1. Sign up for a Payoneer account.

  2. Get virtual receiving accounts in major currencies.

  3. Share account details with international clients.

  4. Withdraw funds to South African bank account or use prepaid card.

4. Wise (Formerly TransferWise)

• Features:

  • Real exchange rate transfers.

  • Multi-currency account with global receiving details.

  • Low, transparent fees.

• Benefits:

  • Highly cost-effective for regular international income.

  • Fast deposits directly to local bank accounts.

• How to Use:

  1. Create a Wise account.

  2. Set up local receiving details in USD, EUR, or GBP.

  3. Share account info with payers.

  4. Receive funds and convert at real exchange rates.

5. Revolut

• Features:

  • Multi-currency accounts.

  • Instant international money transfers.

  • Digital debit card for spending abroad.

• Benefits:

  • Perfect for frequent travelers and freelancers.

  • Competitive exchange rates with minimal fees.

• How to Use:

  1. Download Revolut app and register.

  2. Verify identity and link local bank if needed.

  3. Receive international payments instantly.

  4. Withdraw to South African account or spend via Revolut card.

6. WorldRemit

• Features:

  • International payments to bank accounts, mobile wallets, or cash pickup.

  • Wide coverage in multiple countries.

• Benefits:

  • Quick transfers for small and medium amounts.

  • Safe and straightforward process.

• How to Use:

  1. Sign up on WorldRemit app or website.

  2. Choose destination and currency.

  3. Share recipient details (your local bank or mobile wallet).

  4. Receive money in minutes or within the day.

7. OFX

• Features:

  • Zero transfer fees for large transactions.

  • Multi-currency support for business and personal accounts.

  • Competitive exchange rates.

• Benefits:

  • Excellent for large-scale payments from international clients.

  • Secure and regulated transfer platform.

• How to Use:

  1. Create an OFX account.

  2. Verify bank and identity details.

  3. Share receiving details with payers.

  4. Get funds deposited directly to your South African bank.

8. Airwallex

• Features:

  • Virtual accounts for multiple currencies.

  • Instant cross-border payments.

  • Integration with accounting platforms.

• Benefits:

  • Perfect for startups and small businesses.

  • Simplifies international payments management.

• How to Use:

  1. Sign up on Airwallex app or website.

  2. Obtain virtual accounts for USD, EUR, GBP.

  3. Share account info with international clients.

  4. Receive payments and manage in-app or transfer locally.

9. Remitly

• Features:

  • Express delivery for instant transfers.

  • Economy option for low-cost transfers.

  • Mobile app notifications and tracking.

• Benefits:

  • Speedy payments for urgent international transfers.

  • Low-cost option for frequent remittances.

• How to Use:

  1. Register Remitly account.

  2. Choose sending method: bank or mobile wallet.

  3. Share account details with senders.

  4. Receive and track money in real-time.

10. Xoom (by PayPal)

• Features:

  • Bank deposit, cash pickup, and mobile wallet options.

  • Fast and reliable service worldwide.

• Benefits:

  • Trusted PayPal network.

  • Quick and flexible receiving options.

• How to Use:

  1. Sign up via Xoom website or app.

  2. Provide local banking or mobile wallet details.

  3. Share info with senders abroad.

  4. Receive funds instantly or within a few hours.

Comparison Table: Top Payment Apps for Receiving International Money

FAQs About Receiving International Money in South Africa

1. Are these apps safe for international payments?
   Yes, all listed apps are regulated and use strong encryption for secure transactions.

2. Do I need a South African bank account?
   Most apps allow direct transfer to local bank accounts, though some also support mobile wallets.

3. Which app has the lowest fees?
   Wise and Airwallex generally offer the lowest fees for most transfers.

4. How long does it take to receive money?
   Depending on the app: instant (minutes), same-day, or 1–3 business days.

5. Can I receive multiple currencies?
   Yes, apps like PayPal, Payoneer, Wise, and Revolut support multiple currencies.

6. Are there limits on transfer amounts?
   Yes, each app has minimum and maximum limits, often higher for verified accounts.

7. Can I use these apps for freelance payments?
   Absolutely. PayPal, Payoneer, and Wise are widely used by freelancers globally.

8. Do I need an app to receive money?
   Not always; some apps also allow web-based transfers.

9. Are exchange rates competitive?
   Wise, Revolut, and OFX are known for real or near-real market exchange rates.

10. Do these apps charge hidden fees?
    Reputable apps are transparent; always review transfer and currency conversion fees before accepting.

Conclusion

Receiving international money in South Africa has never been easier. Apps like PayPal, Payoneer, Wise, Skrill, Revolut, and Xoom offer fast, secure, and low-cost options for freelancers, businesses, and individuals.

By using these apps:

• You save money on fees and exchange rates.

• Receive payments faster than traditional bank methods.

• Manage funds conveniently on your phone or web account.

Start exploring these apps today to receive international payments effortlessly and grow your global income potential.