In Pakistan, there are numerous payment options, however, none of them are totally functioning for internet enterprises. In this article, 5 of Pakistan’s top banks for freelancers are discussed. These banks handle all issues with online payments and make transfers simple.
Despite these obstacles, Pakistan is home to the fourth-largest market share of freelancers in the world, with annual growth rates of over 40%.
First, we will discuss the hurdles faced by Pakistani freelancers in receiving and sending payments globally, and then we will discuss some of the best options out there that you can choose to avoid such obstacles.
Challenges faced by Pakistani freelancers during transactions
While the majority of freelancers work to make a living via it, some work to improve their skills. Just consider those who worked tirelessly on a project but were unable to receive their payment on schedule. Among the biggest difficulties Pakistani independent contractors encounter are:
- Difficulty in sending and receiving money worldwide.
- Pakistani freelancers are offered fewer payment options than other global freelancers.
- Not getting payments on time because of the time taken by banks in verifying payments.
- No PayPal existence.
- FCA has ordered to freeze all Payoneer PrePaid MasterCard.
Best Pakistani banks to go for in 2023
1. Bank Alfalah freelancer digital account
This account has been created expressly to make it easier for Pakistani freelancers to receive money into their bank accounts quickly, and digitally.
Features and Benefits
- obtainable in FCY and LCY
- No minimum balance is needed each month.
- There are no service fees for non-maintenance.
- When you open an account, receive your Alfalah Debit Card (Only for PKR Accounts)
- Free SMS alerts
- No cost e-statements
- Limit each month to $5,000 USD or equivalent (debit and credit limits shall be applied separately)
- Limit on daily cash withdrawals of Rs. 500,000 or equivalent
2. Meezan Bank freelancer account
Meezan Freelancer Account is a personal account based on Rupee and Foreign money that is available in Current and Savings variations and has been created specifically for freelancers. Freelancers can now effortlessly get their work remittances into their personal accounts and make use of all the perks that come with having a full-fledged account.
Benefits and key features
- Free Chequebook
- Free Pay Orders
- Free Internet Banking
- Online Branch Banking
- Unlimited Withdrawals
- Inward Foreign Remittance
- Free Meezan Mobile Banking App
- Debit Card
- SMS Alerts
- Opportunity to Invest in Meezan Bank’s Certificate of Islamic Investments (COIIs)
- Ability to pay utility bills, and fees and conduct other fund transfers in Pakistan using Meezan Internet Banking Facility and Mobile App.
3. UBL freelancer’s digital account
UBL is another excellent choice, and opening an account there is much simpler for freelancers. No initial deposit is necessary, and with these accounts, you can receive payment from anywhere in the world.
Key features
- No Initial Deposit
- Digital Account Opening Biometric* at ATM
- No Minimum Balance Requirement
- 24/7 Banking with UBL Digital App & Netbanking
- Islamic & Conventional Banking
- Monthly balance limit of USD $5,000 or equivalent
- Free Cheque Book & PayPak Debit Card
- Available in PKR/ FCY Account
- Free Insurance / Takaful Coverage
- Free IBFT on Digital App / Netbanking
4. HBL freelancers’ account
Now, freelancers can effortlessly register an account and receive money from abroad without any fuss. HBL Freelancer Account provides accounts in several currencies to meet your payment needs. You can open an HBL Freelancer Account in PKR, USD, GBP, or EUR.
key features
- Freelancer Account is offered as a Current account only.
- For individuals of 18 years and above.
- Account will be opened in Pak Rupee and in Foreign Currencies; USD, GBP, and Euro
- This account is only offered to New to Bank (NTB) customers.
- The account can be opened through CNIC/ SNIC.
- No minimum monthly balance requirements.
- In the case of FCY, the monthly credit and debit limit is USD 5,000 or equivalent to USD (if opted for another currency). Debit and credit limits will be applied separately
- Cash withdrawal limit of PKR 500,000/- or equivalent per day
- First-year PayPak Debit Card is free for PKR accounts only. Will be charged in subsequent years
- In FCY Account, Debit Card issues only for USD account and charge as per prevailing SoBC.
5. JS Bank Freelancer current account
A current account created exclusively for freelancers operating in Pakistan is called the JS Freelancers Current Account. An account not only offers individuals the advantages of having a bank account but also simplifies the transactions and reporting procedures associated with their freelance work.
Features
- 1-Link Switch Fee waiver
- e-Payment Realisation Certificate
- No Minimum Balance Requirement
- Fee Waiver on Online Purchases
- Online Inter-city Funds Transfer***
- Online Inter-city Funds Transfer***