Payoneer: City Bank vs EBL in Bangladesh (2026)

Last Updated: January 15, 2026

Understanding Payoneer Integration with City Bank and EBL: A Personal Journey

When I started my freelancing journey in Bangladesh, managing payments was one of the most daunting challenges I faced. With the limitations of PayPal in Bangladesh, I turned to Payoneer as my primary payment method. As I navigated through various banks to find the best options for withdrawing my hard-earned dollars, I often found myself comparing City Bank and Eastern Bank Limited (EBL). Both have their pros and cons, and knowing which one to choose can make a significant difference in your freelancing experience.

Let me take you through my personal experiences with both banks and how they integrate with Payoneer, so you can make an informed decision.

City Bank vs. EBL: A Comparative Analysis

Both City Bank and EBL have established themselves as reliable options for Bangladeshi freelancers looking to withdraw funds from Payoneer. However, they differ in various aspects, including fees, withdrawal times, and customer service.

Fees and Charges

One of the first things I considered when choosing a bank was the fees associated with withdrawals. Here’s a breakdown of what I found:

• City Bank:
  • Monthly account maintenance fee: BDT 500
  • Withdrawal fee from Payoneer: 2% of the transaction amount
• EBL:
  • Monthly account maintenance fee: BDT 300
  • Withdrawal fee from Payoneer: 3% of the transaction amount

In my experience, City Bank was slightly more expensive in terms of monthly fees, but the lower withdrawal fee made it more feasible for larger transactions. For instance, if I withdrew $1,000 (approximately BDT 105,000), I would only incur BDT 2,000 in fees with City Bank compared to BDT 3,000 with EBL.

Withdrawal Times

When you’re a Freelancer waiting for payments, every hour counts. Here’s how the withdrawal times compare:

• City Bank: Generally, funds are available within 1-2 business days.
• EBL: Funds are typically available within 2-3 business days.

I remember one time I needed funds urgently for a project in Dhaka. I withdrew $500 from Payoneer to City Bank, and to my surprise, the funds were available the next day. If I had chosen EBL, I would have faced an additional day of waiting, which can be crucial when deadlines loom.

Customer Service

Another crucial aspect to consider is customer service. I’ve had my fair share of encounters with bank representatives, and I can tell you firsthand that responsiveness matters.

• City Bank: They offer 24/7 customer service via phone and chat. I once faced an issue with my account, and they resolved it within an hour.
• EBL: Their customer service is available during business hours, which can be inconvenient. I had to wait a whole day to resolve an issue, which was frustrating.

Given the urgency of freelance work, I found City Bank’s round-the-clock support to be a significant advantage.

My Experience: Choosing Between City Bank and EBL

When I first started withdrawing money from Payoneer, I had to make a choice between City Bank and EBL. Initially, I opened an account with EBL because it was the more popular choice among my peers. However, I soon realized that their service wasn’t as efficient as I had hoped.

After a couple of months of dealing with delays and lackluster customer support, I decided to switch to City Bank. The transition was smooth, and I noticed a significant improvement in my overall experience. I felt more secure knowing I could access my funds quicker and that any issues would be addressed promptly.

Looking back, I would say that my decision to switch banks was pivotal in enhancing my freelancing career. I was able to focus more on my work rather than worrying about payment issues.

Practical Tips for Bangladeshi Freelancers

Choosing the right bank for your Payoneer withdrawals can significantly impact your freelancing journey. Here are some actionable tips based on my experience:

1. Compare Fees: Always check the monthly fees and transaction costs. A small difference in fees can add up over time.
2. Consider Withdrawal Times: If you often need quick access to funds, choose a bank with faster withdrawal times.
3. Evaluate Customer Service: Read reviews and ask fellow freelancers about their experiences with bank representatives.
4. Utilize Payoneer Effectively: Set up your Payoneer account correctly to avoid unnecessary delays. Remember, PayPal is not an option in Bangladesh, so make sure to maximize your Payoneer account.
5. Stay Informed: Keep an eye on any changes in bank policies or fees, as these can affect your overall income.

Next Steps

If you’re just starting your freelancing journey or looking to switch banks, I recommend doing thorough research. Visit both City Bank and EBL branches, speak to customer service representatives, and evaluate your needs based on your freelancing activities.

Also, consider registering with BASIS if you haven’t already. It not only provides you with valuable resources but also connects you with other freelancers who can share their insights and experiences.

Lastly, don’t forget to set up your Payoneer account correctly. You can receive a $25 bonus when you first withdraw, which is a nice little perk! Withdrawing to your DBBL, MCB, or UBL account from Payoneer is seamless, and these banks are well-integrated into the payment process.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision between City Bank and EBL comes down to your individual needs and experiences. For me, City Bank emerged as the clear winner in terms of fees, withdrawal times, and customer support. However, it’s essential to evaluate what matters most to you.

As a freelancer, your time and money are precious. Make the right choice, and you’ll find that managing your payments becomes a lot easier, allowing you to focus on what you do best—delivering exceptional work and achieving financial freedom.