Withdraw Money from Upwork in Bangladesh: Easy Guide

Last Updated: January 15, 2026

How to Withdraw Money from Upwork in Bangladesh

When I first started my freelancing journey on Upwork, the excitement of landing my first client was undeniable. I had finally stepped into a world where I could earn in USD instead of the local BDT. However, the thrill quickly turned into confusion when it came time to withdraw my earnings. Back then, I had no idea how to get my hard-earned money from Upwork to my bank account in Bangladesh. After some trial and error, I figured it out and I'm here to share my experience with you.

As freelancers in Bangladesh, we face unique challenges, especially when it comes to payment methods. With PayPal not available for us, I discovered that Payoneer is the best solution for withdrawing money from Upwork. In this guide, I’ll explain how you can withdraw money from Upwork to various banks in Bangladesh, including BRAC Bank, City Bank, Eastern Bank Limited (EBL), United Commercial Bank (UCB), and Prime Bank.

Setting Up Your Upwork and Payoneer Accounts

Before diving into the withdrawal process, let’s make sure you have everything set up correctly.

• Sign Up on Upwork: Create your Upwork account if you haven’t already. Make sure to complete your profile and get verified.
• Register with Payoneer: Go to the Payoneer website and sign up for an account. Once you are approved, you will receive a Payoneer prepaid Mastercard.
• Link Upwork to Payoneer: In your Upwork account settings, navigate to the “Get Paid” section. Select Payoneer as your payment method. You’ll need to enter your Payoneer account details.

After linking your accounts, it usually takes about 1-3 business days for Upwork to process your payment to Payoneer.

Withdrawing Money to BRAC Bank

BRAC Bank is one of the most popular banks for freelancers in Bangladesh. Here’s how to withdraw your funds:

1. Log in to your Payoneer account.
2. Click on “Withdraw” and select “To Bank Account.”
3. Choose your BRAC Bank account from the list or add it if you haven't done so.
4. Enter the amount you wish to withdraw and confirm the transaction.

The withdrawal process typically takes 2-5 business days. For example, if I withdrew $500, the amount would be converted to around BDT 53,000 (based on an exchange rate of 106 BDT to 1 USD), which I could access in a few days.

Withdrawing Money to City Bank

If you have an account with City Bank, the process is similar:

1. Log in to Payoneer.
2. Select “Withdraw” and then “To Bank Account.”
3. Choose your City Bank account.
4. Enter the amount and confirm.

City Bank is known for its quick processing, often completing transactions within 1-3 business days.

Withdrawing Money to Eastern Bank Limited (EBL)

EBL has a solid reputation among freelancers. To withdraw money:

1. Access your Payoneer account.
2. Click on “Withdraw” and select “To Bank Account.”
3. Choose your EBL account.
4. Specify the amount and confirm.

The withdrawal timeframe is similar to that of BRAC Bank, generally taking 2-5 business days.

Withdrawing Money to United Commercial Bank (UCB)

As a Freelancer, UCB offers a reliable way to access your funds:

1. Log into Payoneer.
2. Click on “Withdraw” and choose “To Bank Account.”
3. Select UCB from your linked accounts.
4. Enter the amount and confirm.

UCB also takes about 2-5 business days for processing.

Withdrawing Money to Prime Bank

If you’re banking with Prime Bank, the steps are as follows:

1. Open your Payoneer account.
2. Click on “Withdraw” and select “To Bank Account.”
3. Choose your Prime Bank account.
4. Enter the amount and confirm your transaction.

Like the others, expect this to take around 2-5 business days.

My Experience: Overcoming Challenges

I remember my first withdrawal from Upwork. After finishing a project, I was eager to access my earnings. I initiated a transfer of $300 to my Payoneer account, which took about three business days. Once the money was in Payoneer, I quickly withdrew it to my BRAC Bank account. I was thrilled when I saw the BDT equivalent deposited—around 31,800 BDT.

However, the journey wasn’t entirely smooth. There were times when I faced delays, and I had to contact Payoneer’s customer service. They were quite helpful, but I realized the importance of keeping track of transaction times.

Another hurdle was understanding the currency exchange rates. Fluctuations can affect how much BDT you ultimately receive. I learned to keep an eye on the rates, especially during times of economic shifts in Bangladesh.

Practical Tips for Successful Withdrawals

Here are some actionable tips based on my experience:

• Choose the Right Bank: Not all banks process payments the same way. Do your research on which bank gives you the best rates and fastest processing times.
• Keep Track of Fees: Payoneer charges fees for withdrawals. Make sure to check their fee structure so you know how much you’ll actually receive.
• Have a Backup Plan: Sometimes, transactions can get delayed. Always have alternate payment methods or accounts ready.
• Stay Informed: The financial landscape can change rapidly. Keep yourself updated on any changes in withdrawal processes or bank policies.

Next Steps

If you’re just starting out on Upwork, make sure to set up your Payoneer account as soon as possible. Aim to build a strong Upwork profile to attract clients and maximize your earning potential.

Once you start receiving payments, regularly monitor your withdrawal transactions to ensure everything is functioning smoothly. If something feels off, don’t hesitate to reach out to customer service—either from Upwork or Payoneer.

In conclusion, withdrawing money from Upwork in Bangladesh can be straightforward if you know the right steps. With Payoneer as your payment solution, you can successfully transition your earnings into your local bank account seamlessly. Remember, the road may have bumps, but with patience and persistence, you can achieve financial freedom through freelancing.