April 21, 2025

The New PayFromAway Is Here: What’s New and What to Expect

We’re excited to announce that the latest version of PayFromAway is now live. This update brings a fresh new look, a smoother user experience, and an added layer of security to keep your information safe and your payments easy.


At PayFromAway, we’re always working to offer the best possible experience for our users. This new version is not a complete overhaul, so everything you’re used to is still here. The app just looks better, works more efficiently, and makes it even easier to complete your payments with confidence.


What’s New


Let’s start with the look. The new PayFromAway interface is clean, modern, and simple to navigate. It feels lighter and more polished, with a layout designed to guide you through your payments without confusion.


We’ve also streamlined how payments are made. While the functionality is the same behind the scenes, we’ve made the steps easier to follow and reduced the chance of errors.


Before, you had to go through several steps to complete a payment. Now, you’ll enter your payment amount and currency, choose the account you’d like to pay from, and confirm—all in one step. Your personal information will be auto-filled for you. Then, just hit "pay," review the details, and confirm. That’s it.


At the top of your screen, you’ll also notice simple tabs where you can:


  • View your payment history
  • Manage your bank account information
  • Edit your personal information

You can click into any transaction in your history tab to view more details. You can also add new bank accounts or make updates to your profile at any time.


The bottom line: the platform works the same way it always has, but it’s faster, more intuitive, and more visually appealing. You can still do everything you could before, just with fewer clicks and clearer information. The design helps reduce mistakes and gives you better insight into what you’re paying and how much it’s costing you.


An Added Layer of Security


In addition to the improved design and usability, we’ve added a new security step to protect your information and ensure we remain compliant with the most up-to-date international payment regulations.


Why Do I Need to Provide an ID?


As a regulated entity under both FINTRAC in Canada and FINCEN in the United States, PayFromAway and our parent company, Shift Connect, employ a series of mandatory measures for financial security. These measures are designed to prevent fraud, protect your money, and ensure that your personal information is handled safely.


One of the most important regulatory updates recently is the need to verify the identity of users making cross-border payments. This is becoming a global standard, and it helps ensure that everyone using the platform is who they say they are. By confirming your identity once, you’ll be helping to keep your own account secure and meet international compliance standards.


How It Works


The next time you log in to PayFromAway, you’ll see a prompt asking you to verify your account.

You can either click “Get Started” to begin or “Learn More” to watch a short video from our trusted verification software provider, Vouched.


When you’re ready to begin, you’ll be asked to either:

  • Scan a QR code on your screen using your mobile device
  • Enter your phone number to receive a secure link via text

If you prefer to complete the process on your desktop, you can choose that option as well. Just make sure your computer has a working camera with good image quality.


Once you begin, you’ll be asked to hold your government-issued ID (such as a driver’s license or passport) in front of your camera. The system will scan the document and then show you the details it collected: your name, date of birth, and the document’s expiry date, for example. Please review this information carefully before confirming.


Next, you’ll be prompted to take a selfie so the system can confirm the ID belongs to you. Simply follow the instructions on your screen. Once complete, you can return to the device you were originally using and continue with your payment as usual.


That’s It


Once you’ve completed this one-time verification step, you’re all set. The platform will work just as it always has, with the added bonus of a more secure and user-friendly experience.


We know that changes like this can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when you’re asked to provide personal information. We want to reassure you that this process is 100 percent secure. Your information will never be shared, and we’ve taken every step to ensure your data is protected.


If you have any questions, concerns, or need help with verification, we’re here for you.


Thank you for using PayFromAway. We hope you love the updated experience as much as we do.

Why Hands-On Support Is Key For A Foreign Exchange Agency

By Kenneth Pillipow • July 24, 2022
The world is turning digital and in many cases, we’re 100% on board. There’s one thing that we believe should always be hands-on: customer service. We’re a global payments platform and foreign exchange agency , so you better believe that we’re fans of all things digital. We understand where the world of financial technology is headed and we’re all about staying versatile as the industry evolves. But, we refuse to allow our community to lose any quality of services along the way. While we leverage technology in all that we do, we understand that human connection can’t be replaced. Our community values our customer-first approach and the fact that they can connect directly with our forex experts to feel supported every step of the way. Compared to the alternatives of talking to artificial intelligence or no one at all, we think person-to-person communication looks pretty good. If you’re curious about the benefits of hands-on foreign exchange support, this list will break that down for you. Communication is Key Communication is so important in all parts of life, but it’s a pretty huge deal when you’re talking about your money. There is so much that can be lost, misunderstood, or improperly emphasized when you’re not having an actual conversation. This is even more of an issue if you’re talking about AI customer service. Especially in your initial conversations, it’s so key that our team gets to know you, how you communicate, what you want, and what you need. This way, we can adapt our relationship and communication style to suit you and make sure to leave no room for crossed wires. Relationship First If you’re able to build an ongoing relationship with a service provider, it benefits everyone. Our experts put relationships first so that they can come to know the people and businesses they are partnering with, act on their behalf in the future, and ensure their goals are met. From a client’s perspective, if a company is relationship-first, you know that they will always go above and beyond to ensure you feel satisfied and supported. If you’ve got an impersonal relationship with your agency’s account manager or no relationship at all, you just can’t be sure that they are advocating for you and your success. Understanding Your Situation When it comes to forex, you want to be sure that your account manager understands your situation front-to-back. This applies on the macro level, meaning that they need to understand the currencies you’re operating in, the countries you are transacting in, all of the regulations and laws that apply, and any potential hurdles in the future. On a micro level, you want them to understand you, your industry, your position in your industry as both an individual and a business, and your risk tolerance . You don’t want someone who is constantly pushing you to make moves you’re uncomfortable with your projecting other’s goals and interests onto you. The more hands-on the provider, the more comfortable you can feel with your money in their hands. Long & Short Term Goals When establishing a relationship with a boutique brokerage like Shift Connect, the first order of business is to learn your goals, both long term and short. These two types of goals inform one another and work together to inform the strategy as a whole. If you’re working with a hands-off agency, they will likely be operating under the influence of only your short-term goals (or even the most common goals rather than your personal goals) without foresight into what you want for your personal, professional, and financial future. These onboarding questions are essential to rest assured that your goals are being taken into account every step of the way. Realistic Expectations If you’ve built a relationship with your agency or account manager, it will be in their best interest to ensure you have reasonable expectations. In a relationship-first structure, an agency wants to nurture a long-term relationship, therefore they won’t be making lofty promises or unrealistic claims about what you can expect. With this, you can enjoy a fully transparent partnership. As we said, we’re all about evolving in the digital space, but we like to keep our customer services 100% human. We’re a boutique brokerage that is customer-first and completely committed to your success. Let’s chat!

Breaking Down Global Payment Methods & Weighing The Options

By Kenneth Pillipow • June 29, 2022
If you or your business is looking to venture into the global marketplace, it’s important to understand not only how your customers will pay you, but also how you will transact with other businesses. There are a number of international payment methods available, but the benefits and challenges associated with the various methods are different in B2B circumstances than they are in B2C or P2P. The different global B2B payments range all the way from paper cheques to global payments platforms and the procedures surrounding each are vastly different. Here are some of the most common global B2B payment methods and some considerations surrounding each. Paper Cheques Cheques are actually one of the most common B2B payment methods to this day. Despite the push towards the digitization of billing and payments, many businesses continue to rely on cheques as they don’t require a foreign bank account. There is also a sense of reliability and ease that comes with paper cheques, as they’ve been a common payment method for decades. Unfortunately, this form of payment comes with a number of drawbacks. To begin with, it requires the physical transfer of the cheque by mail, meaning that it takes time to get from one party to the other. In addition, it is difficult to track while it's between hands, as there is no digital log of the transaction while it’s in the transfer process. There is also the possibility of human error and there is no amendment potential once the cheque has been signed or sent. In the case of an error, the transaction must be started again from the very beginning. Credit Card Payments Credit cards are an increasingly popular B2B payment method. It is quick, convenient, and easily trackable. Though, credit card transactions do come with percentage fees, which can be quite expensive in the case of larger transactions. There is also a scenario where accounts have limits, making large-volume transactions impossible.  Finally, when it comes to global payments, there are some credit cards that are not as widely used as others, meaning that it may not be an accepted payment method in the country that you’re trying to do business in. Bank/Wire Transfers Wire transfers are secure, quick and reliable international payment methods. Put simply, a wire transfer is sending money from one financial institution to another either via cash or digital money transfer. Wire transfers can be time consuming, as they do take time to process and for the funds to be released on the other end. In addition, wire transfers do come with fees and, at large volumes, they can actually be quite expensive. In many cases, they can also require people to actually go to the bank, which can be more challenging for some people depending on their location or schedule. Payment Gateways Another increasingly popular payment avenue is payment gateways such as PayPal or Venmo, for example. While these are extremely efficient when it comes to P2P or B2C transactions, they do pose difficulties in the B2B space, especially on an international level. Some of the drawbacks include long holds which delay the payment on the receiving end, unavailability in different currencies or countries, and large service charges. These gateways serve an imperative purpose, though they aren’t always an efficient and cost-effective option for large-amount B2B transactions. Global Payments Platforms Finally, a key player in the global B2B payments game are global payments platforms. These platforms are made for the purpose of sending money abroad quickly and securely without any hidden costs. Platforms like these often operate at a fixed rate and account for things such as foreign exchange rates and local laws and regulations in both the sending and receiving countries. While they remove the need for localized bank accounts and additional administrative tasks, they also help you protect yourself from loss in the face of currency fluctuations. To learn more about the benefits, click here.

Payment Solutions For Buying Property Abroad

By Kenneth Pillipow • June 29, 2022
If you’ve decided to take the exciting leap and buy property in another country, there are some things you can take into consideration to save yourself time, money, and a whole lot of stress. Whether it’s an investment property, a vacation home, or your eventual full-time dwelling, things such as competitive exchange rates and low global money transfer fees can seriously change the game. Buying property abroad is life-changing and while it may seem daunting, familiarizing yourself with some key information and strategies can make a huge difference. First and foremost, here’s what you need to know: Things To Know Before Buying A Property Overseas  Know The Market Intimately Of course, you’ll need to become aware of what exactly you’re getting yourself into. Study the local real estate market where you intend to buy so you can understand not only the local prices but the buying process in and of itself. Seek local advice, government resources, and market fluctuation data to gain a well-rounded understanding. Be sure you’re comparing your potential investment against the local market rather than the one you’re used to. In addition, familiarizing yourself with the process can help you avoid unexpected surprises and costs along the way. Study The Rules You will want to learn the rules, both overseas and where you live. Everything from filing your taxes to local property taxes, paying bills, and potential rental income. You must never assume that rules will be consistent from place to place, as they can be vastly different in different countries and areas. Ask any question you may have as a homeowner in your new jurisdiction so you understand what rules you need to follow and the ramifications of each. Keep A Close Eye On Foreign Exchange Finally, there’s a good chance that you will be making your deposit and paying your fees in local currency. While staying on top of foreign exchange may not have mattered to you in the past, it certainly will now. In short, the exchange rates will directly affect how much you pay and selecting the best possible time to exchange your funds can save you a lot of money. Collaborating with a foreign exchange firm or global payments platform can be a big help for anyone investing in property overseas. Buying Property Abroad With A Mindful FX Strategy When buying a property in a currency different than your home currency, especially if that currency fluctuates a ton, crafting a mindful FX strategy is paramount. Your strategy may include forecasting, hedging, or both. While banks can offer fixed exchange rates, you can incur an array of additional fees that may offset your savings. Working with a global payments platform to identify your risk and set up a risk management strategy is an excellent course of action. Here’s why: Benefits of Using A Global Payments Platform Speed & Efficiency Payment platforms like Shift Connect give you the benefit of real-time conversions and quick transaction times so you can save time and gain a complete picture of your transaction almost immediately. Your settlement and reconciliation times will be far faster than if you deal with a financial institution and you gain access to your start-to-finish tracking information right away. Superior Exchange Rates Global Payments platforms have a constant finger on the pulse of currency fluctuations. Therefore, they can offer you real-time exchange rates without additional cost to you. No Hidden Fees Throughout your global payments process, you will be changed no additional or hidden fees. Full transparency is of the utmost importance and you will have access to all documentation needed to understand how your funds are being distributed. Risk Management You will gain the added benefit of security against exchange rate fluctuations as you will have an entire team of experts in your corner ensuring your money is maintaining or gaining as much value as possible. Support Beyond the payment platform technology, there is a team of passionate experts dedicated to keeping you informed and comfortable every step of the way. Tailor-Made Foreign Exchange Our final piece of advice is to get in touch with a global currency provider prior to closing on your new property. This way, you can gain clarity on future exchange rates and any potential risks so you kick off the entire process with your best foot forward. It is never too late to join a global payments processor, but the guidance is invaluable and is best used from start to finish.