Landing freelance gigs on Upwork requires more than just a stellar profile. While your skills and experience take centre stage, a well-crafted cover letter can be the secret weapon that sets you apart from the competition.&nbsp;

This guide equips you with expert tips and winning templates for cover letters for Upwork to craft proposals that grab clients' attention and secure those dream projects.

Understanding the Importance of a Cover Letter on Upwork

Defining a Cover Letter in the Freelance Landscape

Cover letters on Upwork serve as introductions, expand your profile, and showcase your suitability for the job, much like in the traditional job market. It's your chance to personalise your proposal, demonstrate your understanding of the project, and showcase what makes you the ideal freelancer for the job.

Why Your Upwork Cover Letter Makes a Difference

Crafting a Winning Cover Letter: Essential Tips

Now that you understand the importance of a cover letter let's delve into the key elements that make it effective:

Add Your Personality (While Remaining Professional)

While professionalism is key, there's no need to be boring. Write in a conversational tone that's respectful but engaging. Avoid starting with dull phrases like "My name is Job Applicant Jean" and instead, let your personality shine through with phrases like “Having helped clients achieve [Specific results] in the past, I believe my skills can be a valuable asset to your [Project Name] project.”&nbsp;

Pay attention to the keywords used in the project description. Subtly integrate these keywords throughout your cover letter for Upwork to improve your proposal's searchability within Upwork's search engine.

Example: Look for keywords in the project description (e.g., "social media marketing"). Subtly weave them into your cover letter to improve searchability within Upwork's search engine. Instead of generic statements like "I have experience in marketing,” go for keyword integration: "I noticed you mentioned a focus on social media marketing and audience engagement. In my previous role, I managed social media campaigns that grew follower bases by 30% through targeted content strategies."

Anticipate potential concerns clients might have and address them directly in your cover letter. This demonstrates your attentiveness and ability to think ahead.

For example, instead of leaving clients wondering with generic statements like "I'm a great writer, trust me,” try addressing concerns like"I understand clear communication is crucial. I provide regular progress updates and keep you informed throughout the project. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns."

Instead of a standard sign-off, conclude with a call to action that reinforces your value proposition.

Example: "I'm confident my skills can significantly benefit your project. Let's discuss how I can help you achieve your goals. I'm available for a call at your earliest convenience."

Refine Your Approach: As you gain experience, track what resonates with clients and adapt your cover letters for continued success.

Showcase Your Passion and Understanding of the Client's Industry

Go beyond just listing your skills. Briefly mention what excites you about the client's industry or project type. This demonstrates genuine interest and sets you apart from freelancers focused solely on the job itself.

Example: "I've been following the impressive work your company has done in the sustainability sector, and I'm particularly passionate about [specific aspect of the industry]. My experience in [relevant skill] combined with my enthusiasm for this field allows me to bring a unique perspective to your project."

Highlight Your Skills and Quantify Your Achievements (When Possible)

Don't simply repeat your resume. Briefly showcase your most relevant skills and experiences that directly address the project's requirements. Back up your claims with data. Numbers add credibility and give clients a clearer picture of your impact.

Example: Instead of saying "increased website traffic," quantify it. "I crafted SEO-optimised blog posts that resulted in a 25% increase in organic website traffic for my previous client."

By incorporating these essential tips, you'll craft compelling cover letters that land you the freelance projects you deserve. Remember, a cover letter is an ongoing conversation. Keep personalising and refining your approach to stand out on Upwork!

Sample Cover Letter Templates for Success

These Upwork cover letter samples provide a foundation to build upon, tailored to different freelance specialities.

I am writing to express my interest in your project for [Project Title]. Having reviewed the details, I am confident that my skills and experience in [Your Skills] make me a strong fit for this role.

In my previous work with [Previous Client/Company], | successfully [Describe a Relevant Achievement]. My portfolio showcases a range of projects that demonstrate my ability to [Highlight Relevant Skills]

I am eager to learn more about your vision for this project and discuss how | can contribute to its success. Please find my portfolio attached for your review.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

I came across your project for [Project Title] and was immediately drawn to the opportunity to leverage my expertise in web design. With [Number] years of experience crafting user-friendly and visually appealing websites, I am confident I can deliver exceptional results.

In my previous project for [Previous Client], I designed a website that resulted in a [Quantifiable Achievement] increase in [Metric, e.g., traffic, conversions]. My portfolio showcases my ability to design websites that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also optimised for [Areas of Expertise, e.g. SEO, mobile responsiveness].

I'm eager to discuss your vision for the website and collaborate on a design that exceeds your expectations. Please find my portfolio linked below for your reference: [Portfolio Link]

I came across your project for [Project Title] and was immediately drawn to the opportunity to leverage my content writing skills. With [Number] years of experience crafting engaging and informative content, I am confident I can create pieces that resonate with your target audience and achieve your desired goals.

In my previous role at [Previous Client/Company], I successfully increased website traffic by [Quantifiable Achievement] through the creation of [Type of Content, e.g., blog posts, SEO-optimised articles]. My portfolio showcases my ability to write in various styles and tones, ensuring your content aligns perfectly with your brand voice.

I'm eager to discuss your content strategy and brainstorm ideas that will captivate your audience and drive results. Please find writing samples relevant to your project in my portfolio linked below: [Portfolio Link]

I'm excited to submit my proposal for your [Project Title] project. Having reviewed the details, I am confident my expertise in graphic design can deliver visually stunning and impactful creative assets that align with your vision.

For [Number] years, I've been helping businesses like yours create captivating visuals that elevate their brand identity. In my previous project for [Previous Client], | designed [Type of Design, e.g. logos, social media graphics, website banners] that resulted in a [Quantifiable Achievement] increase in [Metric, e.g. brand awareness, engagement].

My portfolio showcases my design versatility and ability to translate your ideas into effective visuals. I'm particularly skilled in [Areas of Expertise, e.g., brand identity design, illustration, UI/UX design. I'm eager to collaborate with you and bring your design vision to life. Please find a link to my portfolio showcasing relevant design work: [Portfolio Link].

Having reviewed your project for [Project Title], I'm confident my video editing skills and creative vision can transform your raw footage into a compelling and engaging video.

With a passion for storytelling and [Number] years of experience editing videos for [Previous Clients/Companies/Industries], | possess a strong understanding of pacing, transitions, and the power of visuals to capture and hold the audience attention.

In my previous project for [Previous Client], I edited a video that achieved [Quantifiable Achievement] by utilising [Specific Editing Techniques]. My portfolio showcases my ability to edit videos across various styles, from promotional content to explainer videos.

I'm eager to discuss your vision for this project and collaborate on crafting a video that exceeds your expectations. Please find a link to my portfolio showcasing my editing skills: [Portfolio Link].

Note: Adapt the bracketed sections to your specific skill set. Also, while you can use these templates for reference, it's important to make your cover letter very personalised.

By incorporating these tips and templates, you'll be well on your way to crafting compelling cover letters for upwork proposals that land you the freelance projects you deserve. Remember, a cover letter is an ongoing conversation. As you gain experience on Upwork, track what resonates with clients and refine your approach for continued success.

Check out this blog for expert tips and tricks on cover letter templates that will help you craft standout proposals and land freelance gigs on Upwork.

Land Your Dream Freelance Gig: Upwork Cover Letter Guide

Land Your Dream Freelance Gig: Upwork Cover Letter Guide th

Anoosh Kotak

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In today’s global world, international payments are the lifeline of many businesses. Stripe has been a popular choice for Indian companies. However, its recent move to go "<a href="https://support.stripe.com/questions/how-can-i-open-a-stripe-account-in-indiahttps://support.stripe.com/questions/how-can-i-open-a-stripe-account-in-india?no_follow=true">invite-only</a>" in India coupled with its high fees has prompted many businesses to explore Stripe alternatives in India.&nbsp;

Stripe is an Irish-American payment platform that helps businesses receive international payments in over 135 currencies. But it’s not just about payments—it’s like an all-in-one financial toolkit. From invoicing and subscription billing to accounting automation and tax management, Stripe provides a range of features to make managing your business finances easier.

Stripe Alternatives in India for Receiving International Payments

Here are some of the top Stripe alternatives for receiving international payments in India:

In the sections ahead, we’ll dive deeper into each of these Stripe competitors or alternatives to help you determine the best fit for your cross-border payment needs

Skydo simplifies cross-border payments for Indian businesses and freelancers, no matter their size. Fully compliant with RBI regulations, it provides virtual international bank accounts in just a few minutes, for seamless global transactions making it a solid Stripe alternative.&nbsp;

Skydo offers a practical, cost-effective solution for managing international payments, with a few limitations depending on your specific needs, making it a solid Stripe alternative.&nbsp;

Since 2005,<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/payoneer-payment-gateway-features-fees"> Payoneer </a>has been a popular choice for businesses and freelancers worldwide. With virtual accounts in multiple currencies and integrations with platforms like Fiverr and Walmart, it’s a strong contender as a Stripe alternative for receiving international payments in India.

Payoneer offers a robust solution for international payments with its marketplace integrations and virtual accounts, but its fees and inconsistent support may not suit everyone’s needs.

Formerly known as TransferWise, Wise is a global payment platform available in over 80 countries. Initially launched as a peer-to-peer remittance service, it has since expanded to support business payments, making it a compelling Stripe alternative for receiving international payments in India.

Wise is a great option for freelancers and small businesses seeking a transparent, cost-effective alternative to Stripe, but its additional fees and occasional support challenges are worth considering.

PingPong is designed to simplify international payments for freelancers, businesses, and e-commerce sellers. With virtual accounts in multiple currencies and tax compliance support for VAT/GST at no additional cost, PingPong stands out as one of the leading Stripe alternatives in the market.

PingPong offers a straightforward, affordable solution for managing international payments, but its hidden forex fees and limited support may be drawbacks for some businesses.

PayPal is a globally recognized platform for both personal and business transactions. Its credibility and widespread acceptance make it a reliable alternative to Stripe in India.

PayPal remains a trusted and comprehensive Stripe alternative, but its high fees and limited features in India may not suit every business.

A Quick Comparison of Stripe India and its Alternatives&nbsp;

Let's quickly compare the Stripe alternatives against Stripe and see how they fare on factors like pricing, compliance and more.

Finding the right payment partner is essential for your business. Hidden charges like forex markups, currency conversion fees, and the lack of FIRA can make international transactions unnecessarily expensive and cumbersome. When evaluating Stripe alternatives for your cross-border payments, here are key factors to keep in mind:

International payment costs can vary significantly. Choose a provider that offers competitive rates with no hidden fees, ensuring you retain more of your earnings.

Managing global payments should be hassle-free. Look for a platform that’s easy to navigate and backed by responsive customer support for a stress-free experience.

Cross-border transactions require strict compliance with regulations. Opt for a platform that’s RBI-compliant, simplifies documentation, and ensures secure, lawful transactions.

Skydo stands out as a reliable alternative to Stripe, offering a fast, cost-effective, and secure solution for receiving international payments. Switch to Skydo today and elevate your global payment experience with unparalleled value and ease

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Indian exports have shown remarkable resilience, achieving an impressive<a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/indian-exports-up-in-115-nations-out-of-238-destinations-in-2023-24/articleshow/109978944.cms?from=mdr#:~:text=Despite%20global%20economic%20uncertainties%2C%20India's,services)%20reached%20USD%20778.2%20billion."> USD 778 billion in 2023 </a>despite global economic uncertainties. However, as exports grow, one critical challenge continues to hold exporters back—cross-border payments.

Managing B2B cross-border payments in India can be complex, with high fees, delayed settlements, and compliance hurdles making life harder for exporters. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

In this blog, we’ll explore what cross-border payments are, the key challenges exporters face, and how Skydo is simplifying cross-border payments in India, helping businesses save time, money, and stress.

Cross-border payments are transactions where the payer and the recipient are located in different countries. For example, if an Indian exporter receives a payment from a French client or you purchase an item from an international seller, these are considered cross-border payments.

Cross-border payments can be broadly classified into two categories:

These occur when a business in one country makes a payment to a business or service provider in another country. For instance, if you’re an Indian freelancer receiving payment from a US client for graphic design services, that’s a B2B cross border payment.

These refer to B2C transactions, where an individual consumer buys a product or service from an overseas seller. For example, purchasing electronics or apparel from an international e-commerce store falls under this category.

Despite the growing exchange of goods and services globally, cross border payments remain riddled with challenges. Long delays, high costs, and regulatory complexities often make these transactions frustrating and inefficient. In the following sections, we’ll dive into the key challenges exporters face and how they can be addressed.

What Are the Challenges of Cross Border Payments in India?

While domestic payments in India are now as simple as a quick UPI scan, cross border payments tell a completely different story. For exporters and freelancers, these transactions come with significant hurdles that can complicate cash flow and eat into earnings. Let’s dive into the main challenges:

Together, these challenges make cross-border payments a time-consuming and costly process for many exporters and freelancers in India. Addressing these issues is essential for smoother and more cost-effective global transactions.

How Skydo is Simplifying Cross Border Payments for Indian Exporters and Freelancers&nbsp;

Skydo is tackling the challenges of cross border payments head-on with its innovative virtual international accounts. These accounts provide exporters and freelancers with virtual bank accounts in key markets like the US, UK, and Australia. Clients in these countries can send payments as local transfers, eliminating the high costs and delays of traditional international transfers. Skydo consolidates these local payments and transfers them directly to the recipient’s personal bank account in India.

Here’s how Skydo addresses the key challenges of cross-border payments:

Skydo is designed to make cross border payments faster, cheaper, and stress-free for Indian exporters and freelancers. With no hidden fees, quick settlements, and a focus on compliance, Skydo is the smarter choice for managing your international transactions seamlessly.

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Are you an Indian freelancer, exporter, or business owner working with US clients? If so, one of the most important questions you’ve likely asked is: How to receive money from the USA to India?

Getting paid by US companies or individuals comes with its own set of challenges—be it fees, delays, or the right payment method. In this blog, we’ll dive into all the ways you can receive money from USA efficiently, securely, and at the best rates. Let’s help you find the option that works best for you!

What Are the Ways to Receive Money from the USA to India?

When it comes to getting paid by US clients, you have a few key options:

Banks: The traditional route for receiving payments via wire transfers from USA to India.

PayPal and other payment gateways: A popular choice for freelancers and small businesses.

International Virtual Accounts: Offered by platforms like Skydo, Wise and Payoneer

Remittance Platforms Like Wise P2P and Western Union&nbsp;

For personal remittances, bank transfers and P2P /remittance platforms may be a convenient way to receive money from the US. However, for receiving payments from the US,&nbsp;it’s important to weigh a few critical factors—like fees, speed, and ease of use. Choosing the right option can help you keep more of your hard-earned money while avoiding unnecessary hassle. Let’s break down what you need to consider!

How Long Does It Take to Receive Money from USA to India?

Unlike instant domestic payments, international transfers can take anywhere from 1 to 7 business days to reflect in your account depending on the method of transfer. For example, wire transfers from USA to India can take upto 5 business days because&nbsp;the SWIFT network&nbsp;involves multiple intermediary banks, and delays can occur due to bank holidays, incorrect details, or currency conversions. In the case of PayPal,&nbsp; payments may appear quickly in your PayPal account, but it can take up to 5 business days to show in your bank account.

Virtual accounts process payments from the US faster than traditional methods. For instance, Skydo settles payments within just 24-48 hours.

What Are the Fees for Receiving Money from USA to India?

For receiving money from USA to India, especially for payments it is important to be mindful of fees and charges that are levied on the same as they can significantly eat into your earnings.&nbsp;Here are some common fees to watch out for:

SWIFT transfers&nbsp;from the US via banks will invite SWIFT fees which may range from&nbsp;₹500 to ₹1,000 per transaction. The most important thing to look out for however is forex markup.&nbsp;Banks often provide less favourable exchange rates compared to the market rate. For instance, if the real rate is 1 USD = ₹84, banks might offer ₹82, leaving you with less money per transaction.&nbsp;

PayPal charges a 4.4% transaction fee and an additional 4% for currency conversion, meaning you'll pay close to 8.5% in fees when receiving payments from the US to India. 

Payments from the US via virtual accounts do not incur any SWIFT fees; however, each platform applies its own charges.

How to Avoid Hidden Fees When Receiving Money from the USA?

Receiving payments from the USA to India can quickly turn into an expensive affair if you're not careful. Hidden fees, sneaky forex markups, and inflated charges can eat into your earnings without you even realizing it.

Here’s the secret: choose a platform that’s upfront about its pricing and offers live forex rates with zero markup. Why should you settle for anything less than the rate you see on Google?

Take Skydo, for example. We don’t play games with your money. With Skydo, you get:

What Documents are Needed to Receive Payments from USA in India?

When receiving payments from the US, ensure you have the <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/compliance-guideline-for-inward-remittance#what-are-the-documents-required-for-inward-remittance-in-india">following documents</a> and meet these compliance requirements:

Choosing the Best Way to Receive Money from the USA to India

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how to receive payments from the USA to India. The best method depends on what matters most to you—whether it’s faster transfers, lower fees, better exchange rates, or simplified compliance. Let’s take a closer look at your options to help you make an informed choice.

Banks are the go-to option for many when it comes to receiving money from USA to India. However, they come with their own set of pros and cons:&nbsp; Transfers via the SWIFT network can take anywhere from 2 to 7 business days, often delayed by intermediary banks, incorrect details, or currency conversion issues. Banks charge SWIFT fees (₹500–₹1,000 per transaction) and impose forex markups. For instance, if the market rate is 1 USD = ₹84, you might only get ₹82, losing ₹10,000 on a $5,000 payment. They also charge additional fees, like ₹250 for a FIRA or ₹500 for tracking a payment. While banks are reliable and secure, obtaining compliance documents like FIRA can be a hassle, often requiring follow-ups and additional charges. If you prioritize security and have time to spare, banks may be a reasonable option.

Banks are also a preferable choice for big businesses handling high volumes of cross-border payments, as they often offer competitive exchange rates and personalized services that smaller clients might not receive.&nbsp;

PayPal and other Payment Gateways:&nbsp;Convenient But Pricey

PayPal is popular for its global reach and ease of use, especially for freelancers and small businesses. Beyond PayPal, there are other payment gateways as well that are opted by freelancers to receive payments from the US.

If your payment amount is small, say under USD 1000, and your clients prefer using a credit card, this could be a suitable option for you.

Payments may reflect quickly in your PayPal account however, it can take upto<a href="https://www.paypal.com/in/cshelp/article/how-do-i-transfer-funds-to-my-bank-account-help394"> 5 business days to reflect in your bank account</a>.<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/paypal-in-india-charges-review-alternatives">PayPal’s fees</a> add up quickly.

They charge a 4.4% transaction fee, a fixed fee based on currency, and a 4% forex markup. For example, if the market rate is ₹84 per USD, PayPal’s rate would be ₹80.64, resulting in significant losses on larger payments. PayPal provides a monthly digital FIRA, covering all transactions from the previous month. However, it’s only available by the 15th of the following month, which may not work for those needing immediate documentation. PayPal is ideal for quick payments but less suitable if you’re looking to maximize your earnings due to its high fees.

Online remittance platforms like Western Union and Wise P2P provide an option to receive money from the USA to India. While they work well for personal transfers, they may not be ideal for business payments as they don’t issue FIRAs, which are essential for compliance.

Virtual International Bank Accounts: A Modern Solution

Platforms like Skydo, Wise, and Payoneer, offer virtual bank accounts in countries like the US, allowing clients to send payments as local transfers. This eliminates the complexities and costs of traditional international transactions. Payments are typically settled within 0–2 business days. For example, Wise transfers funds within 48 hours, while Skydo and Payoneer process payments within 24 hours. 

While international virtual bank accounts don’t encompass SWIFT fees, platforms levy their respective fee.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/payoneer-fees-india-guide">Payoneer charges</a> a 1% fee if you receive USD payments via virtual accounts. Further, there’s a 3% forex markup on withdrawals, a 3.2%+ $0.49 fee on credit card payments, and 1% for ACH transfers if your US clients pay you via ACH.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/wise-transfer-charges-in-india">Wise charges</a> a 1.6–1.8% Wise fee but uses the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markups. Skydo offers a simple pricing model—USD 19 for payments under $2,000 and USD 29 for payments between USD 2,001 and USD 10,000, with live exchange rates and no markups.&nbsp;

These platforms provide FIRA for regulatory purposes, with Skydo and Payoneer offering it instantly and free of charge, while Wise charges a fee for the same.

How Skydo Makes Receiving Money from the USA to India Effortless

For freelancers and businesses working with US clients, navigating international payments can often feel like a hassle. That’s where Skydo steps in, making the process simple, cost-effective, and seamless. Setting up an international virtual account with Skydo takes just five minutes, giving you access to markets like the US, Europe, Singapore, and Australia without the complexities of traditional banking.

Skydo eliminates hidden fees and currency markups by offering live Forex rates, ensuring you get the best value for your hard-earned money. Compliance is a breeze too—you’ll receive instant FIRA downloads after every transaction, keeping you aligned with RBI regulations without any extra effort. And to make things even better, you’ll have a dedicated representative ready to assist whenever you need support.

If you’re tired of high fees, slow settlements, and complicated processes, Skydo is the smarter choice for receiving international payments. Focus on growing your business while Skydo handles the rest!

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How to receive money from USA to India? 

Xflow, an India-based payment platform, allows businesses to receive USD payments from international clients. The platform provides features like next-day settlements and automated digital FIRA generation for international transactions.&nbsp;

While the platform currently handles USD transactions only, it offers a streamlined way for freelancers and businesses to get paid from overseas clients.

In this guide, we'll explore Xflow's features, break down its pricing structure, and compare it with alternatives like Wise and PayPal - helping you decide if it's the right fit for receiving your international payments.&nbsp;

Here's everything you get when receiving payments through Xflow:&nbsp;

When you sign up with Xflow, you get your virtual account number to receive USD payments. Think of it like having a US bank account - your international clients can pay you through local transfers, RTP, or Fedwire. While currently limited to USD transactions, these accounts let you collect payments from almost anywhere in the world within hours.

For example, If you're a freelance developer in India, your client in New York can send $5,000 to your Xflow virtual account using their Chase bank account, just like they'd pay any US-based contractor. They'll save on international wire fees, and you'll receive the payment faster than SWIFT transfers. However, note that Xflow only offers virtual international accounts in USD, and you cannot receive payments in any other currencies using Xflow's virtual accounts.&nbsp;

Whenever you receive a payment through Xflow, they automatically generate a digital FIRA within 24 hours. No extra charges no follow-ups needed. This digital document, required for international transactions, lands straight in your inbox - making it easier to maintain compliance without the usual paperwork hassle.

Xflow lets you create shareable payment links in seconds. Enter the amount, generate a link, and send it to your client. Your clients can click and pay, making the collection process smoother. Plus, you can track when the link was viewed and when payment was made.

For example, You're a digital marketing consultant who needs to collect $2,500 for a project. Create a payment link in Xflow, share it via email, and track when your client from Australia views and pays it. The link stays active until payment is received.

Create and send professional invoices directly through Xflow. The platform automatically tracks pending and paid invoices, so you know who owes you what. When a client pays, the system matches the payment to the invoice, saving you from manual reconciliation headaches.

Before converting your USD payments to INR, Xflow shows you exactly how much you'll receive. Their live FX rates come with zero markup, and you'll see the precise INR amount that'll land in your bank account.&nbsp;

Xflow charges a flat 1% fee on every transaction. While they offer live FX rates with zero markup, which is great, that 1% can add up quickly for larger payments. 

For example, if you're receiving $10,000, you'll pay $100 in fees. There's a minimum fee of $8 for lower amounts per transaction. Plus, you get free digital FIRA generation with every payment, which typically costs extra with other providers.

4 Best Xflow Alternatives to Take Note of&nbsp;

While Xflow simplifies USD payments, its 1% fee can affect your earnings, especially if you're a freelancer receiving regular payments. Plus, being limited to USD means you might miss out on clients paying in other currencies.&nbsp;

Let's explore some alternatives that might work better for your international payment needs:

Here's where things get interesting. Like Xflow, Skydo is an India-focused solution that goes beyond just USD payments. You get global bank accounts in multiple countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, which allow you to receive payments in various currencies.&nbsp;

Like Xflow, Skydo also offers live forex rates without any markup. It has a flat and transparent pricing model: USD 19 for payments below USD 2000 and USD 29 for payments between USD 2001 and USD 10,000. For payments above USD 10,000, Skydo charges a 0.3% fee.&nbsp;

 So, as we saw, with Xflow, receiving USD 10,000 would cost you USD 100. However, with Skydo, it will only be USD 29.&nbsp;

&nbsp;You also get free and instant FIRA, real-time payment tracking, and GST-compliant invoicing tools. For businesses handling multiple currencies, Skydo's transparent pricing and broader currency support make it a compelling alternative to consider.

Previously <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/transferwise-india-features-benefits-pros-cons">TransferWise</a>, this platform offers actual mid-market rates for multiple currencies. You get local bank details for 10+ countries, making it easier for clients to pay you like a local. Their fees are typically lower than traditional banks, and you'll get your digital FIRA automatically with each payment.

💡<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/top_5_wise_alternatives_for_international_payment">Learn more about Wise alternatives</a>

Despite <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/paypal-in-india-charges-review-alternatives">higher fees</a> (around 7%), PayPal remains popular due to its massive user base of 400+ million accounts. It supports multiple currencies and offers instant access to funds, making it convenient for quick transfers, especially from clients already using the platform.

Payoneer is available in 190+ countries and supports 70+ currencies, making it particularly good for collecting marketplace payments. They provide local receiving accounts in major currencies, however, <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/payoneer-fees-india-guide">Payoneer's fees</a> for receiving international payments can be quite steep:

🎯<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/payoneer-payment-gateway-features-fees">Learn more about Payoneer</a>

A Payments Solution can Make or Break your Business: Choose Wisely&nbsp;

Xflow offers a solid solution for businesses focused on USD transactions, with its transparent pricing and automated digital FIRA generation. However, your payment needs might extend beyond a single currency in today's diverse global market.

When choosing a payment platform, consider your transaction volumes, the currencies you deal with, and how often you receive payments. While Xflow's 1% fee structure is straightforward, alternatives like Skydo provide more comprehensive solutions. With Skydo's multi-currency support, zero FX margin, and global bank accounts across the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, you can accept payments from clients worldwide without currency restrictions.

Remember, the right platform should scale with your business growth. As your client base expands internationally, having a payment solution like Skydo that combines competitive pricing with essential features like instant FIRA generation, real-time tracking, and multi-currency support could be crucial for your business' success.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/">Get started with Skydo today!</a>

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Xflow: Price, Features and Alternatives

Founded in 2010 by entrepreneur brothers Joseph and Patrick Collison, Stripe is an Irish-American company that simplifies global payments for businesses. It offers a wide range of services, including billing, invoicing, and subscription management. It is a preferred choice for businesses with international customers spread across the globe. 

Note that Stripe India currently operates on an “invite-only” model, meaning new Indian businesses must request an invite to open a new Stripe account. Access is granted only if Stripe approves their application.

In this blog, we’ll focus on Stripe’s cross-border payment features, explore its pricing and reviews, and consider whether there’s a more cost-effective alternative for receiving international payments in India.&nbsp;

Stripe India provides Indian businesses with a comprehensive cross-border payment solution, enabling them to receive payments in over 135 currencies. Its <a href="https://stripe.com/in/payments/elements" target="_blank">flexible UI components,</a> such as masking, styling, and error handling, let businesses tailor their checkout experience to match their brand.

For payments, Stripe provides the flexibility to generate instant <a href="https://stripe.com/in/payments/payment-links" target="_blank">payment links</a> or embed its <a href="https://stripe.com/in/payments/checkout" target="_blank">checkout solution</a> directly on your website, supporting both one-time and recurring transactions. However, while Stripe supports a variety of payment methods globally, Indian businesses are limited to accepting international payments via credit card or debit card. Unlike platforms such as Skydo, Wise, or Payoneer, Stripe India lacks features like international virtual accounts or alternative payment options like <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/swift-money-transfer-ultimate-guide" target="_blank">SWIFT transfers</a>, wallets etc. In short, with Stripe India, cards are your only option for receiving international payments.

That said, it’s important to note that Stripe India doesn’t provide <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/all-you-need-to-know-about-firc-a-complete-guide">FIRA </a>for international payments instead it offers something called,<a href="https://support.stripe.com/questions/firc-payment-advice-for-international-transactions-in-india" target="_blank"> payment advice</a> which you need to submit to your bank to obtain the FIRA yourself.&nbsp;

Stripe operates on an invite-only basis in India, with an unclear approval timeline and limited access for new businesses. To open an account, you’ll need additional information like identification numbers, a website or app link, a business description, bank details, an IEC code , and an <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/rbi_purpose_code_for_inward_remittance">RBI Transaction Purpose Code.&nbsp;</a>

Stripe Charges in India for Receiving International Payments

Receiving international payments through Stripe India comes with relatively high costs. Since Stripe only supports global payments via cards, you can accept over 135 currencies through Visa and MasterCard, while American Express supports only USD.

Stripe India charges a <a href="https://support.stripe.com/questions/additional-pricing-information-for-indian-cross-border-sellers" target="_blank">4.3% processing fee</a> per successful transaction. Additionally, there’s a <a href="https://support.stripe.com/questions/additional-pricing-information-for-indian-cross-border-sellers" target="_blank">2% currency conversion</a> fee for payments in foreign currencies—something most international transactions will incur. There are also additional fees for dispute settlement, invoicing features and more.

Let’s break down Stripe India’s charges with a simple example:

Imagine you run a business and receive a payment of USD 10,000 from a global client through Stripe India. Here’s what happens next:

Stripe charges a 4.3% processing fee, which is USD 430. After this deduction, your payment drops to USD 9,570.

Since it’s an international payment, Stripe applies a 2% currency conversion fee. Assuming an exchange rate of 1 USD = INR 84, this effectively reduces the rate to INR 82.3 per USD.

Now, multiplying USD 9,570 by the adjusted rate of INR 82.3, you receive INR 7,87,611 in your account.

Compare this to the full value of USD 10,000 at INR 84 per USD, which would be INR 8,40,000. That’s a loss of INR 52,389 due to Stripe’s fees.

In short, using Stripe India for a USD 10,000 payment means you lose over INR 52,000 in fees and lower exchange rates.

Stripe India Reviews: Pricing, Convenience, Support and More

Here’s a quick look at Stripe Payments reviews from Stripe users to help you decide if Stripe India is the right fit for your needs.

Stripe India is known for its <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/stripe-stripe-payments/reviews?utf8=%E2%9C%93&amp;order=g2_default&amp;filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1343294" target="_blank">ease of use</a> and seamless integration. Businesses praise how simple it is to embed Stripe on their websites and appreciate features like subscription management and invoicing.