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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Trusted by 2 million customers worldwide, Stripe is a payment processing and payment gateway platform with additional services like invoicing, billing, and subscription management. But is Stripe the most affordable for Indian businesses and freelancers to receive international payments? In this blog, we will delve into Stripe fees and discover if there's a more affordable alternative for businesses <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/how-to-receive-international-payments-in-india">to receive international payments in India</a>.&nbsp;

Stripe India offers a robust cross-border payment solution, allowing businesses to accept payments in over 135 currencies. Its customizable UI components, including masking, styling, and error handling, help businesses create a seamless branded checkout experience. Stripe supports both one-time and recurring payments through instant payment links or direct website integration.

Note that, in India, Stripe functions on an<a href="https://support.stripe.com/questions/stripe-accounts-are-invite-only-in-india"> invite-only basis</a>. Meaning you cannot sign up from the Stripe website directly, you must request an invite to create a Stripe account. You get access only when Stripe approves this invite but there is no clear timeline on how long it will take to approve an invitation. The Stripe support page also mentions that they can only assist a limited number of companies focused on international expansion.

Besides the invite-only model, Stripe users in India can only use a credit or a debit card to accept international payments. This might be a drawback for your business if your client prefers a different payment method.

If the invite-only model and a single payment option work for you, we suggest exploring the next section closely as we analyze the different Stripe fee categories.

With Stripe you can accept payments in 135+ currencies through Visa and Master Card; American Express only supports USD. While you have more flexibility to accept payments through international cards, the overall fee structure is on the steeper side.

Processing Fees: Stripe charges<a href="https://support.stripe.com/questions/additional-pricing-information-for-indian-cross-border-sellers"> 4.3% as processing fees</a> on every successful transaction.

Currency Conversion Fee: An additional<a href="https://support.stripe.com/questions/additional-pricing-information-for-indian-cross-border-sellers"> 2% fee</a> is charged for currency conversion.

Additional fees: Stripe may also charge an additional chargeback fee of <a href="https://stripe.com/in/pricing">Rs. 1000 in the event of a lost dispute</a>. A dispute occurs when your client challenges a charge with their bank or credit card provider. The payment is immediately reversed and Stripe debits the amount from your account and the dispute fee.&nbsp;

No FIRA: Stripe does not offer a<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/all-you-need-to-know-about-firc-a-complete-guide"> FIRA</a> after you receive an international payment. A<a href="https://support.stripe.com/questions/firc-payment-advice-for-international-transactions-in-india"> payment advice</a> is emailed to your account so that you can present it to your bank and get the FIRA after paying a fee.

Stripe Fees For Receiving International Payments In India

In this section, we will use an example to understand how much you can expect to lose to fees if you were to get a payment via Stripe.&nbsp;

Imagine you received a payment of USD 10,000 from a client in the United States. Here’s the calculation for the amount you will receive in your account:

At first, a Stripe processing fee of 4.3% will be deducted from this amount, which is USD 430. The balance amount now is USD 9,570.

An additional 2% will be charged on the USD to INR exchange rate. Assuming the exchange rate is Rs. 85 for 1 USD, the effective exchange rate will become Rs. 83.3 , post the 2% currency conversion fee

We will multiply the balance amount by the reduced exchange rate to calculate the final amount. Final amount = 9570 X 83.3 =&nbsp; Rs. 797,181

So how much money did you lose as fees? To know that we will compare the full value $10,000 with the final amount we calculated in the last step. Full value = 10000 X 85 = 850,000

Final amount = Rs. 797,181. Amount lost as Stripe’s fees = Rs. 52,819 ($621)

In addition to Stripe’s fees, you must spend a bit extra to obtain the FIRA from the bank. Every bank has a different fee structure, usually starting at Rs. 200 for each FIRA. For example,<a href="https://www.hdfcbank.com/personal/pay/money-transfer/remittance/fees-and-charges"> HDFC Bank charges Rs. 200</a> for issuing an FIRA.&nbsp;

If we add the FIRA fees, the total is Rs. 53,019

To summarize, to receive a payment of $10,000, you will lose Rs. 53,000 as Stripe + FIRA fees.

Skydo: An Affordable And Seamless Stripe Alternative To Receive International Payments

Despite its popularity and global trust, Stripe’s invite-only model and high fee structure might not be the best option for most Indian businesses. Skydo is a practical alternative to Stripe and offers a quick, secure, and cost-effective solution to all Indian businesses.

Skydo offers international virtual accounts linked to your bank account. These virtual accounts act as digital delivery agents — accepting payments from international clients and delivering them to your bank account. Virtual accounts provide immense flexibility to manage your international payments in different currencies. You can create separate virtual accounts for customers in key regions like the US, the UK, Australia, and Singapore to keep track of payments efficiently.&nbsp;

Skydo has a simple fee structure with no hidden charges. For accepting payments under $2000, the charges are $19, for payments between $2001-$10,000 the charges are $29, and for payments more than $10,000 it’s 0.3% of the amount. There are no additional currency conversion fees and currency is converted at the live exchange rate.&nbsp;

This makes Skydo a more affordable alternative to Stripe. How? Let’s go back to our previous example.

For receiving a payment of $10,000, Stripe fees cost you Rs. 53,019 ($624)

For receiving the same amount through Skydo it will cost you $29 which is Rs. 2465 — assuming an exchange rate of 1 USD = INR 85.&nbsp;

The difference is: INR 53,019 - INR 2465 = INR 50,554. This amount is your saving from using Skydo.

Beyond affordable fees, here's why you should choose Skydo your trusted international payments platform:

Free and Instant FIRA: Skydo offers free and instant FIRA for every transaction

Local Customer Support: Our India-based customer team is always ready to help businesses navigate through any onboarding or payment-related query.

User-friendly Interface: Skydo's UI is designed for easy usability and navigation

Fully Compliant: Skydo is one of India's first homegrown platforms to receive&nbsp; In-Principle Authorization (IPA)&nbsp;from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a&nbsp;Payment Aggregator - Cross-Border Exports (PA-CB-E), ensure that all your payments are 100% secure and compliant.&nbsp;

Switch to Skydo today to experience the difference. 

Want to explore more Stripe alternatives? Check out our <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/stripe-alternatives-for-international-payments-in-india">Top 5 Stripe alternatives blog</a>. If you’re curious how Stripe fares against PayPal only, then head over to our <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/stripe-vs-paypal-international-payments-2025">Stripe vs PayPal</a> deep-dive analysis.

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You finally landed that international client, but now comes the payment headache. A client paying you $5,000 from abroad means wrestling with high fees, poor exchange rates, and paperwork, turning your well-earned payment into a frustrating experience.

EximPe offers payment solutions for international transactions. Their service aims to simplify cross-border payments for freelancers and small businesses who regularly work with overseas clients.

Let's explore what EximPe offers, how it works, and whether it might be the payment solution you've been looking for.

Having the proper payment setup makes all the difference when dealing with international clients in different time zones.&nbsp;

EximPe FX platform offers several key features that might solve your cross-border payment headaches:

Global collection accounts to receive local payments in 30+ currencies

Virtual international accounts let clients pay using local methods like ACH (USA), SEPA (Europe), or Faster Payments (UK). These payments are then collected, converted, and deposited directly into the user’s Indian bank account.&nbsp;

Global trading accounts and financing options for businesses&nbsp;

Beyond just <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/how-to-receive-international-payments-in-india">receiving payments,</a> EximPe provides accounts designed specifically for businesses that trade internationally. These accounts come with financing options to help with cash flow when you're waiting for payments or need to purchase inventory before getting paid. A small import business (for example, a textile business or advisory services), for instance, could use EximPe's financing to pay suppliers upfront while waiting for customer payments.

Instant Digital FIRA (Foreign Inward Remittance Advice)&nbsp;

You often need documentation for tax and regulatory purposes when you receive international payments from the USA, Europe, or any other country outside of India. EximPe provides instant<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/all-you-need-to-know-about-firc-a-complete-guide"> digital FIRA</a>, eliminating the typical waiting period of several days that banks require. For example, If you receive a $5,000 payment from your UK-based client via Eximpe, you'll get your FIRA immediately instead of waiting up to a week as with traditional banks.

Forex conversion without markup&nbsp;

Banks and payment processors often include hidden fees in their exchange rates. EximPe states they provide mid-market rates <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/forex-markup-fee-explained">without additional markup</a>, which could lead to some savings on currency conversion compared to traditional banking options. This might reduce costs when receiving international payments.

Understanding what you'll pay when receiving international payments can make or break your profit margins. EximPe offers two different pricing structures to fit various business needs:

Transaction fee model: If you prefer paying per transaction, EximPe charges 0.75% plus a bank collection fee. For payments through virtual accounts, they charge USD 0.59 in the transaction currency, while USD ACH transfers and SWIFT transfers both cost $7.67. For example, if a client pays you $10,000 via virtual accounts you'd pay&nbsp;0.75% as platform fees which comes to USD 75 plus $0.59 as a bank collection fee, making it a total of USD 75.59.

Monthly pricing option: Their newer flat-fee model starts at ₹999 per month for receiving up to $2,000. Higher tiers accommodate larger monthly volumes, with plans at ₹1,800 (up to $5,000), ₹2,250 (up to $10,000), and ₹4,500 (up to $25,000). With this option, a freelancer receiving fifteen $100 payments would pay the same ₹999 as someone receiving a single $1,500 payment.

Live forex rate: EximPe provides real-time exchange rates without markup, meaning you get the actual market rate when converting currencies. For instance, converting $10,000 to INR might save ₹15,000-20,000 compared to typical bank rates that include hidden markups.

The monthly pricing option might be particularly appealing if you receive multiple smaller payments each month, while the transaction model could work better for occasional, larger transactions.&nbsp;

EximPe Reviews: The Good, Bad, and Ugly&nbsp;

What's it like to use EximPe for your international payments?&nbsp;

Under the good, many customers have left 5-star reviews, with exporters like Saqlain Mukthar particularly impressed by EximPe's import-export and remittance services.

However, some customers have found EximPe's service slow and unsatisfactory, as noted in BlackWorld Tiles' critical review.

<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=eximpe&amp;rlz=1C5MACD_enIN1103IN1103&amp;oq=eximpe&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBggAEEUYOzIGCAAQRRg7MhAIARAuGK8BGMcBGIAEGI4FMhMIAhAuGIMBGK8BGMcBGLEDGIAEMgcIAxAAGIAEMgcIBBAAGIAEMgYIBRBFGDwyBggGEEUYPDIGCAcQRRg80gEIMTgxMGowajSoAgCwAgE&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8#lrd=0x3bae15be2e8e9a0d:0xb7e7d0d3ba697080,1,,,,">Source</a>

Skdyo: A seamless Eximpe Alternative for receiving international payments&nbsp;

If you're looking beyond EximPe for international payment solutions, Skydo offers another option worth considering.

Here's why Skydo should be your trusted international payments partner:

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

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Case in point: India’s US exports reached<a href="https://www.ibef.org/indian-exports/india-us-trade"> $77.5 billion</a> in 2023- 2024, increasing cross-border transfers from the US to India. As wire transfers continue to be the primary means of making these transactions, understanding how they work is crucial for Indian business owners.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In this blog, we have covered the ABC of wire transfers from the USA to India including fees, timelines, and documents to help you get started. At the end, we will explore a smarter alternative to wire transfers that can improve efficiency and reduce business costs.&nbsp;

But before we begin, this blog will cover business payments in detail and only touch up on personal payments.

Wire Transfer from USA to India: Understanding the Basics

Wire transfer is a method of making international payments electronically from one country to another.&nbsp; Most wire transfers are done via <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/swift-money-transfer-ultimate-guide">SWIFT</a>, a secure messaging network connecting a vast network of banks and financial institutions worldwide.

The wire transfer process is quite simple. Consider, that you have a US-based client and they are paying you via a wire transfer. Here's what the process will look like:&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wire transfer from the USA to India has long been the go-to way to transfer funds between these two countries thanks to their credibility and trustworthiness. However, wire transfer from USA to India also involves a lot of complexities including steep fees, longer settlement times and more which we will discuss in the upcoming sections.&nbsp;

What Is Wire Transfer Time from USA to India

A wire transfer from the USA to India typically takes 5-7 business days to settle. However, it can get extended due to bank holidays and if there are more intermediary banks participating in the transaction.

Further, if there are any errors in the details that you have shared with your client, like an incorrect bank account number or incorrect SWIFT code, then your payment can get further delayed or even cancelled.&nbsp;

Therefore, we strongly advise business owners and freelancers to&nbsp;double-check their information before sharing their account details with their clients.&nbsp;

When you receive a wire transfer from the US, charges are applied under different categories. These charges are often passed on to you as the receiver for business transfers or payments. Therefore, knowing about these charges will tell how feasible this payment option is for you.

SWIFT Fee: This is charged by the sender’s bank based on the amount and destination. While sending money from the US to India, the fee mostly ranges between $15-$50, which is approximately around Rs.1,200 to Rs. 4,200&nbsp;

Forex Markup: Banks usually make money here by offering a lower exchange rate during currency conversion. This markup is like a margin for covering the cost of foreign currency conversion and can substantially reduce the amount. For example, if the live exchange rate for 1 USD is Rs. 86, the bank will use the applicable exchange rate of Rs. 84. For a payment of $10,000 you will receive Rs. 840,000 (84*10,000) instead of Rs. 860,000 (86*10,000).

Intermediary Bank Fees: Intermediary banks facilitate wire transfers if there is no direct relationship between the sending and receiving bank. In return, they charge a fee depending on the complexity of transactions and services involved. If more intermediary banks participate, the total fees add up, resulting in higher deductions.

Exchange Rate Fluctuations: The constant changes in exchange rate can also result in a loss. For example, when your client initiated the wire transfer, the exchange rate was Rs. 86, but by the time you received it, the rate dropped to Rs. 85. For a $10,000 transfer, that is a straightaway loss of Rs. 10,000

Receiving Bank Fee: Your bank receiving the amount might also charge an inward remittance fee depending on the amount and other factors. For example, <a href="https://www.idbibank.in/pdf/soc/RevisedTradeFinanceScheduleofCharges2019.pdf">IDBI Bank charges Rs. 100 flat</a> for foreign currency inward remittances.&nbsp;&nbsp;

FIRA Charges:<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/all-you-need-to-know-about-firc-a-complete-guide"> Foreign Inward Remittance Advice (FIRA)</a> is an essential document for a business owner or freelancer receiving international payment. It’s proof that you have received a foreign income in India. Banks issue FIRA, but not by default. You must request the bank for an FIRA and pay an upfront charge which differs from one bank to another. For example, HDFC bank issues<a href="https://www.hdfcbank.com/personal/pay/money-transfer/remittance/fees-and-charges"> Rs.200 for a single FIRA</a>. This means you must spend Rs. 200 to get the FIRA every time you receive a wire transfer.

What Documents Are Needed for Wire Transfer from USA to India?

Having the right documents is a key to receiving wire transfers without hiccups and on time. Here is the list of documents for sending and receiving wire transfers from the US to India:

Note: Indian businesses and freelancers receiving money from the US must also fill out <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/filing-w-8ben-and-w-8ben-e-a-guide-for-indian-freelancers-and-businesses">Form W8BEN and W8BEN E</a>. Filling these forms and sharing them with your client before the transfer ensures they apply the correct US withholding tax rate as per US treaties.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Skydo: A Smart Alternative Wire Transfer from USA to India

Skydo, a new-age payments platform, offers a smarter alternative way of receiving money from the US via virtual international accounts. Virtual international accounts are digital international accounts linked to your physical bank account in India. It is almost like having a local bank account in your client's country, which in this case would be the US. Each virtual account has a unique 18-digit number that you can share with your US-based clients to receive payments.&nbsp;

Here are the three reasons why virtual accounts are a smarter alternative to wire transfers:

Virtual accounts are much faster for settling international transactions than wire transfers. Platforms like Skydo transfer the money to the client’s bank account in 24-48 hours. This means you receive the payment 1-2 days earlier, providing more liquidity.

As virtual accounts do not use the SWIFT network, no SWIFT fee is levied on the transaction. In addition, most platforms offer a more competitive exchange rate than banks. This ensures you get a better value during conversion. With Skydo, there is no additional charge for receiving money and getting an FIRA. In fact, the FIRA is provided instantly in your dashboard after you receive a payment from the US.&nbsp;

Transparency is also a cause of concern with wire transfers as it’s difficult to know how much fees will be deducted in each transfer. On the other hand, virtual platforms are more transparent in pricing. For example, Skydo charges USD 19 for receiving payments up to $2,000, USD 29 for payments from $2,001 to $10,000, and 0.3% of the amount if it’s more than $10,000, all at live forex rate without any markup.&nbsp; Beyond this, you don’t have to pay anything extra.

&nbsp;Skydo offers an India-based support team to assist you with onboarding and resolve your queries in case you get stuck.&nbsp;

But why must your US-based client agree to pay you through a virtual account?

The answer is convenience and trust. You have to share your US virtual bank account number with your client, and your client will be paying you in that account, making it a local transfer instead of an international one. Your client will feel like working with someone from their own country.&nbsp;

The other aspect is trust. In cross-border business transfers, there is always an element of risk from threats like data breaches and identity thefts. But platforms like Skydo go the extra mile to ensure data security. Personal information is stored in a tightly controlled virtual safe, transmission data is encrypted end-to-end, and suspicious activities are monitored continuously. This benefits you in strengthening your relationship with them and expanding your business faster.&nbsp;

Is virtual account the right medium for receiving payment from the US? Sign up for a free demo with<a href="https://www.skydo.com/"> Skydo</a>.

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Wire Transfer from USA to India

Stripe vs Payoneer,&nbsp; both are trusted names in international payments, but they serve different needs. Stripe is great for online businesses with developer-friendly tools, while Payoneer is popular among freelancers and marketplace sellers.

In this blog, we break down their features, pricing, pros, and cons.&nbsp; And if neither feels right, we’ve also included a solid alternative worth exploring, which is more affordable than both options.

Stripe Vs Payoneer: Understanding the Differences

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/stripe-india-charges-review-alternatives">Stripe</a> is an Irish-American comprehensive cross-border payment solution that allows businesses to accept payments in 135+ currencies. It offers flexible UI components like masking styling and error handling to help businesses build a seamless branded checkout experience. It also supports one-time and recurring payments through instant <a href="https://stripe.com/in/payments/payment-links">payment links</a> or by embedding its <a href="https://stripe.com/in/payments/checkout">checkout solution</a> on the website directly. Stripe could be a good choice if you run an e-commerce business with international buyers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

However, Stripe operates on an<a href="https://support.stripe.com/questions/stripe-accounts-are-invite-only-in-india"> invite-only model</a> in India. This means you cannot directly sign up on the website; you have to send them an invite, and if they accept it, you get access to the product. There is no definite timeline for when your invite will be accepted because Stripe is only providing access to businesses focused on global expansion.&nbsp;

Processing Fees: <a href="https://support.stripe.com/questions/additional-pricing-information-for-indian-cross-border-sellers">4.3%</a> of the transaction amount

Currency conversion fee: <a href="https://support.stripe.com/questions/additional-pricing-information-for-indian-cross-border-sellers">2%</a> of the current exchange rate

Additional fee: Stripe also levies ancillary fees for chargebacks and disputes. For example, Stripe&nbsp; deducts <a href="https://stripe.com/in/pricing">Rs. 1000 as a chargeback fee</a> in the event of a lost dispute

No FIRA: Stripe doesn’t provide a FIRA. <a href="https://support.stripe.com/questions/firc-payment-advice-for-international-transactions-in-india">Payment advice</a> is sent to your email address, which you can use to obtain FIRA from your bank at an additional fee

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/payoneer-payment-gateway-features-fees">Payoneer</a> was founded in 2005 in New York. It is a global payment platform allowing businesses to send and receive payments in 70+ currencies. It offers <a href="https://www1.payoneer.com/in/solutions/global-payment-service/">multi-currency virtual accounts</a> to users in countries like the US, UK, Europe (EU), Australia, and China, with other flexible payment modes like bank transfers and card payments.&nbsp;

In India, you can use the Payoneer payment gateway to receive international payments. Payoneer also provides Indian customers with free digital FIRA to stay compliant with the rules. Ordinarily, payments made through local bank transfer or wire transfer/SWIFT take approximately <a href="https://payoneer.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/33930/~/what-is-the-status-of-my-payment%3F-%28receiving-accounts%29">three business days</a> to be credited to your account. Payoneer has also built itself as an enterprise-compliant solution by offering features like <a href="https://www1.payoneer.com/in/enterprise/">mass payouts and API support</a>.

Payoneer Pricing for Receiving International Payments

Virtual Accounts: 1% for USD, free for all currencies

Credit Card: 3.2%+&nbsp; $0.49&nbsp;

Withdrawal Fees:&nbsp;A 3% withdrawal fee is applied when withdrawing the payment from your local bank account in India. This applies to all the above payment methods.

Based on what we have covered so far, it might be a bit too much for you to wrap your head around.

To make it easier to comprehend, we have summarized the key differences between the payment solutions in this table. This will also help you make an informed decision about which one is closer to your requirements.

Skydo: An affordable alternative to receiving international payments

Skydo is a cost-effective alternative to Stripe and Payoneer and can address the pain points that Indian businesses and freelancers might face on these platforms.

Skydo offers flat-fee pricing with no additional account maintenance charges or fixed fees. Here’s the breakdown of the fee structure:

Plus, Skydo gives you the live forex rate with zero markup, something both platforms don’t offer. That means your payment gets converted at the actual market rate on the day of transfer, not a rupee less

Stripe and Payoneer may have strong global reach, but for Indian businesses, they often fall short. Their fees are higher, settlements are slower, and support is limited, with no India-based team and mixed customer reviews. Many users report<a href="https://www.g2.com/products/stripe-stripe-payments/reviews?utf8=%E2%9C%93&amp;filters%5Bcomment_answer_values%5D=support"> long wait times </a>and <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/payoneer/reviews/payoneer-review-10770537">unresolved issues</a>, especially when it comes to compliance and troubleshooting.

Skydo offers a better alternative: ✅ Lower, transparent pricing
 ✅ 24-48 hour settlement ✅ Dedicated India-based support ✅ Skydo has received in principle RBI-approval to operate as a Payment Aggregator for Cross-Border Payments

Built for Indian exporters, freelancers, and global sellers, Skydo makes international payments fast, affordable, and fully compliant.

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Stripe Vs Payoneer

You've finally landed that international client, but now comes the payment headache. When a client pays you, say, $5,000 from abroad, you often wrestle with high fees, poor exchange rates, and complicated paperwork, making your well-earned money a frustrating experience.

Briskpe, based in Mumbai, offers payment solutions for international transactions. Their service aims to simplify cross-border payments for freelancers and small businesses who regularly work with overseas clients.

Let's look at what Briskpe offers, how it works, and whether it might be the right payment solution for your business needs, or if there is a better alternative:

Here's what Briskpe offers to simplify your cross border payment struggles:

Here's what Briskpe charges you for receiving international payments:

Transaction Fee stands at 1% for all international payments you receive. If your UK client sends you USD 5,000, Briskpe will charge you $50 as their processing fee. The percentage remains consistent regardless of the payment amount or the currency involved.

Live Forex Rate is applied when converting between currencies. Briskpe provides real-time exchange rates without the hidden charges and markups.&nbsp;

When comparing these costs to traditional banking options, Briskpe's 1% fee is generally lower than the 3-5% many freelancers pay through combinations of wire transfer fees, currency conversion costs, and intermediary bank charges. However, is it the most affordable option out there for receiving international payments? We'll find out.&nbsp;

What's it like to use Briskpe for your international payments? Real user experiences give us a clearer picture of what to expect and valuable insights on how to use a tool.

The Good: Many users have positive experiences with Briskpe's services. Ricky Garg mentions that the service is "incredibly fast, with speedy credit transfers that make the entire process seamless." Another user, Triface International, praises the platform for being "fast, easy, less charges" and explicitly mentions how helpful Bhaumik Vyas was during the onboarding process. Shri Mundada, a Local Guide, notes that "the onboarding experience was very smooth and easy" and appreciates how Briskpe makes "getting Forex Inward Remittance so easy and profitable."