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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If you have been exploring platforms to receive payments from international clients in India recently, you might have come across PingPong Payments. It's a global money transfer service company founded in 2015 in New York with the global headquarters situated in Hangzhou, China.

Should you pick PingPong Payments to receive cross-border payments? We will help you answer this question by analyzing its features, its costs, and our expert opinion about it. At the end, we will also highlight how Skydo can be a better alternative for PingPong Payments.

PingPong Payment's global presence has made it a popular platform for e-commerce sellers and business owners to receive payments from foreign clients effortlessly. We have identified a few key points about PingPong payments that you must know while evaluating the platform.

If you are unaware of virtual accounts, we recommend reading our<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/virtual-account-numbers"> virtual bank account</a> blog to get complete details. In short, it's a digital account linked to your bank account and has an 18-digit bank account number that you share with your clients to accept payments. With PingPong payments, you can create virtual accounts in 15 different currencies. You also have the choice to receive payments in the same currency and then convert them into<a href="https://www.international.pingpongx.com/solutions/fintechs"> 25+ currencies</a>.

PingPong Payments is mostly sought after by e-commerce sellers because it integrates with major marketplaces and e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Shopify, Etsy, and Rakuten. That means if you're selling goods online on different platforms, you can manage payments of all these apps in a single place.

Even if you're not an e-commerce seller but pursuing some form of international trade, PingPong Payments could still be a good choice. For example, you can use it for making international payments to your suppliers in<a href="https://www.international.pingpongx.com/smb/ecommerce-sellers"> 195 countries</a> using SWIFT transfer.

PinPong Payments complies with international regulations like Anti Money Laundering (AML), Know Your Customer (KYC), and Payment Service Directive (PSD2). It also holds<a href="https://www.international.pingpongx.com/solutions/fintechs"> 60 financial payment licenses</a> in major economies like China, Hong Kong, Europe, and the US.

PingPong Fees to Receive International Payments in India

While PingPong Payments advertises can be a low-cost solution, the actual costs can be high depending on the transaction amount and forex rates. Here's a quick breakdown of its fees with examples.

PingPong charges a 1% transaction fee on every payment you receive. This might seem like a low fee, however, it might be a lot of money if the transaction amount is high. For example, if you receive a payment of USD 10,000, then the transaction fee is USD 100 or INR 8500, considering the exchange rate of 1 USD = INR 85.

PingPong also doesn't disclose the exact exchange rate it applies when converting currencies. This means there is a markup typically between 1% to 2% of the existing exchange rate. Let’s assume the markup is 2% and the current exchange rate of 1 USD is Rs. 85. The markup will be Rs. 1.7 (2% of Rs. 85) meaning the effective exchange rate will be Rs. 83.3.&nbsp; So for a payment of USD 10,000, you will receive&nbsp; INR 8,33,000 instead of INR 8,50,000

The same fee structure applies to Amazon Global Selling users too.

We have compiled the above fees into an illustration so you get a better idea of how much you can expect if you receive payments via PingPong in US dollars.

If you settle for PingPong payments, these are the three advantages you can expect from the payment solution:

Integration with Multiple Marketplaces PingPong Payments’ easy integration with global selling platforms like Amazon, Shopify, and Etsy makes it convenient to expand business across borders without worrying about payment management.

Free VAT and Global Tax Payments The integrated tax management solution helps you pay VAT, GST, and other applicable taxes in 12 countries. This helps you make payments within the protocols and avoid penalties.

Free FIRA on Every Transaction A<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/importance-of-fira-for-freelancers"> Foreign Inward Remittance Advice (FIRA)</a> is an essential document as it proves you have received an international payment in India. Banks charge a fee for issuing FIRA every time, but platforms like PingPong Payments provide it for free within the PingPong dashboard.

There are two main drawbacks if you choose to open a PingPong account:

Exchange Rate Markup There is no transparency on how the exchange rate conversion works. There might be a markup of around 2% on the exchange rate meaning lesser value.

1% Fee Can Add Up In case of a large payment volume, the 1% transaction fee adds up. This is especially a matter of concern for exporters who receive large payments from their clients at one go.

Unavailability of Local Customer Support Like many other international payments platform, PingPong Payments doesn't have an India based support team, which can make resolution of queries a challenge for Indian customers..&nbsp;

PingPong Payments Review: The Good, Bad and Ugly

We dug into the reviews of PingPong Payments on Trustpilot, a software review website to bring out the good, bad, and ugly sides of it:

Customer Support PingPong Payments receives brownie points in this area. We found two reviews on the website that highlight the professional and helpful nature of the customer support team. One reviewer even goes to the extent of mentioning the names of the customer service executives who helped her<a href="https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/649282738d146d7288d35aab"> resolve the issue</a>.

Concerns about Getting&nbsp; Refunds This is where it gets bad. Getting<a href="https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/678c922cf87236b67d11504f"> balance refunds</a> after closing the account continues to be an issue. Users get frustrated filling out documents and going back and forth multiple times with no clear timelines from the PingPong team.

Concerns over Blocking of Payments A platform blocking payments is a nightmare for customers. A user had to go through that experience when her<a href="https://www.trustpilot.com/users/6549434d146789001292b71f"> receivables and payments</a> were blocked.

Skydo: A Viable PingPong Alternative to Receive International Payments in India

PingPong payments have built a strong reputation globally, however, its high fees and low transparency make it an expensive choice for freelancers and exporters. In addition to that, the reviews about restricting refunds and blocking transactions are worrisome.

Skydo is a more affordable and transparent alternative to PingPong Payments. The fee structure is simple and there are no hidden charges. For receiving a payment of under USD 2,000 you pay a fee of USD 19. For amounts between USD 2,001 to USD 10,000, the fee is USD 29 and for USD 10,000+ the fee is 0.3% of the amount. Moreover, there are no markups on the exchange rate, so the conversion is done based on the live forex rate.

Skydo also offers other benefits like a highly secure platform, no additional fees for FIRA, and a responsive local customer support team. With our support team based in India and working during Indian business hours, it’s always easy to get on a call or chat with them in case you get stuck. This is a huge perk if you’re just starting as an exporter or a freelancer. Having a trusted team by your side helps you to scale faster.&nbsp;&nbsp;

If you're open to looking at platforms beyond PingPong payments that are more supportive and cost-effective for your business, Skydo could be the right choice.

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When it comes to receiving international payments in India, two names dominate the conversation: Stripe and PayPal.  Businesses often ask Stripe vs. PayPal, which option will be the most apt for them. While both platforms help you get paid by global clients, they differ significantly in what they offer Indian businesses in 2025.

PayPal, a trusted brand since 1998, is known for its widespread acceptance and user-friendly approach. On the other hand, Stripe, though newer to the scene, has made its mark with advanced features and developer-friendly solutions.&nbsp;

But which one actually serves your business better?

In this Stripe vs. PayPal comparison, we'll cut through the noise and focus on what matters most - real costs, practical features, and genuine limitations of both platforms in India. Whether you're a freelancer or a growing business, let's find out which platform best fits your international payment needs.

Stripe vs Paypal: Understanding the Differences&nbsp;

Stripe is a global payment platform that enables businesses to accept international payments in over 135 currencies.&nbsp; However, it's crucial to note that Stripe operates on a highly selective invite-only basis in India. The platform only accepts a limited number of businesses, primarily those focused on international expansion, and there's no guaranteed timeline for application approval. This restricted access means many Indian businesses might wait indefinitely or face rejection, making it a less reliable option for those needing immediate payment solutions.

🔖<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/stripe-alternatives-for-international-payments-in-india">Not happy with Stripe? Learn about these Stripe alternatives</a>.&nbsp;

Known for its ease of use, PayPal is a leading global payment platform operating in over 200 countries. For Indian businesses and freelancers, PayPal is a payment gateway for international transactions, though it has certain limitations specific to the Indian market.

🔖<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/top-paypal-india-alternatives-for-international-payment">Not happy with PayPal? Learn about these PayPal alternatives</a>.&nbsp;

Stripe vs PayPal: A Quick Comparison&nbsp;

While Stripe and PayPal help you receive international payments, their offerings differ significantly in ways that could impact your business.&nbsp;

Looking at everything from fees to features, let's break down how these platforms stack up against each other. Understanding these differences will help you choose the platform that best fits your needs, whether you're processing occasional payments or handling regular international transactions.

Here’s a quick sneak peek into Stripe vs. PayPal and their key differences: 

Consider Stripe if you're a software company, digital service provider, or established ecommerce platform with development resources. Its features like customising online checkout experience, custom integrations and other relatively complex options make it more suitable for established businesses. Further, its relatively lower fees make more sense for larger transaction volumes. However, while applying for Stripe, don't forget that it is currently invite-only in India, and there's a good chance your application may not be approved as they are only supporting a very limited number of businesses in India.&nbsp;

For freelancers, smaller businesses, or those just starting with international payments, a PayPal account makes more sense. While its fees are higher, the simpler setup and immediate access can be worth the trade-off.

In this conversation around Stripe Vs Paypal, the winner ultimately depends on your business needs. If you're technically equipped, can handle a longer setup process and mainly receive credit card payments from abroad, Stripe's customized offerings may be more suited for you. However, if you need to start accepting international online payments quickly and prefer simplicity over customization, PayPal might be your better option despite the higher fees.

Skydo: An Affordable Alternative in the Stripe Vs PayPal Debate

For Indian businesses, beyond Stripe Vs Paypal, Skydo offers a refreshing approach to international payments. As a made-in-India solution, it addresses common pain points businesses face with platforms like PayPal and Stripe.

Unlike the percentage-based fees of PayPal and Stripe, Skydo uses a transparent flat-fee structure:

That is it, no additional fees like monthly account fee, maintenance charges, account setup fee etc. 

What sets Skydo apart is its zero forex markup policy, providing live exchange rates without hidden charges. This means significant savings - on a $10,000 payment, you'd pay just $29 with Skydo, compared to $630 with Stripe or $840 with PayPal.

Beyond cost savings, Skydo offers practical features designed for Indian businesses:

While PayPal and Stripe remain popular choices globally, Skydo emerges as a cost-effective alternative specifically built for Indian businesses handling international payments. Its combination of transparent pricing, instant compliance documentation, and faster settlements makes it particularly attractive for companies looking to maximize their international earnings.

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

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For Indian businesses, selling globally through Amazon is a game-changer. It’s a surefire way to multiply your sales and reach customers in the US, Europe, West Asia, and beyond—markets that were once out of reach. Indian products like handicrafts and textiles are in high demand worldwide. Amazon’s Global Selling program helps bridge the gap, connecting Indian sellers with global buyers.

With Amazon’s Global Selling program, Indian businesses can now tap into these massive international markets. But, as with anything this impactful, it comes with several complexities and risks, including high costs. In this blog, we’ll break down the Amazon seller fees you need to know about and share tips to help you maximise your earnings on the platform.

Amazon Global Selling opens up opportunities for Indian exporters to sell in regions like the US, UK, West Asia, and more. Here’s how you can get started:

Amazon Seller Fees: What Does It Cost to Sell Globally?

Growing your Amazon business globally comes with incredible opportunities—but also a price tag. There are several types of Amazon Seller fees exporters need to be aware of, and one major category is Selling Fees. Here’s how it works:

Amazon offers two types of selling plans depending on the size of your business:

In addition to the selling plan, Amazon charges a referral fee on the item price for every product sold. Think of it as Amazon seller commission. This fee is a percentage of the total sale price or a minimum flat amount—whichever is higher.

These fees vary based on product categories, so it’s essential to check the specific rates for the items you sell to factor them into your pricing strategy.

Media items are charged a closing fee for each unit sold in addition to other fees. These items include: Books, DVD, Music, Software &amp; Computer/Video Games, Video Game Consoles, and Video Game Accessories. The closing fee is <a href="https://sellercentral.amazon.com/help/hub/reference/external/GKD9U5REK5DKB38Y?initialSessionID=142-6432681-1885860&amp;ld=NSGoogle&amp;ldStackingCodes=AGSSEMkenshoo_525X19824_e_c_718783564496_asret_%3ENSGoogle%3EAGSSEMkenshoo_525X19824_e_c_718783564496_asret_%3ENSGoogle#wjz_cjc_jcb-3" target="_blank">$1.80 per unit </a>sold for products in these categories.&nbsp;

If you offer textbook rentals on Amazon, you’ll have to pay a rental book service fee of $5.00 for each rental as a part of Amazon Seller fees. 

Suppose you’re selling media items like books, DVDs, music, software, or video games (including consoles and accessories). In that case, you’ll incur a<a href="https://sellercentral.amazon.com/help/hub/reference/external/GKD9U5REK5DKB38Y?initialSessionID=142-6432681-1885860&amp;ld=NSGoogle&amp;ldStackingCodes=AGSSEMkenshoo_525X19824_e_c_718783564496_asret_%3ENSGoogle%3EAGSSEMkenshoo_525X19824_e_c_718783564496_asret_%3ENSGoogle#wjz_cjc_jcb-3" target="_blank"> closing fee of $1.80 per unit sold</a> in addition to other Amazon seller fees.

If you have a large number of active, non-media listings that haven’t sold in 12 months, Amazon charges a monthly fee of $0.005 per eligible listing to cover cataloguing costs. The first 100,000 listings are, however, exempt from this fee.&nbsp;

While these Amazon seller fees apply to all sellers, there are additional charges for optional services. One such service is Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), which many exporters use to streamline shipping and logistics. Understanding these optional fees is just as important. Here’s a breakdown,

Logistics is a critical part of ensuring your products reach customers on time and in top quality. As an Amazon Global Seller, you have two options for shipping:

If you don’t have a robust logistics setup and looking for an easy ship option, FBA can be a great option to save time and reduce the stress of managing export logistics. Here’s a breakdown of FBA fees:

This Amazon seller fees covers picking, packing, shipping, handling, customer service, and returns. The costs depend on your product's volumetric weight, dimensions, and category (e.g., apparel vs. non-apparel).

You can get the complete list of FBA fulfilment fees as per product sizes<a href="https://sellercentral.amazon.com/help/hub/reference/external/GPDC3KPYAGDTVDJP" target="_blank"> right here</a>.

To promote your products on Amazon, you can leverage their advertising services. This program allows you to run impactful campaigns directly in the Amazon store, with the flexibility to set your own bids and budgets.

Amazon offers a range of ad formats, including video, audio, and display ads, tailored to fit different marketing needs. Most Amazon ads operate on a Cost Per Click (CPC) model, meaning you only pay when someone clicks on your ad. <a href="https://sell.amazon.com/advertising" target="_blank">Learn more about it here</a>.&nbsp;

Amazon also offers a range of additional services like Buy with Prime and Amazon Customer Service. The Amazon seller fees for these services vary based on the specific options you choose and your business needs.

Amazon Seller Fees: What It Costs to Withdraw Your Payments

Now that Amazon has deposited your earnings from your global selling account (after deducting all applicable fees), it’s time to transfer the money to your bank account. You have two main options:

Let’s break down the costs of withdrawing your earnings through each platform.

As an Indian exporter on Amazon, you can use Amazon’s Currency Converter for Sellers (ACCS) to withdraw your earnings. Amazon automatically converts your payments into INR and deposits them into your bank account within 1-5 business days.

You can receive payments in 20+ currencies without needing a foreign bank account. However, the conversion comes at a cost. Amazon uses a volume-based pricing model, which means the higher your earnings, the lower the conversion fee. Also, note that the volume-based pricing is based on your total cross-currency net proceeds during the past 12 months. Here’s how the pricing works:

Let’s break this down with a real example.

Say you earned $200,000 last year after deducting all applicable fees. If you choose to withdraw using Amazon’s Currency Converter, here’s what happens:

Total Cost of Using Amazon’s Currency Converter:

₹2,59,500 (conversion fee) + ₹2,95,500 (forex loss) = ₹5,55,000 lost

That’s over ₹5.55 lakh gone just in fees and forex markup. If you’re withdrawing large amounts, these fees can take a big bite out of your earnings.

If you want to save on Amazon’s high currency conversion fees, you can choose third-party platforms like Skydo, PingPong, or Payoneer to withdraw your earnings. These platforms often offer better exchange rates and lower fees, helping you keep more of your hard-earned money.

If you add your Indian bank account to your Amazon Seller account, you'll be automatically enrolled in Amazon Currency Converter Service.

To use a third-party platform like Skydo or Payoneer, you’ll need to sign up, create a US virtual bank account, and add it to your Amazon Seller account. Skydo provides a US virtual account in under 5 minutes, while other platforms may take a few days

Let’s break down how much it costs to withdraw your Amazon earnings through these alternatives and see which one gives you the best value.

Payoneer and PingPong: How Much Do They Cost?

Payoneer and PingPong are well-known platforms for cross-border payments, helping exporters worldwide withdraw their Amazon Global Selling earnings directly into their bank accounts. But how much does it really cost?

Let’s break this down with the same $200,000 earnings example:

Final Cost of Withdrawing via Payoneer or PingPong

₹1,73,000 (transaction fee) + ₹1,98,000 (forex loss) = ₹3,71,000 lost

That’s ₹3.7 lakh deducted just to withdraw your payment of $200,000. While this is lower than Amazon’s currency conversion fees, is it really the best deal? Let’s find out. ​​

Skydo is an Indian-origin, RBI authorised cross-border payments platform designed to help Indian exporters maximize their international earnings. With <a href="https://www.skydo.com/amazon-global-sellers" target="_blank">direct integration with Amazon Global Selling</a>, Skydo allows you to withdraw funds at live forex rates with minimal fees—ensuring you keep more of your hard-earned money. Find out how&nbsp;

Unlike Amazon and other third-party platforms, Skydo applies zero forex markup. This means if the live exchange rate is ₹86.5 per USD, your funds are converted at that exact rate—without any deductions.

With Skydo, you only pay a flat $600 (₹51,900) and don’t lose a single rupee to hidden forex markups—making it the most transparent and cost-effective way to withdraw your Amazon earnings. ​​

Here’s a quick comparison of what you have to pay with different platforms while withdrawing your yearly earnings USD 200,000 from Amazon Global Selling ;

Amazon and third-party platforms like PingPong and Payoneer eat into your earnings with hidden forex markups and hefty withdrawal fees. Skydo changes that. With live forex rates and transparent pricing, you keep more of what you earn.

Plus, every global payment comes with free, instant FIRA, and if you ever need help, our India-based support team has your back.

Why let unnecessary fees eat into your profits? Switch to Skydo today and maximize your Amazon Global Selling earnings.

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Since its launch in 2000, PayPal has become a go-to platform for businesses handling international payments. Its strong reputation and global reach make it a popular choice for Indian businesses as well.

If you're exploring <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/paypal-in-india-charges-review-alternatives">PayPal for your business </a>and not sure if it’s the right fit for you, then you’ve come to the right place.&nbsp; We have done a quick but detailed analysis of PayPal’s transaction fees and more so you know how much you pay for each transaction. We will also suggest a more cost-effective alternative to PayPal at the end of the blog.

PayPal stands out for its seamless integrations with platforms like Shopify and Magento, along with its robust <a href="https://www.paypal.com/in/webapps/mpp/paypal-buyer-protection?no_follow=true">buyer </a>and <a href="https://www.paypal.com/in/brc/article/what-is-seller-protection#:~:text=Here's%20how%20sellers%20can%20get,delivery%20generally%20within%2010%20days.?no_follow=true">seller protection programs</a>. Buyers are covered if items don’t arrive or match the description, while sellers are protected from unauthorized transactions and lost shipments. Additionally, its built-in invoicing feature and user-friendly interface make it a top choice for both businesses and freelancers

However, it is important to note that a lot of PayPal’s features aren’t available in India. For example, PayPal cannot be used for domestic transactions, and PayPal credit isn’t available to Indian businesses as well. And not to mention, PayPal’s usability comes with a steep price tag, PayPal’s transaction fees, coupled with its currency conversion charges, can make it a rather expensive option for Indian businesses to receive international payments. In the next section, we will break down Paypal’s transaction fees and all other associated charges.&nbsp;

PayPal Transaction Fees India: A Quick Breakdown

There are three categories of fees: transaction fee, fixed fee, and currency conversion fee

Every time you receive a payment in India from an international client, PayPal charges a 4.4% transaction fee. For example, if a US-based client sends $10,000 for your services, PayPal will deduct<a href="https://www.paypal.com/in/webapps/mpp/merchant-fees"> 4.4%</a> of the amount, which is $440 (4.4% X 10,000) as transaction fees. You can decide to pay this transaction fee by yourself, split it with your client, or ask them to bear it on the basis of your relationship with the client.&nbsp;

In addition to the transaction fees, PayPal charges a<a href="https://www.paypal.com/in/webapps/mpp/merchant-fees"> fixed fee</a> based on the currency. Here are a few examples of fixed fees on different currencies:

Click on<a href="https://www.paypal.com/in/business/paypal-business-fees"> this link</a> to view the fixed fee for the entire range of currencies.

PayPal also adds a 4% markup on the prevailing exchange rate while converting foreign currencies to Indian rupees. For example, If the current exchange rate is USD 1= INR 85, then PayPal will levy a 4% markup on this, making the effective exchange rate INR 81.6.

PayPal Transaction Fees from USA to India: How Much Will You Pay?

So far we covered the different fees PayPal applies to international money transfers. But how does all of that translate in a real-life scenario? Here's an example to help you with that.

Imagine you're a business owner receiving a payment of $5,000 from a client in the USA via PayPal. First, PayPal will deduct a transaction fee of 4.4%.

PayPal will also charge a fixed fee of $0.30 based on the above table of fixed fees for different currencies.

So the total fee applied on the amount is $220 + $0.30 = $220.3. We are left with a balance of $4779.7 which will be converted to Indian rupee.

While converting the currency, PayPal will charge 4% markup on the prevailing exchange rate as currency conversion fee. Considering the current rate to be 1 USD to INR 85, the fee is Rs. 3.4 and the effective exchange rate is Rs. 81.6.

In summary, the balance of $4779.7 will be converted to INR at the exchange rate of Rs. 81.6. The amount that can expect to receive is Rs. 390,023.52

So how much did you end up paying in fees?

The actual value of the transaction amount in INR is Rs. 425,000, however, you received Rs. 390,023.52 resulting in a difference of Rs. 34,976.48 (or $411). This difference is the total fee for receiving the payment through PayPal.

Skydo: An Affordable and Seamless PayPal Alternative to Receive International Payments

PayPal has built a solid global reputation as the right payment partner for emerging businesses. Its user-friendly interface, smart features, and integrations are the biggest reasons behind<a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/218493/paypals-total-active-registered-accounts-from-2010/#:~:text=PayPal%20in%20general,generate%20revenue%20through%20transaction%20fees."> 435 million</a> active PayPal accounts. However, its steep charges can make it unaffordable or expensive for many Indian businesses and individuals. Moreover, PayPal India doesn't offer many services to Indian customers, for example, the wallet feature is not available for Indian users and it also doesn't have an India based support team.&nbsp;

If PayPal fees and limited support are concerning factors, exploring Skydo is worth it. Like PayPal, Skydo simplifies accepting payments from international clients. It offers virtual bank accounts with a unique 18-digit number that accepts payments and credits them to your linked bank account. The process is fast and there are no SWIFT charges like in the case of normal bank transfers.

Skydo charges USD 19 for payments under USD 2000, USD 29 for payments between USD 2001-10,000 and 0.3% for payments above USD 10,000. Skydo also offers live forex rate without any forex markup. Meaning if the live exchange rate is 1USD = 85 INR, Skydo will convert your payment at that rate without taking a cut. 

Here’s a quick comparison of how much will you pay to receive USD 5000 with Skydo vs PayPal:

Skydo trumps PayPal's fees by offering a flat fee structure and live forex rate. As you can see in the above table, there is no fixed fee or markup on the market exchange rate meaning the currency is converted at the current rate. You only have to bear $29 as fees and save Rs. 32,511.48 compared to PayPal’s fee structure. Further Skydo’s India based customer support song with superfast onboarding process makes it a more viable option for businesses to receive international payments. So switch to Skydo today and experience the difference&nbsp;

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Getting paid by international clients can be tricky for Indian businesses. Between high fees, currency conversions, and compliance paperwork, receiving overseas payments often feels more complex than it should be.

Razorpay's international payments solution lets businesses receive money from over 100 countries. The single platform handles currency conversion and provides automated documentation, while clients can pay using their local payment methods and currency and receive funds in INR.

Let's see how Razorpay processes international payments, its key features and pricing, and what you should consider before using it for your cross-border transactions.&nbsp;