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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The landscape of cross-border payments and global business has transformed dramatically in recent years. Traditional banking methods are now being challenged by innovative solutions and new entrants, like Payoneer offering a bunch of financial services. This article explores Payoneer Payment Gateway, delving into its features, fees, and user reviews to provide a comprehensive overview of this modern cross-border payment solution.

Founded in New York in 2005, Payoneer is a global payments platform that enables businesses to send and receive international payments in over 70 currencies. It offers <a href="https://www1.payoneer.com/in/solutions/global-payment-service/?no_follow=true">multi-currency virtual accounts</a> in the US, EU, UK, Japan, Australia, Mexico, and China, along with flexible payment modes like bank transfers and credit/ debit card payments.

In India, businesses can request and receive global payments through Payoneer Payment Gateway. The platform also offers free <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/all-you-need-to-know-about-firc-a-complete-guide">digital FIRAs </a>for international payments, streamlining compliance.&nbsp;Ordinarily, payments made via local bank transfer or wire transfer/ SWIFT payments 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?no_follow=true"> three business days</a> to reach the payee's account.

With the exponential rise of global commerce, Payoneer has integrated with various online marketplaces like Airbnb, Getty Images, and Fiverr, helping businesses expand their customer base, access the global market and receive payments from these platforms. However, some users have reported issues with these integrations.&nbsp;For instance, this user seems to be dissatisfied with <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/toptal/reviews/toptal-review-8662387">Payoneer’s integration with Toptal</a>.&nbsp;

Additionally, Payoneer offers enterprise solutions, including <a href="https://www1.payoneer.com/in/enterprise/?no_follow=true">mass payouts and API support </a>for automating and managing payments, making it a versatile choice for global transactions.

As we have already discussed Payoneer Payment Gateway is available in India both for businesses and freelancers to request and receive global payments. Its enterprise offering also provides businesses with global mass payout solutions. However, note that the Payoneer card is not currently available in India. 

Payoneer is licensed and regulated by multiple government authorities, including the OPGSP framework in India&nbsp;and is generally considered safe for use.&nbsp;

However, there have been occasional security issues. For instance, earlier this year, many Payoneer users in Argentina reported <a href="https://therecord.media/financial-platform-payoneer-account-hacks-phishing?no_follow=true">suspicious activities</a> in their accounts. Additionally, some users have shared experiences of their accounts being <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/payoneer/reviews/payoneer-review-9064277?no_follow=true">hacked</a> or <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/payoneer/reviews/payoneer-review-9723605?no_follow=true">frozen </a>without prior notice. While Payoneer is generally trusted for its security measures, such incidents can raise concerns among current and future users. Having said that Payoneer is committed to strengthening and bolstering its security to detect and eliminate any kind of payment fraud.

Creating a Payoneer account is free. Here’s how you do it:

Verify Your Email: Before finishing, check your inbox for a verification email from Payoneer and follow the instructions to confirm your email address.

Opening a Payoneer account is free, but sending, receiving, and withdrawing payments involves <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/payoneer-fees-india-guide">various fees</a>. Here’s a breakdown:

Once you receive payment in your Payoneer account, you can withdraw it to your local bank account. However, be aware that Payoneer fees apply depending on the currency of your account.

Fixed Fees for Same Currency Withdrawals:

If you withdraw the amount in the same currency in which the payment was made, the following <a href="https://www1.payoneer.com/in/about/fees/?no_follow=true">fixed fees</a> apply:

A <a href="https://www1.payoneer.com/in/about/fees/?no_follow=true">2% forex markup</a> is applied if you withdraw in a different currency. For example, if the payment was made in USD and you withdraw in INR i.e. your local currency, you’ll receive INR 84.28 instead of INR 86 at the prevailing exchange rate.

Additional fees, such as bank processing, landing, or intermediary fees, may also be deducted if applicable.&nbsp;

Payoneer charges $29.95 annually if your account is inactive for 12 months.

Understanding these fees can help you make informed decisions when using Payoneer for your transactions.

For a detailed breakdown of Payoneer Fees, click <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/payoneer-fees-india-guide">here</a>

Payoneer Reviews: Customer Care, Usability and Fees

With over 5 million customers, Payoneer is undoubtedly a safe and trusted platform for cross-border payments. Let’s take a look at some Payoneer reviews to gauge the opinion of users on various aspects of Payoneer Payment Gateway.&nbsp;

Many users appreciate Payoneer for its <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/payoneer/reviews?utf8=%E2%9C%93&amp;order=g2_default&amp;filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=495052?no_follow=true">ease of use</a> and smooth transactions. Its user-friendly interface and integrations with platforms like Airbnb, Getty Images, and Fiverr make it a popular choice for businesses and freelancers to handle international payments.

Many users have found Payoneer’s<a href="https://www.g2.com/products/payoneer/reviews?utf8=%E2%9C%93&amp;filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=495449?no_follow=true"> customer suppor</a>t to be unsatisfactory. A common complaint is that support agents often lack a thorough understanding of their own platform. Additionally, users have reported instances where their accounts were put on hold without prior notice.

While some are impressed by Payoneer’s low fees, others find it steep, particularly for small businesses.&nbsp;

Payoneer Payment Gateway alternatives to take note of

While Payoneer is a leading name in cross-border payments, its limited customer support and relatively high fees have prompted many to seek alternatives.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/paypal-in-india-charges-review-alternatives">PayPal</a> is a popular alternative and a prominent name in global finance. It offers cross-border payment services, but unlike Payoneer, it doesn’t provide multicurrency virtual accounts, making international payments more costly. Although PayPal’s ease of use and credibility make it a solid Payoneer alternative, many users look for more <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/top-paypal-india-alternatives-for-international-payment">affordable options</a> to receive global payments.

Skydo emerges as another strong alternative, offering a fast, secure, and cost-effective solution for businesses to receive cross-border payments in India. With its flat fee structure, dedicated customer support and seamless onboarding, Skydo has become a go-to choice for companies and freelancers to manage their global payments. Additionally, platforms like Wise and Stripe are also viable substitutes to Payoneer for receiving international payments&nbsp;

Choosing the right payment partner for your business is crucial. Issues like the lack of FIRA, forex markups, and currency conversion fees can make international transactions costly and inconvenient.

That’s why make sure to compare and analyse, user experience, pricing, support and compliance provisions and seek professional advice before selecting your international payment provider.&nbsp;

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Payoneer Payment Gateway Features Fees

It is ironic that in the era of instant payments, business owners still feel stressed about sending or receiving payments across borders.&nbsp; At Skydo, our&nbsp; objective has always been clear: "How can we take the stress out of international business payments?" Every discussion we have, and every feature we build, is geared towards that singular goal.

Today, we are thrilled to announce that Skydo has raised USD 5M in a pre-Series A round led by Elevation Capital, bringing us several steps closer to achieving our vision. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our investors, partners and customers for their immense faith and belief in us.

Skydo's journey began with two friends, Movin Jain and Srivatsan Sridhar, who united to answer a critical question: "How can we make global payments as seamless as UPI?" Srivatsan's managerial experience in his family's automotive export business gave him first-hand insight into the challenges exporters face with international payments. He recalls having to cancel a large and profitable contract with a Turkish customer due to challenges in receiving payments.. His deep empathy for the problem, combined with Movin's decade-long experience in tech and fintech, formed the perfect team to build Skydo.

Like most startups, the path to building Skydo has been far from easy and it continues to be so. We officially began in April 2022, and since then, securing our first client, first transaction, and first employee has been anything but a cakewalk. Srivatsan and Movin travelled across the country, speaking with exporters to gain invaluable insights into their struggles with international payments.

An entrepreneur from Ahmedabad shared his frustration about paying nearly 7-8% of his hard-earned foreign income to his payment service provider. Similarly, an IT business founder from Karnal expressed willingness to pay a flat fee but questioned why he had to share a percentage of his income. These interactions underscored the depth of the problem they set out to solve, driving their commitment to creating a more seamless and cost-effective solution for cross-border payments payments. From making cold calls and giving demos to spending sleepless nights perfecting the technology behind the product, the small founding team did it all. However, it wasn't all work and no play. The founders fondly recall how a full day of work was put on hold after indulging in ghee-laden parathas at Murthal, after meeting some exporters in Panipat. These moments of camaraderie kept the team bonded and motivated through the many challenges of building a company.

Finally, in November 2022, Skydo executed its first transaction, and since then, there has been no turning back. From November 2022 to August 2024, we have enabled 5,000+ businesses to simplify their international payments. We process over USD 100M of payments annually, and we are just getting started.&nbsp;

As a young company in the cross-border payments space, partnering with established banks and navigating regulations and compliance has been a constant learning experience. Being one of the first companies in this sector, we didn't have a blueprint to follow. Much of our processes and systems have been developed through trial and error. However, our customers' faith in us has always kept us going.

We are genuinely passionate to solve for our customers—and place their needs at the centre of everything we do. Our customers have recognised and appreciated our continuous efforts to bring them the best. It is their constant inputs and feedback that has inspired us to constantly improve our product.

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If you imagine the team behind Skydo as a group of ultra-serious professionals with their noses buried in computers all day, you couldn’t be more wrong. As cliché as it sounds, we truly believe in working hard and playing harder. Lively banter, playing sports together, celebrating special moments, great food, and frequent get-togethers are all part of life at Skydo. We’re committed to creating a work environment where our team genuinely enjoys coming to work.

This latest round of funding helps us take our commitment to solve for international payments one step further. In the coming months, we will be launching many new features - like card payments, import payments from India, deeper integration with accounting platforms, and expanding to support e-commerce, to name a few. We will also be expanding globally, to support exporters in more countries. As always, our endeavour will be to take care of their payments challenges, allowing businesses to focus on what they do best - grow their business globally!

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The story of Skydo

In today's global economy, enabling seamless international payments is essential for both, businesses and individuals. PayPal is a well-known name in this domain offering both personal and business accounts. With features like e-commerce integration, invoicing, international money transfers and many more, PayPal in India offers a wide range of functionality, making it a solid choice for both commercial and personal use. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/open-your-paypal-account-with-skydo" target="_blank">link your PayPal account with Skydo. </a>

In this blog, we will delve into PayPal's effectiveness in facilitating international payments for Indian users. We'll examine its charges, user reviews, and key features, while also considering whether more cost-effective alternatives might be available for managing global transactions. 

PayPal's credibility and global reach make it a popular choice for receiving international payments in India. It allows businesses to accept payments in over 100 currencies through multiple payment methods like debit card/credit card payments and subscription models.&nbsp;

It also provides <a href="https://www.paypal.com/in/webapps/mpp/firc-certificate?no_follow=true">monthly digital FIRAs</a> to Indian businesses and freelancers, which acts as proof of receiving international payment.&nbsp;

Additionally, PayPal offers<a href="https://www.paypal.com/in/webapps/mpp/paypal-buyer-protection?no_follow=true"> buyer protection program</a> which reimburses buyers for purchases that either do not arrive or do not match the seller's description.

Similarly, PayPal provides <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</a> for businesses in cases of unauthorized transactions or undelivered shipments. Sellers must provide proof of shipment to qualify for this protection.

The platform also enforces strict security measures, including 24/7 account monitoring, to ensure the safety of funds.

PayPal works in India. However, it's important to note that not all its services are available in every country including India.

<a href="https://www.paypal.com/in/legalhub/archive-policies-full#:~:text=Effective%3A%201%20April%202021%20We,domestic%20payment%20services%20in%20India?no_follow=true">PayPal does not support domestic transactions</a> or local transfers in India meaning businesses cannot receive local payments in INR via PayPal. Businesses can receive international payments but <a href="https://developer.paypal.com/docs/payouts/standard/reference/country-feature/?no_follow=true">cannot send payouts internationally from India.</a>&nbsp;

Individuals i.e. personal users can use <a href="https://www.paypal.com/in/webapps/mpp/send-payments-online#:~:text=You%20can%20send%20a%20payment,a%20link%20to%20sign%20up?no_follow=true">PayPal to make international payments</a>. You need the seller's email address, and they’ll need a PayPal account to receive the payment. However, note that features like Buy Later and PayPal Credit are not available in India.

PayPal is generally safe to use in India, offering end-to-end encryption, secure vaults, real-time transaction monitoring, and buyer-seller protection.

While PayPal’s security is often considered unparalleled, a recent breach has raised concerns about its safety in India.

Earlier this year, some <a href="https://www.itnews.asia/news/csa-issues-alert-on-scam-involving-compromised-paypal-accounts-605218?no_follow=true">PayPal users in Singapore</a> received automated notifications via email or PayPal inbox messages about activities like profile changes and transaction receipts. Upon checking their accounts, some victims discovered unauthorised deposits or transfers to unfamiliar bank accounts added by cybercriminals.

Although this incident raised eyebrows, it appears to be an isolated case and does not reflect the overall security of PayPal in India.

PayPal Charges for receiving money in India

PayPal’s convenience and range of services come with a relatively hefty price tag. Broadly, PayPal India’s charges for receiving international payments can be categorised under the following heads:

When you receive an international business payment via PayPal in India, the platform charges a<a href="https://www.paypal.com/in/webapps/mpp/merchant-fees?no_follow=true"> 4.40% transaction fee.</a> For example, if you receive USD 1000 from a US client, PayPal will deduct USD 44 as a fee. You can factor this fee into your invoice, pay it yourself, or split it with your client, either way, the high transaction fee makes receiving international payments relatively expensive through PayPal in India.&nbsp;

Along with the transaction charges, PayPal also levies a <a href="https://www.paypal.com/in/webapps/mpp/merchant-fees?no_follow=true">fixed fee</a> depending on the currency of the transaction.&nbsp;

Here are a few examples of the fixed fees for some popular currencies:

You can find the full list of fixed fees across different currencies right <a href="https://www.paypal.com/in/webapps/mpp/merchant-fees?no_follow=true">here</a>.&nbsp;

However, that’s not the whole story. PayPal India also adds a <a href="https://www.paypal.com/in/webapps/mpp/merchant-fees?no_follow=true">4% currency conversion fee</a> to the prevailing exchange rate when converting foreign currency to Indian rupees. This means you receive a lower exchange rate than the market rate.

For example, if the current market rate is INR 84 per USD (as of July 18, 2024), PayPal’s effective exchange rate would be 4% less, which is INR 80.64.

 In summary, receiving international payments through PayPal India involves:

4.4% transaction fee + fixed fee (varies by currency) + 4% currency conversion fee.

How much PayPal charges for converting USD to INR

To better understand PayPal India’s charges, let’s imagine you’re receiving an international payment of USD 5000 from your US-based client. Here’s how much you’ll pay in fees with PayPal India:

Firstly, there’s a 4.4% transaction fee, totalling:

On top of that, a fixed fee of 0.30 USD is applied, making the total fee before currency conversion USD 220.3. &nbsp;Now after deducting USD 220.30 from USD 5000, we are left with USD 4779.70, which will be converted to INR

Considering the current exchange rate of 1 USD to INR 84 (approximately as of July 18, 2024), PayPal India also adds a 4% currency conversion fee, resulting in an effective exchange rate of 80.64. So, USD 4779.70 as per the effective exchange rate would be INR 385,435.01

In total, you’ll receive approximately INR ​​385,435 for your payment of USD 5000 in India. This means PayPal India will charge you close to USD 411 (or INR 34,655) for receiving this payment and depositing it in your Indian bank account.&nbsp;

PayPal Review in India: Security, pricing, support and more

PayPal is undeniably one of the leading names in global payment solutions. So, let's delve into some PayPal reviews to gauge the opinion of users on various aspects of PayPal in India.

PayPal is widely regarded for its <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/paypal-paypal/reviews?utf8=%E2%9C%93&amp;order=g2_default&amp;filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=215811?no_follow=true">ease of use</a>. Its user-friendly interface, seamless integrations, and diverse payment options make it a popular choice for global business transactions. Additionally, PayPal’s robust <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/paypal-paypal/reviews?utf8=%E2%9C%93&amp;order=g2_default&amp;filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=214445?no_follow=true">security measures</a> inspire confidence, contributing to its widespread acceptance around the world.

Despite its extensive offerings, PayPal's services come with a significant price tag. Users of PayPal in India have noted the platform's high transaction fees, combined with currency conversion charges and other associated costs, making it a <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/paypal-paypal/reviews?utf8=%E2%9C%93&amp;filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=214404?no_follow=true">relatively expensive option</a> for receiving international payments in India.&nbsp;

Users have mixed opinions about PayPal’s <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/paypal-paypal/reviews?utf8=%E2%9C%93&amp;order=g2_default&amp;filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=214154?no_follow=true">customer support</a>. While some find it helpful, others find it unsatisfactory. A common complaint is the sudden freezing of PayPal accounts for security reasons without prior notice, coupled with the inability of customer support to resolve this issue. Many also report that the support team lacks the expertise to handle more complex problems effectively.&nbsp;

Alternatives to PayPal in India to take note of

Despite its global acceptance and credibility, PayPal’s high charges and instances of limited customer support have prompted users to seek <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/top-paypal-india-alternatives-for-international-payment">alternatives for receiving international payments in India.</a>

Skydo emerges as a strong alternative, offering a fast, secure, and cost-effective solution for businesses. With its flat fee structure, which is often 8x less expensive than PayPal, along with dedicated customer support and seamless onboarding, Skydo has become a go-to choice for companies and freelancers to manage their global payments. Additionally, platforms like Wise Payments Limited. and Payoneer are also viable substitutes to PayPal India for receiving international payments and transferring them to your local bank account.

When selecting your international payment provider, consider the following factors:

Pricing: International transactions can be expensive, and there's no standard pricing model. Look for a provider with competitive rates and transparent fee information so you can keep more of your hard-earned money.

User Experience: Managing global payments should be straightforward. Opt for an easy-to-use platform and reliable customer support to ensure smooth transactions.

Compliance: Cross-border payments are closely monitored to detect any suspicious activity. Select a trusted payment platform that meets regulatory requirements and simplifies compliance for you.

At Skydo, we offer a fast, secure, and less-expensive solution for you to receive international payments. Switch to Skydo today and enjoy the best in global payment solutions for your business.

PayPal in India: Charges, Review and Alternatives

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Founded in New York in 2005, Payoneer is a leading global payments platform that facilitates international money transfers in over 70 currencies. It offers virtual local accounts, multiple payment options, along with digital FIRA to ease compliance for Indian businesses.&nbsp;

While Payoneer is a go-to for many, its fees and customer support have not met everyone's expectations. If you're looking for an international payment solution, it’s wise to consider a few alternatives that might better suit your need

Payoneer Vs Paypal: Understanding the Differences

As we’ve discussed, <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/payoneer-payment-gateway-features-fees" target="_blank">Payoneer payment Gateway</a> is a leading platform for businesses to send and receive international payments. Let’s take a quick look at some of its key features, pricing and areas of concerns.

Opening a Payoneer account is free, but there are <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/payoneer-fees-india-guide" target="_blank">charges associated</a> with receiving and withdrawing payments. Let's understand their fee structure:

Receiving Payments in your Payoneer Account:

Credit Card payments: <a href="https://www1.payoneer.com/in/about/fees/?no_follow=true">3% transaction fee</a>

ACH Bank Debit (available in the US):<a href="https://www1.payoneer.com/in/about/fees/?no_follow=true"> 1% fee</a>

Payments via Payoneer’s virtual accounts: Free

Withdrawing Payments from your Payoneer Account:

Withdrawal in the same currency comes with following <a href="https://www1.payoneer.com/in/about/fees/?no_follow=true">fixed fee</a>

A <a href="https://www1.payoneer.com/in/about/fees/?no_follow=true">2% forex markup </a>applies if you withdraw in a different currency. For example, if you receive a payment in USD and withdraw in INR in your local bank account, you’ll get INR 84.28 instead of INR 86 at the current exchange rate.

In a nutshell, as an exporter, if you are receiving and withdrawing international payments via Payoneer, the following fees will apply:

Businesses choose Payoneer for its integration and convenience, however, the <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/payoneer/reviews?utf8=%E2%9C%93&amp;filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=495449">limited understanding of its customer support </a>team and comparatively s<a href="https://www.g2.com/products/payoneer/reviews?utf8=%E2%9C%93&amp;order=g2_default&amp;filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=495041">teep conversion rates</a> have raised eyebrows.&nbsp;

In our discussion on Payoneer Vs PayPal, let's now talk about <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/paypal-in-india-charges-review-alternatives">Paypal</a>. It is a leading financial services company, and its credibility coupled with global reach make it a top choice for receiving international payments in India. The platform supports over 100 currencies and offers various payment methods, including credit and debit card payments and subscription models. <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/open-your-paypal-account-with-skydo">Here's how you can open and connect your PayPal account with Skydo</a>.

The following are the<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/paypal-in-india-charges-review-alternatives" target="_blank"> PayPal fees associated with receiving international payments in India via Paypal</a>

Transaction Fee: PayPal charges a<a href="https://www.paypal.com/in/webapps/mpp/merchant-fees?no_follow=true"> 4.40% transfer fee</a> on international business payments. For instance, receiving USD 1000 from a US client results in a USD 44 deduction.

Fixed Fee: <a href="https://www.paypal.com/in/webapps/mpp/merchant-fees?no_follow=true">A fixed fee, </a>depending on the currency, is also applied alongside the transaction fee.&nbsp;

Currency Conversion Fee: PayPal adds a<a href="https://www.paypal.com/in/webapps/mpp/merchant-fees?no_follow=true"> 4% currency conversion fee </a>to the prevailing exchange rate when converting foreign currency to local currency, which means you'll receive a lower exchange rate than the market rate.

In summary, as an exporter, you'll need to pay the following fees to receive international payments through PayPal:

4.40% transaction fee+ Fixed fee (approx&nbsp;0.30 USD)+&nbsp;4% currency conversion fee.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/paypal-in-india-charges-review-alternatives" target="_blank">PayPal’s </a>ease of use and credibility make it a crowd favourite for managing cross-border payments but its significantly high pricing can be off-putting for many, especially for smaller businesses.&nbsp;

Here’s a quick snapshot of Payoneer Vs Paypal along with Skydo, for a better understanding:

Deciding which platform is better isn’t straightforward, as both have distinct strengths. Payoneer offers lower fees for receiving international payments, while PayPal is renowned for its global credibility and widespread acceptance. Assess your specific needs to determine which platform aligns best with your business requirements.

Payoneer Alternatives for Receiving International Payments in India

Beyond Payoneer vs PayPal, let’s take a look at a few other Payoneer alternatives that&nbsp;can help you receive international business payments in India with ease.

Stripe, an Irish-American company, is a renowned payment processing and merchant services platform. Accepting over 135 currencies, it stands as a solid alternative to Payoneer for international payments.

Stripe's fee for international transfers can be expensive as it includes a <a href="https://support.stripe.com/questions/additional-pricing-information-for-indian-cross-border-sellers]%5C?no_follow=true">4.3% transaction </a>fee and an additional<a href="https://support.stripe.com/questions/additional-pricing-information-for-indian-cross-border-sellers?no_follow=true"> 2% currency conversion fee.</a>

Stripe does not provide FIRA to Indian businesses and freelancers, adding to their compliance burdens. Users have also expressed concerns about <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/stripe-stripe-payments/reviews/stripe-payments-review-9510506?no_follow=true">transparency in their communication</a>.

Skydo is a global payment solution simplifying cross-border payments for freelancers and small businesses in India. It offers virtual international bank accounts to its users in under 5 minutes and also supports an entire payments ecosystem consisting of payment tracking, invoice generation and more.&nbsp;

Skydo charges a flat fee of USD 19 for payments up to USD 2,000 and USD 29 for payments between USD 2,001 and USD 10,000.

Currently, Skydo supports only inward remittances in India, allowing businesses to receive, but not send international payments. Additionally, it may not be the most cost-effective option for payments under USD 1,000.

Wise (formerly TransferWise) is a global money transfer platform operating in over 80 countries.&nbsp;Initially a peer-to-peer remittance service, Wise now offers multi-currency accounts for both individuals and businesses.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/top_5_wise_alternatives_for_international_payment">Wise </a>applies a conversion fee depending on the currency used. Broadly speaking, it is around <a href="https://exiap.com.in/guides/wise-fees?no_follow=true">1.78% of the transfer value</a>.&nbsp;

Wise offers a mid-market exchange rate, which means it doesn't levy any forex markup. The platform also offers Digital FIRAs for Wise business accounts in India. However, it is available for an extra charge. For USD transfers it is USD 2.50.&nbsp;

Here's what Wise will charge you for receiving USD 1000&nbsp; and EUR 1000 in India&nbsp;

<a href="https://wise.com/in/business/receive-money?no_follow=true">Source</a>

While Wise offers a <a href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/in/banking/wise-review/?no_follow=true">user-friendly interface</a> and efficient money transfer services, some users have noted that customer support <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/transferwise/reviews?utf8=%E2%9C%93&amp;filters%5Bnps_score%5D=1#survey-response-9454134?no_follow=true" target="_blank">can occasionally fall short in addressing and resolving issues effectively.</a>

Established in 2015, PingPong is a popular name in the cross-border payments arena, aiming to simplify international payments for freelancers, businesses, and e-commerce sellers.

PingPong charges a competitive 1% transaction fee, which is attractive but can become substantial for larger transactions. Additionally, since there is a lack of clarity around Ping Pong’s forex rate, there is a possibility of a markup on that rate.

While their customer service is generally prompt, some users have found the <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/pingpong-payments/reviews/pingpong-payments-review-8133929" target="_blank">onboarding process cumbersome.</a>

Choosing the right payment partner for your business is crucial. Issues like the lack of FIRA, forex markups, currency conversion fees, and high bank fees can make international transactions costly and inconvenient.

When selecting your international payment provider, check the following factors and consider consulting a financial advisor as well:

Fee Information: International transactions can be expensive, and there's no standard pricing model. Look for a provider with competitive rates so you can keep more of your hard-earned money.

At Skydo, we offer a fast, secure, and less-expensive solution for you to receive international payments. Switch to Skydo today and enjoy the best in international&nbsp;payment solutions for your business.