Xflow: Price, Features and Alternatives
Xflow, an India-based payment platform, allows businesses to receive USD payments from international clients. The platform provides features like next-day settlements and automated digital FIRA generation for international transactions.
While the platform currently handles USD transactions only, it offers a streamlined way for freelancers and businesses to get paid from overseas clients.
In this guide, we'll explore Xflow's features, break down its pricing structure, and compare it with alternatives like Wise and PayPal - helping you decide if it's the right fit for receiving your international payments.
Let’s go!
Top Xflow Features You Should Know
Here's everything you get when receiving payments through Xflow:
Virtual USD account
When you sign up with Xflow, you get your virtual account number to receive USD payments. Think of it like having a US bank account - your international clients can pay you through local transfers, RTP, or Fedwire. While currently limited to USD transactions, these accounts let you collect payments from almost anywhere in the world within hours.
For example, If you're a freelance developer in India, your client in New York can send $5,000 to your Xflow virtual account using their Chase bank account, just like they'd pay any US-based contractor. They'll save on international wire fees, and you'll receive the payment faster than SWIFT transfers.
However, note that Xflow only offers virtual international accounts in USD, and you cannot receive payments in any other currencies using Xflow's virtual accounts.
Automated Digital FIRA
Whenever you receive a payment through Xflow, they automatically generate a digital FIRA within 24 hours. No extra charges no follow-ups needed. This digital document, required for international transactions, lands straight in your inbox - making it easier to maintain compliance without the usual paperwork hassle.
Payment links
Xflow lets you create shareable payment links in seconds. Enter the amount, generate a link, and send it to your client. Your clients can click and pay, making the collection process smoother. Plus, you can track when the link was viewed and when payment was made.
For example, You're a digital marketing consultant who needs to collect $2,500 for a project. Create a payment link in Xflow, share it via email, and track when your client from Australia views and pays it. The link stays active until payment is received.
Invoicing tools
Create and send professional invoices directly through Xflow. The platform automatically tracks pending and paid invoices, so you know who owes you what. When a client pays, the system matches the payment to the invoice, saving you from manual reconciliation headaches.
Live FX rates
Before converting your USD payments to INR, Xflow shows you exactly how much you'll receive. Their live FX rates come with zero markup, and you'll see the precise INR amount that'll land in your bank account.
Xflow Price: What You Should Know
Xflow charges a flat 1% fee on every transaction. While they offer live FX rates with zero markup, which is great, that 1% can add up quickly for larger payments.
For example, if you're receiving $10,000, you'll pay $100 in fees. There's a minimum fee of $8 for lower amounts per transaction. Plus, you get free digital FIRA generation with every payment, which typically costs extra with other providers.
4 Best Xflow Alternatives to Take Note of
While Xflow simplifies USD payments, its 1% fee can affect your earnings, especially if you're a freelancer receiving regular payments. Plus, being limited to USD means you might miss out on clients paying in other currencies.
Let's explore some alternatives that might work better for your international payment needs:
Skydo
Here's where things get interesting. Like Xflow, Skydo is an India-focused solution that goes beyond just USD payments. You get global bank accounts in multiple countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, which allow you to receive payments in various currencies.
Like Xflow, Skydo also offers live forex rates without any markup. It has a flat and transparent pricing model: USD 19 for payments below USD 2000 and USD 29 for payments between USD 2001 and USD 10,000. For payments above USD 10,000, Skydo charges a 0.3% fee.
So, as we saw, with Xflow, receiving USD 10,000 would cost you USD 100. However, with Skydo, it will only be USD 29.
You also get free and instant FIRA, real-time payment tracking, and GST-compliant invoicing tools. For businesses handling multiple currencies, Skydo's transparent pricing and broader currency support make it a compelling alternative to consider.
Wise Business
Previously TransferWise, this platform offers actual mid-market rates for multiple currencies. You get local bank details for 10+ countries, making it easier for clients to pay you like a local. Their fees are typically lower than traditional banks, and you'll get your digital FIRA automatically with each payment.
Top features:
- Receive local bank details in over 10 countries for receiving payments for local businesses
- Access real-time conversion at mid-market rates
- Generate FIRA with automation but at an additional cost.
💡Learn more about Wise alternatives
PayPal
Despite higher fees (around 7%), PayPal remains popular due to its massive user base of 400+ million accounts. It supports multiple currencies and offers instant access to funds, making it convenient for quick transfers, especially from clients already using the platform.
Top features:
- User-friendly interface and ability to spend directly from PayPal balance
- Built-in buyer and seller protection for secure transactions
- Integration with major e-commerce platforms and marketplaces
Payoneer
Payoneer is available in 190+ countries and supports 70+ currencies, making it particularly good for collecting marketplace payments. They provide local receiving accounts in major currencies, however, Payoneer's fees for receiving international payments can be quite steep:
Top features:
- Local receiving accounts in major currencies, including USD, EUR, GBP, JPY
- Direct integration with global marketplaces like Amazon, Upwork, and Fiverr
- Customized payment solutions for high-volume businesses with competitive rates
A Payments Solution can Make or Break your Business: Choose Wisely
Xflow offers a solid solution for businesses focused on USD transactions, with its transparent pricing and automated digital FIRA generation. However, your payment needs might extend beyond a single currency in today's diverse global market.
When choosing a payment platform, consider your transaction volumes, the currencies you deal with, and how often you receive payments. While Xflow's 1% fee structure is straightforward, alternatives like Skydo provide more comprehensive solutions. With Skydo's multi-currency support, zero FX margin, and global bank accounts across the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, you can accept payments from clients worldwide without currency restrictions.
Remember, the right platform should scale with your business growth. As your client base expands internationally, having a payment solution like Skydo that combines competitive pricing with essential features like instant FIRA generation, real-time tracking, and multi-currency support could be crucial for your business' success.
Does Xflow provide FIRC?
Yes, Xflow automatically generates a digital FIRA (electronic Foreign Inward Remittance Advice) within 24 hours for every payment you receive, at no extra cost.