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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Suppose you've just landed a $5,000 project from a US client. At today's exchange rate of ₹84 per dollar, you're expecting ₹4,20,000 in your account. However, by the time payment is actually received two weeks later, the rupee has strengthened to ₹81 per dollar. Now you're only getting ₹4,05,000 - that's ₹15,000 less for the same work.

This is foreign exchange risk in action. It's the potential loss you face when currency values shift between earning money and receiving it.

If you're a freelancer getting paid monthly in dollars, an exporter giving clients 30-day payment terms, or running a SaaS with international customers, these fluctuations can seriously impact your bottom line. What seemed like a profitable month can suddenly become a struggle to cover expenses, all because of currency movements beyond your control.

This article will show you practical ways to protect your income from currency fluctuations, so you can focus on growing your business instead of worrying about exchange rate swings.

When dealing with international payments, you'll encounter three main types of foreign exchange risk. Each one affects your business differently, so understanding them helps you prepare better.

Transaction risk is a common concern that most freelancers and small exporters face daily. This occurs when you agree to a price in a foreign currency, but exchange rates change before you receive payment. Say you're an Indian design agency that quotes $10,000 for a website project.&nbsp;

You send the invoice at a rate of ₹83 per dollar, expecting ₹8,30,000. But if the rupee strengthens to ₹81 per dollar by payment time, you only receive ₹8,10,000 - a loss of ₹20,000 for the same work. While currency movements could also work in your favour if the rupee weakens, the risk of loss is what keeps business owners awake at night.

Translation risk mainly affects larger businesses with international subsidiaries or assets in multiple currencies. When they convert foreign financial statements into their home currency for reporting, exchange rate fluctuations can significantly alter the appearance of their financial books.&nbsp;

For example, a company with a US subsidiary might report substantial dollar revenues on its local books, but when converted to rupees for Indian reporting, a strengthening rupee could make those same revenues appear much smaller. This creates accounting challenges where actual business performance stays the same, but financial reports tell different stories depending on currency movements.&nbsp;

While this type of risk doesn't impact day-to-day cash flow like transaction risk does, it can affect company valuations, investor perceptions, and loan eligibility based on financial ratios. This isn't usually a concern for most individual freelancers or exporters.

Economic risk is the long-term impact that currency trends have on your competitiveness. If the rupee continues to strengthen against the dollar, your services will become more expensive for US clients over time, potentially harming future business.

For instance, if you charge $50 per hour when the rate is ₹80 per dollar, you earn ₹4,000 hourly. But if the rupee strengthens to ₹75 per dollar over two years, that same $50 now only gives you ₹3,750 per hour - you're essentially earning less without changing your rates, or you need to raise prices and risk losing clients to competitors.

Why Indian Freelancers and Exporters Are Exposed

Indian businesses face unique challenges when it comes to foreign exchange risk, and many don't realize how much it's costing them until it's too late.

Your international clients naturally want to pay in dollars, euros, or pounds. This makes sense for them, but it puts all the currency risk on your shoulders. Every invoice you send becomes a gamble on where exchange rates will be when payment arrives.

Indian banks exacerbate the issue by charging hidden markups of 2-4% on top of already poor conversion rates. That $5,000 payment doesn't just lose value from rate fluctuations - you're also paying significant fees that eat into your margins without you even noticing.

Limited hedging options for small businesses

While large exporters can utilize forward contracts and other financial instruments to protect themselves through a process called hedging, where they lock in future exchange rates to avoid losses, freelancers and small agencies often lack access to these hedging tools. You're left to absorb whatever the market throws at you.

That client who takes 45 days to pay instead of the agreed 15 days isn't just hurting your cash flow - they're giving exchange rates more time to move against you. The longer the gap between earning and receiving money, the more exposed you become to currency swings.

Foreign Exchange Risk Management Strategies

Now that you understand the risks, let's look at practical ways to protect your income from currency fluctuations.

&nbsp;Lock in today's exchange rate for a future payment. If you're expecting $10,000 next month and today's rate is ₹84, you can secure that rate regardless of where the market moves. This works well for large exporters who can access bank forex desks, but most freelancers and small businesses don't qualify for these services or meet the minimum transaction amounts.

This can help reduce your exposure. Consider adding a small buffer of 1-2% to your USD or EUR pricing to offset potential fluctuations. If you usually charge $5,000, pricing it at $5,100 gives you some cushion against adverse rate movements. You're building in a small insurance premium.

Consider&nbsp;EEFC (Exchange Earners' Foreign Currency) Account

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/eefc_account_overview_full_form_meaning_eligibility_benefits">EEFC accounts </a>let you hold foreign currency and choose when to convert. This gives you flexibility to wait for better rates, but it also means you're still carrying the risk. You might hold dollars hoping for a better rate, only to watch it drop further. Further, you can't hold funds in your EEFc account indefinitely; you need to convert it by the last day of the next calendar month after the funds are credited.&nbsp;

Platforms like Skydo provide real-time, no-markup exchange rates, ensuring you receive the full value of your earnings. While you can't always control the timing of conversions, you can at least avoid the hidden costs that traditional banks add to your transactions.

How to Track and Time Currency Conversion

While you can't predict exchange rates perfectly, smart timing and tracking can help you make better conversion decisions.

Use reliable rate references to understand the real market value

RBI reference rates and mid-market rates provide a true picture, without bank markups. These rates help you spot when banks are charging excessive spreads on your conversions. Most currency tracking apps and financial websites show these benchmark rates for free.

Avoid weekend and holiday settlements whenever possible

Currency markets are closed during these periods, so banks often use outdated rates or add extra margins to cover their risk. If you receive payment on Friday evening, consider waiting until Monday to convert unless you urgently need the funds. This only works if you have the option to withhold conversion - like with an EEFC account, where you can hold foreign currency - rather than automatic bank conversions that happen immediately upon receipt.

Stay aware of central bank announcements that can significantly impact the rupee

RBI interest rate decisions, policy changes, or major economic announcements often cause immediate currency movements. Following basic economic news helps you anticipate when rates might shift.

Set up conversion alerts to catch favorable movements

Many currency apps let you set notifications when the rupee weakens against the dollar. If you're holding dollars and get an alert that rates have moved in your favor, you can convert quickly. Even a difference of ₹1 per dollar on a $5,000 payment means ₹5,000 more in your account.

Let's look at actual numbers to see how much currency fluctuations can cost you. In 2023, the USD-INR exchange rate fluctuated between ₹81.5 and ₹83.6, representing a difference of over ₹2 per dollar.

This might not sound like much, but the impact on your earnings is significant. If you received a $10,000 payment when the rate was at its peak of ₹83.6, you'd get ₹8,36,000. The same payment at the year's low of ₹81.5 would only give you ₹8,15,000. That's a difference of ₹21,000 on a single payment - enough to cover your monthly expenses or invest in new equipment.

Many businesses overlook this margin loss entirely.&nbsp;

They focus on winning clients and delivering projects, but fail to realize that currency movements are quietly reducing their profits. A freelancer earning $5,000 monthly could see their annual income vary by over ₹1,00,000 just based on conversion timing, without doing any more or less work.

The volatility isn't going anywhere. Political events, economic policies, and global market conditions will continue to cause these swings. The businesses that acknowledge this reality and plan for it will consistently outperform those who leave it to chance.

Turn Forex Risk into a Strategic Advantage

You'll never eliminate foreign exchange risk, but you can manage it wisely and prevent currency fluctuations from quietly eroding your profits.

The key is being intentional about how you handle foreign currency, rather than leaving everything to chance. Multi-currency accounts give you more control over conversion timing, letting you wait for better rates. Modern platforms can eliminate hidden costs that traditional banks love to bury in their rates.

Skydo specifically addresses these challenges by offering live market rates with zero markup and faster settlements that reduce your exposure time. Unlike traditional banks that add 2-4% hidden fees, Skydo shows you exactly what you're paying upfront. You get global bank accounts instantly, real-time payment tracking, and transparent pricing that helps you keep more of what you earn. When you know exactly what you're paying and receiving, you can make better decisions about your business finances.

The businesses that treat currency management as a strategic part of their operations consistently outperform those who ignore it. With Skydo's transparent approach, you can finally see where your money is going and take control of your international payments.

Try Skydo for transparent international payments that put you in control.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/">Explore Skydo!</a>

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Managing Foreign Exchange risk

When your client says, “I’ll wire you the money,” they’re talking about an international wire transfer. Simply put, it’s a bank-to-bank payment sent across borders. These transfers run on the SWIFT network – a secure system that connects more than 11,000 banks around the world. Think of it as a global messaging system where banks talk to each other to move your money safely.

Here’s how it works: your overseas client enters your account number and your bank’s SWIFT/BIC code, hits send, and the money makes its way through SWIFT until it lands in your Indian bank account. Big companies and platforms like Amazon Global or Upwork still prefer wires because they’re reliable, can handle large payments, and support all major currencies.

Despite these advantages, wire transfers have downsides: they are relatively slow, often incur hidden fees or poor exchange rates, and offer little visibility on the funds during transit. We explore the timing and drawbacks below.

How Long Do International Wire Transfers Take?

Typically, international wire transfers take 1–5 business days to complete. In the best case, if everything aligns (banks have a direct relationship, the sender initiates early in the day, no currency conversion needed), money can arrive in 1–2 days. 

A more common scenario is 3–4 days for the funds to clear. Occasionally, complications can stretch it to 5 or more business days. Factors like bank cut-off times, weekends/holidays, and compliance checks can add days (for example, a Thursday wire that meets a holiday on Friday may not complete until Monday).

Average International Wire Transfer Time by Region

These are ballpark timelines. Actual transfer time can vary due to factors like intermediary banks, compliance checks, incorrect details, weekends, or public holidays (in either country).

Reasons Why Your Wire Transfer Might Be Delayed

International payments can be held up for many reasons beyond your control:

Pros and Cons of Wire Transfers (Especially for Indian Exporters)

How to Receive International Payments Faster (Without the Stress)

While you can’t control foreign bank policies, you can take steps to minimise delays on your end:

Skydo: Faster, Simpler Global Payments for Indian Exporters

One modern solution is Skydo – a fintech built for Indian exporters and freelancers. Skydo issues you virtual bank accounts in countries like the USA, UK, Australia, and more. When a client in, say, the US sends USD to your virtual USD account, Skydo instantly receives it as a domestic wire. They convert and credit INR to your Indian account within about 24–48 hours, instead of waiting days for a traditional SWIFT transfer.

Skydo’s platform is transparent: they charge a flat fee per transfer and give you the exact mid-market exchange rate (zero hidden forex markup)Unlike banks, Skydo automatically generates the required FIRA for your receipt with no extra work &nbsp;You also get real-time tracking of your transfer status, so you always know where the money is. Dozens of businesses have switched to Skydo to avoid the usual wire transfer uncertainty.

If you’re tired of wondering when (or if) your SWIFT payment will show up, consider a modern payments platform. With Skydo and similar services, “what you see is what you get” – all fees upfront, mid-market rates, and fast settlements

How Long Does an International Wire Transfer Take?

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Working with clients abroad? Great. But how you get paid can cost you more than you think.&nbsp;

There are ample payment gateways to choose from, but we know how busy your schedule is. To save time and give you a detailed overview of popular payment gateways, we have put together this comparison guide.&nbsp;

We have picked the 6 best payment gateways for freelancers in India, highlighted their pros and cons, and at the end, introduced a smarter alternative to receive direct wire transfers. 

What to Look for in a Payment Gateway as a Freelancer

The best way to know which payment gateway works for you is to make a list of must-have features and evaluate different platforms based on them. Here’s a readymade list to help you get started:

A payment platform might advertise low fees on its website homepage, but read the fine print. Does it charge a markup on the exchange rate? Are there intermediary bank charges? Give more weight to a platform that is transparent about these charges.

Ask your clients about their preferred payment method. If they prefer cards, then prioritise payment gateways that support card payments.

Quick payments allow you to have cash on hand to manage business expenses or investments, plan your bills, taxes, and savings. With longer settlement time, all of this is hampered, and so could be the exchange rate.&nbsp;

A <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/automated-firc-simplifying-international-payments-compliance">Foreign Inward Remittance Advice (FIRA)</a> is an important document for tax filing. It proves you have received a foreign payment in India. Check if the payment gateway automatically provides FIRA for free, so you don’t have to chase anyone to obtain it.

Ease of use—no dev work, no complex forms

When you’re always chasing client deadlines, you don’t want to settle for a complicated tool. The best way to find out how simple the tool is to use is by setting it up and using it firsthand. Run a few operations, like adding a client, bank information, and payment tracking. Take it to the next level by evaluating advanced features, like mobile access and automated invoicing. If the platform demands you to fill out complex forms or hire developers to set up a mobile integration, then it might not be the best choice for you.

Best International Payment Gateways for Indian Freelancers

In this section, we’ll cover the top international payment gateways Indian freelancers can use to receive payments,&nbsp; along with a smarter, more affordable alternative you may not have considered

PayPal: Trusted but Costlier Payment Gateways for Indian Freelancers

PayPal is the first on the list of 6 popular payment gateways you can consider. You’ve probably had at least one international client ask to pay you through PayPal, and that’s no surprise. PayPal remains the world’s leading digital payment platform, holding a <a href="https://www.chargeflow.io/blog/paypal-statistics-facts">45%</a> share of the global online payment market in 2025.

With PayPal’s availability in 200+ countries and support for 25 currencies, you have access to a truly global client pool. If you want to attract clients from the US, Germany, the UK, or even lesser-connected regions, PayPal’s trusted reputation means your clients can pay you quickly.&nbsp;

Payment links are simply personalised URLs that you can share with your clients over email or chat. Pay Now buttons are added to the website or invoice to help your client complete the payment.&nbsp; These techniques are effective because they make it easy for your clients to pay you even when they are busy or are unfamiliar with PayPal.

PayPal supports all major cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Your clients can use their card even without a PayPal account, and you will still get your money. Offering this flexibility is critical when you’re working with businesses that might have their own company payment policies or preferred payment methods.

High transaction fee + currency conversion fees (~4.4% + markup)

PayPal takes out a sizeable chunk of your earnings. Standard transaction fees for cross-border payments are around 4.4%. PayPal also adds a currency conversion markup, which can be as much as 4% above the prevailing exchange rate. There is also a fixed fee, which depends on the currency. For USD, it is $0.30.

While PayPal is well known globally, some of its features are restricted for Indian users. For example, you can’t keep your PayPal balance in India and must withdraw funds to your local bank account. You also don’t get access to PayPal debit cards. These restrictions may mean missed opportunities to handle your funds more flexibly.

Payoneer: Freelancer-Friendly Gateway with Global Marketplace Support

Payoneer might be a great fit if you work with platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Amazon. With Payoneer, you can create virtual account details in the US, UK, and EU, and track all the payments in a single dashboard.

Supports multiple currencies (USD, EUR, GBP)

Payoneer supports 70+ currencies. You have the flexibility to accept payments in major currencies like USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, and more. As Payoneer provides virtual accounts, your clients can use domestic payment methods to pay you. The advantage is that you save on international fees and get quicker settlement.&nbsp;

Easy withdrawal to Indian bank accounts

The process of withdrawing your money from Payoneer to your bank account is straightforward. Payoneer handles the currency conversion after receiving the payment and sends the money directly to your local bank, usually within three business days. This ease of withdrawal means you don’t have to stress about liquidity or getting stuck in a lengthy remittance process.

Payoneer’s integration with multiple marketplaces lets you channel all your payments to one centralised account. This is a huge win because you don’t need to handle separate payout systems. Payoneer’s advanced features also allow you to request payments from your clients and track your incoming payments.

Payoneer’s fee structure could be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to international payments. You pay up to 3.2% for payments received via credit card, and while getting paid from another Payoneer user is free, the charges for marketplace payouts or direct bank transfers vary by platform. There’s also an annual inactivity fee ($29.95) if your account isn’t used for 12 months.

Every time Payoneer converts currency to INR for you, they add a forex markup of upto 3% above the mid-market rate. This means if the current mid-market rate of USD to INR is Rs. 85, then Payoneer will offer an effective exchange rate of Rs. 82.45. For a $1000 payment, you lose Rs 2,550 due to forex markup.

Stripe: Advanced Tools, But a Complex Payment Gateway for Freelancers

Stripe is a developer-friendly payment gateway that supports over 135 currencies and operates in 195 countries. It’s widely used by SaaS companies and tech startups for its powerful APIs and automation features. While freelancers can use Stripe to receive international payments—especially for recurring or subscription-based services, it’s better suited for those with technical know-how or productized offerings.

A complicated checkout experience often leads to abandoned payments and lost revenue. Stripe helps you to avoid this by letting you build a clean, professional checkout that looks great on any device. You can embed Stripe’s pre-built payment form on your website. Or, you can redirect your clients to a Stripe-hosted payment page, which you can customise using your logo and brand colours.&nbsp;

With Stripe, you can accept payments from virtually any major credit or debit card worldwide: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB, Diners, China UnionPay, and more. This is great news if your clients prefer paying via a card.

Subscription and recurring payment support

Stripe’s advanced subscription tools let you set up automated billing for recurring services. For example, if you provide a monthly website maintenance package, Stripe can automatically bill your client every month. You don’t have to spend time sending payment reminders to your clients anymore.&nbsp; It also becomes easy to handle upgrades, downgrades, and plan changes with minimal friction.

Stripe works on an invite-only model in India. This means you cannot sign up directly; you have to request access first, and only if it’s approved, can you use Stripe. Right now, Stripe is accepting applications from businesses focused on international expansion. If you’re a gig worker or a small agency, your chances of getting that approval are quite slim.&nbsp;

Stripe charges a 4.3% processing fee for foreign currency transactions. There is also a currency conversion fee of 2%. That means you will lose 6.3% to fees for every foreign payment you get through Stripe. For a $10,000 payment, that’s $630 reduced to fees

Stripe does not issue FIRA. It offers a payment advice which you then need to take to the bank to get your FIRA. This is a pain point because you’ll have to rely on your receiving bank to generate the FIRA instead. The bank process for getting FIRA is often manual and time-consuming, so you may end up chasing a lot of paperwork.

Cashfree: India-Based Payment Gateway for Freelancers and Startups

Cashfree is an Indian payment gateway designed to help Indian businesses, especially startups and small service providers, accept both domestic and international payments. If you’re a freelancer who works with global as well as Indian clients, Cashfree can be a practical option. It offers developer-friendly APIs, easy integrations, and flexible settlement options.

Accepts International Card Payments

Cashfree supports all major global card networks, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Maestro. This makes it easy for international clients to pay using their preferred cards. However, international transaction fees vary depending on the card network and can include currency conversion charges.

You can receive payments in Indian Rupees (INR) and over 30 major foreign currencies like USD, EUR, and GBP. Managing both domestic and international clients through a single dashboard helps simplify accounting and reduces the need for multiple platforms.

Easy Integrations (No Coding Needed)

Cashfree integrates easily with popular platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Wix, and even WhatsApp. Freelancers running online stores or showcasing portfolios on websites can start accepting payments without needing technical expertise.

For international card payments, Cashfree charges a base fee of 2.95%–2.99% depending on the card type. Additional forex conversion fees may apply, making it costlier compared to some other alternatives for freelancers receiving large international transfers.

Documentation and Approval Required
To enable international payments,

Cashfree may require document verification such as PAN, bank details, and sometimes GST registration—especially for certain payment methods or business types. Approval can take a few working days.

PayU: Enterprise-Grade Payment Gateway, But Freelancer-Friendly Too

PayU is a global payment gateway with strong roots in India, supporting over 4.5 lakh merchants. While it's known for serving large e-commerce companies, its user-friendly interface and flexible features also make it a viable option for freelancers looking to accept international payments.


PayU allows you to accept payments via a wide range of options, including UPI, net banking, credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, RuPay, Maestro, Diners), wallets, EMI, and Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL). For international clients, this flexibility helps reduce payment friction by offering convenient methods.

Recurring Billing &amp; Easy Payment Links


If you offer subscription-based services or receive monthly retainers, PayU supports automated recurring billing with reminders. You can also send payment links directly to clients via email, WhatsApp, or social media—ideal for freelancers without a full website.

Works for Both Indian and International Clients

PayU supports multi-currency processing and settlement, enabling freelancers to cater to both domestic and international clients through a single platform.

Freelancers typically face a 3%+ fee for receiving international card payments. The pricing model is tiered, and better rates are often reserved for enterprise accounts with higher transaction volumes.

Complicated Onboarding for International Payments

To enable international payments, PayU may require extensive documentation like a PAN, GST certificate, website or portfolio, and in some cases, audited financials or an import-export code (IEC). This can be a blocker for early-stage freelancers.

PayU doesn’t generate Foreign Inward Remittance Advice (FIRA). You’ll need to depend on your bank to obtain these documents for compliance, something service exporters must track manually.

Skydo: A Smarter Alternative to Traditional Payment Gateways

Traditional payment gateways are convenient, but they come at a cost. The forex fees are on the higher side, and some of them do not provide an FIRA. So if your international clients prefer paying via wire transfers instead of cards, Skydo might be a better fit. It’s a modern payment solution designed for freelancers who invoice clients directly and want seamless, fast cross-border payments with a stress-free compliance process.

With Skydo, you always get live exchange rates with no hidden forex markup. This means you will always know how much money you will receive in your bank account.

Skydo generates your Foreign Inward Remittance Advice (FIRA) instantly and for free as soon as you receive payment. There’s no need to chase your bank for it.

Skydo provides access to major currencies, like USD, EUR, and GBP, through virtual accounts. They are like digital addresses linked to your Indian bank account. You can create a virtual account in key countries, like the US, UK, and Australia, without actually going there. The advantage is that your clients can pay you with a simple local bank transfer. You don’t have to bear the SWIFT fees and the delays that are associated with wire transfers.

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Picture this: your neighbour who drives for Ola during weekdays, delivers food on weekends, and somehow still finds time to offer home tutoring services through an app. Or you know someone who left their 9-to-5 to become a full-time content writer, juggling clients from three different platforms while working from their favourite coffee shop.

This is India's gig economy in action, and it's everywhere once you start noticing it.

The gig economy refers to work that occurs outside the traditional employee-employer setup. Instead of one permanent job, people take on task-based, short-term projects or freelance assignments.&nbsp;

In India, this means millions of people are earning through digital platforms like Upwork for writing projects, Urban Company for home services, or Swiggy for food delivery. They're not employees in the traditional sense, but independent workers who choose when, where, and how much they want to work.

India's gig economy is divided into two main categories that appear quite distinct from one another.&nbsp;