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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Cashfree makes it easy to manage both domestic and international flows in one place. As export volumes grow, some teams explore adjacent options, not because Cashfree “doesn’t work,” but to see which platform best matches their ticket sizes, settlement needs, <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/forex-markup-fee-explained">FX preferences</a>, and compliance workflow.

Think of Cashfree as a generalist payments stack that also supports export collections.

When teams look for Cashfree alternatives

With that lens, here are the leading alternatives to Cashfree and where each one fits.

Skydo: Export-first collections (freelancers, agencies, SaaS, exporters)

If your revenue is primarily from overseas clients, Skydo is purpose-built for that motion. 

Three things stand out for export teams:

Why pick Skydo over other Cashfree competitors? Because it removes guesswork where exporters feel it the most: FX clarity, compliance artefacts, and payout speed.

Payoneer: Marketplace-native (Amazon Global, Upwork, Fiverr)

If most of your receivables come from marketplaces, <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/payoneer-payment-gateway-features-fees">Payoneer</a> is familiar—and for good reason. You can receive in multiple currencies, withdraw to your Indian account, and keep your accounting straightforward. Payoneer also offer free FIRA for every payment.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/payoneer-fees-india-guide">Fees vary by route and volume.</a> For virtual account transfers, fees can be up to 1%, while credit card payments carry a 3.2% fee+ a small fixed fee. There's also a 3% conversion fee while converting the amount to INR.&nbsp;

Pick Payoneer if your primary motivation is “get paid from marketplaces reliably” and you value minimal setup over granular control of each corridor.

Wise&nbsp; Business:&nbsp; Transparent FX for lighter volumes

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/transferwise-india-features-benefits-pros-cons">Wise</a> is known for its mid-market FX and its super intuitive UI. If your cross-border volume is under USD 10k, Wise’s multi-currency accounts and predictable conversion method feel refreshingly simple.

Wise supports up to USD 10k/invoice and also offers FIRA for every payment, albeit at an additional cost of USD 2.50&nbsp;

As mentioned, it offers a midmarket rate without any markup and<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/wise-transfer-charges-in-india"> its fee</a> ranges mostly between 1.6-1.8%.&nbsp;

Choose Wise if you prize transparency and ease, and your current scale doesn’t demand advanced export workflows.

Stripe: Global SaaS billing (India availability varies)

For teams with a strong subscription or recurring billing motion, <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/stripe-india-charges-review-alternatives">Stripe</a> is a developer’s favourite: flexible pricing models, solid APIs, and battle-tested tooling across many currencies. However, here are the things you need to know

Choose Stripe when your product is subscription-led and engineering flexibility matters more than out-of-the-box export ops.

PayPal: Familiarity that can lift conversion

Sometimes the fastest way to get paid is to meet the buyer where they already are.<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/paypal-in-india-charges-review-alternatives"> PayPal </a>is globally recognised, often improving first-time conversion.

 On the flip side, total cost (cross-border + conversion) can be up 8% higher than bank-rail options. It offers a monthly digital FIRA that is available by the 15th of the next month

Choose PayPal when buyer preference is the deciding factor and you want instant recognizability.

Cashfree vs competitors: how to actually choose

If you’re happy with a single, generalist stack, Cashfree does the job, especially when you need domestic + international + gateway in one place. I

If you’re running an export-led operation and want mid-market FX, flat fees, faster INR, and per-payment FIRA by default, shortlisting Skydo is a smart next step.

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What are Stripe Payment Links—and where can you use them?

Stripe Payment Links are hosted checkout pages you can create without code. You generate a link (or button/QR), share it anywhere (email, WhatsApp, proposals, socials), and your client pays on a Stripe-hosted page. Use them for products, services, subscriptions, tips, and donations; you can even embed “Buy” buttons or run simple A/Bs.&nbsp;

India availability: Stripe operates invite-only in India right now, so new accounts require approval before you can use Payment Links.

How Stripe Payment Links work (quick, step-by-step)

Pricing: what you actually pay with Stripe in India

Stripe lists separate pricing for domestic vs. international card payments, plus conversion when currency changes. Figures below reflect Stripe India references and current docs; confirm your exact plan/corridor with Stripe

Worked example (international card to INR)

Card processing fee (international): 4.3% = $430

(Assumes pricing above and that conversion applies. Your outcome varies by corridor, disputes, refunds, etc.)

Limitations to watch (especially for India)

A focused alternative for Indian exporters: Skydo InstaLinks (US clients only)

If your clients are largely in the US, Skydo InstaLinks gives you link-based collection via card or ACH. Funds convert at live mid-market rates with clear, flat fees and settle to your Indian bank account; a FIRA is issued automatically for every inward remittance, no branch visits or follow-ups.

Both tools solve “send a link, get paid.” If you need global coverage and already have Stripe, Payment Links are reliable. If your work is US-centric and you want free FIRA + live FX + ACH, InstaLinks can reduce cost and compliance overhead.

Stripe Payment Links vs. Skydo InstaLinks (quick grid)

Stripe figures per current India references; always confirm inside your dashboard/contract

Conclusion: The link that does the heavy lifting (InstaLinks)

If most of your clients sit in the US, the simplest way to cut friction is to stop “building” payment flows and just send a link that does the compliance and conversion work for you. Skydo InstaLinks lets US clients pay the way they already do—card net banking—while you get live mid-market FX, clear flat fees, and automatic FIRA on every inward remittance. Funds settle to your Indian bank within ~24–48 hours, and your purpose codes + audit trail stay tidy without extra ops. It’s the practical, exporter-first way to keep cash moving and books clean.

Send a link. Get paid. Stay compliant.
Try InstaLinks and make your next US payment the easiest one yet.

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Last year, India exported <a href="https://tradingeconomics.com/india/exports/united-states">$79.44 billion</a> of goods and services to the US. Behind these big trade numbers are exporters and freelancers like you. But here’s something you might not know: US businesses run on credit cards. They like cards for the speed, rewards, and ease.

In that case, if you start accepting card payments, you make it convenient for your clients to pay you. You can attract more clients and retain the present ones for a longer term. But how do you start accepting card payments from US clients? 	

Stripe is a popular platform; it has long been a favourite for SaaS businesses for its ability to handle recurring payments in 135+ currencies. Also worth mentioning is its plug-and-play checkout feature. But Stripe operates on an invite-only model in India. Plus, its total fees are on the higher side.

You do have an option: Skydo. A homegrown brand	with services tailored for Indian exporters. Is Skydo the right choice? Or Stripe sounds like a better match? Find out for yourself in this Stripe vs Skydo comparative blog. 

Stripe Credit Card Processing Fees in India

Stripe lets you accept credit card payments from 195+ countries (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, etc.), a big plus for global reach. However, as we have mentioned before, it is currently invite-only in India, with no guaranteed approval timeline.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Here’s how Stripe charges you on international card transactions:

So, in total, Stripe charges around 6.2% in fees, including transaction fees and forex markup.&nbsp;

Skydo is built specifically for Indian exporters and freelancers. With InstaLinks, you can share a payment link with your US client—no account setup needed.

Compared to Stripe, you save about ₹1,000 more per $1,000 invoice with Skydo, plus instant&nbsp; FIRA to simplify your compliance requirements.&nbsp;

Stripe is a powerful global platform, but it comes with high costs, forex markups, and compliance hurdles in India. For most freelancers and exporters, Skydo helps you keep more of your money, with flat pricing, live exchange rates, and instant FIRA.

If you’re ready to cut down on Stripe credit card fees and simplify compliance, try <a href="https://www.skydo.com/features/instalinks?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=inbound_blog&amp;utm_campaign=Stripe_credit_card">Skydo InstaLinks today.</a>

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Revolut India is a global financial technology company that offers a range of digital banking services to over 65 million personal users and 500,000 business users worldwide. Through its mobile app, Revolut provides multi-currency accounts, debit cards, foreign exchange, and other financial services.&nbsp;

The company prioritizes security, utilizing end-to-end encryption and partnering with regulated banks to store user funds. 

Revolut in India: what’s confirmed—and what to realistically expect

Revolut has opened a waitlist for interested users, but the initial rollout is expected to be limited to a select group, with mass availability pending further developments.&nbsp;

Limitations &amp; watch-outs for Indian users

When considering Revolut's upcoming launch in India, there are several limitations and watch-outs that users should be aware of:

If you receive business payments from abroad

If you are an Indian business, freelancer, agency, or SaaS company receiving payments from international clients, it's important to note that Revolut's services are not yet widely available in India.&nbsp;

Moreover, the company's current communication primarily focuses on a consumer-oriented payments launch, which includes UPI integration and card services.

As an exporter, you have specific requirements to ensure compliance and smooth operations. These include purpose-code mapping, Foreign Inward Remittance Advice (FIRA), <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/what-is-e-brc">Electronic Bank Realisation Certificate (eBRC),</a> predictable settlement, and transparent foreign exchange rates. At present, there is no clear indication that Revolut's Indian offering will cater to these business-specific needs at launch.

This is where Skydo emerges as a compelling alternative, tailored specifically for Indian exporters.&nbsp;

A business-grade alternative for exporters &amp; freelancers: Skydo

Skydo is a purpose-built platform designed specifically for Indian freelancers, agencies, SaaS providers, and SMBs receiving international client payments.&nbsp;

Skydo prioritizes compliance, efficiency, and transparency, enabling your business to streamline international payment workflows and focus on growth.&nbsp;

If you're an Indian exporter seeking a comprehensive solution for managing client payments, Skydo offers the tools and features you need to succeed.

Quick comparison: Skydo vs. Revolut India&nbsp;

Here's a quick comparison table between Skydo and Revolut India at launch:

As the rollout begins, waitlisted users will be invited to access the app in phases, with priority given to early registrants

Getting started with Skydo takes just a few minutes:

That’s it — your international payment setup is ready.
Join thousands of Indian businesses using Skydo to get paid globally, faster, and without hidden fees.

👉 <a href="https://www.skydo.com/">Create your account today</a>

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Short answer: Yes, Airwallex is available in India. India-registered businesses are onboarded under Airwallex Singapore Pte. Ltd., and your products/fees follow the Singapore entity.

Airwallex is a global payments and financial platform founded in 2015. It offers multi-currency accounts, FX &amp; transfers, payment acceptance (gateway &amp; links), payouts, cards/expense, and APIs.

Yes. India is an eligible country to onboard, and India-registered companies are served by the Singapore entity—this influences available features, fee schedules, and compliance artefacts.

Documents (indicative; confirm during signup)

Airwallex has a dedicated page for South-East Asia documents, which includes India. Expect standard company proofs (incorporation, GST, PAN, ownership chart) and a recent bank statement or financials.&nbsp;

Key takeaway: You’ll operate under Singapore licensing, not Indian banking regulation. This affects available features, pricing visibility, and compliance documentation.

What Indian businesses can use with Airwallex

1) Global Accounts (collect like a local)

How it works (example): A US client pays you via ACH into your US receiving details; funds land as USD in your wallet → you hold or convert to INR → payout domestically.

2) Payment Gateway (accept cards &amp; local methods)

Pricing &amp; FX: what’s public (examples)

Important: India-registered businesses are typically on Singapore pricing logic. Confirm your exact rates with Airwallex.

Airwallex <a href="https://www.airwallex.com/us/pricing?">pricing pages</a> commonly show ~0.5% above interbank for major currencies and ~1.0% for others (ranges can vary by country page/plan).&nbsp;

Worked example (USD → INR @ 0.60% spread for illustration):

Card acceptance (gateway) — reference geographies

Rates vary by merchant region. Public UK pricing page shows: UK cards 1.30% + £0.20; EEA cards 2.40% + £0.20; International 3.15% + £0.20 per successful card transaction. Use this only as a benchmark and confirm India-entity specifics with sales.&nbsp;

Payouts &amp; SWIFT (reference schedules)

What Indian exporters should verify (with any provider)

Note: We haven’t found official, public confirmation that Airwallex automatically issues FIRA/eBRC for India inward remittances. Ask this explicitly in onboarding.

A tailored, compliant alternative for Indian exporters: Skydo

If you export services from India, the real bottleneck isn’t just collecting dollars, it’s staying audit-ready while you collect. That’s the problem Skydo solves without drama. Your client pays like they would locally, money lands in your local virtual account, FX is at live mid-market rates with a clear flat fee, and the compliance trail writes itself. A FIRA is generated when funds settle; if you sell via Amazon Global Selling, you also receive eBRC. The <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/rbi_purpose_code_for_inward_remittance?">purpose code</a> you chose once is remembered for next time, so every repeat invoice stays clean and consistent. What you see is a practical stack that cuts back and forth, shortens payout time, and doesn’t leave you guessing at audit time.

Get started in minutes. Streamline international payments and stay fully compliant—Sign up for Skydo.