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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Quick Answer: Yes, PayPal is available in India in 2025 for international transactions. Indian users (freelancers, businesses, and consumers) can use PayPal to receive or make payments across borders, but domestic INR transfers are not supported. PayPal India focuses only on cross-border payments – you cannot send money in INR to another Indian PayPal user. Recent developments include PayPal’s RBI approval to operate under a regulated framework and an upcoming UPI integration for global payments. However, high fees and currency conversion charges apply, so many Indian users are also exploring alternatives like Skydo, Wise, and Payoneer to reduce costs.

Absolutely – but with caveats. PayPal works in India for accepting and making international payments, not local ones. In practical terms, an Indian freelancer or business can use PayPal to invoice overseas clients and receive payments in foreign currency, which PayPal will then convert to Indian Rupees (INR) and deposit into your bank account. 

You cannot use PayPal for INR-to-INR transfers within India, as PayPal does not support domestic payments in India. PayPal actually <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/global-financial-regulations-remain-complex-says-paypal-ceo-calls-upi-the-first-partner-on-paypal-world-platform/articleshow/124358525.cms?from=mdr#:~:text=US,border%20payments%20aggregator">exited the domestic India market in 2021,</a> choosing to focus solely on cross-border transactions. So, while your Indian PayPal account is fully functional for global commerce, it’s not a substitute for local UPI apps or Indian bank transfers.

Key limitations: Any money you receive via PayPal in India is automatically withdrawn to your linked Indian bank account (usually within 24 hours) – you can’t keep a balance in PayPal. This automatic withdrawal is due to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulations. You’ll need to complete KYC (provide PAN, bank details, etc.) to use PayPal, and PayPal will issue you<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/all-you-need-to-know-about-firc-a-complete-guide"> monthly FIRA</a> (Foreign Inward Remittance Advice) statements as proof of your foreign earnings for compliance. Also, certain features PayPal offers elsewhere (like PayPal Credit, “Buy Now Pay Later” options, or storing money in a PayPal wallet) are not available in India.

2025 updates:&nbsp; In May 2025, the RBI granted<a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/global-financial-regulations-remain-complex-says-paypal-ceo-calls-upi-the-first-partner-on-paypal-world-platform/articleshow/124358525.cms?from=mdr#:~:text=US,border%20payments%20aggregator"> in-principle approval for PayPal</a> to operate as a payment aggregator for cross-border exports. This means PayPal will continue offering its cross-border payment services under direct RBI regulation – a positive sign that PayPal is here to stay and expand in India. Another exciting update is PayPal’s move to integrate with India’s famed UPI system. In late 2025, PayPal announced its plan for a new platform called <a href="ttps://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/global-financial-regulations-remain-complex-says-paypal-ceo-calls-upi-the-first-partner-on-paypal-world-platform/articleshow/124358525.cms?from=mdr#:~:text=Chriss%20highlighted%20PayPal%E2%80%99s%20partnership%20with,international%20shopping%20and%20money%20transfers">PayPal World,</a> making India’s UPI one of its first partners. What does this mean? Soon, Indian consumers will be able to use their UPI apps (like Google Pay, PhonePe, etc.) to pay international merchants via PayPal’s network, thanks to this interoperability. It’s a step towards connecting Indian payment methods with global e-commerce. However, note that this UPI integration is primarily for Indian shoppers making payments abroad; it doesn’t mean you can receive INR via UPI into PayPal. It simply underscores that PayPal is doubling down on cross-border payments and making it easier for Indians to participate in global commerce.

So, bottom line – PayPal absolutely works in India in 2025 for international transactions. It’s officially approved by regulators, and it’s building bridges like UPI interoperability to make cross-border payments smoother. Just remember that within India, you’ll still rely on other methods (bank transfers, UPI, etc.) for local money movement.

Safety is a common concern, and understandably so when your hard-earned money is at stake. Overall, PayPal is widely considered safe and secure for users in India. The platform has a long-standing global reputation for security. It employs strong encryption to protect your data, monitors transactions round-the-clock for fraud, and offers two-factor authentication options for account login.

 In India and worldwide, PayPal also provides Buyer Protection and Seller Protection programs on eligible transactions. This means if you’re a buyer and you didn’t receive what you paid for, or you’re a seller dealing with a fraudulent chargeback, PayPal may cover you after investigation. These protections add a layer of trust for both you and your clients.

Real-world experience of most users confirms that PayPal is reliable. Major security breaches are rare. That said, no platform is 100% immune. In early 2024, for example, authorities in Singapore reported some cases of compromised PayPal accounts being used by criminals, leading to <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/police-csa-warn-of-compromised-paypal-accounts-used-by-cyber-criminals-for-transactions#:~:text=Upon%20checking%20their%20PayPal%20accounts%2C,accounts%20added%20by%20the%20criminals">unauthorised transactions</a>. PayPal swiftly clarified and addressed the issue, and it did not reflect any fundamental flaw in PayPal’s systems – the incidents were likely due to phishing or stolen credentials, not a hack of PayPal itself. The lesson was a reminder to users to practice good security hygiene (strong passwords, beware of phishing emails, enable 2FA) to keep their accounts safe.&nbsp;

For Indian users, PayPal’s track record has been solid. The company complies with RBI regulations and has local data storage as required, etc. When you use PayPal for international transactions, your money is travelling via a regulated, encrypted, and monitored channel. Of course, you should also do your part: never share your PayPal password or OTP, watch out for scam emails (“You’ve won money, click here” types), and keep your device secure. But these are standard precautions.

In summary, PayPal is safe to use in India. Its security infrastructure is robust, and it’s trusted by millions worldwide. As a freelancer or business, you can confidently use PayPal for your payments – just stay vigilant online. If security is a top concern, also know that all the major alternatives we’ll discuss (Skydo, Wise, etc.) similarly use bank-grade security and are regulated, so you have options without compromising on safety.

PayPal Fees and Charges in India – What Does It Cost?

Now to the not-so-fun part: fees. If you’re using PayPal in India, it’s crucial to understand how much it costs, because these fees can add up and eat into your earnings. Let’s break down PayPal’s charges for Indian users receiving international payments:

To summarise, if you receive an international payment via PayPal India, you’ll typically pay: 4.4% + a fixed fee + ~4% in currency conversion markup. In formula form, PayPal fees = 4.4% + fixed fee + ~4% currency conversion fee.&nbsp; This adds up quickly

Let’s illustrate the impact with a real scenario:

Scenario: You invoice a client $5,000 USD for a project, and they pay you via PayPal:

Transaction fee (4.4%): $5,000 × 4.4% = $220 in service fees

Fixed fee (USD): $0.30 (for USD transactions)

Remaining after PayPal fees (before conversion): $5,000 – $220.30 = $4,779.70.

Currency conversion: PayPal will convert $4,779.70 to INR at ~4% below the market rate. If the actual rate is ₹86 per $1, PayPal’s rate might be ~₹82.5.

So you’d get roughly ₹4,779.70 × 82.5 = ₹3,94,270 (approximately).

Takeaway: PayPal’s convenience and global reach come at a price – roughly 58% of your payment will be taken in fees (transaction + fixed) and forex conversion. This is one of the highest among various payment methods. So if you’re planning your pricing or considering which platform to use, keep this cost in mind. In the next sections, we’ll look at pros/cons and alternatives, some of which can save you a lot on these fees.

(Note: PayPal’s fee structure is the same regardless of whether your client pays by their PayPal balance, card, or bank – the fee is charged to you as the receiver. If you’re sending money as a customer, different fees might apply, but here we’re focused on business payments. Also, fees can slightly vary for very high-volume accounts or special arrangements, but 4.4% is standard for most.)

In India, PayPal’s fees are subject to 18% GST (Goods &amp; Services Tax), but this tax is charged on the fees themselves, not on your whole amount. PayPal provides a consolidated GST invoice each month for the fees it has collected, which you may use to claim input credit or refunds if applicable to your business

PayPal in India: Pros, Cons, and User Experiences

Like any payment solution, PayPal has its advantages and drawbacks, especially in the Indian context. Let’s summarize the pros and cons for freelancers, SMEs, and exporters in India, with some real-world perspective:

Real-world user sentiment:&nbsp;(based on reviews from G2 and Reddit)

It’s instructive to note what others say. On platforms like <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/paypal/reviews">G2 </a>and Reddit, Indian users often praise PayPal’s ease of use and client trust, but complain about the fees. As one user noted on G2

“Customers love to pay through PayPal because it’s secure and easy... but the fees are a bit high... especially currency exchange fees.”
(<a href="https://www.g2.com/products/paypal/reviews">Source</a>)

“When I received money, the exchange rate they provided was ₹82 when the actual rate was ₹86 – it makes a lot of difference for big amounts.”
(<a href="https://www.g2.com/products/paypal/reviews">Source</a>)

On community forums like <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/freelance/comments/v2xuco/which_is_better_for_receiving_international/">Reddit</a>, you’ll find more informal user commentary, with some Indian freelancers saying PayPal’s fees feel steep for regular use or preferring alternatives like Wise or U.S.-based setups. Phrases like “PayPal is too expensive for India” and “I only use it if the client insists” appear frequently.
(<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/IndiaInvestments/comments/11t8t0e/paypal_india_is_useless_with_heavy_fees_any/">Reddit example</a>)

⚠️ Note: These insights are sourced from independent user reviews on platforms like G2 and Reddit. They reflect individual experiences, not the opinion or endorsement of Skydo.

Keep these pros and cons in mind as you decide if PayPal suits your needs. Next, let’s explore some alternatives that might offer a better deal while still getting you paid from abroad.

Given PayPal’s charges and limitations, many Indian freelancers, businesses, and exporters are exploring alternative platforms to receive international payments. The good news is that today there are several reliable options that can often save you money (and sometimes headaches). Here we’ll outline a few of the top PayPal alternatives for users in India, and how they compare:

1. Skydo – Low-Cost Solution Built for Indian Businesses

Skydo is an India-based fintech platform specifically designed for cross-border payments. It’s a popular emerging alternative due to its dramatically lower fees and India-friendly features. Skydo’s model is quite different from PayPal’s percentage cut:

In summary, Skydo offers a fast, secure, and far more cost-effective alternative to PayPal for Indian users who prioritise keeping fees low. It’s especially great for larger transactions where the flat fee model shines. You do give up some of PayPal’s universality (clients might not know Skydo like they know PayPal), but many users find that once they explain the savings, clients are willing to do a simple bank payment via Skydo. It’s a compelling option for serious freelancers and businesses looking to maximise their earnings instead of losing a chunk to fees.

2. Wise Business (formerly TransferWise) – Transparent Mid-Market Rates

Wise is globally renowned for its ultra-transparent approach to international money transfers. Wise (through its business account offering) is another excellent alternative for receiving payments from abroad into India:

In summary, Wise is one of the best alternatives if low cost and fair exchange rates are your priority. It’s especially great for small to medium payments and frequent transfers, where PayPal’s fixed fee and higher percentage really hurt. 

3. Payoneer – Widely Used for Freelancers &amp; Marketplaces

Payoneer is another long-standing player in international payments for freelancers and businesses. A lot of people who work with global marketplaces (Upwork, Fiverr, Amazon, Airbnb, etc.) end up using Payoneer, because those platforms often offer Payoneer as a withdrawal method. Here’s what you should know:

Overall, Payoneer is a well-established alternative to PayPal with potentially lower fees, especially if you optimise how clients pay you through it. It’s extremely useful if you already use platforms that support Payoneer, or if your client is open to paying via Payoneer. Security-wise, it’s reputable and regulated. The slightly complex fee structure and occasional fees like inactivity, are the main downsides. But for many, Payoneer strikes a good balance of cost and convenience, sitting somewhere between PayPal and something like Wise in terms of overall cost

4. Stripe – Payment Gateway for Businesses (Selective in India)

Stripe is a leading global payments infrastructure company often used by online businesses to accept credit card payments. It’s not a peer-to-peer tool like PayPal but more of a developer-friendly payment gateway. Still, for Indian businesses that need to charge international customers’ cards, Stripe can be an alternative to PayPal’s “website payments” function.

In summary, Stripe can be seen as an alternative to using PayPal if you need to accept international credit card payments directly and possibly save a bit on fees. It’s a bit niche for individual freelancers unless you are running a full-fledged online business. The slightly lower fees come with the price of complexity (integration, invite process). For many small exporters, Stripe might be something to consider down the line as you scale, rather than an immediate PayPal replacement.

Beyond the big four above, there are other ways to receive money from abroad, each with their own pros/cons:

In essence, if you’re not sticking with PayPal, you have multiple alternatives – some focusing on ultra-low cost (Wise, Skydo), some on specific use-cases (Payoneer for marketplaces, Stripe for card payments). Many users even use a combination: e.g., use PayPal for certain clients who insist on it, but use Wise or Skydo for others who are flexible, thereby saving on fees for the majority of transactions. You might start with PayPal just because it’s easy, then gradually encourage repeat clients to switch to a cheaper method (maybe by offering a small discount or just explaining the fee savings).

The key is to find what works for you and your clients. Below, we’ll discuss how to evaluate these options based on your priorities.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an International Payment Platform

Whether you stick with PayPal or switch to an alternative, it’s important to evaluate platforms on a few key factors. Here are some essential considerations to help you choose the right international payment platform for your needs:

In summary, the “best” platform depends on what matters most to you. If cost savings are #1, you’ll lean toward Skydo for its low fees and great rates. If client convenience and universality are most important, you might stick with PayPal or use it for first payments and then switch. If you need special features like card processing on your site, maybe Stripe. Many businesses use a mix-and-match approach: e.g., take PayPal for the first transaction (since it’s easy and the client trusts it), then suggest moving to a lower-cost method for subsequent payments once you’ve built trust. That way, you get the best of both – client comfort and cost savings.

The good news is, you’re not stuck with just one option. You can maintain a PayPal account and a Wise account, for example, and use whatever makes sense per client or transaction. Just keep an eye on the fees and choose wisely!

Conclusion: If You’re in India, Skydo Makes the Most Sense

PayPal will always win on familiarity. But if you care about keeping more of every invoice and staying audit-ready without the bank chase, Skydo is the better default for Indian freelancers, SMEs, and exporters.

If your goal is to maximise take-home, simplify compliance, and avoid surprise deductions, Skydo should be your primary rail—with others as situational fallbacks.

Curious what you’d actually save on your typical invoice? Map one recent payment through Skydo’s fee/FX and compare it to your PayPal payout—you’ll see the gap immediately.

PayPal in India: Charges, Review and Alternatives

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How to receive money from USA to India? 

If you're an Indian SaaS startup, D2C brand, freelancer, or agency getting paid from abroad, chances are you've considered Stripe.

It’s one of the biggest global names in online payments.

But here’s what most people don’t know:

💡 Stripe is <a href="https://support.stripe.com/questions/stripe-accounts-are-invite-only-in-india">not fully available in India.
</a>

💡 It charges over 6% per transaction.&nbsp;

 💡 It does not issue FIRA, which you need to stay compliant.

Technically, yes, but it’s invite-only.
Stripe India is not open for direct sign-ups like in other countries. You have to request access and wait for approval.

Even after that, Indian accounts come with limitations:

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/stripe-fees-india">Stripe India follows this pricing:</a>

🧾 Example:
If your US client pays $10,000, you’ll lose ~$630 (around ₹52,000) to Stripe’s fees.

❌ No. Stripe does not issue FIRA or eBRC certificates, which are mandatory for Indian businesses receiving foreign payments.

Instead, they give you a generic payment advice, and you’re expected to:

This process takes 7–15 days and delays your ability to claim GST refunds, tax credits, or show compliant export earnings.

Why Stripe Isn’t Ideal for Indian Exporters &amp; Freelancers?

Stripe was built for a global audience, but it’s not tailored for India’s regulatory or financial ecosystem.

Stripe is a powerful platform with deep developer tools, global reach, and excellent UX,&nbsp; but it’s not a perfect fit for everyone in India. Here’s who might benefit from Stripe despite its limitations:

In short, Stripe can be a solid choice for early-stage SaaS or D2C brands that:

But for most Indian exporters, service providers, and freelancers who need cost-effective payments and full compliance, Stripe falls short.

That’s where Skydo becomes the better option.

Skydo is built specifically for Indian businesses receiving international payments,&nbsp; with full RBI compliance, low fees, and no manual paperwork.

Skydo vs Stripe India: Cost &amp; Compliance

A freelancer in India receives USDS 10,000 from a US client. Here's how what they would receive with Skydo vs Stripe India:

Transaction&nbsp; fee (4.3%)USD 10,000 × 4.3% = USD 430

Currency Conversion (2%)USD 10,000 × 2% = USD 200

Amount received overall USD (10,000 − 630) = USD 9,370≈ ₹7,87,000 (at ₹84/USD)

Amount Received overall = USD (10,000 − 19 )= USD 9,981≈ ₹8,35,000 (at ₹84/USD)

Stripe is a powerful platform, but for Indian businesses, it often comes with high costs and compliance gaps.

Skydo fills that gap.
If you're looking for a <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/stripe-alternatives-for-international-payments-in-india">Stripe India alternative </a>that’s built for how Indian exporters and freelancers actually work, Skydo is it.

💡 Start receiving international payments the smarter way.

Stripe India: Charges, Review and Alternatives 

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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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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