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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As an Indian business or freelancer earning globally, managing international payments can be a significant challenge. That’s where platforms like Payoneer step in. Payoneer is a global payment platform that facilitates sending and receiving international payments in over 70 currencies. In this article, we’ll explore Payoneer's fees and charges to help you understand the costs involved in receiving international payments in India through Payoneer.

Payoneer Fees India: What you need to know

In India, professionals and businesses can effortlessly make a payment request and receive international payments via Payoneer. With Payoneer, clients can pay you online<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/payoneer-payment-gateway-features-fees" target="_blank"> through various methods</a>, including credit cards, ACH bank debits (US only), and global virtual accounts. You can then withdraw these funds directly into your local bank account.

Additionally, Payoneer offers an enterprise solution that enables businesses to make <a href="https://www1.payoneer.com/in/enterprise/?no_follow=true">mass international payouts</a> efficiently.

While opening a Payoneer account is free, many of these services come with associated fees. Let’s take a closer look at Payoneer fee information for sending, receiving, and withdrawing international payments.

Payoneer is a popular platform for businesses in the US and around the world to send cross-border payments. The platform offers multiple payment options for your clients, including credit cards and bank transfers. Let's break down the pricing associated with each payment method:

Payoneer to Payoneer Payments: Payments made between Payoneer accounts are free. If both you and your client use Payoneer, opting for this method can help you avoid transaction costs.&nbsp;

Credit Card: If a client pays you via credit card, an additional 3.2%+&nbsp;$0.49 Payoneer fee on the transaction amount will be applied.

ACH Bank Debit: This option is available only in the US. If your US client pays you via ACH bank debit, you'll incur an additional 1% as Payoneer fees.

Wire Transfer: Your clients can also make SWIFT/Wire transfers via Payoneer. However, please note that direct bank payments may incur a SWIFT fee of USD 20-40. This fee is typically charged by third-party banks before the payment reaches Payoneer, so it isn’t categorized as Payoneer fees.

Local Virtual Accounts: If your clients pay through <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/virtual-account-numbers" target="_blank">local virtual accounts</a>, there are no additional Payoneer fees for EUR, GBP etc, but for USD, 1% fee will apply

Once you receive payment in your Payoneer receiving account, you can withdraw it to your local bank account. However, be aware that Payoneer fees apply depending on the currency in which you withdraw the payment. Let’s break down these fees:

This typically applies to international payments. If you withdraw funds in a different currency, a<a href="https://www1.payoneer.com/in/about/fees/?no_follow=true">&nbsp;3% forex markup </a>will be applied. For example, if you receive an international payment in USD and withdraw it in your local currency, say, INR, you’ll receive INR 82.32 instead of INR 84 at the prevailing exchange rate.

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

Payoneer charges an <a href="https://www1.payoneer.com/in/about/fees/?no_follow=true">annual fee of $29.95 </a>if your account has received less than USD 2000 or equivalent payment in 12 months.

Opening a Payoneer account doesn't come with any registration fee and the platform also offers certain free services like Payoneer to Payoneer transfers. But please note that all the Payoneer fees mentioned above also apply in India.

Payoneer Charges India: How much do I need to pay to receive global payments?

To get a better understanding of Payoneer fees, let’s try to understand how the fee works through certain hypothetical examples.

Payoneer Fees for receiving and Withdrawing USD 8000 via virtual account:

Imagine you receive a payment of USD 8,000 from your client through your virtual account and want to withdraw it in INR. Let’s see the Payoneer fees associated with receiving and withdrawing the same:

Exchange Rate: INR 84 (Approximately as of 19th August 2024)

USD 8000 at live FX rate= 8000*84= INR 672000

Payoneer Fees for withdrawing payment in different currencies: 3% forex markup

Therefore, the effective exchange rate = INR 81.48&nbsp;

USD 8000 at the effective forex rate = &nbsp;8000*82.32 = INR&nbsp;651,840

Payoneer Fees = INR (672,000- 651,840) = INR&nbsp;20,160&nbsp;

So, for your USD 8,000 payment, you'll actually receive INR 651,840. The remaining INR&nbsp;20,160&nbsp;&nbsp;will be deducted as Payoneer fees.

Payoneer Fees for Receiving and Withdrawing USD 8000 via Credit Card

Amount in INR at Live FX Rate: 8000 × 84 = INR 672,000

Total Payoneer Fees (USD): 256 + 0.49 = USD 256.49

Payment Post Deduction (USD): 8000 - 256.49 = USD 7743.51

Forex Markup for Withdrawing in a Different Currency:

Effective Exchange Rate: 84 × (1 - 0.03) = 81.48

Amount in INR at Effective FX Rate: 7743.51 × 81.48 = INR 630,941.19

Final Amount Received in INR: INR 630,941.19

Total Payoneer Fees Deducted: INR 41,058.81

Payoneer Fees Reviews: What people are saying

People seem to have mixed feelings when it comes to Payoneer’s fees. On one hand, many users like how simple and reliable the platform is for receiving international payments. On the other hand, some do feel that the fees, especially the forex markup and transaction charges,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.g2.com/products/payoneer/reviews/payoneer-review-7918141%5C?no_follow=true" target="_blank">can be a bit high</a><a href="https://www.g2.com/products/payoneer/reviews/payoneer-review-7918141%5C?no_follow=true">&nbsp;over time.</a>

A few folks have pointed out that n<a href="https://www.g2.com/products/payoneer/reviews/payoneer-review-7698854?no_follow=true">early every action on the platform comes with a cost</a>, which can feel a little frustrating. Others still value how easy it is to use and the fact that it works well with marketplaces like Fiverr and Upwork. Like most tools, it really comes down to what matters most to you—convenience or cost.

Please note: These insights are based on user reviews gathered from public platforms and do not reflect Skydo’s opinions.

Receiving International payments with Payoneer vs Skydo

We took a close look at Payoneer’s fees for receiving international payments in various scenarios. Now, let’s see how much it would cost to receive the same payment through one of its substitutes, Skydo.

Like Payoneer, Skydo offers international virtual accounts, allowing your clients to pay via these accounts like local bank transfers. However, Skydo operates on a flat fee model: we charge USD 19 for payments up to USD 2,000, and USD 29 for payments between USD 2,001 and USD 10,000. What’s more, Skydo converts your payment at the <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/how-much-forex-fees-do-you-pay-on-global-transactions">live Forex rate </a>with no added markup or currency conversion fees. So, if the current rate is USD 1 = INR 84, that’s exactly what you’ll get. Plus, opening and maintaining your Skydo account is completely free.

So, let’s consider receiving a payment of USD 8,000. With Skydo, you’ll only pay a flat fee of USD 29, which equals INR 2,436 at the INR 84 exchange rate. This means you’ll receive INR 669,564 for your USD 8,000 payment.

In contrast, with Payoneer, you would receive INR&nbsp;651,840 after deducting INR&nbsp;20,160 in fees. By choosing Skydo, you save INR 17,724 on the same transaction.

So switch to Skydo today and save more while getting paid!

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Payoneer Fees: All you need to know

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The story of Skydo

“We had previously agreed on a call for three content pieces a month. They started demanding eight content pieces a month while delaying the invoice," says <a href="https://www.zoho.com/blog/sign/blog/why-you-need-to-have-a-freelance-contract-agreement.html">Sakshi Jha, a freelance writer.</a>&nbsp;

The biggest mistake in this case is not having a <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/the-essential-elements-of-a-successful-freelancer-contract?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">freelance agreement</a> with the client. That's why having a clear, solid freelance contract is essential for any project.&nbsp;

However, even with a signed contract, freelancers frequently encounter hurdles like a changed scope of work and delayed payments. So, what should you do in such cases? Let’s find out the remedies for breach of contract.

Understanding Contract Breaches in Freelancing

A contract breach in freelancing occurs when either party fails to uphold their end of the agreed-upon terms. It violates the mutual understanding and commitments laid out in the contract. Let's break down what this entails:

While late payments, non-payments, and multiple revisions are common, there are other significant breaches worth noting:

Understanding these less-talked-about breaches empowers freelancers to protect their rights and negotiate fair contract terms.

Contract breaches are not uncommon. Fortunately, remedies are readily available to address instances of contract breach. By understanding these remedies and taking appropriate action, freelancers can confidently navigate contractual disputes.

One of the best remedies for breach of contract is initiating a dialogue with the client over email or video meetings to find a mutually acceptable solution before taking legal recourse. Discuss the issue, clarify misunderstandings, and renegotiate terms to resolve the breach of contract amicably.

Here are some tried-and-tested tricks to communicate assertively yet politely:

Send a Reminder of the Freelance Contract Terms

In case of a breach of the terms, it is advisable to first send a reminder.&nbsp;

Clearly outline the specific clauses of the contract that the client has failed to uphold. For example, your freelance agreement mentions that the client will make the payment within 15 days of the invoice, and delayed payments will be subject to a penalty of 2% per month. Highlight this clause in the email by mentioning the accurate clause number.

Many professional problems are actually emotional problems. Stress the importance of the <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/networking-for-freelancers?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">client relationship</a> and express a genuine desire to continue working together. If you acknowledge the client's value and emphasize the mutual benefit of a successful partnership, a positive tone may heal egos and resolve disagreements amicably.

Offer solutions based on past track records. For example, when addressing issues like late or non-payment, consider offering flexible payment options or discussing the possibility of imposing late fees on a case-to-case basis. Some clients may be given tailored solutions like<a href="https://www.researchprospect.com/dissertation-writing-services/"> dissertation writing services </a>based on specific circumstances.

When all attempts to resolve a payment-related issue with a client have been unsuccessful after the initial steps, it may be necessary to escalate the matter by drafting a formal demand letter for payment. This letter serves as a formal notification to the client regarding their outstanding payment obligations and emphasizes the seriousness of the situation.

In cases where the breach is significant and irreparable, a freelancer may choose to terminate the contract. The decision protects their rights and ensures they aren't taken advantage of.&nbsp;

For example, A freelance photographer enters a contract to capture images for a client's advertising campaign. However, midway through the project, the client repeatedly alters the scope. Recognizing the irreparable breach of contract, the photographer issues a formal notice of termination. Terminating the contract allows the photographer to safeguard his time and resources while seeking alternative opportunities.

Clear communication about the decision and its reasons is crucial. Discontinuing services asserts boundaries and signals professionalism, safeguarding the freelancer's reputation and future engagements.

Communicate Your Intention of Taking Legal Action

Before proceeding with legal action, it's prudent to communicate your intention to do so. This preemptive step can sometimes resolve disputes without formal litigation. Consult the freelancing community and experienced peers who've encountered similar situations before taking such a step.&nbsp;

Communicating your intention to take legal action should be done with careful consideration and professionalism. Here's a suggested approach, along with some tips:

Although an extra expense, legal action may be necessary in cases of severe breaches. Assess the severity of the breach and consider seeking legal recourse if necessary. In some instances,&nbsp;freelancers have successfully pursued legal action by opting for <a href="https://usesparrow.com/">instant class action claims</a> to address contract breaches if multiple freelancers were affected by the same company.

There are many examples of freelancers winning legal battles. These victories often occur when breaches result in substantial financial losses or damages. Compensation sought may include reimbursement for incurred expenses, lost profits, or other monetary damages resulting from the breach.

Legal action is a last resort after exhausting other remedies and attempting to resolve the dispute through negotiation or alternative means.

It is important to draft well-written contracts that clearly outline expectations and protections for both parties. By being more aware of their rights and proactively safeguarding their interests, freelancers can mitigate the risks associated with contract breaches and foster a more equitable working environment.

Moreover, there's a growing availability of forums, online communities, and professional advice tailored to freelancers. These resources offer invaluable guidance on navigating contract disputes, advocating for fair treatment, and understanding legal rights.&nbsp;

At <a href="https://www.skydo.com/?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=demo_click">Skydo</a>, we understand the challenges freelancers face, especially when receiving international payments. Trust us to be your reliable partner in navigating the complexities of <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/how-you-can-streamline-international-transactions-for-your-business?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">cross-border transactions</a>.

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Breach of Contract: Freelancer Remedies

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

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