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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Stripe Vs Paypal, choosing between these two platforms to receive international payments is often a dilemma for Indian businesses and freelancers. While both platforms help you get paid by global clients, they differ significantly in what they offer Indian businesses in 2025.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/paypal-in-india-charges-review-alternatives">PayPal</a>, a trusted brand since 1998, is known for its widespread acceptance and user-friendly approach. On the other hand, <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/stripe-india-charges-review-alternatives#:~:text=Stripe%20India%20charges%20a%204.3,settlement%2C%20invoicing%20features%20and%20more.">Stripe</a>, though newer to the scene, has made its mark with advanced features and developer-friendly solutions.&nbsp;

But which one actually serves your business better?

In this Stripe vs. PayPal comparison, we'll cut through the noise and focus on what matters most - real costs, practical features, and genuine limitations of both platforms in India. Whether you're a freelancer or a growing business, let's find out which platform best fits your international payment needs.

Stripe vs Paypal: Understanding the Differences&nbsp;

Stripe is a global payment platform that enables businesses to accept international payments in over 135 currencies.&nbsp; However, it's crucial to note that Stripe operates on a highly selective invite-only basis in India. The platform only accepts a limited number of businesses, primarily those focused on international expansion, and there's no guaranteed timeline for application approval. This restricted access means many Indian businesses might wait indefinitely or face rejection, making it a less reliable option for those needing immediate payment solutions.

🔖<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/stripe-alternatives-for-international-payments-in-india">Not happy with Stripe? Learn about these Stripe alternatives</a>.&nbsp;

Known for its ease of use, PayPal is a leading global payment platform operating in over 200 countries. For Indian businesses and freelancers, PayPal is a payment gateway for international transactions, though it has certain limitations specific to the Indian market.

🔖<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/top-paypal-india-alternatives-for-international-payment">Not happy with PayPal? Learn about these PayPal alternatives</a>.&nbsp;

Stripe vs PayPal Fees for International Transfers (2025)

Stripe Fees for receiving international payments:

Processing Fee: Stripe charges&nbsp;4.3% as processing fees&nbsp;on every successful transaction.

Currency Conversion Fee:&nbsp;An additional<a href="https://support.stripe.com/questions/additional-pricing-information-for-indian-cross-border-sellers" target="_blank">&nbsp;2% fee</a>&nbsp;is charged for currency conversion. So to receive a payment of USD 10,000 via Stripe, you need to pay

4.3% processing fee, which comes to USD 430. So, the remaining balance is USD (10,000-430), which is USD 9570.&nbsp;

This balance will be converted at a 2% forex markup. So, if the prevailing exchange rate is 1 USD = INR 86, then it will be reduced by 2%, making the effective exchange rate around INR 84.3.

So, the final amount receivable is INR (9570*84.3)= INR 8,06,751, as against (10,000*86)= INR 8,60,000, which is the full value of your USD 10,000 payment at the live forex rate.&nbsp;

So, to receive a payment of USD 10,000 via Stripe, you will have to pay INR (8,60,000-8,06,751)= INR 53,249&nbsp;in Stripe fees (assuming an exchange rate of 1 USD = INR 86)

Paypal Fees for receiving International Payments:&nbsp;

Transaction Fee: PayPal charges&nbsp;4.4% as fees&nbsp;on every successful transaction.

Currency Conversion Fee:&nbsp;An additional&nbsp;4% markup is charged for currency conversion.

Fixed Fee: Additionally, PayPal also charges a fixed fee, which varies across currencies. For USD it is&nbsp;$0.30&nbsp; So to receive a payment of USD 10,000 via Paypal, you need to pay

4.4% processing fee $0.30 in fixed fee, which comes to USD 440. 30.&nbsp;So, the remaining balance is USD (10,000-440.30 ), which is USD 9559.7.&nbsp;

This balance will be converted at a 4% forex markup. So, if the prevailing exchange rate is 1 USD = INR 86, then it will be reduced by 4%, making the effective exchange rate around INR 82.56

So, the final amount receivable is INR (9559.7*82.56)= INR 7,89,249 (approx)&nbsp;as against (10,000*86)= INR 8,60,000, which is the full value of your USD 10,000 payment at the live forex rate.&nbsp;

So, to receive a payment of USD 10,000 via PayPal, you will have to pay INR (8,60,000-7,89,249)= INR 70,751&nbsp;in Paypal fees (assuming an exchange rate of 1 USD = INR 86)

While, PayPal might be a more expensive option here, for many businesses, PayPal might be a more suitable bet. We will discuss this in the upcoming sections.&nbsp;

Stripe vs PayPal: A Quick Comparison&nbsp;

While Stripe and PayPal help you receive international payments, their offerings differ significantly in ways that could impact your business.&nbsp;

Looking at everything from fees to features, let's break down how these platforms stack up against each other. Understanding these differences will help you choose the platform that best fits your needs, whether you're processing occasional payments or handling regular international transactions.

Here’s a quick sneak peek into Stripe vs. PayPal and their key differences:

Stripe Vs Paypal: Which Platform is Ideal for Businesses?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question, and it honestly depends on the specific nature and requirements of the business.&nbsp;

Stripe is more suited for businesses that:

Consider Stripe if you're a software company, digital service provider, or established ecommerce platform with development resources. Its features like customising online checkout experience, custom integrations and other relatively complex options make it more suitable for established businesses. Further, its relatively lower fees make more sense for larger transaction volumes. However, while applying for Stripe, don't forget that it is currently invite-only in India, and there's a good chance your application may not be approved as they are only supporting a very limited number of businesses in India.&nbsp;

PayPal is more suited for businesses that:

For freelancers, smaller businesses, or those just starting with international payments, a PayPal account makes more sense. While its fees are higher, the simpler setup and immediate access can be worth the trade-off.

Skydo: An Affordable Alternative in the Stripe Vs PayPal Debate

For Indian businesses, beyond Stripe Vs Paypal, Skydo offers a refreshing approach to international payments. As a made-in-India solution, it addresses common pain points businesses face with platforms like PayPal and Stripe.

Unlike the percentage-based fees of PayPal and Stripe, Skydo uses a transparent flat-fee structure:

That is it, no additional fees like monthly account fee, maintenance charges, account setup fee etc. 

What sets Skydo apart is its zero forex markup policy, providing live exchange rates without hidden charges. This means significant savings - on a $10,000 payment, you'd pay just $29 with Skydo, compared to $630 with Stripe or $840 with PayPal.

Beyond cost savings, Skydo offers practical features designed for Indian businesses:

While PayPal and Stripe remain popular choices globally, Skydo emerges as a cost-effective alternative specifically built for Indian businesses handling international payments. Its combination of transparent pricing, instant compliance documentation, and faster settlements makes it particularly attractive for companies looking to maximize their international earnings.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/">Get started now!</a>&nbsp;

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Stripe Vs PayPal: All you need to know

For Indian businesses, selling globally through Amazon is a game-changer. It’s a surefire way to multiply your sales and reach customers in the US, Europe, West Asia, and beyond—markets that were once out of reach. Indian products like handicrafts and textiles are in high demand worldwide. Amazon’s Global Selling program helps bridge the gap, connecting Indian sellers with global buyers.

With Amazon’s Global Selling program, Indian businesses can now tap into these massive international markets. But, as with anything this impactful, it comes with several complexities and risks, including high costs. In this blog, we’ll break down the Amazon seller fees you need to know about and share tips to help you maximise your earnings on the platform.

Amazon Global Selling opens up opportunities for Indian exporters to sell in regions like the US, UK, West Asia, and more. Here’s how you can get started:

Amazon Seller Fees: What Does It Cost to Sell Globally?

Growing your Amazon business globally comes with incredible opportunities—but also a price tag. There are several types of Amazon Seller fees exporters need to be aware of, and one major category is Selling Fees. Here’s how it works:

Amazon offers two types of selling plans depending on the size of your business:

In addition to the selling plan, Amazon charges a referral fee on the item price for every product sold. Think of it as Amazon seller commission. This fee is a percentage of the total sale price or a minimum flat amount—whichever is higher.

These fees vary based on product categories, so it’s essential to check the specific rates for the items you sell to factor them into your pricing strategy.

Media items are charged a closing fee for each unit sold in addition to other fees. These items include: Books, DVD, Music, Software &amp; Computer/Video Games, Video Game Consoles, and Video Game Accessories. The closing fee is <a href="https://sellercentral.amazon.com/help/hub/reference/external/GKD9U5REK5DKB38Y?initialSessionID=142-6432681-1885860&amp;ld=NSGoogle&amp;ldStackingCodes=AGSSEMkenshoo_525X19824_e_c_718783564496_asret_%3ENSGoogle%3EAGSSEMkenshoo_525X19824_e_c_718783564496_asret_%3ENSGoogle#wjz_cjc_jcb-3" target="_blank">$1.80 per unit </a>sold for products in these categories.&nbsp;

If you offer textbook rentals on Amazon, you’ll have to pay a rental book service fee of $5.00 for each rental as a part of Amazon Seller fees. 

Suppose you’re selling media items like books, DVDs, music, software, or video games (including consoles and accessories). In that case, you’ll incur a<a href="https://sellercentral.amazon.com/help/hub/reference/external/GKD9U5REK5DKB38Y?initialSessionID=142-6432681-1885860&amp;ld=NSGoogle&amp;ldStackingCodes=AGSSEMkenshoo_525X19824_e_c_718783564496_asret_%3ENSGoogle%3EAGSSEMkenshoo_525X19824_e_c_718783564496_asret_%3ENSGoogle#wjz_cjc_jcb-3" target="_blank"> closing fee of $1.80 per unit sold</a> in addition to other Amazon seller fees.

If you have a large number of active, non-media listings that haven’t sold in 12 months, Amazon charges a monthly fee of $0.005 per eligible listing to cover cataloguing costs. The first 100,000 listings are, however, exempt from this fee.&nbsp;

While these Amazon seller fees apply to all sellers, there are additional charges for optional services. One such service is Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), which many exporters use to streamline shipping and logistics. Understanding these optional fees is just as important. Here’s a breakdown,

Logistics is a critical part of ensuring your products reach customers on time and in top quality. As an Amazon Global Seller, you have two options for shipping:

If you don’t have a robust logistics setup and looking for an easy ship option, FBA can be a great option to save time and reduce the stress of managing export logistics. Here’s a breakdown of FBA fees:

This Amazon seller fees covers picking, packing, shipping, handling, customer service, and returns. The costs depend on your product's volumetric weight, dimensions, and category (e.g., apparel vs. non-apparel).

You can get the complete list of FBA fulfilment fees as per product sizes<a href="https://sellercentral.amazon.com/help/hub/reference/external/GPDC3KPYAGDTVDJP" target="_blank"> right here</a>.

To promote your products on Amazon, you can leverage their advertising services. This program allows you to run impactful campaigns directly in the Amazon store, with the flexibility to set your own bids and budgets.

Amazon offers a range of ad formats, including video, audio, and display ads, tailored to fit different marketing needs. Most Amazon ads operate on a Cost Per Click (CPC) model, meaning you only pay when someone clicks on your ad. <a href="https://sell.amazon.com/advertising" target="_blank">Learn more about it here</a>.&nbsp;

Amazon also offers a range of additional services like Buy with Prime and Amazon Customer Service. The Amazon seller fees for these services vary based on the specific options you choose and your business needs.

Amazon Seller Fees: What It Costs to Withdraw Your Payments

Now that Amazon has deposited your earnings from your global selling account (after deducting all applicable fees), it’s time to transfer the money to your bank account. You have two main options:

Let’s break down the costs of withdrawing your earnings through each platform.

As an Indian exporter on Amazon, you can use Amazon’s Currency Converter for Sellers (ACCS) to withdraw your earnings. Amazon automatically converts your payments into INR and deposits them into your bank account within 1-5 business days.

You can receive payments in 20+ currencies without needing a foreign bank account. However, the conversion comes at a cost. Amazon uses a volume-based pricing model, which means the higher your earnings, the lower the conversion fee. Also, note that the volume-based pricing is based on your total cross-currency net proceeds during the past 12 months. Here’s how the pricing works:

Let’s break this down with a real example.

Say you earned $200,000 last year after deducting all applicable fees. If you choose to withdraw using Amazon’s Currency Converter, here’s what happens:

Total Cost of Using Amazon’s Currency Converter:

₹2,59,500 (conversion fee) + ₹2,95,500 (forex loss) = ₹5,55,000 lost

That’s over ₹5.55 lakh gone just in fees and forex markup. If you’re withdrawing large amounts, these fees can take a big bite out of your earnings.

If you want to save on Amazon’s high currency conversion fees, you can choose third-party platforms like Skydo, PingPong, or Payoneer to withdraw your earnings. These platforms often offer better exchange rates and lower fees, helping you keep more of your hard-earned money.

If you add your Indian bank account to your Amazon Seller account, you'll be automatically enrolled in Amazon Currency Converter Service.

To use a third-party platform like Skydo or Payoneer, you’ll need to sign up, create a US virtual bank account, and add it to your Amazon Seller account. Skydo provides a US virtual account in under 5 minutes, while other platforms may take a few days

Let’s break down how much it costs to withdraw your Amazon earnings through these alternatives and see which one gives you the best value.

Payoneer and PingPong: How Much Do They Cost?

Payoneer and PingPong are well-known platforms for cross-border payments, helping exporters worldwide withdraw their Amazon Global Selling earnings directly into their bank accounts. But how much does it really cost?

Let’s break this down with the same $200,000 earnings example:

Final Cost of Withdrawing via Payoneer or PingPong

₹1,73,000 (transaction fee) + ₹1,98,000 (forex loss) = ₹3,71,000 lost

That’s ₹3.7 lakh deducted just to withdraw your payment of $200,000. While this is lower than Amazon’s currency conversion fees, is it really the best deal? Let’s find out. ​​

Skydo is an Indian-origin, RBI authorised cross-border payments platform designed to help Indian exporters maximize their international earnings. With <a href="https://www.skydo.com/amazon-global-sellers" target="_blank">direct integration with Amazon Global Selling</a>, Skydo allows you to withdraw funds at live forex rates with minimal fees—ensuring you keep more of your hard-earned money. Find out how&nbsp;

Unlike Amazon and other third-party platforms, Skydo applies zero forex markup. This means if the live exchange rate is ₹86.5 per USD, your funds are converted at that exact rate—without any deductions.

With Skydo, you only pay a flat $600 (₹51,900) and don’t lose a single rupee to hidden forex markups—making it the most transparent and cost-effective way to withdraw your Amazon earnings. ​​

Here’s a quick comparison of what you have to pay with different platforms while withdrawing your yearly earnings USD 200,000 from Amazon Global Selling ;

Amazon and third-party platforms like PingPong and Payoneer eat into your earnings with hidden forex markups and hefty withdrawal fees. Skydo changes that. With live forex rates and transparent pricing, you keep more of what you earn.

Plus, every global payment comes with free, instant FIRA, and if you ever need help, our India-based support team has your back.

Why let unnecessary fees eat into your profits? Switch to Skydo today and maximize your Amazon Global Selling earnings.

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Banks dominated the traditional banking system in India for decades. You might recollect visiting the closest bank branch to open an account or for money transfers. But visits to physical branches were often frustrating due to long queues and slow processing time.

However, in the last 5 years, the banking sector saw the rise of Neobanks, fully digital banking platforms. These banks have emerged as a popular alternative to traditional banks – about <a href="https://www.marketsandata.com/industry-reports/india-neobanking-market">26%</a> of the Indian population were using Neobanks in 2023 – especially among millennials and Gen Zs.

In this blog, we will tell you every essential detail about Neobanks you must know like the definition of Neobanks, their features, and advantages and disadvantages.

Neobanks have brought in a new wave of banking services in India. The biggest differentiator with a traditional bank is the absence of physical branches. They operate entirely online and provide the usual banking services digitally without a single brick-and-mortar branch.

The term Neobank is made of two words "Neo" and "bank". The word "Neo" means New, however, they cannot be technically called as a "bank" because they cannot apply for a banking license from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The RBI doesn't allow 100% digital banking operations in banks. However, these Neobanks can tie up with traditional banks like IDFC and ICICI to provide banking services.

The lack of a banking license doesn't restrict Neobanks from offering a range of financial services similar to conventional banks. You can open bank accounts, avail credit, and engage in online investment options from a single digital interface. The Neobank's model cuts through the frustrations of traditional banking processes like lengthy documentation and offers a seamless experience - one of the prime drivers for tech-savvy customers to prefer Neobanks

What Are the Unique Features of NeoBanks in India?

Here's a list of five features that make Neobank popular:

Neobanks provide their services through digital banking that's why there are no traditional physical branch networks. This benefits customers as they can access any banking service from anywhere and anytime mostly using a mobile app.

One of the biggest reasons behind the rise of Neobanks in India is its technology-led banking services. These services are designed in a way that they match the digital lifestyle of the younger generation. For example, mobile apps are simple and have a clean interface similar to any other app. The learning curve is low, so the customer quickly learns how to open a savings account or transfer money from the app. Additionally, Neobank apps are secure with biometric authentication and offer integration with other digital platforms.

Neobanks leverage AI and data analytics to analyze customer behaviour and offer personalized banking experiences like tailored saving plans or budgeting strategies. For example, the Neobank app might highlight the specific category in which you made frequent purchases last month so you can optimize the spending going ahead.

Neobanks have a low-cost operational model because there is zero spending on maintaining physical branch location. This allows them to pass on the benefits to account holders like lower fees and competitive interest rates.

Most Neobanks have a built-in spending analytics feature that categorizes your expenses into different categories like groceries, entertainment, and travel. This allows you to visualize the spending patterns and take active steps to use money more effectively.

Short-Term Goal-Specific Investment

Neobanks cater to their clientele by providing an option to save money for short-term goals like a vacation or buying a new mobile phone and earning interest on the savings. Customers can create buckets for goals, track progress, and stay motivated. This savings mechanism inculcates a proactive approach to saving and financial discipline.

Cashback and rewards programs incentivize customers to use their services. For example, a customer earns cashback using the Neobank virtual payment cards on certain purchases. Instead of a cashback, they might receive reward points which they can redeem later as discounts on future transactions. Such services enhance the banking experience and encourage customers to use the Neobank for more purchases.

Neobanking is one of the fastest-growing markets in India. It is expected to grow at a three-year compound annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of<a href="https://fintechnews.sg/72636/fintech-india/india-neobanking-sector-poised-for-50-5-annual-growth-through-2025/#:~:text=India%20Neobanking%20Sector%20Poised%20for,Growth%20Through%202025%20%2D%20Fintech%20Singapore"> 50.5%</a> in the fiscal 2025 and to reach<a href="https://inc42.com/features/decoding-indian-neobanking-funding-landscape/"> $183 billion</a> in valuation by 2030. The future of Neobanks is promising and you might expect to see more of them in the coming days, but here's a list of the biggest Neobanks presently operating in India:

Niyo targets travellers and blue-collar workers offering them specialized services like travel cards and salary accounts with attractive benefits. Niyo's goal is financial inclusion by providing access to users unfamiliar with formal banking services.

Founded in 2019, Jupiter attracted more than<a href="https://www.thearcweb.com/article/nbfc-jupiter-revenue-jitendra-gupta-neobank-sequoia-O8Icbunk7NbkYJ5Z"> 2 million users</a> soon after its launch. It offers digital savings accounts in partnership with Federal Bank and provides debit cards and personalized spending insights.

Founded by ex-Googlers, Fi Money offers unique features like group saving goals and peer-to-peer payments

Freo is a credit-led Neobank that serves as a single place for customers to pay with UPI, buy insurance, invest in FDs, and take loans. It offers Freo card, a credit card in partnership with Yes Bank which has no joining or renewal fees and offers generous rewards and fuel surcharge waivers. Freo Pay is another product that lets you shop with UPI transactions, but pay the amount 30 days later.

With the growth of SME founders, Open fills in the gap for modern banking solutions tailored to their requirements. Open allows business owners to connect multiple business accounts and track payments in one place seamlessly. It also allows them to create GST-compliant invoices to get paid on time.

Here are the four benefits of Neobanks that might convince you to give their services a try:

Convenience is the prime reason why many opt for Neobanks over traditional banks. Imagine no long queues or visits to the bank to avail of a loan. Neobanks gives you access to the core banking services right from your home with a stellar customer experience.

Fast services like quick account opening and fast online transfers provide the freedom to concentrate on other important aspects. This is especially true if you are an entrepreneur. Using digital bank services, you can spend more time on growing your business than spending hours on simple banking operations

Neobanks don't have to spend on traditional banking infrastructure keeping their overhead costs low. This gives them the leeway to offer banking services at comparatively lower fees. Zero balance facilities and minimal transaction fees are the most popular ways Neobanks keep its services cost-effective.

Unique Features by Leveraging Technology

Neobanks uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to study spending habits and offer financial insights. With a rewards program, they incentivize users to spend responsibly. This makes banking more engaging and effective for modern consumers.

Neobanks also have disadvantages, here are the four most common:

While a 100% digital banking experience is convenient for many users, it can be a major disadvantage for other customers. This group of customers prefer face-to-face interactions especially when need assistance with complex banking financial transactions.

Neobanks do not have banking licenses issued by the RBI. This might concern a few users as Neobanks do not fall under the strict radar of financial regulations.&nbsp; A sudden RBI regulation to oversee Neobanks might raise many questions about their operations.

Limited Services Compared to Traditional Banks

In terms of services, most Neobanks are behind traditional banks. A wide range of loan products, wealth management services, and investment advisory are a few services that might leave some customer needs unmet.

As Neobanks operate only as a digital platform, they are more susceptible to cybersecurity threats. However, Neobanks take various security measures to protect customers from fraud. As a customer, you must remain vigilant while completing financial transactions online.

Receive 100% Safe and Compliant International Payments with Skydo

While Neobanks has shifted traditional banking towards digital, tech-savvy experience, they are not the only ones. Virtual banking account platforms like Skydo, offer digital platforms to business owners, exporters, and freelancers to receive international payment. Compared to traditional banks, Skydo is quick, affordable, and transparent.

Once your client pays in an international currency, it's converted to Indian Rupee (INR) based on real-time rates and credited to your bank account in 24-48 hours. Skydo also keeps your business compliant with regulatory norms by offering free Foreign Inward Remittance Advice (FIRA) for every transaction.

Sign up for Skydo in less than 5 minutes and start accepting international payments.

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Trusted by 2 million customers worldwide, Stripe is a payment processing and payment gateway platform with additional services like invoicing, billing, and subscription management. But is Stripe the most affordable for Indian businesses and freelancers to receive international payments? In this blog, we will delve into Stripe fees and discover if there's a more affordable alternative for businesses <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/how-to-receive-international-payments-in-india">to receive international payments in India</a>.&nbsp;

Stripe India offers a robust cross-border payment solution, allowing businesses to accept payments in over 135 currencies. Its customizable UI components, including masking, styling, and error handling, help businesses create a seamless branded checkout experience. Stripe supports both one-time and recurring payments through instant payment links or direct website integration.

Note that, in India, Stripe functions on an<a href="https://support.stripe.com/questions/stripe-accounts-are-invite-only-in-india"> invite-only basis</a>. Meaning you cannot sign up from the Stripe website directly, you must request an invite to create a Stripe account. You get access only when Stripe approves this invite but there is no clear timeline on how long it will take to approve an invitation. The Stripe support page also mentions that they can only assist a limited number of companies focused on international expansion.

Besides the invite-only model, Stripe users in India can only use a credit or a debit card to accept international payments. This might be a drawback for your business if your client prefers a different payment method.

If the invite-only model and a single payment option work for you, we suggest exploring the next section closely as we analyze the different Stripe fee categories.

With Stripe you can accept payments in 135+ currencies through Visa and Master Card; American Express only supports USD. While you have more flexibility to accept payments through international cards, the overall fee structure is on the steeper side.