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

small_636d256aa4dc6a309d1596ef_a895f3f6-f6c1-4bd3-8990-156aa42b9072.jpeg

thumbnail_636d256aa4dc6a309d1596ef_a895f3f6-f6c1-4bd3-8990-156aa42b9072.jpeg

Traditional cross-border payment has changed drastically over the last few years.&nbsp;Traditional banking methods are being challenged by innovative platforms like Payoneer, which offer a suite of digital payment services for global transactions. 

Payoneer is used by freelancers, small-to-medium businesses (SMBs), and e-commerce sellers worldwide to send and receive international payments. In this Payoneer review, we’ll explore its key features, fees, security, user feedback (pros and cons), and how it stacks up against alternatives,&nbsp; including a look at where Skydo fits in as a modern solution for international payments. Our goal is to provide a neutral, informational overview so you can decide if Payoneer is the right payment gateway for your needs.

Payoneer at a Glance: Key Features and Highlights

(Note: The pros and cons above are derived from user feedback and third-party reviews to present a balanced picture. Individual experiences may vary.)

Getting started with Payoneer is free and relatively straightforward. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:

Tip: After setup, explore the Payoneer dashboard. You can create additional currency accounts (USD, EUR, GBP, etc.), link marketplaces or clients for payment requests, and see your Fees section so you understand any charges upfront. Taking time to familiarise yourself with Payoneer’s interface will help you use it more effectively.

Payoneer Fees and Charges: A Quick Glance

Opening a Payoneer account is free, but there are various fees for transactions. Below is an overview of Payoneer’s fee structure for receiving and withdrawing money (note that exact fees can vary by country or account type):

In summary, Payoneer’s fees are transparent on their website, but not the most affordable in the market for certain transactions. If most of your payments come from marketplaces that directly pay into Payoneer or from other Payoneer users, you’ll save on fees. However, if you frequently get paid by card or need to convert currencies on withdrawal, you’ll want to factor in those costs. Always compare the net amount you receive via Payoneer versus alternative methods, especially for large payments where a 3% FX fee can be significant. <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/payoneer-fees-india-guide">✏️: You can get a detailed breakdown of Payoneer fees with examples, right here</a>

With over 5 million customers worldwide, Payoneer is undoubtedly a popular and trusted platform for cross-border payments. But how do users feel about its service? Let’s look at what real users and reviewers say about Payoneer’s usability, customer support, and fees – essentially, an aggregate of Payoneer reviews:

(The above sentiments are aggregated from user reviews on platforms like G2, Trustpilot, and Capterra, and do not reflect Skydo’s own opinions.)

Payoneer vs Alternatives: Which Payment Gateway to Choose?

While Payoneer is a well-established name in cross-border payments, it’s not the only option. Depending on your priorities – be it lower fees, better support, or specific features – you might consider some Payoneer alternatives that users often talk about:

 One strong option to consider is Skydo itself. Skydo offers a fast, secure, and cost-effective solution for businesses and freelancers in India to receive cross-border payments. Unlike Payoneer’s relatively complex fee structure, Skydo uses a simple structure with no forex markup, which can translate to big savings – especially on larger transactions. 

Skydo also prides itself on dedicated customer support and a seamless onboarding process, helping users avoid many of the pain points sometimes associated with Payoneer’s support and complex fees. In short, Skydo has become a go-to choice for many companies and independent professionals who want a transparent pricing model and a more personalised service. If you’re finding Payoneer’s fees or support challenging, it may be worth exploring how Skydo can make receiving international payments simpler and more affordable.

Choosing the right payment partner is crucial. We recommend comparing factors like user experience, fees, currency conversion rates, support quality, and compliance features across different providers before making a decision. What works best for a freelance graphic designer may differ from what an SME exporter needs. The good news is that services like Payoneer, Wise, and Skydo allow relatively easy sign-up, so you can even try multiple platforms and see which fits you best.

Payoneer has established itself as a reliable payment gateway for millions of users who need to transact globally. It excels in providing multi-currency accounts and integrations that make receiving international payments convenient for freelancers, SMBs, and online sellers. This 2025 review found that while Payoneer’s feature set is comprehensive and generally delivers on its promises, there are clear trade-offs in terms of fees and support. Payoneer is great for its reach and versatility – especially if you regularly work with international marketplaces or clients – but it isn’t the cheapest option for every scenario, and some users have encountered hurdles with customer service or account issues.

Ultimately, whether Payoneer is “worth it” for you depends on your volume of transactions and what you value most. If you prioritise a one-stop solution to get paid from anywhere in the world with minimal hassle, Payoneer is a strong contender. If you are very fee-sensitive or require top-notch support, you might explore alternatives or use Payoneer alongside other services to optimize costs.

In the rapidly evolving world of fintech, providers like Payoneer must continuously improve to stay competitive. And as users, staying informed is key – always review the latest fees and policies, and don’t hesitate to switch or use multiple platforms to maximise your benefits. We hope this updated overview has given you a clearer picture of Payoneer’s features, fees, and user experiences. Consider your own needs and perhaps give Skydo’s platform a look as well, as its flat-fee model could save you money on international transfers. Here’s to smooth and cost-effective global payments for your business!

large_Blog images 7th-15.png

medium_Blog images 7th-15.png

small_Blog images 7th-15.png

thumbnail_Blog images 7th-15.png

Payoneer Payment Gateway Features Fees

Razorpay, known for its payment gateway and payroll services in India, now offers international payment solutions too, including virtual accounts and traditional gateways for exporters.

In this blog, we unpack Razorpay’s international offering and explore alternatives, so you can find what fits your business best.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/razorpay-international-payments-charges-features">Razorpay</a> app is an Indian payment gateway founded in 2014 that provides financial services for businesses. Its offerings include payment processing, banking solutions, lending options, and business operation tools.

For international payments, Razorpay has two main options.&nbsp;

The standard payment gateway service that accepts payments from multiple countries through credit/debit cards, bank transfers, SWIFT, and PayPal, with funds converted to INR.&nbsp;

Their MoneySaver Export Account provides virtual international bank accounts, allowing clients to make payments via local bank transfers in various currencies.

Key Features of Razorpay International Payments

Razorpay's payment gateway accepts international payments through credit card and debit card, bank transfers, SWIFT, and PayPal integration. It supports transactions from over 100 countries and automatically converts foreign currencies to INR. The system handles payment processing and basic reconciliation for international transactions.

Pricing: <a href="https://razorpay.com/accept-international-payments/">3% transaction fee</a> for card payments. PayPal transactions incur PayPal's standard fees (approximately 4.4% transaction fee plus a $0.30 flat fee, along with a 4% forex markup).

This solution provides virtual international bank accounts for businesses regularly receiving foreign payments. Clients can pay via local bank transfers in multiple currencies. The system generates automated digital FIRA and uses live forex rates for currency conversion.

Pricing: 1% of the transaction amount with no additional forex markup.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/">Skydo</a> is an international payment platform designed for Indian freelancers and businesses. It provides virtual international bank accounts that let clients pay you as if you were a local business in their country. The platform offers accounts in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and other major markets.

Skydo converts payments using live forex rates without markup, meaning you get the exact exchange rate you see on Google. The platform also includes invoice generation, payment tracking, and analytics tools to help manage international income.

Wise Business: A Solid Razorpay Alternative for Freelancers and Small Businesses

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/top_5_wise_alternatives_for_international_payment">Wise (formerly TransferWise)</a> offers multi-currency accounts for businesses of all sizes receiving international payments. The platform started as a peer-to-peer remittance service but has expanded to provide accounts that can hold and convert multiple currencies.

PayPal: A Globally Accepted Razorpay Alternative

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/top-paypal-india-alternatives-for-international-payment">PayPal</a> is one of the most widely recognized payment platforms globally, handling cross-border personal and business transactions.

PingPong: A Viable Razorpay Alternative for ecommerce&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/pingpong-payments-review-fees-features">PingPong</a> focuses on simplifying international payments for freelancers and e-commerce sellers, with particular attention to marketplace integration.

Payoneer: A Solid Razorpay Alternative for Marketplace Integrations

Founded in 2005, <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/payoneer-fees-india-guide">Payoneer</a> is an established platform for international payments, particularly popular with freelancers and marketplace sellers.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/karbon-business-features-pricing-and-alternatives">Karbon Business </a>(formerly Karbon Card) is an Indian fintech platform that started with corporate cards but has expanded to international digital payments. The platform handles both inward and outward remittances for Indian businesses.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/eximpe-reviews-fees-alternative">Eximpe</a> provides payment solutions specifically designed for cross-border transactions. The platform caters to freelancers and small businesses who regularly work with international clients.

Receive seamless International Payments with Skdyo

Skydo makes getting paid from international clients feel a lot less complicated. You get virtual accounts in major markets like the US, UK, Singapore, and Australia,&nbsp; and once the payment comes in, it’s usually in your Indian bank account within 24 hours.

What really makes a difference though? You always know where your money is. With real-time tracking and helpful reminders, you’re never in the dark. Plus, Skydo gives you the live forex rate (no hidden markups) and your FIRA instantly — so you stay compliant without the usual back and forth.

Add to that a 5-minute setup and a support team that’s actually based in India — and it’s easy to see why more businesses are switching. If you’re looking for a smoother, more transparent way to handle international payments, Skydo could be a great fit.

RazorPay Alternatives for receiving international payments

large_RazorPay Alternatives for receiving international payments

medium_RazorPay Alternatives for receiving international payments

small_RazorPay Alternatives for receiving international payments

thumbnail_RazorPay Alternatives for receiving international payments

Stripe vs Payoneer,&nbsp; both are trusted names in international payments, but they serve different needs. Stripe is great for online businesses with developer-friendly tools, while Payoneer is popular among freelancers and marketplace sellers.

In this blog, we break down their features, pricing, pros, and cons.&nbsp; And if neither feels right, we’ve also included a solid alternative worth exploring, which is more affordable than both options.

Stripe Vs Payoneer: Understanding the Differences

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/stripe-india-charges-review-alternatives">Stripe</a> is an Irish-American comprehensive cross-border payment solution that allows businesses to accept payments in 135+ currencies. It offers flexible UI components like masking styling and error handling to help businesses build a seamless branded checkout experience. It also supports one-time and recurring payments through instant <a href="https://stripe.com/in/payments/payment-links">payment links</a> or by embedding its <a href="https://stripe.com/in/payments/checkout">checkout solution</a> on the website directly. Stripe could be a good choice if you run an e-commerce business with international buyers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

However, Stripe operates on an<a href="https://support.stripe.com/questions/stripe-accounts-are-invite-only-in-india"> invite-only model</a> in India. This means you cannot directly sign up on the website; you have to send them an invite, and if they accept it, you get access to the product. There is no definite timeline for when your invite will be accepted because Stripe is only providing access to businesses focused on global expansion.&nbsp;

Processing Fees: <a href="https://support.stripe.com/questions/additional-pricing-information-for-indian-cross-border-sellers">4.3%</a> of the transaction amount

Currency conversion fee: <a href="https://support.stripe.com/questions/additional-pricing-information-for-indian-cross-border-sellers">2%</a> of the current exchange rate

Additional fee: Stripe also levies ancillary fees for chargebacks and disputes. For example, Stripe&nbsp; deducts <a href="https://stripe.com/in/pricing">Rs. 1000 as a chargeback fee</a> in the event of a lost dispute

No FIRA: Stripe doesn’t provide a FIRA. <a href="https://support.stripe.com/questions/firc-payment-advice-for-international-transactions-in-india">Payment advice</a> is sent to your email address, which you can use to obtain FIRA from your bank at an additional fee

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/payoneer-payment-gateway-features-fees">Payoneer</a> was founded in 2005 in New York. It is a global payment platform allowing businesses to send and receive payments in 70+ currencies. It offers <a href="https://www1.payoneer.com/in/solutions/global-payment-service/">multi-currency virtual accounts</a> to users in countries like the US, UK, Europe (EU), Australia, and China, with other flexible payment modes like bank transfers and card payments.&nbsp;

In India, you can use the Payoneer payment gateway to receive international payments. Payoneer also provides Indian customers with free digital FIRA to stay compliant with the rules. Ordinarily, payments made through local bank transfer or wire transfer/SWIFT take approximately <a href="https://payoneer.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/33930/~/what-is-the-status-of-my-payment%3F-%28receiving-accounts%29">three business days</a> to be credited to your account. Payoneer has also built itself as an enterprise-compliant solution by offering features like <a href="https://www1.payoneer.com/in/enterprise/">mass payouts and API support</a>.

Payoneer Pricing for Receiving International Payments

Virtual Accounts: 1% for USD, free for all currencies

Credit Card: 3.2%+&nbsp; $0.49&nbsp;

Withdrawal Fees:&nbsp;A 3% withdrawal fee is applied when withdrawing the payment from your local bank account in India. This applies to all the above payment methods.

Based on what we have covered so far, it might be a bit too much for you to wrap your head around.

To make it easier to comprehend, we have summarized the key differences between the payment solutions in this table. This will also help you make an informed decision about which one is closer to your requirements.

Skydo: An affordable alternative to receiving international payments

Skydo is a cost-effective alternative to Stripe and Payoneer and can address the pain points that Indian businesses and freelancers might face on these platforms.

Skydo offers flat-fee pricing with no additional account maintenance charges or fixed fees. Here’s the breakdown of the fee structure:

Plus, Skydo gives you the live forex rate with zero markup, something both platforms don’t offer. That means your payment gets converted at the actual market rate on the day of transfer, not a rupee less

Stripe and Payoneer may have strong global reach, but for Indian businesses, they often fall short. Their fees are higher, settlements are slower, and support is limited, with no India-based team and mixed customer reviews. Many users report<a href="https://www.g2.com/products/stripe-stripe-payments/reviews?utf8=%E2%9C%93&amp;filters%5Bcomment_answer_values%5D=support"> long wait times </a>and <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/payoneer/reviews/payoneer-review-10770537">unresolved issues</a>, especially when it comes to compliance and troubleshooting.

Skydo offers a better alternative: ✅ Lower, transparent pricing
 ✅ 24-48 hour settlement ✅ Dedicated India-based support ✅ Skydo has received in principle RBI-approval to operate as a Payment Aggregator for Cross-Border Payments

Built for Indian exporters, freelancers, and global sellers, Skydo makes international payments fast, affordable, and fully compliant.

Think it’s a fit? You’ll know in 5 minutes.
 👉 Sign up now and get started.

large_Stripe Vs Payoneer

medium_Stripe Vs Payoneer

small_Stripe Vs Payoneer

thumbnail_Stripe Vs Payoneer

Stripe Vs Payoneer

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>

large_Revolut India

medium_Revolut India

small_Revolut India

thumbnail_Revolut India

Revolut India

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

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

When teams look for Cashfree alternatives

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

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

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

Three things stand out for export teams:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stripe: Global SaaS billing (India availability varies)

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

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

PayPal: Familiarity that can lift conversion

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

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

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

Cashfree vs competitors: how to actually choose

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

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