As an Indian exporter, navigating the complexities of international transactions and compliance can feel like solving a complex puzzle. Today, we'll explore a crucial piece of that puzzle: FIRC

FIRC full form is Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate. It is a document issued by banks as proof of receiving international payments. Over the years, regulations around FIRC have changed significantly, creating confusion and mystery around this important document. Let's clear the air and decode the what, who, and why of FIRC.

What is FIRC? FIRC Full Form, Meaning and More

As we've covered, the full form of FIRC is a Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate and it serves as a proof of foreign transfers. Until 2016, <a href="https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/FEMAMASTER/PDFs/1061.PDF?no_follow=true/">AD Category I Banks</a> were authorised to issue FIRCs to exporters for receiving international payments. This document was essential for exporters to obtain after each cross-border payment. It served not only as proof of payment receipt but also as a crucial document for claiming export-related incentives, such as tax exemptions on foreign currency payments received in India.

Changing RBI Guidelines: From FIRC to FIRA

FIRA is often still referred to by its old name, FIRC. While both documents serve the same purpose, FIRC is technically only issued for returns on&nbsp;Foreign Direct Investment (FDI )or Foreign Institutional Investment (FII). For all other export collections, FIRA is what you need.

For clarity, we'll use the term FIRC moving forward, but it refers to FIRA throughout.

Anyone receiving foreign payments needs FIRC.&nbsp; Beyond goods and service exporters engaging in international trade, many individuals and entities may receive international payments without realising it.&nbsp;

Overall, the following typically require a FIRC:

Beyond compliance, here’s why FIRC is crucial for exporters:

FIRCs are issued by AD Category I banks. You can contact your bank to get your FIRC after receiving your foreign payment. <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/how-to-get-firc-certificate-online">Alternatively, you can also use platforms like Skydo to get your FIRC instantly after every payment.&nbsp;</a>

This is a sample FIRC document. All crucial remittance details have been masked for security purposes. Now let’s break the content of a FIRC down: 

Receiving your export payment directly through your bank can make obtaining an FIRC a lengthy process. You need to submit a request to the bank, and the bank typically takes 7-15 days to provide the FIRC. You may also need to follow up multiple times, and banks often charge at least INR 400 to issue the FIRC, depending on the institution.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/how-to-get-firc-certificate-online">Getting a FIRC</a> might sound like a hassle, but with Skydo, it's a breeze. Our fully automated payment system along with built-in partnerships with banks, ensures effortless compliance with RBI guidelines, without needing any manual intervention.

When you receive an export payment through Skydo, we automatically generate the required FIRC for you at no extra cost. Just log into our user-friendly dashboard, and you'll find your FIRC ready to download, complete with all the details you need. 

In conversations around FIRC, there are a few more terms that get frequently mentioned, one of them being eFIRC. So what exactly is <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/efirc-firc-brc-essentials-differences">eFIRC?</a>

What is the difference between eBRC and FIRC?

Generally speaking, e-BRC applies mostly to goods and software exporters (under <a href="https://stpi.in/en/home?no_follow=true/">STPI</a>). If you are one of them, you can use this simple decision tree to understand which documents you will need:

Exporting goods and services is considered Zero-Rated Supply, meaning it is subject to 0% GST. However, to claim a GST refund for the input tax credit, exporters must provide the required documents including FIRC. These documents authenticate that the business is claiming a refund because it exported services and couldn't offset its input tax credit as it would in normal domestic business. Without FIRC, claiming a GST refund may not be possible

As we surge in cross-border transactions, ensuring compliance and safeguarding against illicit activities has become a pressing concern. However, at Skydo, we believe your focus should be on advancing your business, not on grappling with compliance challenges.

With Skydo, enjoy seamless international payments, delivered promptly and without any hidden fees. But that's just the beginning! Every time you receive a cross-border payment, an auto-generated FIRC is readily available for you to download, relieving you of compliance burdens so you can devote your energy to what truly matters: driving your business forward.

Dive into the world of FIRC. Explore the full form, importance, and process of obtaining FIRC for your international transactions

Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate (FIRC): Full form, meaning and RBI guidelines

Prashanth

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Prashanth Kumar

Among the key players in the United Kingdom's financial landscape, the Faster Payments Service (FPS) and Bankers' Automated Clearing Services (BACS) stand out as cornerstones, facilitating the seamless movement of funds in different ways.

The payment schemes are similar to ACH in the US and SEPA in the Eurozone. The Indian payment system NEFT comes in operations and processing, allowing two bank accounts to transfer funds seamlessly.&nbsp;

As a freelancer or service exporter in India, it is important to understand both payment methods as your UK-based clients may opt for these payment methods Understanding The Faster Payments Service (FPS)

The Faster Payments Service (FPS) was created in 2008 and reduces the payment times between bank accounts within the United Kingdom. Previously, such electronic payments between UK bank accounts used to take at least 3 business days, which the FPS has reduced to a matter of seconds.&nbsp;

In 2022, the Faster Payments Service processed transactions worth <a href="https://www.wearepay.uk/what-we-do/payment-systems/faster-payment-system/faster-payment-system-statistics/">£3.2 trillion. </a>When making an FPS payment, there are three stakeholders involved in initiating and executing transactions:&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.pwc.in/industries/financial-services/fintech/payments/analysing-faster-payment-systems.html">A successful FPS transaction</a> consists of two vital steps:&nbsp;

There is no option to cancel or reverse them after initiation. In case of a mistake, entities can follow the Credit Payment Recovery (CPR) procedures. The procedures are in place to help recover any FPS payment sent due to an error.&nbsp;

Understanding BACS (Bankers' Automated Clearing System)

BACS, or Bankers' Automated Clearing System, is an electronic payment system allowing participants in the UK to send and receive funds. The electronic network includes 16 main building societies and clearing banks in the UK. Operated and managed by Pay.uk, it is one of the most cost-effective payment methods for entities such as freelancers and small businesses to send and receive payments.&nbsp;

BACS handles payments within the UK through UK-registered bank accounts and provides the following payment facilities:&nbsp;

In 2022, BACS processed <a href="https://newseventsinsights.wearepay.uk/media/ndopemiv/bacs-annual-processing-statistics-2022.pdf">direct debits of £4.7 billion</a> and direct credits of £2 billion. Currently, both the BACS payments; Direct Debit and Direct Credit work on a three-day cycle.&nbsp;

Similar to FPS, BACS payments also have an upper limit of £1 million. However, banks have the right to set their upper limit on the per transaction and daily amount users can transfer using BASC.&nbsp;

Comparing FPS and BACS As Payment Methods&nbsp;

Here is the difference between FPS and BACS as payment methods.

When choosing between the payment methods, it depends on:

For example, if you want to make payments without the urgency of settlement, you can use BASC. However, if you want to settle payments immediately, FPS would be the right choice.&nbsp;

​​To pay by BACS or FPS, you need the following information:&nbsp;

FPS and BACS for Indian Freelancers and Tech Service Exporters

As an Indian freelancer, tech service provider or any other type of business entity collaborating with clients in the UK, both payment schemes make it easier for international clients to make payments. This is because most business entities in the UK have a UK bank account, which they can easily use to transfer funds using FPS and BACS.&nbsp;

However, it becomes cumbersome for Indian freelancers or other service exporters to create a traditional bank account in the UK. Indian service exporters such as freelancers must create a virtual account on third-party platforms such as <a href="https://www.skydo.com/">Skydo</a>.&nbsp;

Using <a href="https://www.skydo.com/">Skydo</a>, you don’t have to open a traditional bank account in the UK and can virtually receive Pound Sterling payments. Once received, you can transfer funds from your virtual BACS and FPS account to your Indian bank account after converting the funds into INR.&nbsp;

In their essence, both FPS and BACS payment schemes have changed the B2B payments landscape in the UK. These play pivotal roles in facilitating seamless and efficient transactions within the country, serving both businesses and individuals alike.

The FPS, with its real-time capabilities, has revolutionized payment processing, offering a swift and secure channel for funds transfer. On the other hand, BACS, with its legacy and stability, remains a vital player and ensures the smooth flow of funds on a scheduled basis.

For Indian freelancers and service exporters, third-party platforms such as <a href="https://www.skydo.com/">Skydo</a> are making it easier to collaborate with UK clients and receive payments virtually, without having to create a UK bank account. You can open your virtual FPS or BACS account by visiting the <a href="https://www.skydo.com/">Skydo</a> website.&nbsp;

Q1. Do I need a UK bank account to receive FPS Payment?

Ans. To receive FPS payments, having a UK bank account is typically necessary. The FPS system relies on the UK banking infrastructure, and almost all participants are UK-based. In case you don’t have a UK bank account, some financial institutions and third-party payment providers like offer virtual account solutions for easy cross-border payments.

Q2. Do I need a UK bank account to receive BACS Payment?

Ans. Yes, typically, you would need a UK bank account to receive BACS (Bankers' Automated Clearing Services) payments. To receive BACS payments, you would generally need to have a UK bank account where the funds can be deposited. However, you can use third party service providers like Skydo to create virtual accounts and still receive BACS Payment.

Q3. What is the limit for FPS and BACS transactions?

Ans. Individuals can send up to £1 million using FPS and BACS. Banks set their limit for the maximum amount entities can send per transaction or daily.&nbsp;

Q4. What is the settlement time for FPS and BACS transactions?

Ans. As the name suggests, FPS payments are one of the fastest and are settled almost immediately after payment initiation. However, some payments may take up to two hours. BACS takes three days to settle.

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A McKinsey <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/purpose-not-platitudes-a-personal-challenge-for-top-executives">survey</a> states that employee engagement increases when a company’s purpose is aligned with its employees’ goals and they know how their actions contribute to the company’s purpose.&nbsp;

So, how do you align your employees with your business mission? Or let us rephrase - how do you align organizational goals with your team members' individual goals?

This blog explains various strategies for:

1. Improved team motivation and engagement

Teams develop a greater sense of purpose and are more driven to perform their best when aligning with the organization’s mission and goals. A <a href="https://www.gallup.com/workplace/236927/employee-engagement-drives-growth.aspx">study</a> shows that higher employee engagement increases business productivity by 18%.

When everyone understands the common objectives, they can collaborate more seamlessly, leading to improved synergy and innovation within the organization.

3. Clearer decision-making and problem-solving

With a shared understanding of the company's goals and mission, decision-makers can prioritize initiatives and tackle challenges to advance the overarching mission, leading to more transparent decision-making and problem-solving processes. It also increases <a href="https://www.gallup.com/workplace/236927/employee-engagement-drives-growth.aspx">business profitability</a> by 23%

Establish the core principles for the company's mission

"People don't buy what you do; they buy why you do it," says Simon Sinek in <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7108725-start-with-why">Start with Why</a>. The team requires a purpose and motivation to align with a vision. They have to believe in the business mission to follow it.&nbsp;

Thus, it is necessary to establish core principles for a company's mission that inspire your team and serve as the driving force for its existence. It provides crucial answers to questions like why the organization exists, its mission, and how it intends to achieve its core business principles.

<a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/business%20functions/people%20and%20organizational%20performance/our%20insights/the%20state%20of%20organizations%202023/the-state-of-organizations-2023.pdf">Decathlon</a> is a leading sports goods retailer. The CEO, Barbara Martin Coppola, explains the business mission is "to democratize sport so everyone can experience its wonders on their own terms." How does their team align with it? One reason is that they attract employees who are passionate about sports. However, the main reason is the entrepreneurship and empowerment culture within the company.&nbsp;

Its minimal hierarchical structure inspires people at all levels to perform better. This alignment fosters a cohesive and values-centric work environment and empowers the team to collectively drive their efforts toward shared objectives.

Some examples of business core principles to achieve a company's mission are:

Here is how you can set business core principles for your organization:

It takes meticulous preparation to match your team's mission with your business mission. Here are a few <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/implementing-effective-communication-to-boost-productivity?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">channels for communication</a>, pragmatic ideas, and efficient tactics for guiding your staff toward your business core principles.&nbsp;

A <a href="https://thoughtexchange.com/blog/5-ways-to-achieve-team-alignment-in-your-organization/">study</a> suggests that frontline workers are less likely to understand how they contribute to the business mission than the leaders. Team alignment requires cascading the mission from strategy to operations. It is also called the trickle-down effect.&nbsp;

Break down high-level organizational objectives into specific ones at lower levels (to ensure everyone understands how their efforts contribute). Here is an example of cascading goal setting. You can use a similar template to add goals for your organization.

You have now set clear goals for the team and conveyed them well. However, your team may not be able to achieve those goals properly. Why? Lack of productivity due to ineffective communication. 

<a href="https://www.grammarly.com/business/Grammarly_The_State_Of_Business_Communication.pdf">Grammarly's The State of Business Communication Report</a> reveals that poor team communication increases costs and reduces productivity. In fact, teams lose 7.47 hours per week on average due to ineffective communication.

The key is establishing a robust communication channel that instills team trust, improves collaboration, and increases productivity. Here is how you can improve internal business communication:&nbsp;

Learn more: <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/effective-time-management-techniques-for-business-owners">Effective Time Management Techniques for Business Owners</a>

One of the best ways to align your team with the organizational objectives is to set strategic goals for each employee that contribute to the business mission by using the objectives and key results (OKRs) model.

Here is an example of how to use the OKR framework for your team.

An increasing number of employees seek purpose, autonomy, and work flexibility beyond monetary benefits.

Here is how leaders can help their team members feel empowered at work.

<a href="https://www.michaelpage.co.in/talent-trends/the-great-x">82%</a> employees feel happier and more motivated when recognized. Performance recognition also improves employee retention. Therefore, prompt acknowledgment can increase team alignment. The following are some of the most effective methods of setting up an employee recognition and reward system:&nbsp;

Learn more: <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/recruitment-strategies-for-top-talent-startups?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">8 Recruitment Strategies for Top Talent for Startups</a>

Team alignment is the synchronized pursuit of a common goal among all employees, teams, and leadership within an organization to achieve success.

Alignment with the company's mission translates into heightened productivity and output as teams operate with greater efficiency and cohesion. This, in turn, contributes to improved employee morale, as team members derive a sense of purpose and pride from understanding how their contributions impact the company's success.&nbsp;

If you require a starting point or guidance on how to initiate this process effectively, consider consulting the following books:

Ans:&nbsp; Team alignment can be measured through regular communication, goal tracking, and feedback mechanisms. Assessing shared objectives, values, and collaborative efforts ensures cohesion.

Q2. How do you set team vision and mission?

Ans: Establishing a team vision and mission involves collaborative goal-setting, defining core values, and aligning objectives with organizational goals. Regularly communicate and reinforce the vision to ensure team cohesion and commitment.

Ans: &nbsp;Unifying a leadership team requires open communication, fostering trust, and aligning on common goals. Encourage transparency, active listening, and collective decision-making to strengthen team unity.

Top 6 Strategies for Team Alignment with Business Mission

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ACH is one of the most popular electronic payment methods in the US. In 2023, it processed an astonishing <a href="https://www.nacha.org/news/ach-network-records-strong-growth-2023-same-day-ach-surpasses-3-billion-payments-inception">31.5 billion</a> electronic transactions. While ACH is popular for domestic payments, it can also be used for international transfers. If you’re an Indian exporter or a freelancer with US-based clients, you can receive payments from them via ACH.

But what is ACH exactly and is it cheaper than wire transfer to receive payments? Join us as we answer that and a lot more in this detailed blog post

ACH's full form is Automated Clearing House. It's also called Automated Clearing House Network because it can process a comprehensive list of electronic financial transactions like bill payments and ACH direct deposits in the US. The<a href="https://www.nacha.org/"> National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA)</a> based out of Reston, Virginia is the governing body of ACH and oversees the electronic fund transfer system.

ACH payments have a wide purpose beyond bank-to-bank transfers. Let's look at a few of the types of ACH payments in this section:

With the ACH network, you can pay bills online and automate recurring expenses like utility bills, rent, and subscriptions. This way your bills get paid on time without worrying about when is the next bill due for payment. For example, you can authorize the electric utility company to deduct the bill amount each month from your bank account.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/everything-about-ach-payments">ACH payments</a> and payroll processing work great together. It's a huge relief for businesses because employees get their salaries credited to their bank accounts on time. For example, a company running its payroll every two weeks can directly deposit the due amount to the employee's account on payday.

The IRS uses ACH to credit tax refunds to the taxpayer's bank account directly. It's a quicker and more secure alternative to processing tax refunds using paper checks. In the same way, you can also use ACH to pay taxes electronically and stay compliant with the tax laws.

Loan repayments are another popular example of ACH payments. You can set up automatic withdrawals for loan repayment instalments so that the mortgage lender gets paid on time and you avoid late payment penalty charges.

Deposits Into An Individual Retirement Account (IRA)

If you're planning to contribute to your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) consistently, then ACH transactions are a great choice. Using this option, you can contribute funds from your account to your IRA account and build the corpus over time.

Using ACH for daily business transactions like paying vendors or receiving money from customers is also common. For example, if a business gets a $2,000 invoice from their vendor, they can authorize an ACH transfer so that the funds are settled quickly. There is no need to manage checks or cash to make the payment.

There are two broad types of ACH transfers: ACH direct deposit and ACH direct payments.

In this type of ACH transfer, the funds are electronically deposited into the recipient's bank account. This is most commonly used by a business and government entity to transfer money into consumer's accounts.

Here's a list of the most popular ways of using ACH Direct Deposits:

Paychecks: Businesses use direct deposit to process payroll payments of employees. Salary is credited to their employees' bank accounts according to the payday

Employer-Reimbursed Expenses: Apart from salary, businesses also use direct deposit to reimburse their employees if they have incurred expenses for work-related activities

Government Benefits: Government benefits like disability payments or unemployment compensation are directly credited using this transfer method

Tax Refunds: If a taxpayer is liable for tax refund, they have the option to receive the amount directly to their checking or savings account using ACH direct deposit

Annuity Payments: Annuity payments are made to investors at a set interval consistently. You can ask the insurance or the asset management company to use ACH to transfer the annuity to your account directly

Interest Payments: Similar to insurance companies, banks also make interest payments using the ACH direct deposit route.

Individuals, businesses or other entities use ACH Direct Payments to make payments from their bank account directly. This is a popular technique for making bill payments and loan repayments.

Here's the expanded list of the most popular ways of using ACH Direct Payments:

Bill Payments: With the user having the freedom to set automatic payment instructions, ACH direct payment is the most popular way to manage recurring expenses like utility or credit card bills

Vendor Payments: Businesses use ACH to pay their vendors and suppliers. The money is directly cut from their account and credited to the receiving bank account without manual work

Charitable Donations: Many charitable organizations give donors an option to set ACH direct payments to make money transfers consistently.

Online Purchases: If an online retailer accepts ACH direct payment, then you can complete the transaction by paying the money directly from your bank account.

There are two ways to make payments using ACH: one-time payments and ACH mandates. Let's understand each of them individually:

One-time payments are single transactions initiated when you receive the notification for bill payment. For example, when you receive a credit card statement, you decide how much to pay and then authorize the amount to be deducted from your bank account.

ACH mandate is useful when the billing amount is fixed and recurring. As you know how much amount will be auto-debited from your bank account, you can enter into a recurring payment arrangement with the billing company. In this payment arrangement, you authorize the company in advance to deduct the amount from your bank on a specific date. This is useful for paying regular expenses like car loans, mortgages or subscription services.

What Are The Charges For ACH Payments and Transfers?

Typically, you don't have to pay any charges for ACH payments and transfers. However, some service providers can charge fees for initial set-up. If you're receiving money in India through ACH bank debit, platforms like<a href="https://www.payoneer.com/en-in/about/pricing/"> Payoneer</a> can charge a 1% fee on the amount. Other payment platforms like Skydo, allow you to receive money in India through ACH bank debit without any additional cost.

ACH return charges are levied when the funds return to the originator's account for reasons like not having enough balance, incorrect account information or non-existent accounts. The charges for debit returns differ from one bank to another but typically range between $2 to $5. However, a bank may charge even more in case of repeated returns.

What Are The Advantages Of ACH Transfers?

ACH transfers come with a long list of advantages, but here are the top three that you must know:

Using ACH direct deposits and direct payments are mostly free for individuals. Even for businesses, ACH is a cost-effective technique for managing payments and receiving money from others. According to the NACHA, ACH costs businesses between<a href="https://www.nacha.org/news/ach-costs-are-fraction-check-costs-businesses-afp-survey-shows"> $0.26 to $0.50</a> which is a lot less than issuing checks which costs between $2.01 to $4.

In ACH transfers there are no physical transfers of money or checks involved, so there is less risk for theft or loss. Besides there are ample security measures implemented like following strong encryption to protect sensitive information. There are other protocols like Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) which adds an extra layer of security to protect your data from unauthorized access from bad actors.

Traditional ACH transfers take one or two business days to process. Banks and other financial institutions have also started offering the<a href="https://www.nacha.org/same-day-ach"> Same Day ACH</a> for making bill payments or receiving money up to $1 million on the same day. The swiftness of the ACH infrastructure is mostly beneficial for businesses as they can make urgent payments or have better control over managing funds.

What Are The Disadvantages Of ACH Transfers?

ACH transfers also come with a list of disadvantages, here are the top three:

Banks and other financial institutions usually impose transaction limits on ACH transfers. These limits can vary as daily, weekly or monthly depending on the institution. If your ACH transfers hit that limit, you are not allowed to make further transactions within the specific time frame

Penalty for frequent transfers and breach of limit

In addition to transaction limits, the bank or financial institution may impose other thresholds. If a user, breaches these limits frequently, the bank might charge penalties or even stop the account from making further ACH transactions. This could be a matter of hindrance for companies that have to make many frequent online payments.

It Can Be Slow Due to Bank Processing Time and Batch Payments

ACH payments are mostly processed in a batch. It means several ACH transactions are batched together in a particular time frame and settled individually. If you are initiating an ACH transfer after the cut-off time, it might be settled on the next business day.

Here's a quick comparison of ACH and Wire transfer:

Receive Payments From The US In India With Skydo

Working with US clients? International payments don’t have to be a hassle. Skydo makes it simple, cost-effective, and seamless. Set up a virtual account in just 5 minutes and start receiving payments from the US, Europe, Singapore, and Australia—no complex banking required.

With live Forex rates and no hidden fees, Skydo ensures you get the most value for your money. Plus, compliance is effortless with instant FIRA downloads after every transaction, keeping you RBI-compliant without the headache. Need help? Your dedicated representative is just a call away.

Say goodbye to high fees, delays, and red tape. With Skydo, you can focus on growing your business while we take care of the payments!

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Working with international clients but getting lost in the maze of banking codes?&nbsp;

If you've ever been asked for your ABA number while setting up payment details, you're not alone. ABA stands for American Bankers Association, and these numbers are essential for receiving bill payments into your U.S. bank account or other financial institution. Think of it as your bank's unique address in the American banking system.

In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about ABA numbers – from what they are and where to find them to how they work in getting your hard-earned money safely into your account. 

An ABA or routing number is your bank's identification code in the United States. Every U.S. bank has at least one of these nine-digit numbers, which you've probably spotted at the bottom of your checks.

It is like a postal digit code for your bank – it helps other banks know exactly where to send money when someone's making a payment to your account number. You'll often see it referred to as a routing number, though some people still call it a check routing number since it's printed on paper checks.

Your bank might have several different ABA numbers, which can initially seem confusing. Here's why: Large banks often have multiple ABA numbers because they operate across different regions and handle various electronic transactions. Think of it like having different phone extensions for different departments in a company.

This is why it's important to always check with your bank about which ABA number to use for your specific transaction. Using the wrong one could delay your payment or cause rejection, especially for wire transfers.

This clarity around which number to use becomes especially important when setting up payment details with clients or employers, so it's worth double-checking with your bank about which number to use for different types of transactions.

Let's break down what those nine digits in your ABA number mean. While it might look like a random string of numbers, each digit serves a specific purpose in ensuring your money gets to the right place.

To make things easier, we will explain with an example.&nbsp;

When you look at ABA number 026009593, it's like a detailed address for your bank:

Let's look at another ABA number: 121000358

This organized structure helps route your money accurately through the U.S. banking system, ensuring it reaches the correct bank in the San Francisco region. Understanding these patterns can help verify whether you use the correct ABA number for your transactions.

Understanding this structure can be helpful when verifying your banking details with clients – you can quickly check if the number they're using matches your bank's region and follows this pattern.

Is the ABA code the same as the SWIFT Code?&nbsp;

If you're handling domestic and international transactions, you'll come across two types of bank codes: ABA numbers and SWIFT codes. While they might seem similar initially, they serve different purposes in getting your money where it needs to go.

ABA number is like your bank's domestic address – it's only used for transactions within the United States. It's a straightforward 9-digit number that tells other U.S. banks exactly where to send your money. You'll use this when setting up direct deposits or receiving electronic payments from U.S. clients.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/swift-code-finder">SWIFT codes</a>, on the other hand, are your bank's international address. When clients from overseas want to send you money, they'll need your bank's <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/swift-money-transfer-ultimate-guide">SWIFT code</a>. These codes look slightly different – they use letters and numbers (like CHASUS33) and help banks worldwide identify each other for international transfers.

It's worth understanding both codes, especially when receiving international payments. As an Indian business or freelancer receiving payments from U.S. clients, you must share your bank's SWIFT code, not the ABA number. You're receiving an international wire transfer, and SWIFT codes are used for cross-border payments.

Remember: ABA numbers are only used for electronic transfers within the U.S. banking system. When receiving payments from U.S. clients using your Indian bank account number, always provide your bank's SWIFT code to ensure your payment arrives safely and efficiently .

📚Note: Using the wrong code might delay your payment or cause rejection, so always clarify with your client whether they're sending money domestically (ABA) or internationally (SWIFT).&nbsp;

What is the ABA Routing Number Policy of India?&nbsp;

As an Indian freelancer or business owner, you'll mainly work with two banking codes: IFSC codes for transfers within India, and SWIFT codes for receiving payments from U.S. clients. You won't need to worry about ABA numbers since they're only used for transfers within the U.S. banking system.

Like the U.S. banking system uses ABA numbers to route payments, Indian banks use IFSC codes. Think of it as India's equivalent of the ABA system – different code, same purpose.&nbsp;

When receiving money from India, you must work with IFSC codes instead of ABA numbers.

This is a good reminder that different countries have their unique banking codes and systems:

So, if you're doing business internationally, you'll want to familiarize yourself with the banking codes used in your clients' countries to ensure smooth payment processing.&nbsp;

Receive Payments From the US Easily with Skydo&nbsp;

For Indian businesses <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/how-to-receive-money-from-usa-to-india">receiving U.S. payments,</a> SWIFT codes are more relevant than ABA numbers. While traditional banks have complex processes for international transfers, modern payment platforms are simplifying these transactions.&nbsp;

Skydo, for instance, offers a streamlined approach for freelancers and small businesses, with features like zero FX margin and instant FIRA, making international payments more cost-effective and efficient.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/">Explore Skydo</a>

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What is ABA Number and How to find it

The vision of the government of India, Atmanirbhar Bharat – a self-reliant India, includes building a robust ecosystem to support Indian exporters.&nbsp;

The Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme is a promising initiative in this direction. It was launched on 01st January 2021 to empower exporters and replace the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) to comply more with the World Trade Organization (WTO) norms.&nbsp;

There are multiple aspects to know about RoDTEP which we have covered in detail in this blog. 

The RoDTEP scheme refunds the amount spent on taxes and duties by exporters. These taxes and duties are levied by the local, state, and central governments and were otherwise not refundable by any other scheme. The refund amount is calculated as a specific percentage of the Free On Board (FOB) value of the product or a fixed amount based on the per unit of measurement.&nbsp;

Consider this very simple example. Consider you run a company that exports T-shirts from India. So while making those T-shirts, you may have to pay the following taxes:

Now, these taxes aren't refunded under GST.&nbsp; With the RoDTEP Scheme, the government gives a refund (say ₹18 in this case) to cover these hidden taxes. This makes exports competitive in international markets by reducing costs.

So, the exporter gets a credit or refund which they can use to reduce future taxes or transfer to someone else.