Imagine: A skilled artisan in Jaipur selling beautiful, handcrafted goods on Amazon Global to a New York resident. For years, this business model has been working fine due to the de minimis. De minimis was an umbrella exemption for low-value goods, worth under $800, to enter the US duty-free. It was simple and profitable for Indian exporters, thanks to the low entry costs.&nbsp;

But that stability is now on shaky grounds. On August 29th, 2025, the United States officially removed the de minimis exemption for India..&nbsp;

Lifting the exemption rule means low-value parcels will face a high amount of tariffs and paperwork. The move has been so sudden that India Post, the government-run postal service, and a lifeline for many small Indian exporters, has suspended most parcels to the US. Reason? They were not prepared to handle the new compliance requirements.

This blog will explore the deeper nuances of the de minimis exemption, why its removal has rocked Indian exporters, and provide a roadmap for adapting to this rule and surviving in the new trade environment.

What Was the 'De Minimis' Exemption? (And Why It Was a Game-Changer)

The term de minimis is Latin for “too small to matter”

In the U.S., small-value imports are cleared under the de minimis exemption (<a href="https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R48380">Section 321 of the Tariff Act</a>). This allows goods below a certain value to enter without duties or full customs paperwork, often processed under Entry Type 86.

The exemption was introduced in 1938 with a limit of just $1. For many years, the value stayed low until it was raised to $200 in the early 1990s. In 2016, the threshold was increased again to $800 per person per day, making it easier for exporters and e-commerce sellers to ship low-value parcels into the U.S.

By comparison, most other countries set much lower limits.&nbsp; Canada at about C$40, the European Union at €150, and many others, including China, even lower. The U.S. threshold has therefore been on the higher side internationally.

How This Fueled Indian E-commerce Exports

The jump in the U.S. de minimis limit to $800 in 2016 opened new doors for Indian exporters, especially small and medium businesses.

The U.S. government withdrew the de minimis exemption to tighten import controls, boost tariff revenue, and address security concerns.

Package volumes under the rule surged from 1<a href="https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R48380?">39 million in FY2015 to nearly 1.36 billion in FY2024</a>, overwhelming customs systems. Officials argued that the loophole made it easier for high-risk items,&nbsp; including fentanyl precursors, to enter the country in untracked parcels. Fentanyl has been a major driver of the opioid crisis, linked to hundreds of thousands of deaths in the U.S.

A Reuters investigation (“<a href="https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/drugs-fentanyl-shipping/?">Fentanyl Express</a>”) showed how simple it was to buy precursor chemicals online. Reporters spent about $3,600 to acquire enough raw material to manufacture at least 3 million fentanyl pills — often disguised in shipments labelled innocuously as “Adapter” or “Pigment Ink.”

While most of the problem traces back to Chinese suppliers, the blanket policy change has affected exporters worldwide, including those in India.

The removal of the $800 de minimis exemption, coupled with steep new U.S. tariffs, has sent shockwaves through India’s export community. The brunt of the impact is falling on small and micro exporters, the very businesses that had relied on low-value, duty-free shipments to build direct-to-consumer sales in the U.S.

Industry analysts warn that India’s shipment volumes to the U.S. could fall by 15–25%, while landed costs are expected to rise by 8–15%. Exporters now face two tough choices: absorb these costs and see margins shrink, or pass them on to U.S. buyers and risk losing competitiveness.

On top of losing duty-free entry, Indian goods are also being hit with an additional 50% tariff across several categories. That has turned <a href="https://laex.in/daily-issue/which-sectors-are-worst-hit-by-tariffs/">sectors once thriving under U.S. demand into some of the hardest hit:</a>

For many of these sectors,&nbsp; especially garments, jewellery, and shrimp, the U.S. has long been the single largest market. Now, Indian exporters are being forced to rethink pricing, margins, and in some cases, the very viability of their U.S. business.

With the suspension of India Post’s de minimis channel, exporters are now facing a compliance gap. Shipping companies must collect tariffs upfront, itemize duties against each product, and remit payments to U.S. authorities. This shift demands significant tech and infrastructure upgrades — but the rollout has been rushed, with limited clarity from U.S. regulators.

Previously, most small parcels entered under Entry Type 86, a simplified process for low-value shipments. That system has now been replaced by Entry Type 11, which requires:

Errors carry higher risks: misclassifying a shipment,&nbsp; once treated leniently, is now considered a punishable compliance offence.

The impact is sharpest on small and mid-sized exporters dealing in India’s hallmark: high-variety, low-volume goods. These businesses dominate categories like textiles, handicrafts, jewellery, and niche components, which together form a significant share of India’s exports to the U.S.

Export hubs in Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, which power much of India’s U.S.-bound trade, now face slower orders, tighter compliance costs, and the risk of losing competitiveness in their most important market.

A Roadmap for Resilience: How Exporters Can Adapt

The removal of the $800 de minimis exemption is a major disruption for Indian exporters. But it’s also forcing businesses to rethink strategy and build resilience. Here’s how exporters can adapt in practical, actionable ways:

For years, the U.S. was the most attractive destination for Indian SMEs — large, profitable, and easy to access. Now, exporters must reduce over-dependence by expanding into other markets:

Higher tariffs demand tighter operations. Exporters can preserve margins by:

With Entry Type 86 gone, compliance is heavier. Exporters should:

The loss of de minimis is a clear setback, but it could make India’s exporters stronger in the long run:

At Skydo, we’re here to stand with exporters through this transition. By simplifying global payments with live forex rates (no hidden markups), instant FIRA and (eBRC generation for Amazon exporters), 24-48 hours settlement and India-based support, we’re helping Indian businesses stay compliant, protect margins, and continue scaling globally.

large_Trump Tariffs India 2025:

medium_Trump Tariffs India 2025:

small_Trump Tariffs India 2025:

thumbnail_Trump Tariffs India 2025:

Trump Tariffs India 2025:

Last year, India exported <a href="https://tradingeconomics.com/india/exports/united-states">$79.44 billion</a> of goods and services to the US. Behind these big trade numbers are exporters and freelancers like you. But here’s something you might not know: US businesses run on credit cards. They like cards for the speed, rewards, and ease.

In that case, if you start accepting card payments, you make it convenient for your clients to pay you. You can attract more clients and retain the present ones for a longer term. But how do you start accepting card payments from US clients? 	

Stripe is a popular platform; it has long been a favourite for SaaS businesses for its ability to handle recurring payments in 135+ currencies. Also worth mentioning is its plug-and-play checkout feature. But Stripe operates on an invite-only model in India. Plus, its total fees are on the higher side.

You do have an option: Skydo. A homegrown brand	with services tailored for Indian exporters. Is Skydo the right choice? Or Stripe sounds like a better match? Find out for yourself in this Stripe vs Skydo comparative blog. 

Stripe Credit Card Processing Fees in India

Stripe lets you accept credit card payments from 195+ countries (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, etc.), a big plus for global reach. However, as we have mentioned before, it is currently invite-only in India, with no guaranteed approval timeline.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Here’s how Stripe charges you on international card transactions:

So, in total, Stripe charges around 6.2% in fees, including transaction fees and forex markup.&nbsp;

Skydo is built specifically for Indian exporters and freelancers. With InstaLinks, you can share a payment link with your US client—no account setup needed.

Compared to Stripe, you save about ₹1,000 more per $1,000 invoice with Skydo, plus instant&nbsp; FIRA to simplify your compliance requirements.&nbsp;

Stripe is a powerful global platform, but it comes with high costs, forex markups, and compliance hurdles in India. For most freelancers and exporters, Skydo helps you keep more of your money, with flat pricing, live exchange rates, and instant FIRA.

If you’re ready to cut down on Stripe credit card fees and simplify compliance, try <a href="https://www.skydo.com/features/instalinks?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=inbound_blog&amp;utm_campaign=Stripe_credit_card">Skydo InstaLinks today.</a>

large_Stripe credit card fees

medium_Stripe credit card fees

small_Stripe credit card fees

thumbnail_Stripe credit card fees

Stripe credit card fees

The Indian freelance and export market to the US is experiencing significant growth. From software development to digital marketing, Indian professionals are increasingly serving American clients who prefer the convenience of credit card payments, the standard payment method in the US market.

For Indian freelancers and exporters, accepting credit cards has always posed challenges due to limited platform options and complex fee structures. <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/paypal-in-india-charges-review-alternatives">PayPal</a> emerged as one of the few reliable solutions, offering global reach, client trust, and straightforward setup. Most US clients are familiar with PayPal, making it an easy choice for international transactions.

However, PayPal's convenience comes at a significant cost. Between its 4.4% transaction fee, fixed charges, and a 3-4% forex markup, you can lose over 8% of every payment. On a $5,000 invoice, that's ₹34,000 in fees.

This is where alternatives like Skydo become relevant, offering transparent pricing and live exchange rates designed specifically for Indian businesses receiving international payments.

What Are PayPal’s Credit Card Processing Fees in India?

PayPal operates in over 200 countries and supports more than 25 currencies, making it one of the most widely accepted payment platforms globally. Indian businesses can receive payments through various methods, including credit cards, debit cards, PayPal balance transfers, and bank account payments from international clients.

When your international client pays you via credit card through PayPal, you're looking at a three-layer fee structure that can seriously impact your earnings.

PayPal fees for credit card processing work like this:&nbsp;

But here's where it gets expensive: PayPal applies a currency conversion markup of around 3-4% when converting your payment from dollars to rupees.

Let's break this down with a real example. Say your US client sends you $1,000 via credit card through PayPal:

Now comes the currency conversion. If the actual market rate is ₹85 per dollar, PayPal might apply its rate at around ₹81.6 (about 4% less). Your $955.70 converts to approximately ₹78,005.

The math is simple: from your original $1,000 (worth ₹85,000 at market rate), you actually receive ₹78,005. That's a total loss of ₹6,995, or about 8.2% of your payment.&nbsp;

These credit card processing fees PayPal charges can add up quickly, especially for freelancers and exporters handling multiple transactions each month.

How Skydo Compares on Credit Card Payments

For Indian businesses serving US clients specifically, Skydo InstaLinks offers a streamlined solution. Your US clients can pay via credit card through a simple payment link—no account creation required on their end, no complex setup for you.

When comparing PayPal credit card processing fees vs Skydo for US-based transactions, the differences are hard to ignore. Skydo charges a flat 5% fee for US credit card payments, but here's the main fact: you get the live market exchange rate with zero forex markup. While 5% might sound comparable to PayPal's base fee, the real savings come from that currency conversion.

Let's run the same $1,000 example from a US client through Skydo:

Transaction fee: $1,000 × 5% = $50. Amount after fees: $950 Currency conversion: $950 × ₹85 (live rate) = ₹80,750

Compare this to PayPal's ₹78,005, and you're keeping ₹2,745 more with Skydo. That's nearly three times better than PayPal when you factor in the real exchange rate.

But the benefits go beyond just pricing:&nbsp;

The transparency factor is huge here. With Skydo, you know exactly what you're paying upfront. No hidden forex markups, no surprise deductions, no wondering why your final INR amount doesn't match your calculations.

Sometimes the best way to see the fundamental differences is to put everything side by side. Here's how PayPal and Skydo stack up across the factors that actually matter to your bottom line:

The choice between PayPal and Skydo often comes down to your specific situation and client preferences.

You're dealing with clients from various countries outside the US, or if your clients specifically prefer PayPal and are willing to handle the higher costs.&nbsp;

Some international clients are more comfortable with PayPal's familiar interface, especially for smaller one-off payments or when they're already using PayPal for other transactions.

You're a freelancer, agency, or exporter regularly receiving credit card payments from US clients.&nbsp;Skydo's transparent pricing and live exchange rates make it particularly attractive for businesses that process multiple payments monthly and want to keep more of their earnings.&nbsp;

The instant FIRA generation also helps if you need quick compliance documentation for your accounting or export processes.

The cost difference is significant. PayPal's credit card processing fees can reach 8-9% of your international payments when you account for transaction fees, fixed charges, and currency conversion markup. For Indian exporters and freelancers managing tight margins, these fees represent a considerable portion of earnings that could otherwise be reinvested in business growth.

Skydo's transparent model with live forex rates helps you save roughly three times more compared to PayPal on the same transactions. When you're building a business or freelancing career, those savings add up fast, whether it's ₹2,745 on a $1,000 payment or ₹27,450 on a $10,000 project.

Ready to see the difference for yourself? <a href="https://www.skydo.com/features/instalinks?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=inbound_blog&amp;utm_campaign=Paypal_credit_card">Try Skydo InstaLinks</a> and start receiving international card payments in just 5 minutes. Your clients get a simple payment experience, and you get to keep more of what you've earned.

large_PayPal credit card processing fee

medium_PayPal credit card processing fee

small_PayPal credit card processing fee

thumbnail_PayPal credit card processing fee

PayPal credit card processing fee

If you're an Indian exporter or freelancer working with U.S. clients, get ready for a change: cards are becoming a preferred way for businesses to pay. We often think of credit and debit cards as consumer payment tools, but businesses use them too. In fact, about 8 out of 10 small businesses in the US use at least one business credit card to manage payments. Why are cards on the rise for B2B? Because they offer speed, rewards, and simpler internal approvals for the payer. This trend impacts you directly – your next invoice could be paid via a card.&nbsp;

In this blog, we’ll dive into why U.S. clients prefer card payments, what that means for your cash flow and compliance as an Indian exporter, and how you can adapt. We’ll also cover how Skydo can help you accept U.S.-issued Visa/Mastercard payments through InstaLinks, as well as ACH payments through virtual accounts, with funds delivered in less than 48 hours.

Your U.S. clients might insist on paying by card for several practical reasons. Understanding their perspective can help you cater to their needs better. Here are the top reasons U.S. businesses favour card payments:

What This Means for Indian Exporters and Freelancers

Cards sound great for your client, but how do they affect you as the person receiving the payment in India? Here are the key implications:

Convenient First Payments (A Sweet Spot to Get Started)

Card payments shine for first-time invoices and smaller amounts. When you’re kicking off a new client relationship or handling an urgent project, cards help avoid delays. As mentioned, a new wire transfer setup can slow down an initial payment. With cards, your client can pay immediately without bureaucratic hurdles. For smaller invoice values, many clients are even willing to absorb the card processing fee for the sake of speed and convenience.

Reduced DSO (Less Waiting and Fewer Failed Payments)

DSO stands for Days Sales Outstanding – essentially, how long it takes to collect payment after you issue an invoice. Lower DSO is better for your cash flow. Using cards can reduce your DSO because traditional methods like wire transfers are slower and often come with hiccups. In fact, international wires sometimes fail or get delayed due to errors or compliance checks. According to SWIFT, roughly 10% of international payments get held up along the way for compliance reviews. 

When a wire fails, you might only find out after 3–5 days (when the money bounces back to the sender), putting you back at square one. Card payments can also fail or be declined, but the big advantage is that you know the result instantly. If a client's card is declined (due to insufficient limit, an expired card, suspected fraud, etc.), they can resolve it or use another payment method right away, rather than you both waiting in limbo. The immediacy of card authorisation means fewer payments are stuck in processing. Overall, this translates to quicker resolution of payment issues and a lower chance of invoices getting “stuck” for days or weeks.

Higher Completion Rate (Fewer "Stuck" Invoices)

A "stuck invoice" is a payment that gets trapped in processing due to additional approvals needed, missing paperwork, or technical glitches. With wire transfers, an invoice can get stuck if, say, the client’s bank needs extra compliance documents or if there was a typo in your bank details (like a SWIFT code). Such issues can hold up a payment for many days while everyone scrambles to fix the problem. Card payments, on the other hand, tend to be binary – they either go through or they don’t. When a client attempts a card payment, you get one of three immediate outcomes: approved, declined, or requires verification. If it’s approved, great – you're getting paid. If it’s declined or needs additional verification, you know right away and can ask the client to investigate or use an alternate method. There’s much less chance of a payment disappearing into a “processing black hole.” This higher completion rate means you spend less time chasing down payments that are stuck in limbo.

Compliance Impact (FIRA/eBRC Requirements Still Apply)

One important thing to remember: even if you receive money via a card payment or ACH, from the government and banking regulatory perspective in India it’s still a foreign inward remittance. Accepting card payments doesn’t exempt you from the usual export documentation. You will still need a Foreign Inward Remittance Advice (FIRA), as proof that foreign currency funds arrived in your Indian bank account. If you’re exporting goods or certain services, you also need an Electronic Bank Realisation Certificate (eBRC) mapped to that payment to satisfy RBI and FEMA regulations. In short, card or no card, the paperwork remains. The good news is that some modern payment platforms (like Skydo) automatically generate the necessary FIRA for you on each payment, which saves you the headache of chasing the bank for it. Just be mindful that you must account for every dollar coming in and tie it back to an export invoice for compliance purposes, the same way you would with a wire transfer.

Card payments are becoming a default choice for U.S. companies, and they can help you get paid quickly. To make the most of this trend (and to avoid potential pitfalls), you’ll want to adapt your processes. Here are several strategies to smoothly accommodate both card and ACH payments from U.S. clients:

Don’t force your client into a single payment method. On every invoice, present card and bank transfer as standard payment options. This way, the client immediately sees they have a choice. They’ll appreciate the flexibility to pay how they prefer. Often, just knowing that you can accept a card can make a client more comfortable – it signals that you’re easy to do business with.&nbsp;

Not all payments are equal. It can be smart to steer clients toward one method or another based on the situation:

By segmenting payments this way, you optimise for both speed and cost-efficiency depending on the scenario.

When you start accepting multiple payment methods, you’ll face the question of how to handle the different fees. How do you charge clients in a way that’s fair and also nudges them toward the most efficient option? Here are a few pricing approaches you can consider:

No matter which model you choose, communicate clearly with your client. If you’re offering an ACH discount or charging extra for card, mention it upfront in the quote or invoice. Transparency builds trust, and many clients will understand that different methods have different costs.

Skydo’s Card + Net Banking Solution for Indian Exporters

When you work with U.S. clients, you don’t want to lock them into just one way of paying. That’s why Skydo supports both ACH transfers (via virtual accounts) and InstaLinks (card + ACH debit) — so you can cover every client scenario without extra setup.

ACH Credit via Virtual USD Accounts (Bank Transfer)

Skydo issues you a virtual U.S. bank account with unique account and routing numbers. Your client simply makes an ACH Credit (push payment) from their U.S. bank as if they were paying any domestic vendor.

For first-time clients, urgent projects, or those who prefer flexibility, Skydo provides InstaLinks — a secure payment link that lets your client choose between paying by card (Visa/Mastercard) or ACH debit (pull from their account).

Now, go ahead and embrace the card payment trend – and happy earning!

large_US card payments in India

medium_US card payments in India

small_US card payments in India

thumbnail_US card payments in India

US card payments in India

When it comes to receiving payments from US clients, choosing the right method can save you time and money. The main options are ACH payments vs wire transfers, with credit card payments as an alternative. In a nutshell, wire transfers are secure but often expensive, while ACH transfers are slower but much cheaper. Card payments offer convenience at a higher fee. Understanding ACH vs wire vs card trade-offs, especially in 2025’s evolving payments landscape, will help you get paid quickly, affordably, and with minimal hassle.

For a fast decision, use the table below to pick the best payment rail (method) based on your scenario:

ACH payment types reminder: “ACH” actually comes in two flavours:

Both are bank-to-bank transfers through the Automated Clearing House network, but credit is initiated by the payer, while debit is initiated by you with permission.

Six-Step Decision Flow for Choosing a Payment Rail

To choose the right payment method for each invoice, follow this step-by-step logic:

By considering these factors, you’ll select the payment method that best fits each scenario.

Why Payment Rail Selection Matters in 2025

Picture this: You just finished a project for a US client and invoiced $5,000. The client says, “I’ll wire the money like always.” You agree without a second thought. A few days later, only $4,720 arrives in your account. Where did the missing $280 go? It vanished in transit via fees and exchange markups – the costly downside of using the wrong payment rail.

In 2025, US clients increasingly want convenience (using cards or low-friction ACH bank debits), and Indian service providers want low costs, quick settlement, and smooth compliance. If you pick the wrong payment method for a given situation, you could suffer:

The bottom line: choosing the right rail for each invoice can save money, reduce delays, and avoid a lot of frustration. The next sections provide a practical framework to evaluate each option in plain English.

Let’s break down the main ways to get paid (ACH credit, ACH debit, wire, and card) in simple terms, including how they work, typical timelines, costs, and best uses.

Your client pushes money from their US bank account to you. With a platform like Skydo, you receive unique US account and routing numbers (virtual USD account) to share with the client – it looks to them like any US bank account. They send an ACH transfer to that account. Once received, the platform converts it at live forex rates and credits your INR account in India.

You pull funds from the client’s US bank after getting their authorisation. Think of it like setting up an autopay — the client gives permission (via a secure link) and you initiate the debit.

A wire transfer is a direct bank-to-bank transfer across the SWIFT network (for international payments). Your client sends USD from their bank, which hops through one or more correspondent banks, and finally, the money arrives in your Indian bank account.

This is the standard credit/debit card payment process via a payment gateway or link. The client pays you using their card, just like buying a product online. It’s a familiar, user-friendly checkout experience for them.

Comparing ACH vs Wire vs Card: Fees and Settlement Times

To illustrate the differences, let’s compare what happens with an example $1,000 invoice paid via Card, ACH Credit, ACH Debit, or Wire:

Beyond the direct fees we just outlined, keep an eye on indirect costs that can eat into your time or profits:

Skydo advantage: Whether you’re receiving card payments, ACH debits, or ACH credits via virtual accounts, Skydo helps eliminate hidden costs on currency conversion by using live forex rates with zero margin. You get the real mid-market exchange rate, instead of a marked-up bank rate that can quietly cost you 1–2% on every transaction. This ensures more of the invoiced amount actually ends up in your pocket.

Risk and Reliability: Avoiding Common Payment Failures

Even after choosing the optimal payment method, things can go wrong. Here are the most common failure points in getting paid (and how to prevent them):

Why Offer Multiple Payment Options Up Front?

Every US client is a bit different in how they prefer to pay. Finance departments typically love ACH debits or credits for their low cost and predictable process. Founders or project managers, on the other hand, might prefer card payments because they’re faster, they might earn points, or they don’t have to involve their accounts payable team. If you insist on only one option (say, wire only or ACH only), you force a negotiation that can delay the deal while the client seeks approvals or alternatives.

Offering two rails from the start (e.g. ACH and Card) can significantly smooth the process:

How to present it: It’s important to communicate these options clearly to the client so they know they have a choice. For example, you might include a line in your invoice email like:

Invoice Payment Options: “Pay via ACH (lowest cost) or Card (fastest) — choose what works for you. Both routes provide instant receipts and required compliance docs.”

This one-liner shows that you understand their needs (speed vs. cost trade-off) and assures them that either way, the paperwork (receipts, compliance) is taken care of. Clients appreciate having a say in the payment method; it builds trust that you’re easy to work with and flexible.

Most importantly, by offering multiple rails, you avoid delays. There’s no back-and-forth to set up alternatives, because the alternative was there from the start. In many cases, you’ll find the client will opt for the card for speed, or ACH for cost, and the payment gets done without further discussion.

How Skydo Implements Dual-Rail Payments (Without the Chaos)

If managing multiple payment methods sounds complex, platforms like Skydo are designed to handle much of that complexity for you. Here’s how Skydo’s solution works for offering both ACH and Card options seamlessly:

ACH via Virtual USD Accounts (ACH Credit, “Push”)

Skydo issues you a virtual US bank account (with unique account and ABA routing numbers) to receive ACH credits.

InstaLink Payments: Card &amp; ACH Debit (Pull via a Single Link)

Skydo’s InstaLink is a one-stop payment link that offers the client both Card and ACH Debit options in a single interface. You send them the link, and they choose their preferred method.

To help communicate the dual-option payment approach to clients, here are a couple of short lines (microcopy) you can adapt:

Using friendly, client-centric language like this ensures the client doesn’t feel pushed one way or the other, but understands the pros and cons of each method.

In summary, ACH vs Wire vs Card is not about a one-size-fits-all winner – it’s about choosing the right tool for the job. In 2025, smart freelancers and businesses are rail-agnostic, offering multiple payment options and letting the client’s context dictate the best method. ACH transfers shine for their low cost on routine payments, wire transfers still play a role for large or time-sensitive international payments, and card payments provide a quick and easy way to get paid when speed trumps fees. By understanding these differences and leveraging platforms that simplify multi-rail payments, you can get paid faster, save money on fees, and keep your clients happy.

Explore Skydo: If you’re looking to streamline your US payments with minimal fees, automated compliance docs, and dual payment options for your clients, check out Skydo’s platform and see how it can support your business. Getting paid from the US has never been easier!

ACH Payment vs Wire Transfer vs Card: 2025 Guide for Indian Exporters

large_ACH Payment vs Wire Transfer vs Card: 2025 Guide for Indian Exporters

medium_ACH Payment vs Wire Transfer vs Card: 2025 Guide for Indian Exporters

small_ACH Payment vs Wire Transfer vs Card: 2025 Guide for Indian Exporters

thumbnail_ACH Payment vs Wire Transfer vs Card: 2025 Guide for Indian Exporters

Skydo vs Infinity: What each platform does

Skydo is an India-first cross-border payment platform built for international freelancers and exporters. You get virtual accounts in major countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Your international clients pay into what appears to be a local bank account, but the funds are transferred directly into your Indian bank account within 24-48 hours.

💸: For that $5,000 project, you'd pay $29 in fees and receive the rest at live market rates, with all compliance paperwork handled automatically.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/infinity-payment-features-and-fees-breakdown">Infinity</a> is a Y Combinator-backed cross-border payment platform that provides Indian freelancers and exporters with virtual local accounts in key countries. When your clients need to pay you, they send money to what appears as a regional bank account in their country.

When choosing between payment platforms, the details matter. Here's how both stack up across the factors that impact your daily operations:

Receiving USD 10,000 in India with Skydo vs Infinity

Let's say you just completed a major web development project for a US-based start-up, and they're ready to pay you $10,000. Here's exactly what you'd receive with each platform:

Your savings with Skydo: $21 in fees, which translates to ₹1,785 more in your account.

Infinity: The platform emphasises virtual accounts and bank transfers on its main pages. Card and ACH acceptance isn't prominently listed in their standard offerings, so you'd need to verify these options directly with their team if your client prefers these payment methods.

The bottom line: For standard bank transfers, you save $21 per $10,000 transaction with Skydo. Over multiple projects throughout the year, these savings add up while you get the same zero-markup exchange rates and compliance support.

The right platform depends on how you work and what your clients prefer. Here's a quick guide based on different freelancer situations:

Need card/ACH payment options: Your US clients want to pay via Visa/Mastercard or ACH transfers through InstaLinks, with instant FIRA generation and India-based support for quick issue resolution.

Sell on Amazon Global Selling: As an official PSP-approved partner, you get tailored pricing, seamless seller dashboard integration, and automated eBRC generation for export compliance.

Handle larger invoices: For larger invoices, Skydo's&nbsp;Flat fees or 0.3% fee turns out to be more affordable, coupled with its live forex rate.&nbsp;

Want comprehensive support: India-based team guides setup in your timezone with a better understanding of local compliance requirements.

Handle smaller, frequent payments: The 0.5% rate works better for payments under $3,800 with simple percentage-based pricing.

Work primarily through Upwork/Deel: The Platform specifically highlights compatibility, though you should compare actual costs for your typical invoice amounts first.

Prefer simple bank transfers only: Clients are comfortable with standard international wire transfers, and you don't need card payment flexibility.

The decision comes down to your average invoice size and payment preferences. Skydo offers better value for larger amounts and more payment flexibility, while Infinity appeals to those wanting simple percentage-based pricing.

Skydo's approach: Live zero-margin FX combined with flat pricing till USD 10,000 means you get the actual interbank exchange rate without any hidden markup. For an $8,000 invoice, you pay $29 regardless of currency fluctuations. If the dollar strengthens against the rupee during processing, you benefit from the better rate without paying extra fees.

Infinity's model: The 0.5% all-in fee includes everything with no FX markup. That same $8,000 invoice costs you $40, but the percentage stays consistent whether you're receiving $1,000 or $50,000. Both platforms eliminate the 2-4% forex margins that banks typically charge.

Skydo: Instant FIRA generation means the moment your payment processes, the compliance document hits your inbox automatically. For Amazon Global Selling merchants, Skydo also handles automated <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/what-is-e-brc">eBRC (Electronic Bank Realization Certificate)</a> generation, streamlining your export documentation without manual paperwork.

Infinity: Offers instant free FIRA, ensuring you get the necessary compliance documentation for your international payments. The platform handles the regulatory requirements, though the specific timing and automation level may vary.

Skydo: US card and ACH payments work through InstaLinks. You share a payment link with your client, they pay using their preferred method (Visa/Mastercard at ~5% or ACH at ~2%), and you receive the funds at live FX rates with instant FIRA. Your client gets a familiar payment experience while you maintain compliance.

Infinity: Focuses primarily on virtual local accounts for bank transfers. Clients send money to what appears as a regional bank account in their country. Card payment support isn't prominently featured on their main pages, so you'd need to verify this option directly with their team if clients prefer card payments.

Skydo: Official PSP-approved status for Amazon Global Selling means direct integration with your seller dashboard and tailored pricing for marketplace withdrawals. The platform also supports payments from Deel, Upwork, and other freelancing platforms, plus offers business analytics, real-time tracking and GST-compliant invoicing tools.

Infinity: Specifically highlights compatibility with Upwork, Deel, and other global client platforms. The focus remains on streamlining payments for freelancers working through these popular marketplaces, and like Skydo, it also offers payment tracking.

Your US startup client appreciates the convenience of card payments and prefers to avoid international wire transfers.

Infinity option: Card payment support is not clearly listed on their platform. You should contact their team to verify if this payment method is available for your client.

$8,500 EU software project via bank transfer

You just delivered a custom CRM system for a Berlin-based company. They're ready to pay via standard bank transfer.

Note: Both platforms offer free and instant FIRA Savings with Skydo: $13.50 in fees = ₹1,147.50 more in your account

You completed a logo design project for a Canadian client who prefers bank transfers.

Verdict: Infinity - For smaller payments under $3,800.

Step 1: Sign up and get verified: Create your Skydo account in under 5 minutes. Upload your business documents (PAN, bank details, basic KYC). The India-based support team guides you through verification, usually completed within 24 hours.

Step 2: Get your virtual accounts:&nbsp; Once verified, you receive virtual bank accounts in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and other countries. Each account comes with local routing numbers that your clients can use for payments.

Step 3: Update your next client invoice:&nbsp; Instead of your old payment details, add your new Skydo virtual account information to your invoice. Your US client sees familiar US bank details, your UK client sees UK account details, and so on.

Step 4: Notify your client about the change:&nbsp; Send a quick message: "I've switched to a new payment processor for faster, more reliable international transfers. Please use the updated bank details on your next payment." Most clients appreciate smoother payment processing.

Growing Global

Understanding Global Payments blogs