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

Payoneer Fees India: What you need to know

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Payoneer Fees for Receiving and Withdrawing USD 8000 via Credit Card

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

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

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

Forex Markup for Withdrawing in a Different Currency:

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

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

Final Amount Received in INR: INR 630,941.19

Total Payoneer Fees Deducted: INR 41,058.81

Payoneer Fees Reviews: What people are saying

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

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

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

Receiving International payments with Payoneer vs Skydo

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

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

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

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

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

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Payoneer Fees: All you need to know

The landscape of cross-border payments and global business has transformed dramatically in recent years. Traditional banking methods are now being challenged by innovative solutions and new entrants, like Payoneer offering a bunch of financial services. This article explores Payoneer Payment Gateway, delving into its features, fees, and user reviews to provide a comprehensive overview of this modern cross-border payment solution.

Founded in New York in 2005, Payoneer is a global payments platform that enables businesses to send and receive international payments in over 70 currencies. It offers <a href="https://www1.payoneer.com/in/solutions/global-payment-service/?no_follow=true">multi-currency virtual accounts</a> in the US, EU, UK, Japan, Australia, Mexico, and China, along with flexible payment modes like bank transfers and credit/ debit card payments.

In India, businesses can request and receive global payments through Payoneer Payment Gateway. The platform also offers free <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/all-you-need-to-know-about-firc-a-complete-guide">digital FIRAs </a>for international payments, streamlining compliance.&nbsp;Ordinarily, payments made via local bank transfer or wire transfer/ SWIFT payments 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?no_follow=true"> three business days</a> to reach the payee's account.

With the exponential rise of global commerce, Payoneer has integrated with various online marketplaces like Airbnb, Getty Images, and Fiverr, helping businesses expand their customer base, access the global market and receive payments from these platforms. However, some users have reported issues with these integrations.&nbsp;For instance, this user seems to be dissatisfied with <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/toptal/reviews/toptal-review-8662387">Payoneer’s integration with Toptal</a>.&nbsp;

Additionally, Payoneer offers enterprise solutions, including <a href="https://www1.payoneer.com/in/enterprise/?no_follow=true">mass payouts and API support </a>for automating and managing payments, making it a versatile choice for global transactions.

As we have already discussed Payoneer Payment Gateway is available in India both for businesses and freelancers to request and receive global payments. Its enterprise offering also provides businesses with global mass payout solutions. However, note that the Payoneer card is not currently available in India. 

Payoneer is licensed and regulated by multiple government authorities, including the OPGSP framework in India&nbsp;and is generally considered safe for use.&nbsp;

Like any global platform handling financial transactions, Payoneer occasionally sees user-reported security concerns. For example, earlier this year, some users in Argentina flagged u<a href="https://therecord.media/financial-platform-payoneer-account-hacks-phishing?no_follow=true">nusual activity in their accounts.</a> Others have shared isolated experiences of <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/payoneer/reviews/payoneer-review-9064277?no_follow=true">account holds</a> or <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/payoneer/reviews/payoneer-review-9723605?no_follow=true">unexpected logouts.</a>

While these instances can understandably cause concern, it's worth noting that Payoneer continues to invest in strengthening its security systems. The platform is actively working to enhance fraud detection and protect user accounts, something that’s increasingly important in today’s digital payment landscape.

Creating a Payoneer account is free. Here’s how you do it:

Verify Your Email: Before finishing, check your inbox for a verification email from Payoneer and follow the instructions to confirm your email address.

Opening a Payoneer account is free, but sending, receiving, and withdrawing payments involves <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/payoneer-fees-india-guide">various fees</a>. Here’s a breakdown:

Once you receive payment in your Payoneer account, you can withdraw it to your local bank account. However, be aware that Payoneer fees apply depending on the currency of your account.

A 3<a href="https://www1.payoneer.com/in/about/fees/?no_follow=true">% forex markup</a> is applied if you withdraw in a different currency. For example, if the payment was made in USD and you withdraw in INR i.e. your local currency, you’ll receive INR&nbsp;81.48 instead of INR 84 at the prevailing exchange rate.

Payoneer charges $29.95 annually if your account has received less than USD 2000 or equivalent in payments in 12 months.

Understanding these fees can help you make informed decisions when using Payoneer for your transactions.

For a detailed breakdown of Payoneer Fees, click <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/payoneer-fees-india-guide">here</a>

Payoneer Reviews: Customer Care, Usability and Fees

With over 5 million customers, Payoneer is undoubtedly a safe and trusted platform for cross-border payments. Let’s take a look at some Payoneer reviews to gauge the opinion of users on various aspects of Payoneer Payment Gateway.&nbsp;

Many users appreciate Payoneer for its <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/payoneer/reviews?utf8=%E2%9C%93&amp;order=g2_default&amp;filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=495052?no_follow=true">ease of use</a> and smooth transactions. Its user-friendly interface and integrations with platforms like Airbnb, Getty Images, and Fiverr make it a popular choice for businesses and freelancers to handle international payments.

Some users have shared that their experience with P<a href="https://www.g2.com/products/payoneer/reviews?utf8=%E2%9C%93&amp;filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=495449?no_follow=true">ayoneer’s customer support could be improved.</a> In particular, a few have mentioned that it can sometimes take time to get clear answers or resolutions. There have also been occasional reports of accounts being temporarily placed on hold, which can understandably be stressful, especially when users aren’t given a heads-up.

That said, experiences vary widely, and many users continue to rely on Payoneer for their cross-border payment needs.

While some are impressed by Payoneer’s low fees, others find it steep, particularly for small businesses.&nbsp;

Payoneer Payment Gateway alternatives to take note of

While Payoneer is a well-established name in cross-border payments, some users have <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/payoneer-alternatives-international-payments-india">explored alternatives</a> due to concerns around customer support and associated fees.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/paypal-in-india-charges-review-alternatives">PayPal</a> is a popular alternative and a prominent name in global finance. It offers cross-border payment services, but unlike Payoneer, it doesn’t provide multicurrency virtual accounts, making international payments more costly. Although PayPal’s ease of use and credibility make it a solid Payoneer alternative, many users look for more <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/top-paypal-india-alternatives-for-international-payment">affordable options</a> to receive global payments.

Skydo emerges as another strong alternative, offering a fast, secure, and cost-effective solution for businesses to receive cross-border payments in India. With its flat fee structure, dedicated customer support and seamless onboarding, Skydo has become a go-to choice for companies and freelancers to manage their global payments. Additionally, platforms like Wise and Stripe are also viable substitutes to Payoneer for receiving international payments&nbsp;

Choosing the right payment partner for your business is crucial. Issues like the lack of FIRA, forex markups, and currency conversion fees can make international transactions costly and inconvenient.

That’s why make sure to compare and analyse, user experience, pricing, support and compliance provisions and seek professional advice before selecting your international payment provider.&nbsp;

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Payoneer Payment Gateway Features Fees

EEFC account is a well-known term for exporters receiving international payments. EEFC account full form is Exchange Earners Foreign Currency.

 Offered by AD Category I Banks, an EEFC account allows you to retain foreign income received in its original currency (USD, EUR, GBP, etc.) for up to 60 days.&nbsp;&nbsp;In this article, we will dive into EEFC account full form, meaning, and benefits of an EEFC account, and explore other efficient and cost-effective ways to handle your international payments.

Since 2016, India’s cross-border remittances have grown at<a href="https://www.pwc.in/assets/pdfs/consulting/financial-services/fintech/point-of-view/pov-downloads/the-evolving-landscape-of-cross-border-payments.pdf?no_follow=true"> 8% CAGR, </a>fueled by global trade, travel, and a rising international workforce. Yet, high fees and hidden charges make these transactions costly and challenging.

 To address these issues, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced EEFC account.&nbsp; Being current accounts, these accounts do not yield any interest. Each bank offering EEFC Account supports a specific number of currencies, also allowing you to hold multiple currencies in a single account. Initially designed to help exporters manage their foreign exchange earnings, EEFC accounts are available to companies, individuals, and joint account holders.

EEFC Account Benefits: What Do You Need to Know?

EEFC account or EEFC account full form, Exchange Earners Foreign Currency Account, allows exporters to deposit their foreign exchange earnings without converting them to Indian rupees. Currently, multiple <a href="https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/FEMAMASTER/PDFs/1061.PDF?no_follow=true">Authorised&nbsp;Dealer (AD) Category I banks </a>in India offer EEFC account including DBS, ICICI, HDFC, Axis Bank and many more.&nbsp;

However, it's always a good idea to speak with the bank first to confirm their services.

Now, let’s take a moment to understand EEFC account benefits.

An EEFC account lets you hold foreign currency earnings until the last day of the following calendar month. For example, if you receive foreign payments on June 16th, you can keep them in your EEFC account until July 31st. This holding period gives you the flexibility to monitor forex rates and convert the funds to INR when it's most beneficial, while also allowing you more time to make foreign payments directly from your EEFC account without conversion

However, keep in mind that you can only retain your foreign exchange earnings until the last day of the succeeding calendar month  after which it will be automatically converted to INR. So, don’t get too comfortable parking your foreign exchange in your EEFC account—use it wisely before the deadline sneaks up on you!

An EEFC account not only lets you temporarily park your foreign exchange earnings but also enables you to make foreign payments without converting them to INR, avoiding two-way currency conversion costs.&nbsp;

As an exporter, when you receive foreign payments via your Indian bank account, they are typically converted into INR, incurring transaction costs and currency conversion charges. If you need to make an international payment, you'll have to convert your INR back into foreign currency, incurring additional fees. Essentially, you end up paying currency conversion costs for both receiving and sending foreign payments, doubling your costs.

An EEFC account bypasses this inconvenience by allowing you to retain 100% of your foreign exchange earnings and make foreign payments directly from the account without having to convert it.&nbsp;

In essence, an EEFC account facilitates seamless international transactions by giving users the option to hold and manage their foreign exchange earnings better.&nbsp;

Resident individuals of India, whether individuals or companies earning foreign exchange, can open an EEFC account. However, entities in<a href="https://nsez.gov.in/Resources/SEZ%20FAQs.pdf?no_follow=true"> Special Economic Zones (SEZs)</a> cannot open an EEFC account, though they can open a <a href="https://www.icicibank.com/nri-banking/bankaccounts/foreign-currency-account#:~:text=An%20RFC%20(Resident%20Foreign%20Currency,hold%20funds%20in%20foreign%20currency.?no_follow=true">foreign currency account</a>.

For context, a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is a designated area where businesses operate without paying certain taxes and duties. It's essentially considered foreign territory for trade purposes.

Which Transactions are Eligible Under an EEFC Account?

As a current account, an EEFC account supports various transactions, including:

However, being a current account, an EEFC account cannot support capital account transactions. This means foreign remittances in the form of loans, investments, or returns on investments are not permitted in your EEFC account.

The process of Opening an EEFC account is similar to that of a regular current account. You'll need to complete an application form and submit the required documents. However, there are additional requirements, such as providing proof of status, which aren't typically necessary for a regular account.

Once you've submitted your application and documents, the bank will review them. Upon approval, they will furnish you with your EEFC account details, including the account number.

Do note that the procedure may vary slightly across banks, so it's advisable to consult with your bank to understand their specific application process.

What Documents are needed for opening an EEFC account?

Although the specific documents required can vary from bank to bank, here are the typical documents you'll need to open an EEFC account:

As we've discussed, an EEFC account can be opened by all foreign exchange earners, whether individuals, partnership firms, or public/private limited companies. Depending on the entity opening the EEFC account, specific documents may be required. For example:

These requirements ensure that the necessary legal and compliance standards set by the government of India are met for each type of entity.

What are the&nbsp; EEFC Accounts Charges?

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Most banks don’t charge a fee for opening and maintaining an EEFC account. However, there are several ancillary charges that banks may levy on various activities linked to EEFC accounts:

To get a complete picture of the applicable fees and charges for your EEFC account, make sure to talk to your bank. This will help you avoid any surprises and ensure you understand all potential costs involved.

Why Choose Skydo Over Traditional EEFC Accounts?

EEFC accounts offer exporters a convenient way to manage and park their foreign exchange earnings temporarily. This holding period allows them the freedom to monitor and choose the exchange rate at which they want to convert their foreign exchange.

However, despite these advantages, receiving international payments through an EEFC account can be quite costly, regardless of your banking partner. As we have seen, banks often levy numerous charges on EEFC account transactions, including SWIFT charges, currency conversion fees, forex markups, FIRA charges, and more. These fees can quickly add up, making the process expensive.

In summary, while an EEFC account offers flexibility and control, the associated costs can add up quickly.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/eefc-account-vs-payment-platforms">At Skydo, we understand the challenges of traditional banking </a>especially when it comes to cross-border transactions. For freelancers and small businesses, constantly monitoring forex rates and tracking bank fees is a time-consuming and resource-draining task. That’s why we offer businesses and freelancers a fast, secure, and less expensive way to receive international payments. With Skydo, you can set up an international bank account in less than 5 minutes. Your foreign clients can pay into this account, making it a local transfer and eliminating SWIFT charges.

Further, we convert your foreign earnings to INR at live forex rates, without any markup or currency conversion fees, ensuring you keep more of your earnings. All we charge is a flat transaction fee: USD 19 for remittances below USD 2000 and USD 29 for remittances over USD 2000. And yes, you also receive an instant FIRA for every transaction at no extra cost, helping you stay compliant.&nbsp;

Switch to Skydo and simplify your international payments while maximising your earnings. Experience the Skydo difference today.

EEFC Account Overview: Full form, Meaning, Eligibility & Benefits

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A foreign client pays $2000, but you get ~$1700 in your bank account, less than what you expected.&nbsp;

Now, you are trying to calculate the foreign transaction fee and foreign exchange rate (FX rate) and understand what other hidden charges have been levied but are facing a hard time doing so.

Many small businesses lose money because of a lack of transparency in foreign payments and <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/hidden-fees-in-bank-rates?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">hidden fees charged by banks</a> and other payment platforms.

How can you overcome this challenge? Switch to transparent payment solutions like Skydo that tell the live FX rates. Let’s understand how you can check real-time FX rates with Skydo and reduce unnecessary deductions.&nbsp;

According to a <a href="https://www.swift.com/swift-lvp/assets/pdf/small_payments_big_opportunity_july_2023.pdf">report by SWIFT</a>, the three primary reasons that frustrate small business owners while using an international payment platform are:

Skydo aims to resolve these issues. It provides live FX rates on its dashboard and charges zero-margin on currency exchange so you don’t end up paying extra costs. Moreover, Skydo charges <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/cut-international-transaction-costs-with-skydo?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">flat foreign transaction fees,</a> thus ensuring complete transparency in foreign payments.

Here is how understanding live FX rates on Skydo can help your business.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/why-do-banks-differ-from-live-fx-rates-in-currency-exchange?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">Bank FX rates</a> are usually different from the live FX rates. For example, if the $1 amounts to ₹83 as per the prevailing market rate, banks offer ₹80 for every $1. This is called the forex markup fee.

Businesses have to negotiate the FX rates with banks to ensure maximum earnings. However, Skydo offers live FX rates and converts the currency as per the prevailing market rate. This boosts your earnings.

Moreover, many businesses try to negotiate a fixed payment in INR with foreign clients to reduce the FX rate fluctuation risk.&nbsp;

Rapid fluctuations in the foreign exchange market increase business risk. However, by viewing live FX rates, you can analyse when to apply hedging strategies to secure your earnings.

Moreover, you can calculate your exact earnings based on the real-time FX rates and optimise your cash flow accordingly.&nbsp;

Staying updated with currency fluctuations is extremely important for businesses to adjust their pricing.&nbsp;

For example, if the value of the domestic currency increases against the foreign currency, the price of your goods and services will become higher for foreign customers. This will result in low demand.

Therefore, you should track live FX rates to set competitive pricing and boost revenue.

Ensuring Financial Transparency with Skydo

Tracking foreign payments is hard for businesses. Banks and foreign payment platforms make it harder by gatekeeping various costs involved.&nbsp;

But, Skydo offers complete transparency.&nbsp;

You can open an international bank accounts account with Skydo within five minutes and receive payments from foreign clients in international bank accounts.

You can view the live FX rate before transferring the money to your domestic bank account. If the international market is volatile, you can hold the money in your foreign bank account to avoid currency conversion losses.&nbsp;

Use Skydo's <a href="https://fx-calculator.skydo.com/comparison?utm_source=linkedin&amp;utm_medium=skydohandle&amp;utm_campaign=fxcalculator&amp;utm_content=2">FX calculator</a> to see how much money you can save on your FX rates based on your monthly revenue.

2. View a Clear Breakdown of Exchange Rates and Associated Costs

With Skydo, you are always updated on why your money is being deducted. You can view a clear breakdown of the flat transaction fee levied, the GST application to the transaction fee, and the FX rates for each invoice.

Moreover, Skydo also marks a date and time stamp during currency conversion to ensure that the money is converted as per prevailing market rates.

3. Zero Margin on Currency Conversion&nbsp;

Most payment platforms like PayPal and Payoneer charge a 3-5% currency conversion fee on top of the foreign transaction fee. Moreover, banks also charge forex fees on every transaction.

These additional costs reduce your earnings significantly, especially if you deal with many foreign clients.&nbsp;

However, Skydo charges zero margin for currency conversion. It converts the total amount based on the prevailing market rate without changing any forex fee. This increases your FX savings by up to 50%.

3. Pay Zero Fees to Download FIRA Receipts

FIRA is a mandatory document for exporters for GST compliance. Banks charge ₹500 or more on every foreign transaction to generate FIRA.

However, Skydo automatically generates FIRA receipts for each invoice without charging an additional fee. Therefore, it helps you <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/get-the-most-out-of-your-forex-savings-with-skydo?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">maximise FX savings</a>.

Expanding your business globally helps you increase earnings and scale your business. However, high forex fees, foreign transaction fees and hidden fees charged by payment platforms impact your earning potential and slow down business growth.

Therefore, you can track live FX rates through Skydo to maximise your FX savings.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=demo_click">Sign up on Skydo today</a> to receive foreign payments at low costs!

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Foreign Inward Remittance Advice (FIRA) is a must-have for freelancers working with international clients. While global opportunities open doors to diverse revenue streams, they also come with added compliance requirements. Every foreign payment you receive requires a FIRA from your bank—a crucial document that proves you’ve received international funds.

In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Foreign Inward Remittance Advice, why it matters for freelancers, and how to navigate this essential process with ease.

A Foreign Inward Remittance Advice (FIRA) is a document issued by Indian banks to Indian exporters and freelancers who receive foreign payments.

Before 2016, banks issued <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/all-you-need-to-know-about-FIRC-a-complete-guide">Foreign Inward Remittance Certificates (FIRC)</a> as proof of receiving global payments. However, in 2016, the RBI introduced the Export Data Processing Management System (EDPMS) to digitally record all export-related data.

With <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/understanding-edpms-full-form-and-its-essential-role-in-export-management">EDPMS </a>in place, the RBI instructed banks to stop issuing FIRCs for export collections. Banks now provide FIRA (Foreign Inward Remittance Advice) instead of FIRCs for export collections and foreign payments. Anyone receiving foreign payments, including freelancers, needs to obtain FIRA.

<a href="https://juspay.in/blog/payments/foreign-inward-remittance-certificate">Failure to obtain a FIRA</a> can lead to monetary loss as you will have to pay GST on the export income received in India. However, you may face penalties for non-compliance with foreign exchange regulations at the time of audits if <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/transforming-your-invoicing-experience-with-skydo?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">proper documentation</a>, such as FIRA, is not maintained.&nbsp;

Suppose you are looking for a loan from a financial institution. In that case, the institution asks for proof of income that serves as the reference point for the institution to either accept or reject the loan application. Here, you can submit FIRA as proof of income.&nbsp;

Furthermore, FIRA can also be used for VISA applications or anywhere as proof of income.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/juhi-shah-633127154/?no_follow=true">Juhi Shah,</a> a seasoned Chartered Accounting professional states:

"FIRA plays a crucial role in establishing financial credibility and stability, particularly in cross-border transactions. These certificates serve as verifiable proof of income from international sources, bolstering confidence among lenders, investors, and immigration authorities."

By providing FIRA as supporting documentation, taxpayers demonstrate their commitment to compliance and reduce the risk of penalties or legal consequences for underreporting income.

Additionally, you can claim tax benefits or exemptions under the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAA).

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravi-mamodiya-5b635779/">Ravi Mamodiya</a>, a tax advisor highlighted the potential financial and legal implications of ignoring FIRAs:

"Ignoring FIRCs may result in inaccurate tax reporting, leading to penalties, fines, and potential legal actions by tax authorities. Additionally, non-compliance with tax laws erodes trust with regulatory agencies and may tarnish your reputation as a taxpayer. Hence, it is important to maintain FIRAs."

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

Getting a FIRA 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 FIRA for you at no extra cost. Just log into our user-friendly dashboard, and you'll find your FIRA ready to download, complete with all the details you need.

Freelancers have fluctuating incomes and are solely responsible for fulfilling the taxation and regulatory compliance for <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/how-you-can-streamline-international-transactions-for-your-business?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">inward and outward remittance</a>. In case a freelancer has foreign clients and receives foreign remittances, it is vital to obtain FIRA either for the bank or the <a href="https://www.skydo.com/?https://www.skydo.com/?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=demo_click">digital currency platform.&nbsp;</a>

FIRAs streamline income reporting to tax authorities, reducing complexities and minimising the risk of penalties for non-compliance. By documenting foreign remittances, freelancers can accurately report their earnings, fulfil their tax obligations, and build credibility with regulatory agencies.

Q1. Can all banks issue physical FIRCs?&nbsp;

Ans: RBI has discontinued the permission for banks to issue physical FIRCs/FIRAs after 2016 unless it is against Foreign Direct Investment or Foreign Institutional Investment. Currently, only AD Category-I banks are allowed to issue e-FIRAs (FIRAs in electronic format).&nbsp;

Q2. Do I need a separate FIRA for each client or project?

Ans: No, you do not need a separate FIRA for each client or project. All foreign remittances received during a particular time frame, regardless of the client or project, can be covered by a single FIRA issued by your bank.

Q3. What documents do I need to apply for FIRA, and how long does it take?

Ans: If you are requesting FIRA from a bank, <a href="https://cleartax.in/s/foreign-inward-remittance-certificate">you need to provide information</a> included in the FIRC certificate format, such as beneficiary name, name and address of the payee, UTR number, recipient’s name, purpose, date and amount of transfer, and the recipient’s account number. However, if you are receiving foreign remittances through digital platforms like <a href="https://www.skydo.com/?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=demo_click">Skydo,</a> you don’t have to submit any documents. FIRA is generated automatically and instantly with every payment.&nbsp;

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Among various electronic <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/what-are-embedded-payments?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">payment systems</a>, two prominent players in the United States are Fedwire and the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network. While both facilitate <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/ensure-rbi-guidelines-for-cross-border-transactions-with-skydo?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">electronic fund transfers</a>, understanding Fedwire vs ACH is crucial for deciding about which system best suits specific financial needs.

This blog will help you understand everything about ACH Vs Fedwire and help you choose the most suitable payment system.&nbsp;

Fedwire, also known as Federal Reserve Wire Network, is a payment system local to the United States, allowing entities to execute time-sensitive, large-value transactions. Fedwire is a well-known payment network for entities as it processes transactions in real-time (immediate fund transfers) with high transactional security.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.frbservices.org/financial-services/wires#:~:text=The%20Fedwire%20Funds%20Service%20is,Federal%20Reserve%20Bank%20master%20accounts.">The US Federal Reserve</a> owns Fedwire and allows its participants to settle commercial payments for their accounts or on behalf of corporate or individual clients. Fedwire can also be used to settle positions with <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/seamless-payment-experience-with-international-bank-accounts?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">banks and other financial institutions, </a>buy and sell federal funds, or submit federal taxes.&nbsp;

Fedwire is commonly used by financial institutions, businesses, and government agencies to settle USD on the same day of initiating the transactions. Financial institutions include US banks and some American branches of certain foreign banks or government groups maintaining an account with a Federal bank.&nbsp;

Automated Clearing House interbank payment system, or the ACH network, is an interconnected computer system that communicates with each other to help transfer or receive payments. The <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/everything-about-ach-payments?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">ACH payment system</a> is native to the US and is used to complete transactions in USD among financial institutions with bank accounts in the US.&nbsp;

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