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Skydo vs Infinity: Best Choice for International Payments (2025)

anoosh-kotak
Anoosh Kotak17 September 2025

TL;DR

  • Pricing: Skydo is more cost-effective for larger payments (e.g., $15K → $45 vs. Infinity’s $75). Infinity is cheaper for small transfers under $3,800.
  • Payment options: Skydo supports card and ACH via InstaLinks; Infinity only allows bank transfers.
  • Compliance: Both automate FIRA, but only Skydo provides automated eBRC for Amazon exporters.
  • Support: Both offer India-based support teams.
  • Best for: Skydo suits Amazon sellers, bigger invoices, and US card payments. Infinity works well for small, frequent bank transfers.

Skydo vs Infinity: What each platform does

What is Skydo? 

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.

Core features that matter:

  • Live FX rates with zero markup - You get actual market rates, not bank rates with hidden charges
  • Transparent fee structure - $19 for up to $2,000, $29 for $2,001-$10,000, 0.3% above $10,000
  • Instant FIRA - Automatic compliance documents sent to your email
  • India-based support - Real people who understand Indian regulations and business needs
  • Card payment support via InstaLinks - US clients can pay with Visa/Mastercard or ACH transfers
  • Amazon Global Selling PSP-approved - Direct withdrawals from Amazon stores worldwide
  • RBI PA-CB authorised - In-principle approval adds regulatory trust
  • Business tools - GST-compliant invoicing, payment tracking, client analytics
  • Real-time tracking - Know exactly where your payment is at every step

💸: 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.

What is Infinity?

Infinity 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.

Key features at a glance:

  • 0.5% flat fee (including GST) - Simple percentage-based pricing
  • No FX markup - Market exchange rates without hidden charges
  • Fast settlements -  24-hour payment processing
  • Instant FIRA - Compliance documents handled automatically
  • Freelancer-focused - Built specifically for platforms like Upwork and Deel, although it supports other busines types as well
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Skydo vs Infinity: A quick comparison

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

CriteriaSkydoInfinity
Pricing$ 19 for up to $2,000 $29: $2,001-$10,0000.3% : above $10,000Card payments: 5%ACH Debit: 2%0.5% flat fee (including GST)
Forex rateZero markup, live market ratesZero markup, live market rates
ComplianceInstant FIRA, automated eBRC for AmazonInstant FIRA
Card/ACH optionsInstaLinks - US Visa/Mastercard and ACHn debits supportedBank transfers only
Marketplace integrationsAmazon Global Selling PSP-approved, multiple platform supportUpwork/Deel compatibility highlighted, other  integrations as well
SupportIndia-based supportIndia-based support

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:

A) Bank transfer / local rails

Skydo calculation:

  • Amount received: $10,000
  • Skydo fee: $29 (flat fee for $2,001-$10,000 range)
  • Balance amount: $9,971
  • Converted at live FX rate (assuming 1 USD = 85 INR): ₹8,47,535
  • FIRA: Generated instantly and sent to your email

Infinity calculation:

  • Amount received: $10,000
  • Infinity fee: $50 (0.5% of $10,000)
  • Balance amount: $9,950
  • Converted at market rate (1 USD = 85 INR): ₹8,45,750
  • FIRA: Ready messaging for compliance

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

B) Client insists on card (US)

Skydo InstaLinks:

  • ACH option: ~2% fee = $200, plus live FX at zero margin
  • Card option: ~5% fee = $500, plus live FX at zero margin
  • FIRA: Instant generation for both payment methods
  • Final amount (ACH): $9,800 → ₹8,33,000

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.

Save 50% on every international transfer
Receive from 150+ countries
Get global accounts
Zero forex margin
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Who should choose what?

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

Choose Skydo if you:

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 Flat fees or 0.3% fee turns out to be more affordable, coupled with its live forex rate. 

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

Choose Infinity if you:

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.

Deep dives

Pricing & FX

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.

Compliance (FIRA/eBRC)

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 eBRC (Electronic Bank Realization Certificate) 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.

Card/ACH & payment experience

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.

Marketplaces & tools

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.

Save 50% on every international transfer
Receive from 150+ countries
Get global accounts
Zero forex margin
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Real user scenarios: Skydo vs Infinity

$3,000 US client insists on card payment

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

Skydo InstaLinks walkthrough:

  • Generate a payment link in your Skydo dashboard
  • Share link with client via email/Slack
  • Client enters card details on secure payment page
  • Fee: $150 (5% card processing)
  • You receive: $2,850 at live FX rate (₹2,42,250 at 85 INR/USD)
  • FIRA: Instant delivery to your inbox
  • Timeline: Funds in account within 24-48 hours

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.

Side-by-side comparison:

PlatformFeeFX rateYou Receive 
Skydo$29 Live rate, zero margin$8,471 → ₹7,20,035
Infinity$42.50 (0.5%)Live rate, zero margin$8,457.50 → ₹7,18,887.50

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

$1,200 freelance payment

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

Quick comparison:

  • Skydo: $19 flat fee = 1.58% of total payment
  • Infinity: $6 (0.5%) = much lower percentage cost

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

How to switch to Skydo

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:  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:  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:  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.

Step 5: Track and receive:  Once your client pays, track the payment status in real-time through your Skydo dashboard. Within 24-48 hours, funds are deposited into your Indian bank account, and an instant FIRA is automatically sent to your email.

💡Pro tip: Start with one client to test the process before switching all your payment flows. This way, you can experience the difference firsthand while maintaining backup options for other clients.

Conclusion 

Both Skydo and Infinity solve the same problem: simplifying international payments for Indian freelancers and exporters. Your choice depends on payment size and client preferences.

Choose Infinity if you handle smaller, frequent payouts under $3,800 and clients prefer bank transfers. The 0.5% flat rate works better for smaller amounts, and the platform also offers instant FIRA

Choose Skydo if you deal with larger invoices, need card/ACH options, or sell on Amazon. Flat fees save money on bigger payments, plus you get instant FIRA and India-based support.

The math decides: A $15,000 project costs $45 with Skydo versus $75 with Infinity. But an $800 payment costs $6 with Infinity versus $19 with Skydo.

Calculate your typical payment amounts and client preferences. Both beat traditional banking - pick whichever saves you more.

Save 50% on every international transfer
Receive from 150+ countries
Get global accounts
Zero forex margin
globe_with_skydo
Frequently asked questions

Is Skydo cheaper than Infinity for Indian freelancers and exporters?

Skydo works out better for larger invoices because it uses a flat fee model and applies no forex markup, so you always get the mid-market rate. Infinity charges a 0.5% all-in fee with no markup, which can be a good fit for smaller, frequent payouts. The cost difference mainly depends on your average payment size.

Do Skydo and Infinity provide compliance documents like FIRA or eBRC?

Can I receive card or ACH payments with Skydo and Infinity?

About the author
anoosh-kotak
Anoosh, an IIT graduate with a background in engineering, now leads growth initiatives at Skydo. Sports, Travel & Binge-watching
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