Stripe Credit Card Fees vs Skydo: What Indian Exporters Should Know
Last year, India exported $79.44 billion 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.
Here’s how Stripe charges you on international card transactions:
- Base Processing Fee: 4.3% per transaction
- Currency Conversion Fee: 2% markup on exchange rate
- Chargeback Fee: $15 (₹1,000+) dispute fee, refundable only if you win
- No FIRA: Stripe does not issue a Foreign Inward Remittance Advice (FIRA). Instead, you’ll need to take Stripe’s generic payment advice to your bank, pay extra, and wait 7–15 days to get an FIRA.
Example: $1,000 USD Payment
Assumed market rate: $1 = ₹86
| Step | Amount |
| Payment received | $1000 |
| Transaction fee (4.3%) | $43 |
| Balance | $957 |
| 2% forex markup | Conversion at ₹84.28 |
| Final INR | ₹80,656 |
| Total fees | ₹5,344 (6.2%) |
So, in total, Stripe charges around 6.2% in fees, including transaction fees and forex markup.
How Skydo Compares (US Cards Only)
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.
What You Get with Skydo:
- Flat Fee: 5% on card payments
- No Forex Markup: Live market rates, 0 hidden margins
- Instant FIRA: Auto-generated with every payment, no extra cost
- Quick Onboarding: Be ready in 5 minutes
Example: $1,000 USD Payment
At $1 = ₹86
| Step | Amount |
| Payment received | $1000 |
| Less 5% fee | $50 |
| Balance | $950 |
| Conversion at live INR 86 | ₹81,700 |
| Total fees | ₹4,300 |
Compared to Stripe, you save about ₹1,000 more per $1,000 invoice with Skydo, plus instant FIRA to simplify your compliance requirements.
Stripe vs Skydo: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Stripe | Skydo |
| Processing fee | 4.3% | 5% |
| Forex Markup | 2% | 0 (live mid market rates) |
| FIRA | Not provided | Instant & free |
| Ease of Use | Developer-friendly APIs, complex for non-tech users | Simple payment link, 5-min setup |
| Accessibility | Invite-only in India | Open to all Indian exporters |
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose Stripe if you’re a SaaS business with global customers, need advanced developer APIs, and don’t mind higher costs.
- Choose Skydo if you’re an Indian freelancer, exporter, or agency working with US clients, want transparent fees, and value instant compliance.
Conclusion
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 Skydo InstaLinks today.
What are Stripe’s credit card fees in India?
Stripe charges 4.3% per transaction plus a 2% currency conversion fee, making total costs around 6–7% of your international payment.
Does Stripe provide FIRA in India?
Is Stripe available in India?
