Landing freelance gigs on Upwork requires more than just a stellar profile. While your skills and experience take centre stage, a well-crafted cover letter can be the secret weapon that sets you apart from the competition.&nbsp;

This guide equips you with expert tips and winning templates for cover letters for Upwork to craft proposals that grab clients' attention and secure those dream projects.

Understanding the Importance of a Cover Letter on Upwork

Defining a Cover Letter in the Freelance Landscape

Cover letters on Upwork serve as introductions, expand your profile, and showcase your suitability for the job, much like in the traditional job market. It's your chance to personalise your proposal, demonstrate your understanding of the project, and showcase what makes you the ideal freelancer for the job.

Why Your Upwork Cover Letter Makes a Difference

Crafting a Winning Cover Letter: Essential Tips

Now that you understand the importance of a cover letter let's delve into the key elements that make it effective:

Add Your Personality (While Remaining Professional)

While professionalism is key, there's no need to be boring. Write in a conversational tone that's respectful but engaging. Avoid starting with dull phrases like "My name is Job Applicant Jean" and instead, let your personality shine through with phrases like “Having helped clients achieve [Specific results] in the past, I believe my skills can be a valuable asset to your [Project Name] project.”&nbsp;

Pay attention to the keywords used in the project description. Subtly integrate these keywords throughout your cover letter for Upwork to improve your proposal's searchability within Upwork's search engine.

Example: Look for keywords in the project description (e.g., "social media marketing"). Subtly weave them into your cover letter to improve searchability within Upwork's search engine. Instead of generic statements like "I have experience in marketing,” go for keyword integration: "I noticed you mentioned a focus on social media marketing and audience engagement. In my previous role, I managed social media campaigns that grew follower bases by 30% through targeted content strategies."

Anticipate potential concerns clients might have and address them directly in your cover letter. This demonstrates your attentiveness and ability to think ahead.

For example, instead of leaving clients wondering with generic statements like "I'm a great writer, trust me,” try addressing concerns like"I understand clear communication is crucial. I provide regular progress updates and keep you informed throughout the project. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns."

Instead of a standard sign-off, conclude with a call to action that reinforces your value proposition.

Example: "I'm confident my skills can significantly benefit your project. Let's discuss how I can help you achieve your goals. I'm available for a call at your earliest convenience."

Refine Your Approach: As you gain experience, track what resonates with clients and adapt your cover letters for continued success.

Showcase Your Passion and Understanding of the Client's Industry

Go beyond just listing your skills. Briefly mention what excites you about the client's industry or project type. This demonstrates genuine interest and sets you apart from freelancers focused solely on the job itself.

Example: "I've been following the impressive work your company has done in the sustainability sector, and I'm particularly passionate about [specific aspect of the industry]. My experience in [relevant skill] combined with my enthusiasm for this field allows me to bring a unique perspective to your project."

Highlight Your Skills and Quantify Your Achievements (When Possible)

Don't simply repeat your resume. Briefly showcase your most relevant skills and experiences that directly address the project's requirements. Back up your claims with data. Numbers add credibility and give clients a clearer picture of your impact.

Example: Instead of saying "increased website traffic," quantify it. "I crafted SEO-optimised blog posts that resulted in a 25% increase in organic website traffic for my previous client."

By incorporating these essential tips, you'll craft compelling cover letters that land you the freelance projects you deserve. Remember, a cover letter is an ongoing conversation. Keep personalising and refining your approach to stand out on Upwork!

Sample Cover Letter Templates for Success

These Upwork cover letter samples provide a foundation to build upon, tailored to different freelance specialities.

I am writing to express my interest in your project for [Project Title]. Having reviewed the details, I am confident that my skills and experience in [Your Skills] make me a strong fit for this role.

In my previous work with [Previous Client/Company], | successfully [Describe a Relevant Achievement]. My portfolio showcases a range of projects that demonstrate my ability to [Highlight Relevant Skills]

I am eager to learn more about your vision for this project and discuss how | can contribute to its success. Please find my portfolio attached for your review.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

I came across your project for [Project Title] and was immediately drawn to the opportunity to leverage my expertise in web design. With [Number] years of experience crafting user-friendly and visually appealing websites, I am confident I can deliver exceptional results.

In my previous project for [Previous Client], I designed a website that resulted in a [Quantifiable Achievement] increase in [Metric, e.g., traffic, conversions]. My portfolio showcases my ability to design websites that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also optimised for [Areas of Expertise, e.g. SEO, mobile responsiveness].

I'm eager to discuss your vision for the website and collaborate on a design that exceeds your expectations. Please find my portfolio linked below for your reference: [Portfolio Link]

I came across your project for [Project Title] and was immediately drawn to the opportunity to leverage my content writing skills. With [Number] years of experience crafting engaging and informative content, I am confident I can create pieces that resonate with your target audience and achieve your desired goals.

In my previous role at [Previous Client/Company], I successfully increased website traffic by [Quantifiable Achievement] through the creation of [Type of Content, e.g., blog posts, SEO-optimised articles]. My portfolio showcases my ability to write in various styles and tones, ensuring your content aligns perfectly with your brand voice.

I'm eager to discuss your content strategy and brainstorm ideas that will captivate your audience and drive results. Please find writing samples relevant to your project in my portfolio linked below: [Portfolio Link]

I'm excited to submit my proposal for your [Project Title] project. Having reviewed the details, I am confident my expertise in graphic design can deliver visually stunning and impactful creative assets that align with your vision.

For [Number] years, I've been helping businesses like yours create captivating visuals that elevate their brand identity. In my previous project for [Previous Client], | designed [Type of Design, e.g. logos, social media graphics, website banners] that resulted in a [Quantifiable Achievement] increase in [Metric, e.g. brand awareness, engagement].

My portfolio showcases my design versatility and ability to translate your ideas into effective visuals. I'm particularly skilled in [Areas of Expertise, e.g., brand identity design, illustration, UI/UX design. I'm eager to collaborate with you and bring your design vision to life. Please find a link to my portfolio showcasing relevant design work: [Portfolio Link].

Having reviewed your project for [Project Title], I'm confident my video editing skills and creative vision can transform your raw footage into a compelling and engaging video.

With a passion for storytelling and [Number] years of experience editing videos for [Previous Clients/Companies/Industries], | possess a strong understanding of pacing, transitions, and the power of visuals to capture and hold the audience attention.

In my previous project for [Previous Client], I edited a video that achieved [Quantifiable Achievement] by utilising [Specific Editing Techniques]. My portfolio showcases my ability to edit videos across various styles, from promotional content to explainer videos.

I'm eager to discuss your vision for this project and collaborate on crafting a video that exceeds your expectations. Please find a link to my portfolio showcasing my editing skills: [Portfolio Link].

Note: Adapt the bracketed sections to your specific skill set. Also, while you can use these templates for reference, it's important to make your cover letter very personalised.

By incorporating these tips and templates, you'll be well on your way to crafting compelling cover letters for upwork proposals that land you the freelance projects you deserve. Remember, a cover letter is an ongoing conversation. As you gain experience on Upwork, track what resonates with clients and refine your approach for continued success.

Check out this blog for expert tips and tricks on cover letter templates that will help you craft standout proposals and land freelance gigs on Upwork.

Land Your Dream Freelance Gig: Upwork Cover Letter Guide

Land Your Dream Freelance Gig: Upwork Cover Letter Guide th

Anoosh Kotak

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It is ironic that in the era of instant payments, business owners still feel stressed about sending or receiving payments across borders.&nbsp; At Skydo, our&nbsp; objective has always been clear: "How can we take the stress out of international business payments?" Every discussion we have, and every feature we build, is geared towards that singular goal.

Today, we are thrilled to announce that Skydo has raised USD 5M in a pre-Series A round led by Elevation Capital, bringing us several steps closer to achieving our vision. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our investors, partners and customers for their immense faith and belief in us.

Skydo's journey began with two friends, Movin Jain and Srivatsan Sridhar, who united to answer a critical question: "How can we make global payments as seamless as UPI?" Srivatsan's managerial experience in his family's automotive export business gave him first-hand insight into the challenges exporters face with international payments. He recalls having to cancel a large and profitable contract with a Turkish customer due to challenges in receiving payments.. His deep empathy for the problem, combined with Movin's decade-long experience in tech and fintech, formed the perfect team to build Skydo.

Like most startups, the path to building Skydo has been far from easy and it continues to be so. We officially began in April 2022, and since then, securing our first client, first transaction, and first employee has been anything but a cakewalk. Srivatsan and Movin travelled across the country, speaking with exporters to gain invaluable insights into their struggles with international payments.

An entrepreneur from Ahmedabad shared his frustration about paying nearly 7-8% of his hard-earned foreign income to his payment service provider. Similarly, an IT business founder from Karnal expressed willingness to pay a flat fee but questioned why he had to share a percentage of his income. These interactions underscored the depth of the problem they set out to solve, driving their commitment to creating a more seamless and cost-effective solution for cross-border payments payments. From making cold calls and giving demos to spending sleepless nights perfecting the technology behind the product, the small founding team did it all. However, it wasn't all work and no play. The founders fondly recall how a full day of work was put on hold after indulging in ghee-laden parathas at Murthal, after meeting some exporters in Panipat. These moments of camaraderie kept the team bonded and motivated through the many challenges of building a company.

Finally, in November 2022, Skydo executed its first transaction, and since then, there has been no turning back. From November 2022 to August 2024, we have enabled 5,000+ businesses to simplify their international payments. We process over USD 100M of payments annually, and we are just getting started.&nbsp;

As a young company in the cross-border payments space, partnering with established banks and navigating regulations and compliance has been a constant learning experience. Being one of the first companies in this sector, we didn't have a blueprint to follow. Much of our processes and systems have been developed through trial and error. However, our customers' faith in us has always kept us going.

We are genuinely passionate to solve for our customers—and place their needs at the centre of everything we do. Our customers have recognised and appreciated our continuous efforts to bring them the best. It is their constant inputs and feedback that has inspired us to constantly improve our product.

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If you imagine the team behind Skydo as a group of ultra-serious professionals with their noses buried in computers all day, you couldn’t be more wrong. As cliché as it sounds, we truly believe in working hard and playing harder. Lively banter, playing sports together, celebrating special moments, great food, and frequent get-togethers are all part of life at Skydo. We’re committed to creating a work environment where our team genuinely enjoys coming to work.

This latest round of funding helps us take our commitment to solve for international payments one step further. In the coming months, we will be launching many new features - like card payments, import payments from India, deeper integration with accounting platforms, and expanding to support e-commerce, to name a few. We will also be expanding globally, to support exporters in more countries. As always, our endeavour will be to take care of their payments challenges, allowing businesses to focus on what they do best - grow their business globally!

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The story of Skydo

PayPal India is one of the top choices for businesses and freelancers looking to receive international payments in India. With features like e-commerce integration, invoicing, and international money transfers, it’s a go-to platform for global transactions.

However, this comprehensive solution comes with significant costs. PayPal’s fees include a <a href="https://www.paypal.com/in/webapps/mpp/merchant-fees?no_follow=true">4.4% transaction fee</a>, a USD 0.30 flat fee, and a<a href="https://www.paypal.com/in/webapps/mpp/paypal-fees#no-fee?no_follow=true"> 4% markup on the exchange rate,</a> which can add up while receiving cross-border payments. Given the steep fee, you might want to consider a few PayPal India alternatives.&nbsp;

To ease compliance, PayPal provides a monthly digital FIRA to businesses and freelancers. This FIRA covers all international transactions from the previous month, and it is only available by the <a href="https://www.paypal.com/in/webapps/mpp/firc-certificate?no_follow=true">15th of the subsequent month.</a>

That said, while PayPal is known for its convenience, there are some concerns about the quality of its <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/paypal-paypal/reviews/paypal-review-9475980?no_follow=true">customer support</a>, including a lack of training and long wait times.&nbsp;

Here’s a snapshot of PayPal India’s offerings, pricing, and a rundown of its pros and cons

Before finalizing PayPal as your global payment solution, explore these PayPal alternatives that can help you receive international business payments in India with ease.

5 PayPal India Alternatives for Receiving International Payments

Stripe, an Irish-American company, is a renowned payment processing and merchant services platform. Accepting over 135 currencies, it stands as a solid alternative to PayPal for international payments. Stripe offers a comprehensive suite of payment solutions, enabling businesses to manage subscriptions, payments, taxes, and accounting all in one place.

Stripe's fee for international transfers can be expensive as it includes a 4.3%% transaction fee and an additional 2% currency conversion fee. 

Stripe does not provide FIRA to Indian businesses and freelancers, adding to their compliance burdens. Users have also expressed concerns about <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/stripe-stripe-payments/reviews/stripe-payments-review-9510506?no_follow=true">transparency in their communication</a>.

Skydo is a global payment solution simplifying cross-border payments for freelancers and businesses in India. It offers virtual international bank accounts to its users in under 5 minutes and also supports an entire payments ecosystem consisting of payment tracking, invoice generation and more.&nbsp;

Skydo simplifies payment conversions by using live Forex rates without any currency conversion fees or hidden charges. It provides a clear and straightforward fee structure making it a viable alternative to PayPal In India.&nbsp;

Additionally, to ensure adherence to RBI and government regulations, Skydo offers free and instant FIRA, ready to download after every transaction. Each user is assigned a representative to assist with the onboarding process and to address any questions at any time. However, Skydo currently supports only inward remittances into India. This means that Indian businesses cannot send money outward via Skydo.&nbsp;

Founded in 2005, <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/payoneer-payment-gateway-features-fees">Payoneer</a> is a leading payment solution for businesses and freelancers worldwide. It facilitates international transfers by providing users with virtual bank accounts in multiple currencies and integrating with leading marketplaces like&nbsp; Amazon and Walmart&nbsp;

In terms of fees, Payoneer offers free account setup, but transaction fees apply: Payoneer-to-Payoneer payments are free, credit card payments incur a <a href="https://www.payoneer.com/en-in/about/pricing/">3.2% + $0.49 fee</a>, ACH Bank Debits (US) cost 1%, and virtual account payments are free for EUR/GBP but up to 1% for USD.&nbsp; Withdrawals to local bank accounts attract up to a 3% fee for different currencies. Extra charges like bank or intermediary fees may apply. <a href="https://www.payoneer.com/en-in/about/pricing/">An annual fee </a>of $29.95 is charged if total payments received are below $2,000 in a year.&nbsp;

To simplify compliance, Payoneer offers free digital FIRAs to Indian businesses and freelancers. However, users have expressed dissatisfaction <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/payoneer/reviews/payoneer-review-5364712?no_follow=true">with Payoneer's customer support</a> which some have found to be virtually non-existent.&nbsp;

Wise (formerly TransferWise) is a global money transfer platform operating in over 80 countries.&nbsp; Initially a peer-to-peer remittance service, Wise now offers multi-currency accounts for both individuals and businesses.&nbsp;

Wise is known for using the mid-market foreign exchange rate with no markups.&nbsp; It charges a conversion fee depending on the currency used. Broadly speaking, <a href="https://wise.com/in/business/receive-money?_gl=1*nah2tw*_up*MQ..&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAxqC6BhBcEiwAlXp459KoMqAfTn6WBqO0MdWYyma8kB9qqozJb1yUpdGTsxip73Axb2xyQhoCiLIQAvD_BwE">it is around 1-2% of the transfer value.&nbsp;</a>

For businesses, Wise provides digital FIRAs (compliance certificates) for an additional fee (USD 2.50 for USD transfers) making it a viable Paypal Alternative. 

While Wise offers a <a href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/in/banking/wise-review/?no_follow=true">user-friendly interface</a> and efficient money transfer services, some users have noted that customer support <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/transferwise/reviews?utf8=%E2%9C%93&amp;filters%5Bnps_score%5D=1#survey-response-9454134?no_follow=true">can occasionally fall short in addressing and resolving issues effectively.</a>

Here’s a quick overview of Wise’s offerings, pricing, and its pros and cons:

Established in 2015, PingPong is a popular name in the cross-border payments arena, aiming to simplify international payments for freelancers, businesses, and e-commerce sellers. It offers multiple virtual accounts in global currencies and allows businesses to pay VAT/GST and other taxes with no additional costs.

PingPong charges a competitive 1% transaction fee, which is attractive but can become substantial for larger transactions. Additionally, since there is a lack of clarity around Ping Pong’s forex rate, there is a possibility of a markup on that rate. 

For compliance, PingPong provides free digital FIRAs to Indian businesses and freelancers, making it a viable alternative to PayPal India. While their customer service is generally prompt, some users have found the <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/pingpong-payments/reviews/pingpong-payments-review-8133929?no_follow=true">onboarding process cumbersome.</a>

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.

When selecting your international payment provider, consider the following factors:

Pricing: International transactions can be expensive, and there's no standard pricing model. Look for a provider with competitive rates so you can keep more of your hard-earned money.

User Experience: Managing global payments should be straightforward. Opt for an easy-to-use platform and reliable customer support to ensure smooth transactions.

Compliance: Cross-border payments are closely monitored to detect any suspicious activity. Select a trusted payment platform that meets regulatory requirements and simplifies compliance for you.

At Skydo, we offer a fast, secure, and less-expensive solution for you to receive international payments. Switch to Skydo today and enjoy the best in global payment solutions for your business.

Top PayPal India alternatives for international payments

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“We had previously agreed on a call for three content pieces a month. They started demanding eight content pieces a month while delaying the invoice," says <a href="https://www.zoho.com/blog/sign/blog/why-you-need-to-have-a-freelance-contract-agreement.html">Sakshi Jha, a freelance writer.</a>&nbsp;

The biggest mistake in this case is not having a <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/the-essential-elements-of-a-successful-freelancer-contract?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">freelance agreement</a> with the client. That's why having a clear, solid freelance contract is essential for any project.&nbsp;

However, even with a signed contract, freelancers frequently encounter hurdles like a changed scope of work and delayed payments. So, what should you do in such cases? Let’s find out the remedies for breach of contract.

Understanding Contract Breaches in Freelancing

A contract breach in freelancing occurs when either party fails to uphold their end of the agreed-upon terms. It violates the mutual understanding and commitments laid out in the contract. Let's break down what this entails:

While late payments, non-payments, and multiple revisions are common, there are other significant breaches worth noting:

Understanding these less-talked-about breaches empowers freelancers to protect their rights and negotiate fair contract terms.

Contract breaches are not uncommon. Fortunately, remedies are readily available to address instances of contract breach. By understanding these remedies and taking appropriate action, freelancers can confidently navigate contractual disputes.

One of the best remedies for breach of contract is initiating a dialogue with the client over email or video meetings to find a mutually acceptable solution before taking legal recourse. Discuss the issue, clarify misunderstandings, and renegotiate terms to resolve the breach of contract amicably.

Here are some tried-and-tested tricks to communicate assertively yet politely:

Send a Reminder of the Freelance Contract Terms

In case of a breach of the terms, it is advisable to first send a reminder.&nbsp;

Clearly outline the specific clauses of the contract that the client has failed to uphold. For example, your freelance agreement mentions that the client will make the payment within 15 days of the invoice, and delayed payments will be subject to a penalty of 2% per month. Highlight this clause in the email by mentioning the accurate clause number.

Many professional problems are actually emotional problems. Stress the importance of the <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/networking-for-freelancers?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">client relationship</a> and express a genuine desire to continue working together. If you acknowledge the client's value and emphasize the mutual benefit of a successful partnership, a positive tone may heal egos and resolve disagreements amicably.

Offer solutions based on past track records. For example, when addressing issues like late or non-payment, consider offering flexible payment options or discussing the possibility of imposing late fees on a case-to-case basis. Some clients may be given tailored solutions based on specific circumstances.

When all attempts to resolve a payment-related issue with a client have been unsuccessful after the initial steps, it may be necessary to escalate the matter by drafting a formal demand letter for payment. This letter serves as a formal notification to the client regarding their outstanding payment obligations and emphasizes the seriousness of the situation.

In cases where the breach is significant and irreparable, a freelancer may choose to terminate the contract. The decision protects their rights and ensures they aren't taken advantage of.&nbsp;

For example, A freelance photographer enters a contract to capture images for a client's advertising campaign. However, midway through the project, the client repeatedly alters the scope. Recognizing the irreparable breach of contract, the photographer issues a formal notice of termination. Terminating the contract allows the photographer to safeguard his time and resources while seeking alternative opportunities.

Clear communication about the decision and its reasons is crucial. Discontinuing services asserts boundaries and signals professionalism, safeguarding the freelancer's reputation and future engagements.

Communicate Your Intention of Taking Legal Action

Before proceeding with legal action, it's prudent to communicate your intention to do so. This preemptive step can sometimes resolve disputes without formal litigation. Consult the freelancing community and experienced peers who've encountered similar situations before taking such a step.&nbsp;

Communicating your intention to take legal action should be done with careful consideration and professionalism. Here's a suggested approach, along with some tips:

Although an extra expense, legal action may be necessary in cases of severe breaches. Assess the severity of the breach and consider seeking legal recourse if necessary. In some instances, freelancers have successfully pursued legal action to address contract breaches.

There are many examples of freelancers winning legal battles. These victories often occur when breaches result in substantial financial losses or damages. Compensation sought may include reimbursement for incurred expenses, lost profits, or other monetary damages resulting from the breach.

Legal action is a last resort after exhausting other remedies and attempting to resolve the dispute through negotiation or alternative means.

It is important to draft well-written contracts that clearly outline expectations and protections for both parties. By being more aware of their rights and proactively safeguarding their interests, freelancers can mitigate the risks associated with contract breaches and foster a more equitable working environment.

Moreover, there's a growing availability of forums, online communities, and professional advice tailored to freelancers. These resources offer invaluable guidance on navigating contract disputes, advocating for fair treatment, and understanding legal rights.&nbsp;

At <a href="https://www.skydo.com/?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=demo_click">Skydo</a>, we understand the challenges freelancers face, especially when receiving international payments. Trust us to be your reliable partner in navigating the complexities of <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">cross-border transactions</a>.

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Breach of Contract: Freelancer Remedies

In this article, we'll analyse India's top five cross-border payment companies to help you find the right fit for your international payment needs.

Imagine you've just completed a project for an overseas client. The payment arrives after days of waiting, but it's less than expected, reduced by unexpected bank fees and unfavourable exchange rates.​

India's export and freelance sectors are experiencing unprecedented growth. Between April an<a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2098447">d December 2024, the country's exports reached an estimated US</a>D 602.64 billion, marking a 6.03% increase from the same period in 2023. As more Indian professionals engage in global commerce, the challenges of receiving international payments, such as hidden fees and compliance complexities, have become more pronounced.​

In response, a new wave of homegrown payment solutions has emerged, tailored to the needs of Indian users. These platforms offer competitive exchange rates, faster transfers, and simplified compliance processes, providing a more efficient alternative to traditional banks.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/">Skydo</a> provides virtual bank accounts in multiple countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, allowing Indian freelancers and businesses to receive payments in multiple currencies, including USD, GBP, EUR, and CAD. Their standout feature is zero forex margin with transparent flat fees and instant <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/importance-of-fira-for-freelancers">digital FIRA</a> generation.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/razorpay-international-payments-charges-features">Razorpay International Payments</a> allows Indian businesses to accept payments from over 100 countries through standard options like cards, bank transfers, and PayPal. They also offer MoneySaver Export Account, which provides virtual international bank accounts for receiving direct bank transfers.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/karbon-business-features-pricing-and-alternatives">Karbon Business (formerly Karbon Card)</a> facilitates inward and outward remittance services for Indian businesses and freelancers. Initially starting as a corporate card platform, they've expanded to offer international payment solutions and partnered with banks like IDFC Bank and JP Morgan Chase.ngs&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/eximpe-reviews-fees-alternative">EximPe </a>provides cross-border payment solutions with global collection accounts in 30+ currencies for freelancers and small businesses. It offers transaction-based pricing and monthly subscription models, along with trade financing options for import-export businesses.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/xflow-price-features-alternatives">Xflow</a> is an India-based payment platform that provides virtual USD accounts for receiving international payments. The service offers next-day settlements, payment links, invoicing tools, and automated digital FIRA generation for international transactions.

Receive affordable and compliant cross-border payments with Skydo&nbsp;

When it comes to receiving international payments as an Indian freelancer or business, the choice of platform can significantly impact your bottom line. After reviewing India's top five cross-border payment companies, a few key differences stand out.

While all five platforms offer digital FIRA generation and some form of virtual accounts, they vary widely in pricing structures, currency support, and additional features. Razorpay offers wide country coverage but comes with higher fees. Karbon Business provides dual-direction payments but only supports USD for inward payments. EximPe offers multiple currency options but has a complex fee structure. Xflow provides simple invoicing tools but is limited to USD transactions.

Skydo emerges as the most cost-effective option, especially for more significant transactions. With transparent pricing, zero forex margin, and fees as low as 0.3% for payments above $10,000, it can save you thousands compared to platforms charging a flat 1% or more. The instant FIRA generation, 5-minute account setup, and dedicated customer support address the main pain points freelancers face with international payments.

For freelancers and businesses looking to maximize their earnings from international clients, Skydo offers the most comprehensive solution that balances affordability, transparency, and essential features to make cross-border payments seamless.

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

Top 5 Cross-Border Payment Companies in India

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Infinity Payment is a platform for receiving cross-border payments in India. Based in Bangalore, it allows Indian businesses, like exporters and freelancers, to create multi-currency accounts to manage international payments.

If you are in the market evaluating tools like Infinity Payment, this blog post is for you.&nbsp; In this comprehensive analysis, we explain the core features of Infinity and its fee structure to help you decide if it's the right fit for your business. We also cover a more seamless and affordable alternative, so we suggest reading this blog till the end.

Here are the four most essential points you must know about Infinity Payment before you decide to sign up for a demo:

Global Account: When you create an account with Infinity Payment, this single account allows you to receive payments in different currencies.&nbsp; Your clients can pay you in <a href="https://www.infinityapp.in/reach-out-to-us">30+ currencies</a>, and you don’t have to worry about currency conversion

Free Digital FIRA: With every withdrawal, you get a <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/automated-firc-simplifying-international-payments-compliance">FIRA</a>. This helps you stay compliant and reduce administrative workload

Live Forex Rate, No Markup: An international payment is converted to domestic currency based on the prevailing exchange rate. Moreover, there is no markup or hidden fees, which ensures you get the best value for the payment

Personalized Treasury Management: Infinity Payment offers curated portfolios of government securities, mutual funds, and fixed deposits to help you earn from the idle cash in your account. This is an interesting offer if you have been exploring investment opportunities to grow interest income from international payments

Infinity Payment Fees: How Much Do You Pay?

Let’s understand the most important section of the blog: How much do you pay as fees for receiving international payments? To make the calculations easier, we assumed that you have received a payment of USD 10,000 from a foreign client.

Transaction fee: Infinity Payment charges a transaction fee of 0.5% of the amount. For receiving a payment of $10,000, the fee will be $50 (0.5% X $10,000)

Live forex rate: The amount you receive is converted to domestic currency based on the current exchange rate. Let’s assume the current rate is 85 INR to 1 USD for the next step. 

In summary, you pay $50 (INR 4,350)&nbsp; as fees for receiving $10,000 (INR 850,000) via Infinity payments

Skdyo: A Seamless Infinity Payment Alternative For Receiving International Payments

If you’re open to exploring options for international payment solutions beyond Infinity Payment, then Skydo is worth considering.&nbsp;

Skydo is affordable and offers transparent pricing, especially on significant transactions, catering to different client needs. In contrast to Infinity Payment’s percentage-based fees, Skydo follows a flat fee model as follows:

The difference in pricing structure makes a significant difference in your bottom line. The following table explains how:&nbsp;

Skydo also offers the prevailing exchange rate during currency conversion. If we consider the same exchange rate, then Skydo’s fee is Rs. 2,465, a difference of Rs. 1,885 compared to Infinity.&nbsp;

The gap is even more significant when you increase the amount. For example, when you receive a payment of $20,000, the Infinity transaction fee (0.5%) will be $100 (Rs. 8,500). With Skydo, the transaction fee (0.3%)&nbsp; will be $ 60 (Rs. 5,100). This time, the difference is Rs. 3,400.

In addition to providing global accounts in countries like UK, USA, Australia, and Canada, the following features make Skydo a great choice for Indian businesses:

Skydo also integrates with Amazon Global Selling and major freelance marketplaces that further help you streamline international payments in a single platform.

Does Skydo sound like the ideal international payment solution for your business?&nbsp;