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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If you're an Indian exporter, SaaS startup, freelancer, or agency receiving payments from abroad, chances are you've used SWIFT wire transfers.

SWIFT has been the global standard for cross-border payments for decades, and it's still widely used by banks worldwide. But for many modern businesses, especially in India, it can be slow, expensive, and layered with hidden costs.

From high transfer fees and intermediary deductions to delays in receiving funds and getting compliance documents like <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/all-you-need-to-know-about-firc-a-complete-guide">FIRA</a> or <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/what-is-e-brc">eBRC</a>, traditional methods often create friction.

Today, there are faster, simpler, and more transparent alternatives that better fit the needs of Indian service exporters.

Let’s explore the best SWIFT payment alternatives and why Skydo is built specifically to serve Indian exporters, freelancers, and agencies.

If you're doing client projects, exports, or product sales internationally, you’re leaving money on the table with every SWIFT transfer.

What Are the Best Alternatives to SWIFT Payments?

Here are some of the top alternatives that modern Indian exporters are using:

1. Skydo – Swift Payment Alternative Built for Indian Exporters

Skydo offers virtual global bank accounts in the US, UK, and EU — so your clients can pay you locally, and you get the money in INR.

❌ Can be pricey for payments under $1000

❌ Doesn't yet support card payments&nbsp;

💡 Use Case: A SaaS company billing $10,000/month from US clients saves over ₹30,000 monthly in hidden forex and wire fees just by switching to Skydo.

Skydo is one of the top alternatives to SWIFT for Indian service exporters, agencies, Amazon sellers, and tech founders.

Wise is a popular global payment platform known for transparent fees and mid-market FX rates.

❌ Currently only for freelancers and solopreneurs&nbsp;

Well-known among ecommerce and Amazon sellers.

✅ Supports multiple marketplace integrations like Amazon, Upwork

✅ Free FIRA for every transaction&nbsp;

🚫 High forex markup while withdrawing in INR

A popular option for Amazon and ecommerce exporters.

✅ Multi-currency virtual accounts (USD, EUR, GBP)


✅ Integrated with major marketplaces (Amazon, eBay)

❌ Fees can add up for bigger transactions

Still widely used for receiving international payments, especially for freelancers.

✅ Instant setup and global recognition


Why Exporters Are Moving from Banks to Skydo

If you’re still using SWIFT to receive payments,&nbsp; you’re paying more, waiting longer, and doing extra paperwork.

Skydo makes cross-border payments faster, cheaper, and compliant, with live exchange rates and instant documentation.

Here's how Skydo works (In 3 simple Steps)

It’s time to leave SWIFT behind. Try Skydo, a better alternative built for Indian exporters.

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SWIFT payments alternative

Dodo Payments is an India-based fintech platform that processes cross-border transactions. Founded in 2023 by Rishabh Goel and Ayush Agarwal, the platform functions as a Merchant of Record, handling payment processing, tax calculations, and compliance requirements for businesses dealing with international customers.&nbsp;

This article takes you through Dodo Payments' core features, fee structure, operational capabilities, and comparable alternatives to provide context for businesses considering different cross-border payment solutions for digital goods selling. 

Dodo Payments Features: A Quick Rundown&nbsp;

Dodo Payments offers a suite of features aimed at simplifying global transactions for businesses:

Businesses can receive payments from over 100 countries through Dodo Payments' gateway solution. The platform enables international transactions through their payment processing infrastructure.

The service supports various local payment methods customised to different regions around the world. This localisation helps improve conversion rates by letting customers pay using familiar methods.

Dodo Payments automatically handles tax calculations and regulatory compliance across different jurisdictions. While specific support for FIRA (Foreign Inward Remittance Advice) isn't clearly documented, the platform aims to simplify the often complex tax requirements of international commerce.

For businesses with recurring revenue models, Dodo Payments provides tools to manage subscriptions, including automated billing and renewal processes. This helps maintain steady cash flow and reduces administrative overhead.

Merchants can add their branding elements to checkout pages, creating a more seamless customer experience. The platform allows businesses to maintain their visual identity throughout the payment process.

Dodo Payments offers a <a href="https://dodopayments.com/pricing?no_follow=true">simple pricing model</a> for most users, with separate options for enterprise clients:

Standard plan: 4% + 40¢ per transaction&nbsp;

Enterprise plan: Custom pricing&nbsp;

For larger businesses ready for international expansion, Dodo Payments offers tailored pricing packages that include:

To understand how this pricing affects your bottom line, consider this example:

The business would receive $95.60 from the $100 sale.

The percentage can significantly impact revenue for higher-volume sellers. For instance, a business processing $10,000 monthly in transactions would pay approximately $440 in fees and keep $9,560.

This pricing structure makes Dodo Payments particularly suitable for small to medium-sized businesses that prioritize simplicity over negotiating lower rates with banks.&nbsp;

Skdyo: A seamless Dodo Payments Alternative for receiving international payments&nbsp;

For companies looking for alternatives to platforms like Dodo, Skydo offers a specialized approach for receiving international payments with several distinctive advantages:

While many payment platforms apply hidden markups to exchange rates, Skydo provides transparent live forex rates without any <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/forex-markup-fee-explained">forex markup fee </a>and high payment success rates. This means more of your money actually reaches you rather than being lost to unfavourable conversion rates.

Skydo's pricing is straightforward with no hidden charges - $19 for payments under $2,000, $29 for payments between $2,001 and $10,000, and 0.3% for payments above $10,000. This clarity helps businesses accurately forecast their payment costs.

Unlike other platforms that may charge extra for <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/automated-firc-simplifying-international-payments-compliance">Foreign Inward Remittance Advice (FIRA)</a> or make you wait days, Skydo automatically generates this crucial compliance document for every transaction at no additional cost. You can directly download it from your dashboard, either one by one or in bulk.

Skydo operates with, in principle, approval from the Reserve Bank of India as a Payment Aggregator for Cross-Border Payments (PACB), ensuring complete compliance with Indian financial regulations.

Customers receive personalized support through a dedicated account manager, offering a level of service typically reserved for enterprise clients on other platforms. This ensures a no-friction experience.&nbsp;

Skydo provides virtual bank accounts in multiple countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, and others), allowing clients to pay you as if you were a local business in their country.

Beyond just payments, Skydo offers GST-compliant invoicing, real-time payment tracking, and accounting features that simplify the entire international business transaction cycle.

Payments typically reach your bank account within 24 hours without hassle, significantly faster than traditional bank transfers, which can take 3-5 business days or more.

For businesses handling international transactions, these features offer a more direct, transparent alternative to platforms that may emphasize outgoing payments over incoming ones or that apply multiple fees throughout the payment process.

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

Dodo Payments: Features and Fees You Should Know

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Imagine finally selling that first batch of handcrafted leather wallets on Amazon US, only to see 5% of your hard-earned money disappear when you withdraw your earnings to India. You're not alone.&nbsp;

With Amazon Global Selling set to reach <a href="https://sell.amazon.in/grow-your-business/amazon-global-selling/exports-digest">$20 billion</a> in cumulative Indian exports by 2025 and already supporting over 150,000 exporters since 2015, the opportunity is massive. These days, it's not just sellers from metro cities. Artisans and small businesses from Surat, Agra, Jaipur, Ludhiana, and Coimbatore are successfully reaching buyers across the US, Europe, and the Middle East.&nbsp;

But while you are busy perfecting your products, hidden payment charges are quietly eroding your profits. In this blog, we'll show you how to avoid those hidden charges that slash your profits when withdrawing Amazon payments. You'll learn the most cost-effective way to receive your global selling earnings in India.

The Hidden Costs of Receiving Payments from Amazon Global Selling India

Despite the surge in global sales, many Indian exporters are unaware of how much they pay in fees and foreign exchange markups when withdrawing their payments, or that there is a way to retain more of their Amazon earnings. There are primarily two ways through which you can withdraw your Amazon earnings:

Amazon's Currency Converter for Sellers (ACCS)

When using Amazon's built-in currency converter, fees come in two parts:

A conversion fee based on your annual volume:

Secondly Amazon Currency Converter for Sellers applies the exchange rate provided by its third-party service provider on the day your bank transfer is initiated, typically adding a forex markup of around 1–2% over the prevailing market rate.

Let's see what this means with a real example. If you earned $200,000 in a year:

Various third-party services, such as Skydo, Payoneer, and PingPong, offer alternatives to Amazon's built-in currency converter. These services typically charge lower transaction fees than Amazon, ranging from 0.3% to 1%, depending on the provider and your monthly volume.

However, not all platforms are equally transparent about their exchange rates. Some third-party services offer low transaction fees but also levy markup on the prevailing forex rates. Without a clear disclosure of the exact exchange rate you're receiving, you might still lose significant value on each payment.

The most cost-effective providers combine low transaction fees with transparent, mid-market exchange rates. On earnings of $200,000, choosing the right payment solution can save Indian sellers several lakh rupees compared to using Amazon's default converter.

For sellers focused on growing their global expansion, these savings can be reinvested in inventory, marketing, or product development rather than being lost to unnecessary fees. That's why it's worth comparing not just the advertised fees, but also the actual exchange rates offered by different payment providers.

Keep most of your Amazon Global Selling Earnings with Skydo

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/">Skydo</a> offers Indian sellers a more affordable way to receive Amazon Global Selling payments compared to traditional options. With transparent pricing and access to actual mid-market exchange rates, Skydo helps you keep more of your hard-earned profits.

Skydo's fee structure is straightforward:

When compared to other platforms, the savings are significant:

What truly sets Skydo apart isn’t just its transparent, affordable fees, it’s the complete payments ecosystem built specifically for Amazon global sellers. Skydo is among the few Indian platforms to receive in-principle RBI authorisation as a Payment Aggregator for Cross Border Payments, giving you unmatched regulatory trust.

With Skydo, every Amazon payment comes with a free, instant FIRA, no more delays or extra charges. Sellers get access to global accounts in major currencies like USD, GBP, and EUR, so you can receive payouts from Amazon worldwide without hidden markups.

Plus, Skydo integrates directly with Amazon Seller Central for a seamless experience, while a dedicated India-based support team is always on hand to assist you. From compliance to convenience, Skydo empowers you to save more on every withdrawal and focus on growing your global business.

Common Amazon seller India payment issues

Many Indian Amazon Global sellers face these challenges when receiving payments:

These issues directly impact cash flow and profitability.

With Skydo, an Amazon-approved partner, sellers in India can avoid these issues. Payments arrive faster, at live exchange rates with no hidden markups, and sellers automatically get their FIRA and eBRC for compliance.

Yes,&nbsp; as Amazon Global Sellers in India, you’ll need a <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/all-you-need-to-know-about-firc-a-complete-guide">Foreign Inward Remittance Advice (FIRA) (often still referred to as FIRC) </a>for every payout received from Amazon overseas marketplaces.

Receive Payments from Amazon Global Selling in India With Skydo&nbsp;

Getting started with Skydo is quick and straightforward. Here's how you can begin receiving your Amazon payments with lower fees:

Skydo provides instant <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/all-you-need-to-know-about-firc-a-complete-guide">FIRC documentation</a> for all your transactions, eliminating the usual wait time and paperwork hassle that comes with international payments. This makes compliance and tax filing much easier for Indian sellers.

If you ever need help, we at Skydo offer local support from an India-based team that understands the unique challenges faced by Amazon Global Selling merchants. Our customer service is available via call, WhatsApp, and email, with most queries resolved within two business hours.

How to Receive Payments from Amazon Global Selling in India

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When your client says, “I’ll wire you the money,” they’re talking about an international wire transfer. Simply put, it’s a bank-to-bank payment sent across borders. These transfers run on the SWIFT network – a secure system that connects more than 11,000 banks around the world. Think of it as a global messaging system where banks talk to each other to move your money safely.

Here’s how it works: your overseas client enters your account number and your bank’s SWIFT/BIC code, hits send, and the money makes its way through SWIFT until it lands in your Indian bank account. Big companies and platforms like Amazon Global or Upwork still prefer wires because they’re reliable, can handle large payments, and support all major currencies.

Despite these advantages, wire transfers have downsides: they are relatively slow, often incur hidden fees or poor exchange rates, and offer little visibility on the funds during transit. We explore the timing and drawbacks below.

How Long Do International Wire Transfers Take?

Typically, international wire transfers take 1–5 business days to complete. In the best case, if everything aligns (banks have a direct relationship, the sender initiates early in the day, no currency conversion needed), money can arrive in 1–2 days. 

A more common scenario is 3–4 days for the funds to clear. Occasionally, complications can stretch it to 5 or more business days. Factors like bank cut-off times, weekends/holidays, and compliance checks can add days (for example, a Thursday wire that meets a holiday on Friday may not complete until Monday).

Average International Wire Transfer Time by Region

These are ballpark timelines. Actual transfer time can vary due to factors like intermediary banks, compliance checks, incorrect details, weekends, or public holidays (in either country).

Reasons Why Your Wire Transfer Might Be Delayed

International payments can be held up for many reasons beyond your control:

Pros and Cons of Wire Transfers (Especially for Indian Exporters)

How to Receive International Payments Faster (Without the Stress)

While you can’t control foreign bank policies, you can take steps to minimise delays on your end:

Skydo: Faster, Simpler Global Payments for Indian Exporters

One modern solution is Skydo – a fintech built for Indian exporters and freelancers. Skydo issues you virtual bank accounts in countries like the USA, UK, Australia, and more. When a client in, say, the US sends USD to your virtual USD account, Skydo instantly receives it as a domestic wire. They convert and credit INR to your Indian account within about 24–48 hours, instead of waiting days for a traditional SWIFT transfer.

Skydo’s platform is transparent: they charge a flat fee per transfer and give you the exact mid-market exchange rate (zero hidden forex markup)Unlike banks, Skydo automatically generates the required FIRA for your receipt with no extra work &nbsp;You also get real-time tracking of your transfer status, so you always know where the money is. Dozens of businesses have switched to Skydo to avoid the usual wire transfer uncertainty.

If you’re tired of wondering when (or if) your SWIFT payment will show up, consider a modern payments platform. With Skydo and similar services, “what you see is what you get” – all fees upfront, mid-market rates, and fast settlements

How Long Does an International Wire Transfer Take?

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Working with clients abroad? Great. But how you get paid can cost you more than you think.&nbsp;

There are ample payment gateways to choose from, but we know how busy your schedule is. To save time and give you a detailed overview of popular payment gateways, we have put together this comparison guide.&nbsp;

We have picked the 6 best payment gateways for freelancers in India, highlighted their pros and cons, and at the end, introduced a smarter alternative to receive direct wire transfers. 

What to Look for in a Payment Gateway as a Freelancer

The best way to know which payment gateway works for you is to make a list of must-have features and evaluate different platforms based on them. Here’s a readymade list to help you get started:

A payment platform might advertise low fees on its website homepage, but read the fine print. Does it charge a markup on the exchange rate? Are there intermediary bank charges? Give more weight to a platform that is transparent about these charges.

Ask your clients about their preferred payment method. If they prefer cards, then prioritise payment gateways that support card payments.

Quick payments allow you to have cash on hand to manage business expenses or investments, plan your bills, taxes, and savings. With longer settlement time, all of this is hampered, and so could be the exchange rate.&nbsp;

A <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/automated-firc-simplifying-international-payments-compliance">Foreign Inward Remittance Advice (FIRA)</a> is an important document for tax filing. It proves you have received a foreign payment in India. Check if the payment gateway automatically provides FIRA for free, so you don’t have to chase anyone to obtain it.

Ease of use—no dev work, no complex forms

When you’re always chasing client deadlines, you don’t want to settle for a complicated tool. The best way to find out how simple the tool is to use is by setting it up and using it firsthand. Run a few operations, like adding a client, bank information, and payment tracking. Take it to the next level by evaluating advanced features, like mobile access and automated invoicing. If the platform demands you to fill out complex forms or hire developers to set up a mobile integration, then it might not be the best choice for you.

Best International Payment Gateways for Indian Freelancers

In this section, we’ll cover the top international payment gateways Indian freelancers can use to receive payments,&nbsp; along with a smarter, more affordable alternative you may not have considered

PayPal: Trusted but Costlier Payment Gateways for Indian Freelancers

PayPal is the first on the list of 6 popular payment gateways you can consider. You’ve probably had at least one international client ask to pay you through PayPal, and that’s no surprise. PayPal remains the world’s leading digital payment platform, holding a <a href="https://www.chargeflow.io/blog/paypal-statistics-facts">45%</a> share of the global online payment market in 2025.

With PayPal’s availability in 200+ countries and support for 25 currencies, you have access to a truly global client pool. If you want to attract clients from the US, Germany, the UK, or even lesser-connected regions, PayPal’s trusted reputation means your clients can pay you quickly.&nbsp;

Payment links are simply personalised URLs that you can share with your clients over email or chat. Pay Now buttons are added to the website or invoice to help your client complete the payment.&nbsp; These techniques are effective because they make it easy for your clients to pay you even when they are busy or are unfamiliar with PayPal.

PayPal supports all major cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Your clients can use their card even without a PayPal account, and you will still get your money. Offering this flexibility is critical when you’re working with businesses that might have their own company payment policies or preferred payment methods.

High transaction fee + currency conversion fees (~4.4% + markup)

PayPal takes out a sizeable chunk of your earnings. Standard transaction fees for cross-border payments are around 4.4%. PayPal also adds a currency conversion markup, which can be as much as 4% above the prevailing exchange rate. There is also a fixed fee, which depends on the currency. For USD, it is $0.30.

While PayPal is well known globally, some of its features are restricted for Indian users. For example, you can’t keep your PayPal balance in India and must withdraw funds to your local bank account. You also don’t get access to PayPal debit cards. These restrictions may mean missed opportunities to handle your funds more flexibly.

Payoneer: Freelancer-Friendly Gateway with Global Marketplace Support

Payoneer might be a great fit if you work with platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Amazon. With Payoneer, you can create virtual account details in the US, UK, and EU, and track all the payments in a single dashboard.