You finally landed that international client, but now comes the payment headache. A client paying you $5,000 from abroad means wrestling with high fees, poor exchange rates, and paperwork, turning your well-earned payment into a frustrating experience.

EximPe offers payment solutions for international transactions. Their service aims to simplify cross-border payments for freelancers and small businesses who regularly work with overseas clients.

Let's explore what EximPe offers, how it works, and whether it might be the payment solution you've been looking for.

Having the proper payment setup makes all the difference when dealing with international clients in different time zones.&nbsp;

EximPe FX platform offers several key features that might solve your cross-border payment headaches:

Global collection accounts to receive local payments in 30+ currencies

Virtual international accounts let clients pay using local methods like ACH (USA), SEPA (Europe), or Faster Payments (UK). These payments are then collected, converted, and deposited directly into the user’s Indian bank account.&nbsp;

Global trading accounts and financing options for businesses&nbsp;

Beyond just <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/how-to-receive-international-payments-in-india">receiving payments,</a> EximPe provides accounts designed specifically for businesses that trade internationally. These accounts come with financing options to help with cash flow when you're waiting for payments or need to purchase inventory before getting paid. A small import business (for example, a textile business or advisory services), for instance, could use EximPe's financing to pay suppliers upfront while waiting for customer payments.

Instant Digital FIRA (Foreign Inward Remittance Advice)&nbsp;

You often need documentation for tax and regulatory purposes when you receive international payments from the USA, Europe, or any other country outside of India. EximPe provides instant<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/all-you-need-to-know-about-firc-a-complete-guide"> digital FIRA</a>, eliminating the typical waiting period of several days that banks require. For example, If you receive a $5,000 payment from your UK-based client via Eximpe, you'll get your FIRA immediately instead of waiting up to a week as with traditional banks.

Forex conversion without markup&nbsp;

Banks and payment processors often include hidden fees in their exchange rates. EximPe states they provide mid-market rates <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/forex-markup-fee-explained">without additional markup</a>, which could lead to some savings on currency conversion compared to traditional banking options. This might reduce costs when receiving international payments.

Understanding what you'll pay when receiving international payments can make or break your profit margins. EximPe offers two different pricing structures to fit various business needs:

Transaction fee model: If you prefer paying per transaction, EximPe charges 0.75% platform fee&nbsp; plus a bank collection fee as follows:

Local Collections: A fee of 0.59 is charged in the transaction currency.

USD ACH Transfers (Fedwire): A fee of $7.67 is applied.

SWIFT Account Transfers: A fee of 7.67 is applied in the transaction currency

Monthly pricing option: Their newer flat-fee model starts at ₹999 per month for receiving up to $2,000. Higher tiers accommodate larger monthly volumes, with plans at ₹1,800 (up to $5,000), ₹2,250 (up to $10,000), and ₹4,500 (up to $25,000). With this option, a freelancer receiving fifteen $100 payments would pay the same ₹999 as someone receiving a single $1,500 payment.

Live forex rate: EximPe provides real-time exchange rates without markup, meaning you get the actual market rate when converting currencies. For instance, converting $10,000 to INR might save ₹15,000-20,000 compared to typical bank rates that include hidden markups.

The monthly pricing option might be particularly appealing if you receive multiple smaller payments each month, while the transaction model could work better for occasional, larger transactions.&nbsp;

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

If you're looking beyond EximPe for international payment solutions, Skydo offers another option worth considering.

Here's why Skydo should be your trusted international payments partner:

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/">Get started now!</a>

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Case in point: India’s US exports reached<a href="https://www.ibef.org/indian-exports/india-us-trade"> $77.5 billion</a> in 2023- 2024, increasing cross-border transfers from the US to India. As wire transfers continue to be the primary means of making these transactions, understanding how they work is crucial for Indian business owners.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In this blog, we have covered the ABC of wire transfers from the USA to India including fees, timelines, and documents to help you get started. At the end, we will explore a smarter alternative to wire transfers that can improve efficiency and reduce business costs.&nbsp;

But before we begin, this blog will cover business payments in detail and only touch up on personal payments.

Wire Transfer from USA to India: Understanding the Basics

Wire transfer is a method of making international payments electronically from one country to another.&nbsp; Most wire transfers are done via <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/swift-money-transfer-ultimate-guide">SWIFT</a>, a secure messaging network connecting a vast network of banks and financial institutions worldwide.

The wire transfer process is quite simple. Consider, that you have a US-based client and they are paying you via a wire transfer. Here's what the process will look like:&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wire transfer from the USA to India has long been the go-to way to transfer funds between these two countries thanks to their credibility and trustworthiness. However, wire transfer from USA to India also involves a lot of complexities including steep fees, longer settlement times and more which we will discuss in the upcoming sections.&nbsp;

What Is Wire Transfer Time from USA to India

A wire transfer from the USA to India typically takes 5-7 business days to settle. However, it can get extended due to bank holidays and if there are more intermediary banks participating in the transaction.

Further, if there are any errors in the details that you have shared with your client, like an incorrect bank account number or incorrect SWIFT code, then your payment can get further delayed or even cancelled.&nbsp;

Therefore, we strongly advise business owners and freelancers to&nbsp;double-check their information before sharing their account details with their clients.&nbsp;

When you receive a wire transfer from the US, charges are applied under different categories. These charges are often passed on to you as the receiver for business transfers or payments. Therefore, knowing about these charges will tell how feasible this payment option is for you.

SWIFT Fee: This is charged by the sender’s bank based on the amount and destination. While sending money from the US to India, the fee mostly ranges between $15-$50, which is approximately around Rs.1,200 to Rs. 4,200&nbsp;

Forex Markup: Banks usually make money here by offering a lower exchange rate during currency conversion. This markup is like a margin for covering the cost of foreign currency conversion and can substantially reduce the amount. For example, if the live exchange rate for 1 USD is Rs. 86, the bank will use the applicable exchange rate of Rs. 84. For a payment of $10,000 you will receive Rs. 840,000 (84*10,000) instead of Rs. 860,000 (86*10,000).

Intermediary Bank Fees: Intermediary banks facilitate wire transfers if there is no direct relationship between the sending and receiving bank. In return, they charge a fee depending on the complexity of transactions and services involved. If more intermediary banks participate, the total fees add up, resulting in higher deductions.

Exchange Rate Fluctuations: The constant changes in exchange rate can also result in a loss. For example, when your client initiated the wire transfer, the exchange rate was Rs. 86, but by the time you received it, the rate dropped to Rs. 85. For a $10,000 transfer, that is a straightaway loss of Rs. 10,000

Receiving Bank Fee: Your bank receiving the amount might also charge an inward remittance fee depending on the amount and other factors. For example, <a href="https://www.idbibank.in/pdf/soc/RevisedTradeFinanceScheduleofCharges2019.pdf">IDBI Bank charges Rs. 100 flat</a> for foreign currency inward remittances.&nbsp;&nbsp;

FIRA Charges:<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/all-you-need-to-know-about-firc-a-complete-guide"> Foreign Inward Remittance Advice (FIRA)</a> is an essential document for a business owner or freelancer receiving international payment. It’s proof that you have received a foreign income in India. Banks issue FIRA, but not by default. You must request the bank for an FIRA and pay an upfront charge which differs from one bank to another. For example, HDFC bank issues<a href="https://www.hdfcbank.com/personal/pay/money-transfer/remittance/fees-and-charges"> Rs.200 for a single FIRA</a>. This means you must spend Rs. 200 to get the FIRA every time you receive a wire transfer.

What Documents Are Needed for Wire Transfer from USA to India?

Having the right documents is a key to receiving wire transfers without hiccups and on time. Here is the list of documents for sending and receiving wire transfers from the US to India:

Note: Indian businesses and freelancers receiving money from the US must also fill out <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/filing-w-8ben-and-w-8ben-e-a-guide-for-indian-freelancers-and-businesses">Form W8BEN and W8BEN E</a>. Filling these forms and sharing them with your client before the transfer ensures they apply the correct US withholding tax rate as per US treaties.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Skydo: A Smart Alternative Wire Transfer from USA to India

Skydo, a new-age payments platform, offers a smarter alternative way of receiving money from the US via virtual international accounts. Virtual international accounts are digital international accounts linked to your physical bank account in India. It is almost like having a local bank account in your client's country, which in this case would be the US. Each virtual account has a unique 18-digit number that you can share with your US-based clients to receive payments.&nbsp;

Here are the three reasons why virtual accounts are a smarter alternative to wire transfers:

Virtual accounts are much faster for settling international transactions than wire transfers. Platforms like Skydo transfer the money to the client’s bank account in 24-48 hours. This means you receive the payment 1-2 days earlier, providing more liquidity.

As virtual accounts do not use the SWIFT network, no SWIFT fee is levied on the transaction. In addition, most platforms offer a more competitive exchange rate than banks. This ensures you get a better value during conversion. With Skydo, there is no additional charge for receiving money and getting an FIRA. In fact, the FIRA is provided instantly in your dashboard after you receive a payment from the US.&nbsp;

Transparency is also a cause of concern with wire transfers as it’s difficult to know how much fees will be deducted in each transfer. On the other hand, virtual platforms are more transparent in pricing. For example, Skydo charges USD 19 for receiving payments up to $2,000, USD 29 for payments from $2,001 to $10,000, and 0.3% of the amount if it’s more than $10,000, all at live forex rate without any markup.&nbsp; Beyond this, you don’t have to pay anything extra.

&nbsp;Skydo offers an India-based support team to assist you with onboarding and resolve your queries in case you get stuck.&nbsp;

But why must your US-based client agree to pay you through a virtual account?

The answer is convenience and trust. You have to share your US virtual bank account number with your client, and your client will be paying you in that account, making it a local transfer instead of an international one. Your client will feel like working with someone from their own country.&nbsp;

The other aspect is trust. In cross-border business transfers, there is always an element of risk from threats like data breaches and identity thefts. But platforms like Skydo go the extra mile to ensure data security. Personal information is stored in a tightly controlled virtual safe, transmission data is encrypted end-to-end, and suspicious activities are monitored continuously. This benefits you in strengthening your relationship with them and expanding your business faster.&nbsp;

Is virtual account the right medium for receiving payment from the US? Sign up for a free demo with<a href="https://www.skydo.com/"> Skydo</a>.

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Wire Transfer from USA to India

Ever wondered why your international earnings seem slightly less than expected when they hit your account? The answer might be forex markup fees.&nbsp;

With Indian overseas spending reaching an all-time high of <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/indian-overseas-spending-hits-all-time-high-of-31-7-billion-in-fy24-124052200342_1.html">$31.7</a> billion in FY24 and more Indians earning in foreign currencies through salaries, freelance work, or export payments, understanding these hidden charges has never been more important.&nbsp;

These small percentage fees, typically 1% to 3.5% of each foreign transaction, can significantly reduce your international earnings over time. Knowing how forex markup fees or currency conversion markups work isn't just for travellers anymore (people carrying travel cards); it's essential knowledge for anyone receiving money from abroad.

This article will help you understand forex markup fees and how they impact international earnings. It will also provide practical solutions to minimize these charges when receiving foreign currency payments.

A forex markup fee, also known as foreign transaction fees, is an additional charge added to the exchange rate by banks, credit card providers, and payment processors when handling foreign currency transactions. While the mid-market exchange rate (what you see on Google or financial news sites) represents the actual value between two currencies, financial institutions rarely offer this rate. Instead, they add a small percentage, typically between 1% and 3.5%, to cover their costs and generate profit.

These seemingly small percentages can have a significant impact on your earnings:

Let's say you're a freelancer who received $10,000 from a US client. Now, let's consider that the live forex rate on that day is&nbsp; $1= INR 83. Now, as per the live exchange rate,&nbsp;you should ideally receive ₹830,000. However, if your bank applies a 3% forex markup fee, here's what happens:

What makes forex markup fees particularly problematic is their lack of transparency. Many financial institutions, especially traditional banks, don't explicitly mention these fees in their marketing materials or statements. Instead, they're quietly embedded in the exchange rate offered.

These hidden charges often go unnoticed for new businesses and freelancers entering the international market. You might assume the amount received is correct without realizing that a significant portion has been skimmed off through an unfavorable exchange rate.

To verify this yourself, always check the <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/all-you-need-to-know-about-firc-a-complete-guide">Foreign Inward Remittance Advice (FIRA</a>) document provided by your bank for each international transaction. This document shows the exact exchange rate applied to your payment. Compare this rate with the live mid-market exchange rate prevailing on that specific date (which you can find on Google or currency websites like XE.com). The difference between these rates reveals how much your bank has marked up the exchange rate—often without explicitly mentioning this fee.

Many professionals discover these fees only after comparing their FIRA documents and the actual mid-market rates—and by then, they've already lost considerable amounts of money on numerous transactions. Indian banks typically apply markups ranging from 1.5% to 3%, which can significantly reduce your international earnings.

Understanding these fees and regularly checking your FIRA against live exchange rates is the first step toward keeping more of your hard-earned international income in your pocket rather than paying unnecessary charges to financial institutions.

Where is the Forex Markup Fee Levied?&nbsp;

Forex markup fees appear in various financial transactions involving foreign currencies. Understanding where these fees lurk helps you recognise potential costs when receiving international payments. Here are the main places where forex markup fees are commonly charged:

During international travel and online shopping, people are already familiar with forex markup fees when using their credit and debit cards abroad or on international websites. When you purchase items in foreign currencies, your Indian credit card issuer company typically adds a 2-3.5% markup to the exchange rate, making that €100 souvenir cost more than the equivalent of ₹9,100 at a ₹91 per euro mid-market rate.

The same principle applies in reverse when you receive credit card payments in your home country from other countries. When a client pays you using their US-based credit card for services billed in Indian rupees, the card company similarly applies these markup fees during processing.

For example, a freelance graphic designer in Mumbai charging $1,000 for a project might see only ₹81,000 arrive instead of the expected ₹83,000 (at an exchange rate of ₹83 per dollar) because of a 2.4% markup fee applied by the payment processor. This reduces the effective exchange rate from ₹83 to approximately ₹81 per dollar, with the difference going directly to the payment processor or credit card company.

Banks apply forex markup fees whenever they convert currency, whether receiving wire transfers from abroad, depositing foreign checks, or when clients send money to your Indian account from their foreign bank accounts.

Consider an IT consultant receiving a €5,000 payment from a German client via bank transfer. While the mid-market rate might be ₹91 per euro (totaling ₹455,000), the bank might apply a 2% markup and convert at ₹89.18, resulting in only ₹445,900 reaching the consultant's account—a ₹9,100 difference that's rarely itemized on statements.

Popular payment platforms like<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/paypal-in-india-charges-review-alternatives"> PayPal, </a><a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/payoneer-fees-india-guide">Payoneer</a>, and <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/stripe-india-charges-review-alternatives">Stripe </a>apply their forex markup fees when handling cross-border transactions. These platforms promote convenience but may charge higher markup fees than traditional banks.

For instance, an e-commerce seller receiving $2,000 from international customers through a popular payment platform might face two separate fees:

For example, if the platform charges a 1.5% transaction fee and a 2% forex markup on a $2,000 payment:

The combined effect of both fees means instead of receiving ₹166,000 (at ₹83 per $1), they only get ₹160,240—losing ₹5,760 in the process, with the indirect loss coming from two separate types of fees.

Some platforms are more transparent about these fees than others. While some break down their conversion rates and markups, others bundle these costs into a single "international transaction fee," making it difficult to understand precisely how much you're paying for local currency conversion.

Knowing where these fees appear allows you to make an informed financial decision about which payment methods to accept and which financial services to use for your international transactions.

Forex Markup Fee: Skydo Vs Other Platforms

While choosing your international payments platform, it is important to be aware of the exchange rate they are offering and whether they are levying any forex markup fee. Here's a table that quickly compares Skydo and other platforms on forex markup fee:

If saving on international payments matters to you, look for platforms like Skydo that offer live exchange rates with zero forex markup. Up next, we’ll break down exactly how this helps you cut costs and keep more of what you earn.

When receiving international payments, you can take several practical steps to minimize or completely avoid forex markup fees. These strategies help ensure you keep more of your hard-earned money rather than lose it to hidden currency conversion fees (Basically achieving zero forex markup fees).

Always enquire about the Forex Rate your payment platform is offering

Don't just accept the rate you're given. Before settling on a payment method or platform:

For example, if a client is sending you $5,000, a difference of even 1% in the exchange rate could mean ₹4,150 more or less in your pocket. Making a simple inquiry could save you thousands of rupees per transaction.

Check your FIRA to know what Forex Rate you were offered

Your <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/automated-firc-simplifying-international-payments-compliance">Foreign Inward Remittance Advice (FIRA)</a> is a critical document that shows the details of incoming foreign currency transaction fee, including:

Review this document carefully for each transaction and compare the rate you received against the mid-market rate on that due date and time. This practice helps you track exactly how much you're losing to markup fees over time and provides documentation if you need to challenge unfair rates.

Choose a platform that offers live Forex Rates

Some modern financial services and payment platforms now offer mid-market or "interbank" rates with transparent fee structures:

When evaluating platforms, look for those that separate their service fees from the exchange rate rather than hiding their profit in an inflated exchange rate.

By implementing these strategies, you can save thousands or even lakhs of rupees annually on your international earnings. The key is staying informed and proactive about how your money is converted rather than accepting whatever rate you're given.

Receive International Payments without any Forex Markup Fee with Skydo&nbsp;

Tired of losing chunks of your hard-earned international payments to hidden forex charges?&nbsp;

Skydo offers a transparent solution for freelancers and businesses receiving foreign currency. With zero forex markup fee and live exchange rates, you'll get substantially more from every payment.&nbsp;

Skydo calculator shows the difference clearly—on a $7,000 payment, you'd receive ₹6,06,299 with Skydo compared to just ₹5,98,869 through banks (1.2% loss) or ₹5,53,272 via <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/paypal-in-india-charges-review-alternatives">PayPal </a>(8.7% loss).&nbsp;

Stop losing money on international earnings!

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/">Try Skydo now!</a>

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With the power of the internet, you can work with clients thousands of miles away. However, signing a foreign client is only the first step in growing an international business.&nbsp;​Selecting the appropriate international payment methods is crucial for effectively managing and scaling your business. Each method offers unique features, fees, and integration capabilities, so it's essential to choose one that aligns with your business needs.

This blog will be your go-to guide to choosing the right solution as your long-term payment partner. We have identified four of the best international payment methods and analyzed them by highlighting their pros and cons.

Top 4 International Payments Methods in India

India’s service exports grew by <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/markets/capital-market-news/india-s-services-export-up-16-5-in-january-2025-125021701063_1.html">16.5%</a> in 2025, indicating that more small and large businesses and freelancers might expand their business overseas. To help them pick the right payment platform, here are the pros and cons of the four most popular international payment methods.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/swift-money-transfer-ultimate-guide">SWIFT&nbsp;money transfers</a> are essentially international money transfers that happen via banks. Note that SWIFT is not a bank that holds money. Rather it is a messaging network that banks use to send money across borders. facilitates the movement of funds across borders. SWIFT payment is definitely the most popular international payment method, especially among established and big businesses. But is it the right choice for you? Let's take a quick look at its pros and cons:&nbsp;

SWIFT transfers via banks are considered one of the safest and most secure international payment methods, thanks to its robust networking infrastructure and strong protection measures. However, while accepting a payment via SWIFT make sure to share the correct details to avoid any delays or cancellations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nearly every country and currency is covered under SWIFT making it the most popular and universally accepted international payment method. The advantage is you can work with clients from almost any country without worrying about compatibility

Online Banking Services Making It More Convenient

Most banks offer SWIFT as part of their online banking services. That means you can manage your international transactions from the comfort of your home or office.&nbsp;

The settlement time of a SWIFT transfer can be up to 5 business days or more depending on intermediary banks, holidays etc. For small businesses, such a long settlement time can cause cashflow issues.

The total fees on SWIFT transfer take a deep cut on the amount you receive. For starters, an average transfer from the US can cost $15-$50, which is mostly passed on to the receiver by the payer.&nbsp;

The receiving bank might also charge an inward remittance fee based on their policy. However, beyond SWIFT fee, banks make the most money via forex markup. Most banks do not provide live forex rates while converting money, instead, they offer you lower exchange rates. For example, if the live forex rate is 1USD = INR 86, banks may offer you 84. So for a payment of USD 5000, you will get INR 4,20,000 (84*5000) instead of INR 4,30,000&nbsp;(86*5000)

Forex markup coupled with SWIFT fee and other ancillary fees can make SWIFT transfers via banks a rather expensive international payment method

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/all-you-need-to-know-about-firc-a-complete-guide">FIRA or Foreign Inward Remittance Advice</a><a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/all-you-need-to-know-about-firc-a-complete-guide" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a>serves as proof of export income from abroad. Every Indian business or freelancer having foreign income needs to acquire FIRA. Now while banks issue FIRA for every international payment, it is not a default action. You need to request your bank for the same and most banks levy a fee to furnish FIRC. HDFC bank, for example, <a href="https://www.hdfcbank.com/personal/pay/money-transfer/remittance/fees-and-charges">charges Rs. 200&nbsp;for issuing a single FIRA.</a>

While bank-mediated SWIFT transfers are a widely used international payment method, their extended settlement times—often ranging from one to five business days—and substantial fees may not suit every business's needs.

Virtual bank accounts are a modern international payment method that is gaining rapid popularity among Indian businesses. Platforms like Skydo offer users virtual bank accounts in countries like the US, UK, and Australia. Clients in these countries can send payments to these virtual accounts as local transfers, avoiding the hassle and cost of international transfers.

The platforms then consolidate these local payments and transfer them to the recipient’s personal bank account.&nbsp; Can virtual bank accounts become your preferred international payment method? Let's find out:

Virtual accounts are much faster compared to SWIFT in settling transactions. Platforms like Skydo settle a transaction within 24 -48 hours, providing your business with instant liquidity&nbsp;

When your client pays you in your virtual bank account, it becomes a local transfer and not an international transfer thereby bypassing the SWIFT fee. However, different platforms offering virtual accounts charge their respective fees. Skydo simply charges USD 19 for payments under USD 2000, USD 29 for payments between USD 2000-10,000 and 0.3% for payments above USD 10,000. That's it. Most importantly, unlike banks and many other international payment methods, Skydo converts your payment at a live forex rate without any markup. If the prevailing exchange rate is 1USD= INR 86, that is the exchange rate you will get, ensuring you keep the maximum of what you get.&nbsp;

Most platforms offering virtual bank accounts also offer FIRA saving you the hassle of following up with banks. Skydo for example offers free and instant FIRA for every transaction, easing your compliance burden.&nbsp;

Virtual accounts have advanced security features like encryption, multi-factor authentication, and real-time fraud monitoring. Also, if your virtual account number gets compromised, no one can gain access to your bank account

Virtual accounts are like delivery agents – they receive money and transfer it to your bank account. They cannot hold it, which might not be preferable for a few businesses

​Virtual bank accounts are recognized as safe and secure methods for international payments, offering benefits such as reduced fees and faster transactions. However, due to their relatively recent emergence, some international clients may be hesitant to adopt them.&nbsp;

Payment gateways are digital intermediaries facilitating payments between you and your client. A payment gateway aggregates different payment methods so you can provide multiple options to your client making it a popular international method, especially for e-commerce businesses. For example, if you’re using a<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/paypal-in-india-charges-review-alternatives"> payment gateway like PayPal</a>, you can offer your clients to pay via credit card, debit card or from their PayPal account. The flexibility is convenient for you and your client and simplifies the entire payment process.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Payment gateways are highly secure for handling sensitive information. They adhere to the guidelines of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) to protect data like credit card numbers and avoid data breaches.

Payment gateways can be easily integrated into websites or online stores. Any international buyer can make payment on your website in their currency hassle-free

Payment gateways allow different options to make payments like credit cards, bank transfers or e-wallets based on the user’s preference

Payment gateways charge fees in different categories and can be quite high for small businesses and freelancers. For example, <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/paypal-transaction-fees-india">PayPal charges</a> a 4.4% transaction fee, coupled with a fixed fee and 4 currency conversion fee.&nbsp;

The level of customer support varies according to the region. For example, PayPal doesn't have an India-based support team, making it difficult for Indian businesses to get in touch with them.

​Redirecting customers to an external payment gateway during checkout can disrupt the buying experience, leading to potential confusion and security concerns.

Online remittance platforms like Western Union, Wise p2p allow anyone to make cross-border payments effortlessly. They are fast, secure, and like payment gateways, they accept multiple payment methods like bank transfers and credit cards. They offer real-time payment tracking and lower fees, making it an affordable international payment method.&nbsp;

Online remittance platforms usually take less time to settle transactions. They are available to use 24/7 and can be done via a mobile app too

These platforms often offer competitive rates compared to banks. Therefore, you get a high value when the amount is converted to domestic currency

With real-time tracking, encryption, and fraud detection techniques, online remittance platforms are considered safe for cross-border payments

In case of a technical failure or server downtime, there might be a delay in payment, causing an inconvenience

While remittance platforms are quite popular, they might not be available in certain regions

Most remittance platforms are transparent about their fees, however, there still could be hidden charges on currency exchange rates. It’s advisable to do due diligence before choosing the right platform.&nbsp;

The convenience and easy-to-use interface of remittance platforms make it a more popular choice for personal transfers. However, it might not be the most apt international payment method for businesses as these platforms mostly don't provide FIRA, making compliance harder for businesses.

Skydo: Your Top International Payment Method in 2025

Virtual accounts are reliable, quick, and hassle-free. Moreover, the fees are affordable, which makes it a perfect fit for emerging businesses and freelancers to grow their international business. If virtual accounts hold the top position in your priority list, you must try Skydo.&nbsp;

With Skydo, you can create virtual accounts in regions like the US, the UK, Singapore, and Australia. After you receive the payment from these regions, Skydo consolidates the payments and transfers them to your bank account within 24 hours, providing quick liquidity.&nbsp;

But it’s often challenging to keep track of clients’ payments; Skydo’s real-time payment tracking feature could help. Send personalized reminders, get updates when the client sees the reminder, and get notifications when the payment status changes from transit to receipt. All of this from a single dashboard.&nbsp;

Skydo also offers live Forex rates, providing you the best value for money and instant FIRA for free to keep your business compliant with RBI regulations. These two points are the biggest highlights that separate Skydo from other platforms including banks.

While cost-effectiveness is Skydo’s plus point, its 5-minute onboarding process and India-based customer support team are the other reasons to make Skydo your international payment partner.&nbsp;

Is Skydo the right solution for your business? Find out with a<a href="https://www.skydo.com/"> free demo</a>

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Receiving global payments as an Indian freelancer or business?&nbsp;

Your choice between Payoneer and Wise directly impacts your earnings and overall business experience. On a $10,000 payment, the difference can exceed ₹15,000 in your pocket, but the platforms also differ in crucial areas like user experience, customer support, and compliance features.

Both offer virtual accounts and multi-currency support, but their fixed fee structures, processing times, and service quality mean that not only does the amount landing in your bank account vary significantly, but also how smoothly your international payment operations run. The right choice depends on your business needs for cost efficiency, regulatory compliance, and day-to-day payment management.

This comparison reveals which platform lets you keep more of what you earn and when each makes financial sense for your business situation.

Payoneer vs. Wise: Understanding the Differences&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/payoneer-payment-gateway-features-fees">Payoneer</a> is a global payment platform that helps Indian freelancers and businesses receive international payments through multiple methods. It provides virtual receiving accounts in major currencies (USD, EUR, GBP, etc.), allowing your clients to pay you locally via bank transfers. The platform integrates with significant marketplaces and eCommerce platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, Amazon, and Airbnb and offers additional features like customizable payment requests and invoice creation.

You can get a detailed analysis of <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/payoneer-fees-india-guide">Payoneer Fees right here.&nbsp;</a>

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/transferwise-india-features-benefits-pros-cons">Wise (formerly TransferWise)</a> is a global payment platform that enables Indian freelancers and businesses to receive international payments in over 70 currencies. It provides virtual international accounts in major currencies and regions, including the US, EU, UK, and Australia. Wise differentiates itself by offering mid-market exchange rates without markup, instead charging a transparent conversion fee that varies by currency.

Payoneer vs. Wise: A Quick Comparison&nbsp;

Before you commit to either platform, understand precisely how they impact your overall business operations and bottom line. Here's a quick comparison of both platforms to help you make an informed choice:

Skydo: An Affordable Alternative to Both Payoneer and Wise

Indian freelancers and businesses searching for better international payment solutions need to consider Skydo - a platform specifically designed for the Indian market that offers significant cost advantages over Payoneer and Wise.

Skydo is an India-focused international payment platform that provides virtual global bank accounts across 10+ countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Built specifically for Indian businesses and freelancers, it enables payment receipt from international clients and marketplaces with transparent pricing and zero forex margin. Skydo emphasizes cost savings while offering complete payment solutions, which include invoicing, tracking, and compliance documentation.

​Skydo integrates seamlessly with marketplaces like Amazon, offering tailored services that empower Indian MSMEs and D2C startups to focus on growth and reach global markets.

With no cap on payment volume per invoice, affordable flat fees, live forex rates without any markup, and an India-based support team, Skydo combines the best features of platforms like Wise and Payoneer, providing a comprehensive solution for Indian businesses managing international payments. ​

By choosing Skydo, you're opting for a platform that simplifies cross-border transactions, enhances efficiency, and ensures you retain more of your earnings. Make the switch to Skydo today and maximize your profits.

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Wise Vs Payoneer

Choosing between Wise vs PayPal for international payments 2025 can significantly impact your bottom line. As an Indian freelancer or business owner receiving money from abroad, every percentage point in fees matters.&nbsp;

While PayPal and Wise offer reliable ways to get paid, they differ dramatically in their approach to fees, exchange rates, and features.&nbsp;

Let's dive into a practical comparison to help you pick the platform that puts more money in your pocket.

Wise vs PayPal: Understanding the Differences

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/transferwise-india-features-benefits-pros-cons">Wise (formerly TransferWise)</a> is a digital financial platform specializing in international money transfers. Wise stands out for using accurate mid-market exchange rates and transparent fee structures. For Indian businesses and freelancers, Wise Account offers multi-currency accounts that let you receive payments from over 50 countries as if you had a local bank account.

It started as a peer-to-peer remittance service allowing individuals to send and receive money without intermediaries like banks. Later, it grew as a business-to-business money transfer service for organizations to receive and make international business payments.&nbsp;&nbsp;In India, Wise Business lets you receive international payments in multiple currencies, but you can’t use it to send business payments abroad. Also,&nbsp; Wise&nbsp; Debit card is not available to businesses in India.&nbsp;

Moving forward, we'll focus on comparing Wise Business and PayPal for receiving international payments, excluding Wise's peer-to-peer service

For r<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/wise-transfer-charges-in-india">eceiving payments in India:</a>

🔖<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/top_5_wise_alternatives_for_international_payment">Learn about the Wise alternatives</a>

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/paypal-in-india-charges-review-alternatives">PayPal</a> is a payment platform serving over 400 million users worldwide. It functions primarily as an international payment gateway, letting you receive money from clients across 200+ countries. While PayPal offers extensive features globally, its services in India are explicitly focused on cross-border transactions.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/paypal-transaction-fees-india">For receiving international payments:</a>

🔖<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/top-paypal-india-alternatives-for-international-payment">Learn about the PayPal alternatives</a>

Let's examine how Wise vs. PayPal compares when receiving international payments in India. With significant differences in their fee structures and features, choosing between these platforms can directly impact your earnings.&nbsp;

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