If you plan to expand your freelancing or export business to Canada, you will probably wonder: How will my clients transfer money from Canada to India?

Deciding on how your Canada-based clients pay you is not an easy decision. There are multiple ways through which your clients can transfer money from Canada to India and each has a different fee structure and settlement duration. Most of your confusion will be cleared after you read this blog.&nbsp; We have covered all the essential details about each payment method like fees, payment duration, and documentation.&nbsp;

By the end of this blog, you will be much closer to choosing the right payment partner. Note that in this blog, we will mostly be focussing on business payments and no&nbsp;

What Are the Ways to Transfer Money from Canada to India?

Here are the most popular ways for your clients to transfer money from Canada to India:

Banks use international wire transfers to transfer money from Canada to India. It is definitely the most popular way to transfer across borders, but it comes with its own caveats which we will look. into later in the blog.&nbsp;

This method allows businesses to make payments and transfer money from Canada to India through credit or debit cards. PayPal is a popular example of a payment gateway.

Platforms like Skydo, Wise, and Payoneer offer virtual accounts which are digital accounts linked to your physical bank account and these accounts provide an easy and affordable way to transfer money from Canada to India.&nbsp;

Wise P2P and Western Union fall into this category and these are mostly used for personal transfers. These platforms also do not provide FIRA for receiving international payments, which can make compliance harder for you.&nbsp;

How Much Time It Takes to Transfer Money From Canada to India

The duration of transferring and receiving money from Canada depends on the payment method. Here’s a quick breakdown of each method:

It can take 1 to 7 days to&nbsp; transfer money from Canada to India via bank transfer. For example, a <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/swift-money-transfer-ultimate-guide">SWIFT transfer</a> takes 5 business days to complete. However, it can take longer if multiple intermediary banks are involved in the settlement process.&nbsp;

If your client in Canada transfers money to you in India via PayPal, then it money appears in your PayPal account quickly, but it might take another <a href="https://www.paypal.com/in/cshelp/article/how-do-i-transfer-funds-to-my-bank-account-help394">5 business days</a> for PayPal to credit the amount to your bank account

International virtual accounts are the modern way to make cross border payments. These are virtual bank accounts tied to your main bank account in India. So your client in can pay you in your virtual bank account in Canada, making it a local transfer instead of an international one, bypassing SWIFT fee.&nbsp;

Virtual account platforms are faster than bank transfers, but the duration of completing a cross-border payment depends on the platform. For example, Skydo settles&nbsp; payments within 24-48 hours

These platforms take 1-5 business days to credit the amount in your bank account. 

What Are the Fees for Transferring Money from Canada to India?

Fees are a key factor when choosing a payment partner. High platform fees reduce the amount you receive, and in most cases, the cost to transfer money from Canada to India is passed on to the receiver.&nbsp;In addition to high fees, transparency is also an important factor. Here’s the fee breakdown to help you make the right choice:

Bank fee structure is complex because the fees depend on the sending as well as the receiving bank. If your clients transfers you money from Canada to India, then they will have to pay a SWIFT fee, roughly ranging between CAD 15 to CAD 80, depending on the bank and they will mostly pass this fee on you. Further, your receiving bank in India, may also charge a fee for receiving an international payment.&nbsp;

Banks also do not provide a live exchange rate by charging a forex markup. For example, if the exchange rate of the Canadian Dollar (CAD) to the Indian Rupee (INR) is Rs. 60, the banks might offer Rs. 58 – a loss of Rs.2 for every dollar. In addition, banks charge a fee to issue FIRA which starts at Rs. 200.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/paypal-in-india-charges-review-alternatives">Payment gateways like PayPal </a>charge 4.4% of the amount as a transaction fee and 0.30 CAD as a fixed fee. So if your client transfers money from Canda to you in India via PayPal, you will have to pay 4.4% as transaction fee plus 0.30 CAD as fixed fee. Further it also levies a 4% markup on the ongoing exchange rate meaning you will effective exchange rate for converting CAD to INR will be 4% lower than the live forex rate.&nbsp;

The fee for international virtual accounts depends on the platform you choose. While there are no SWIFT fees involved while receiving money via international virtual accounts, different platforms levy their respective fee Here we have illustrated the fees for popular platforms like Wise, Skydo, and Payoneer.&nbsp;

Remittance platforms like Western Union, charge fees in the range of CAD 5 to CAD 50 based on the service speed and payment method.

What Documents Are Needed to Transfer Money&nbsp; from Canada to India

For your client to transfer money from Canada to India, you would need to share your respective details with them, including your name, bank account details and SWIFT code for a<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/swift-money-transfer-ultimate-guide"> SWIFT transfer</a>. They may also need to share some identity proof if required by the bank.&nbsp;

The receiver, in this case the freelancer or business in India, also need to share certain documents and information while receiving the payment as well as while sharing your invoice

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/compliance-guideline-for-inward-remittance#what-are-the-documents-required-for-inward-remittance-in-india">Documentation in inward remittance</a> is an important step, more so when you are receiving a payment from Canada and not just a personal transfer.&nbsp;

Without proper knowledge about documentation, you cannot collect the payment. Here’s a list of documents to help you with the right documents

Identification Proof: Any government-issued document like an Aadhar card, Passport, Voter ID card or Driving license will fall into this category

Bank Account Details: Your payment might get delayed without the right banking account details. Always double-check your account details like account number, branch details, and IFSC before you share with your clients.&nbsp;

Purpose Code: The <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/what-is-purpose-code-and-why-is-it-required">Purpose Code</a> defines the nature and purpose of the fund transfer. These codes are alphanumeric and are managed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to regulate cross-border payments in and out of the country. For example, if you provide software consultancy to Canada-based clients, you must mention P0802 as the Purpose Code on your invoice.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/all-you-need-to-know-about-firc-a-complete-guide">Foreign Inward Remittance Advice(FIRA):</a> FIRA is a document issued by banks as proof that you have received payment in foreign currency in India. It’s useful for filing taxes and if you’re an exporter, it’s also useful to claim tax deductions and GST refunds.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/bank-realisation-certificate-all-you-need-to-know">Bank Realisation Certificate (BRC)</a>: A BRC is essential for exporters selling software or providing services about it because it falls under SOFTEX. SOFTEX is a form issued by the RBI and must be mandatorily filled out by software exporters. This document is irrelevant if you’re a freelancer or an exporter with no relation to software.&nbsp;

Choosing the Best Way to Transfer Money from Canada to India

Despite the above breakdown, it’s hard to decide the best payment method for your business. It depends on what’s most important for you. Low fees, fast transfers, real-time exchange rate or all of the above? To help you decide, we have rounded up all the above points in this section.

Banks, as trusted financial institutions, must have been at the top of your mind, when contemplating you can your client can transfer money from Canada to India. However, receiving your international payments via banks might not be the best and most affordable option for you especially if you are a freelancer or small business not processing huge volume of payments.&nbsp;

For starters, a SWIFT transfer takes 2 to 7 business days to settle a payment. It can take more time if there are many intermediary banks or due to incorrect details.&nbsp;

In addition to slow settlement, high fees take a deep cut out of your income. As we've mentioned, SWIFT transfer via banks will cost around CAD 15 to CAD 80 in SWIFT fee, which will mostly be passed on to you by your client. Then there will be unfavourable exchange rate offered by the bank, which will further eat into your income. Let's understand this with a quick example. 

Suppose your client is transferring a payment of CAD 10,000 to you via banks. So first there will be a SWIFT fee of say around CAD 50 to transfer the money from Canada to India, which mostly will be adjusted by payment making it CAD 9950. Now, this CAD 9950 will be converted in INR by your bank.&nbsp; Consider the ongoing exchange rate to be 1 CAD = INR 61. However, most banks levy a 2-3% forex markup, so your effective exchange rate will stand at say INR 59. So you will receive 9950*59 = INR 5,87,050 from your bank.&nbsp;

So for your payment of CAD 10,000, which ideally should have been INR 6,10,000, you will receive&nbsp; INR 5,87,050, a difference of INR 22,950 lost to fees and forex markups.&nbsp;

Additionally, collecting FIRA requires multiple follow-ups with your bank, often incurring extra charges—adding to the hassle

Banks might be a reliable option for large businesses handling high volumes of international payments as they can negotiate exchange rates and also get personalized services. However, for small and medium businesses, and freelancers, banks might be an expensive and time-consuming option.

PayPal is another popular platform to transfer international payments from Canada. But it might not be the best option for receiving all kinds of payments.&nbsp;

Case in point: if your client transfers an amount of less than CAD 1,000 using a Credit Card, it’s a suitable option for you. The amount gets added to your PayPal account quickly, but it may another 5 days for the payment to appear in your bank account.&nbsp;

PayPal charges 4.4% as a transaction fee and 0.30 CAD as a fixed fee. The markup rate is about 4% on the current exchange rate of the Indian currency meaning if the rate is Rs.60, then PayPal’s rate will be Rs. 57.6. On a CAD 10,000 payment, you will lose Rs. 24,000.

PayPal provides a digital FIRA covering all the transactions in a month on the 15th of the following month. This might be bad news for you if you prefer instant documentation for payments. 

PayU is another example of a payment gateway that offers convenience but charges a <a href="https://payu.in/pricing/">flat fee of 3%</a> on the transaction . So on a CAD 10,000 payment, the charges will be INR 3000.

Online remittance platforms charge fees based on the payment method. Other than fees, it’s a good option for making personal transfers, but not ideal for business payments because it doesn’t provide FIRA which is necessary for businesses.

Virtual bank accounts are the modern solution for receiving payments from Canada to India. Platforms like Wise, Payoneer, and Skydo settle payments in 24-48 hours and bypass the high SWIFT fees.&nbsp;

However, each platform levies its charges on the transaction amount. <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/payoneer-fees-india-guide">Payoneer fees</a> can range from 3% -6% of the transaction amount depending on the method of payment with additional markup on conversion and withdrawal fees.

Wise Business usually charges 1.8% of the transaction amount plus FIRA fees.

In comparison to other platforms, Skydo offers straightforward and transparent pricing. For receiving an amount up to $2,000 you pay $19. For anything more than $2000 but less than $10,000 the charges are $29 and for payments upwards of USD 10,000, a 0.3% fee is charged.&nbsp; The amount is converted to INR at a live exchange rate with no markups.&nbsp;

Skydo and Payoneer offer FIRA instantly free of cost. Wise, on the other hand, charges a fee.

How Skydo Makes It Easy to Transfer Payments from Canada to India

Skydo keeps the process of transfer payments from Canada to India simple, transparent, and cost-effective. All you need to do is set up your account on Skydo and you will get virtual accounts in key geographies like the US, Canada, Europe and more in less than 5 minutes. Now, all you need to do is share your Canadian virtual bank account number with your client in Canada. The client will make the payment in that account making it a local transfer instead of an international one, bypassing SWIFT fee. Skydo will then consolidate the payments, convert it to INR at live exchange rate without any markup and deposits it in your Indian bank account.&nbsp;

There are no hidden fees, you get the current exchange rate value, and you can withdraw the amount in less than 24 hours. To keep your business compliant with the RBI regulations, it automatically creates a FIRA for every transaction at no additional cost.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com">Sign Up</a> for Skydo and choose a hassle-free payment partner for expanding your business in Canada.

How to receive money from Canada to India

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Tazapay is a Singapore-based payment platform that enables cross-border transactions. The platform supports receiving payments through local payment methods, virtual accounts, and cards across Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa.&nbsp;

This blog post will analyze some of the Tazapay features, pricing structure, user experiences, and find out if there's a more seamless and cost effective Tazapay alternative.&nbsp;

Operating in emerging markets comes with unique payment challenges. From navigating local payment methods to managing currency conversions, here's a detailed look at what Tazapay delivers: 

Payment Gateway to accept payments from 173+ countries

Tazapay processes payments through cards and local methods across different regions. The card processing covers standard options like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. For local payments, the coverage focuses mainly on emerging markets - PIX for Brazil, UPI for India, and GrabPay for Southeast Asia. While they claim coverage in 173+ countries, the actual availability of local payment methods is limited to specific regions.&nbsp;

Global Collection accounts to receive local payments in 35+ currencies&nbsp;

These virtual accounts enable payment in 35+ currencies through local bank transfers. This means your customers can pay you as if they're making a domestic transfer, even though you're in a different country.&nbsp;

The service requires businesses to complete account verification, though activation timeframes aren't specified upfront. Settlement cycles and maintenance fees vary by country and currency pair. The platform uses quote-based foreign exchange rates rather than displaying live rates, which can affect cost predictability.

For Indian businesses needing FIRA, Tazapay charges <a href="https://tazapay.com/pricing">USD 4 per certificate</a>. The service is restricted to transactions processed through their platform and requires manual requests for each certificate. Processing timeframes and potential amendment charges aren't disclosed in their documentation.

The platform's payout network spans 80+ markets using SWIFT and local bank transfers. SWIFT transfer fees range from<a href="https://tazapay.com/pricing"> USD 5 to USD 35</a>, while local transfers cost between USD 2-5 per transaction. Processing times depend on the destination country and chosen transfer method.

Transaction protection levels vary based on the payment method. Card payments follow standard chargeback procedures, while bank transfers have more limited coverage. Their dispute resolution carries an additional fee of USD 15 per case, and verification requirements change based on transaction value.

Cross-border payment fees can significantly impact business margins. Here's what Tazapay charges for different services:&nbsp;

For payment methods like bank transfers and digital wallets, fees range from 0.8% to 2.5%, with exact rates varying by country and method. Card processing comes at 3.8% plus USD 0.5 per transaction. For example, if your client pays you USD 10,000 via credit card, you would pay USD 380 (3.8% of USD 10,000) plus USD 0.5, totaling USD 380.50 in fees.

For their virtual account service (Global Collection Accounts), pricing isn't publicly available and requires contacting their sales team. The forex rates for currency conversion also need to be directly discussed with Tazapay.

Additional charges include USD 2-5 for local payouts and USD 5-35 for SWIFT transfers.&nbsp;

Other fees to consider are FIRC certificates (USD 4 each), dispute handling (USD 15), refunds (USD 2), and 3D Secure authentication for cards (USD 0.2, waived for successful transactions).

Note: All fees mentioned are based on their standard pricing. Volume-based discounts may be available for larger businesses. Additionally, since Tazapay doesn't disclose their forex conversion rates upfront, there may be hidden forex markup costs when converting between currencies.

Tazapay Reviews: The Good, bad, and Ugly&nbsp;

Here’s what Tazapay customers had to say about the tool on review portal <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/tazapay/reviews#reviews">G2</a>

Tazapay gets mixed feedback on usability. While users praise its unique features and seamless transaction processing, a notable learning curve exists for businesses new to international payments. The platform easily integrates with websites, though some users mention the dashboard could be more flexible.

Users consistently highlight Tazapay's business-focused support team as a strong point, particularly appreciating their attentiveness to business needs.

One user opined that they found Tazapay's conversion rates to be unsatisfactory

Please note: These insights are based on user reviews gathered from public platforms and do not reflect Skydo’s opinions.

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

For businesses collecting international payments, Skydo offers several distinct advantages over Tazapay. Let's examine the key differentiators:

Skydo displays live forex rates directly on the platform. This real-time visibility eliminates uncertainty in cross-border transactions and helps businesses better predict their receivables. The platform charges zero FX margin, potentially saving up to 8.7% compared to traditional methods.

While Tazapay's pricing varies by payment method (0.8%-2.5% for local methods, 3.8%+ for cards), Skydo uses a transparent fee model:

Compared to Tazapay's USD 4 charge per FIRA, Skydo provides instant FIRA (Foreign Inward Remittance Advice) at no additional cost. The platform also includes GST-compliant invoicing tools explicitly built for Indian businesses.

While both platforms offer virtual accounts, Skydo provides global accounts across 10+ countries within 5 minutes. The platform includes real-time payment tracking, allowing businesses to monitor their incoming transfers at every step.

Being an India-focused platform, Skydo offers localized support through multiple channels, including WhatsApp, and has specific expertise in Indian compliance requirements and banking regulations.

Here’s a quick comparison between Skydo and Tazapay when it comes to receiving international payments:&nbsp;

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Tazapay: Fees, Reviews and Features

Picture this: Your customer has filled their cart and is ready to check out. They prefer using UPI, but your site only accepts credit cards.&nbsp;

Frustrating, right? That's a sale you might lose in seconds. In today's world, customers expect to pay how they want, when they want – whether it's through cards, digital wallets, UPI, or buy-now-pay-later options.&nbsp;

This is where payment aggregators step in, transforming complex payment processes into smooth, one-click experiences. Think of them as your business's payment Swiss Army knife – one tool that handles it all, making life easier for you and your customers. 

Remember when setting up online payments meant drowning in paperwork and juggling multiple bank relationships? Payment aggregators have changed all that. They're like your business's payment department, handling everything from cards to digital wallets under one roof.

A payment aggregator is like your friendly neighborhood payment expert who speaks multiple "payment languages." Whether your customer wants to pay with their trusty credit card, split the bill with EMIs, or quickly scan a UPI QR code, the aggregator makes it all possible through a single connection to your business.

But here's the important part – these aren't just any financial companies.&nbsp;

In India, payment aggregators need the Reserve Bank of India's stamp of approval (a special license) to operate. It's like getting a driver's license but for handling people's money. This ensures your business and your customers' cash stays safe and secure.

Leading payment aggregators and what they offer?

You've probably already used payment aggregators without realizing it. Some well-known names include:

These companies have transformed from simple payment processors into complete payment powerhouses, offering everything from instant settlements to detailed business analytics.&nbsp;

Let's break down the journey of a payment aggregator – from welcoming a new business to helping it grow. Imagine you're opening an online handicraft store; here's how a payment aggregator would help you every step of the way:

Getting you started (merchant onboarding)&nbsp;

Remember signing up for your first bank account? Merchant onboarding is similar but smoother. Instead of visiting multiple banks, you just need to:

Setting up your payment system (integration)&nbsp;

It is like a plugging in your store's payment machine but for the digital world. Payment aggregators make it surprisingly simple:

This is where the magic happens. When your customer clicks "Pay":

Getting your money (funds settlement)&nbsp;

Just like a responsible accountant, the aggregator makes sure you get your money on time:

Helping your business grow (extra features)&nbsp;

This is where payment aggregators go beyond just processing payments:

Picture a payment aggregator as your business's financial co-pilot – not just processing payments but helping you understand and grow your business better.

Let's look at what makes payment aggregators a game-changer for businesses, especially if you're just starting or looking to grow:

Gone are the days of endless bank visits and paperwork. With a payment aggregator, you can start accepting payments within days. It's like getting a fully furnished apartment instead of buying furniture piece by piece – everything you need is ready.

Whether your customer loves paying by card, prefers UPI, or wants to split their purchase into EMIs – you're covered. Consider it your universal payment translator. No need to set up each payment method separately.

Payment aggregators have built-in security features to protect you and your customers. They handle all the complex security requirements (like encryption and fraud detection) so you can focus on running your business. Think of it as having a professional security team watching your payments 24/7.

Want to know which payment methods your customers prefer? Or when you make the most sales? Payment aggregators provide detailed analytics that helps you make smarter business decisions. Picture it as having a business advisor who knows exactly how your payments perform.

Are you running into payment issues at midnight? Most payment aggregators offer round-the-clock support to help solve problems quickly. They're like your tech-savvy friend who's always there to help when payments get stuck.

Most aggregators charge only when you process payments, with no heavy upfront costs. This means you can start small and scale up as your business grows – perfect for startups and small companies watching their budget.&nbsp;

Payment Aggregator vs Payment Gateway: What Are The Differences?&nbsp;

If you've been exploring online payment solutions, you've probably come across both these terms and wondered if they're the same. While they help process online payments, they serve different purposes – consider them cousins in the payment family, not twins.

Let's break down the key differences in a way that's easy to understand:

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Xflow, an India-based payment platform, allows businesses to receive USD payments from international clients. The platform provides features like next-day settlements and automated digital FIRA generation for international transactions.&nbsp;

While the platform currently handles USD transactions only, it offers a streamlined way for freelancers and businesses to get paid from overseas clients.

In this guide, we'll explore Xflow's features, break down its pricing structure, and compare it with alternatives like Wise and PayPal - helping you decide if it's the right fit for receiving your international payments.&nbsp;

Here's everything you get when receiving payments through Xflow:&nbsp;

When you sign up with Xflow, you get your virtual account number to receive USD payments. Think of it like having a US bank account - your international clients can pay you through local transfers, RTP, or Fedwire. While currently limited to USD transactions, these accounts let you collect payments from almost anywhere in the world within hours.

For example, If you're a freelance developer in India, your client in New York can send $5,000 to your Xflow virtual account using their Chase bank account, just like they'd pay any US-based contractor. They'll save on international wire fees, and you'll receive the payment faster than SWIFT transfers. However, note that Xflow only offers virtual international accounts in USD, and you cannot receive payments in any other currencies using Xflow's virtual accounts.&nbsp;

Whenever you receive a payment through Xflow, they automatically generate a digital FIRA within 24 hours. No extra charges no follow-ups needed.&nbsp;

Xflow lets you create shareable payment links in seconds. Enter the amount, generate a link, and send it to your client. Your clients can click and pay, making the collection process smoother. Plus, you can track when the link was viewed and when payment was made.

For example, You're a digital marketing consultant who needs to collect $2,500 for a project. Create a payment link in Xflow, share it via email, and track when your client from Australia views and pays it. The link stays active until payment is received.

Create and send professional invoices directly through Xflow. The platform automatically tracks pending and paid invoices, so you know who owes you what. When a client pays, the system matches the payment to the invoice, saving you from manual reconciliation headaches.

Before converting your USD payments to INR, Xflow shows you exactly how much you'll receive. Their live FX rates come with zero markup, and you'll see the precise INR amount that'll land in your bank account.&nbsp;

Xflow charges a flat 1% fee on every transaction. While they offer live FX rates with zero markup, which is great, that 1% can add up quickly for larger payments. 

For example, if you're receiving $10,000, you'll pay $100 in fees. There's a minimum fee of $8 for lower amounts per transaction. Plus, you get free digital FIRA generation with every payment, which typically costs extra with other providers.

4 Best Xflow Alternatives to Take Note of&nbsp;

While Xflow simplifies USD payments, its 1% fee can affect your earnings, as we've demonstrated before. Plus, being limited to USD means you might miss out on clients paying in other currencies.&nbsp;

Let's explore some alternatives that might work better for your international payment needs:

Here's where things get interesting. Like Xflow, Skydo is an India-focused solution that goes beyond just USD payments. You get global bank accounts in multiple countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, which allow you to receive payments in various currencies.&nbsp;

Like Xflow, Skydo also offers live forex rates without any markup. It has a flat and transparent pricing model: USD 19 for payments below USD 2000 and USD 29 for payments between USD 2001 and USD 10,000. For payments above USD 10,000, Skydo charges a 0.3% fee.&nbsp;

 So, as we saw, with Xflow, receiving USD 10,000 would cost you USD 100. However, with Skydo, it will only be USD 29.&nbsp;

&nbsp;You also get free and instant FIRA, real-time payment tracking, and GST-compliant invoicing tools. For businesses handling multiple currencies, Skydo's transparent pricing and broader currency support make it a compelling alternative to consider.

Previously <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/transferwise-india-features-benefits-pros-cons">TransferWise</a>, this platform offers actual mid-market rates for multiple currencies. You get local bank details for 10+ countries, making it easier for clients to pay you like a local. Their fees are typically lower than traditional banks, and you'll get your digital FIRA automatically with each payment.

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

Despite its<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/paypal-in-india-charges-review-alternatives">&nbsp;fees</a>, (around 4.4% transaction fee + fixed fee + 4% conversion fee), PayPal remains a popular way to receive international payments due to its massive user base of 400+ million accounts. It supports multiple currencies and offers instant access to funds, making it convenient for quick transfers, especially from clients already using the platform.

Payoneer is available in 190+ countries and supports 70+ currencies, making it particularly good for collecting marketplace payments. They provide local receiving accounts in major currencies. However, before finalising on Payoneer as your international payments partner, check out our guide on&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/payoneer-fees-india-guide">Payoneer's fees</a>.

🎯<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/payoneer-payment-gateway-features-fees">Learn more about Payoneer</a>

A Payments Solution can Make or Break your Business: Choose Wisely&nbsp;

Xflow offers a solid solution for businesses focused on USD transactions, with its transparent pricing and automated digital FIRA generation. However, your payment needs might extend beyond a single currency in today's diverse global market.

When choosing a payment platform, consider your transaction volumes, the currencies you deal with, and how often you receive payments. While Xflow's 1% fee structure is straightforward, alternatives like Skydo provide more comprehensive solutions. With Skydo's multi-currency support, zero FX margin, and global bank accounts across the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, you can accept payments from clients worldwide without currency restrictions.

Remember, the right platform should scale with your business growth. As your client base expands internationally, having a payment solution like Skydo that combines competitive pricing with essential features like instant FIRA generation, real-time tracking, and multi-currency support could be crucial for your business' success.

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

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Xflow: Price, Features and Alternatives

The global trade business is more interconnected than ever. Technological advancements have made it possible to connect with buyers globally and track logistics in real-time.

However,&nbsp; receiving cross-border payments through the traditional banking system still remains a cumbersome and expensive process thanks to lengthy processing times, hidden charges, and tax compliance issues. This is where virtual accounts step in, offering an innovative alternative to physical bank accounts. It eliminates the above challenges and simplifies cross-border payments for exporters.

What exactly are virtual bank accounts? How do you even open a virtual account? We answer these questions and a lot more in this blog.

Virtual bank accounts are digital accounts linked to your physical bank account. Each virtual bank account has a unique 18-digit number you can share with your international clients to receive payments. However, virtual bank accounts have one notable difference from physical bank accounts. The difference is they cannot actually hold money, they are like digital delivery agents receiving payments and delivering them to your bank account.

Virtual accounts add two major advantages for exporters:&nbsp;

By sharing your virtual unique account number, you don't have to reveal your bank account details. Keeping bank details private reduces the threat from security breaches.

When you work with multiple clients across multiple regions and countries, you can open different virtual bank accounts in each such country and consequently receive payments in different currencies each assigned to a different client. This way you can keep track of every client's payment history more efficiently.

Before we get to the working of virtual accounts, here's something you must know. Virtual accounts can be created for both domestic and international transactions. In the case of domestic transactions, each account has a unique virtual account number that can receive payments only in Indian Rupee (INR). However, the real utility of virtual bank accounts lies in international transactions. Let's understand this with the help of an example.

Imagine you're an exporter receiving payments from multiple international clients. You can share your physical bank account number with them, but it has challenges for them and you. For starters, your clients might be sceptical about making payments to a foreign bank account because of security issues like financial fraud or data breaches. For you, it's an expensive option because various charges are deducted from the amount before finally crediting it to your traditional bank account.

We have listed down the different charges that are typically deducted to help you understand better:

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/swift-money-transfer-ultimate-guide">SWIFT Fees</a>: This ranges from Rs. 500 to Rs.1000 depending on the bank. Now while SWIFT fee is levied on the sender, more often than not, it will be passed on to the receiver.&nbsp;

Currency Conversion Markup: Banks charge a forex markup on the current exchange rate. For example, if the current USD to INR exchange rate is Rs. 85, the bank might deduct a markup of Rs.2 on every dollar. So when a client sends USD 10,000, the real exchange value is Rs. 850,000, but the bank will credit Rs. 830,000 after deducting the markup.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/automated-firc-simplifying-international-payments-compliance">Foreign Inward Remittance Advice (FIRA)</a> fees: After the amount gets credited, you must also pay the bank to obtain FIRA as proof that you have received an international payment.

Should you open multiple foreign bank accounts then?

Opening bank accounts where your clients are based is a valid option to bypass these charges. However, that's also an expensive process because you must pay maintenance fees for each account. Moreover, you have to face numerous regulatory hurdles.&nbsp;

A virtual account works as a win-win solution here. You can open virtual international bank accounts in your client's country without your presence and extensive paperwork.&nbsp;

For example, you open a new virtual account in the US for your American clients. They can transfer the payments in US Dollars like a local transfer therefore there are no SWIFT fees involved. Once the amount is received in your virtual account, it’s consolidated first, then converted into a currency of your choice – which is INR in most cases for Indian exporters – and deposited into your bank account. You can open virtual accounts in the same manner for different customers based out of countries like the UK, Singapore and more.

Opening a virtual bank account is much simpler and takes less time compared to opening a traditional bank account. The process is streamlined and requires less documentation. In India, platforms like<a href="https://www.skydo.com/"> Skydo</a> and<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/wise-transfer-charges-in-india"> Wise Business</a> offer international virtual<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/benefits-of-multi-currency-accounts"> multicurrency accounts</a> to manage receivables from different countries.

Here's how the 5-minute onboarding process at Skydo looks like:

What Documents Are Required to Open a Virtual Bank Account?

Here are the list of documents you must keep in handy to open a virtual bank account:

Client Contract: A copy of the contract with an international client

Last 3 Months Bank Statements: This necessary information is required to prove the transaction history between you and the client

Importer Exporter Code (IEC): The<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/iec-code-apply-online"> Importer Exporter Code (IEC)</a> is a unique 10-digit code for businesses and individuals engaged in the import and export of goods and services

Sales and Income Tax Returns: You must share the income tax filing details with acknowledgement to prove that you have no unpaid taxes

Business PAN Number: To verify the business' identity

Director's Aadhar Number: The Director's Aadhar Card must be shared while signing up as identity proof. The mobile number linked with this Aadhar Card will receive the OTP for verification

Director's PAN Card With Picture: This is required to cross-check the name and other identity details on the UIDAI website

Director Email Address: This will be used for communication

Business Bank Account Details: This is the primary account that will be linked with the virtual account to receive payments

What Are the Benefits of Virtual Bank Accounts?

Here are the top three benefits of virtual bank accounts:

Growing Global

Understanding Global Payments blogs