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.

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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India’s cross-border payments market is booming. Recent government data show that exports hit USD 602.64 billion during Apr–Dec 2024 (up 6% year-on-year)as per <a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2098447#:~:text=The%20momentum%20has%20continued%20into,integrated%20into%20the%20global%20economy">pib.gov.in</a>, reflecting growing international trade and freelance work.

As more Indian SMBs and freelancers serve global clients, the challenge is receiving those payments quickly, compliantly, and affordably. Hidden fees, delayed processing, and complex paperwork are common complaints.

 In this guide, we compare the leading platforms used by Indian businesses to receive international payments smoothly, so you can choose the best one for your needs. We include both homegrown fintechs and widely used global services for context.

Apart from global platforms like PayPal and Wise, several India-specific players are also building solutions tailored for exporters and freelancers. Here's a quick look:

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

If you're an Indian freelancer or SMB receiving international payments, your choice of platform directly impacts your profits and compliance. While players like Razorpay, EximPe, and Karbon offer solid features with varying fees, Skydo stands out for one reason: unmatched cost transparency. With zero forex markup, instant FIRC, and an RBI-approved infrastructure, Skydo is built specifically for Indian exporters.

For large-value payments in USD, Skydo consistently delivers higher take-home payouts without the complexity, delays, or hidden charges. If saving money and staying compliant matter, Skydo is the smarter, simpler choice.

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

Top 5 Cross-Border Payment Companies in India

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Receiving payments from international clients or partners involves more steps than a domestic transfer. You’ll need the right payment channel, correct bank/payment details, proper compliance (<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/rbi_purpose_code_for_inward_remittance">purpose codes</a>,<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/what-is-export-invoice"> invoices</a>) and awareness of fees and taxes.

This 2025 guide covers all major methods,&nbsp; from traditional bank wires to modern fintech platforms, and explains the process, costs, and paperwork involved. We’ll also highlight RBI-approved solutions like Skydo, which many exporters now use to cut fees and simplify compliance

Methods to Receive Foreign Payments (USD/EUR) in India.

Here are the main ways to receive payments from abroad&nbsp; in India

Before deciding on your preferred way, it is important to evaluate each method on parameters like timeline, fees, etc to find out which fits your needs the best. So let's understand these parameters in some detail:

Step-by-Step Process to Receive an International Payment

Main Methods to Receive International Payments

 The most traditional route is an international bank transfer. It requires giving your account number, IFSC and SWIFT/BIC code to the sender. Banks typically take 3–7 business days to settle an international transfer.

 The sender pays a correspondent bank fee (often $15–50), which is usually passed on to you, the receiver. Banks also add a foreign-exchange markup: for example, on a $5,000 receipt with a true rate of ₹84/USD, you might only get ₹82/USD, losing thousands of rupees. Banks charge for paperwork too – e.g. issuing a FIRC can be ₹250 (Axis Bank) plus extra for duplicate FIRCs

 In summary, SWIFT is universal and secure, but can be slow and expensive. 

Online Payment Gateways (PayPal, Razorpay, etc.).

 Gateways simplify online sales. For example, PayPal credits your PayPal wallet instantly once the customer pays, but moving money from PayPal to your Indian bank can take days. 

PayPal levies high fees – typically 4.4% + 4% currency conversion of the transaction amounts. (Note: PayPal India stopped INR transactions in 2021, but still allows international receipts.) A domestic Indian gateway like Razorpay has added an international payout option: it settles within ~1 business day and provides digital FIRA, and charges about 3% per transaction (plus taxes)skydo.comskydo.co. Other gateways (PayU, 2Checkout, etc.) exist, and most have similar fees. 

Gateways are convenient for online sales, but usually cost several per cent per payment. 

Money Transfer Services (Western Union, etc.). 

Money transfer services like Western Union are a long-standing option for receiving international payments, especially for smaller, one-off transfers. It allows individuals abroad to send money to recipients in India, either directly to a bank account or for cash pickup at a local Western Union agent location.

However, for business or freelancer payments, it may not be the most cost-effective or compliant route. Western Union typically includes service fees and less competitive exchange rates, which can eat into the final amount received. Additionally, it does not offer tools like FIRA generation or automated compliance required by many Indian businesses exporting services or goods.

Western Union can be convenient for personal use or emergency transfers, but for professional invoicing and frequent global payments, more specialised platforms may offer better pricing, speed, and documentation.

Virtual Multicurrency Accounts (Skydo, Wise Business, etc.).

 New fintech platforms give you real local bank accounts in the US, UK, EU, etc., that consolidate payments and deposit to your Indian account. For example, you could have a US-dollar virtual account; your client wires to that account (as if it were US domestic), and the platform then transfers INR to you. Because these avoid the SWIFT network, they eliminate SWIFT fees and are much faster, often 1–2 business days total.

They also handle compliance: Wise and Skydo will provide an electronic FIRC for each transfer (Wise charges a small fee, whereas Payoneer and Skydo include it for free).

Typical fees: Wise charges around 1.5–2% (no markup). Payoneer's fee differs by payment method, and they charge a conversion fee of 3% on INR withdrawals. Skydo charges a flat fee (e.g. $19 for payments under $2,000, $29 for $2k–10k, and 0.3% above $10k) with true mid-market rates.&nbsp;

In practice, many freelancers and exporters prefer these services. For instance, Skydo (now RBI-licensed) offers virtual foreign accounts for businesses, aiming to streamline collections and reduce forex charges. Overall, virtual accounts can be an efficient, lower-cost option for recurring international payments.


Important Compliance Points to note while Receiving Payments from abroad

No single method fits everyone. Banks are reliable for large, one-time transfers (e.g. machinery export payments), but are slow and can be costly. Gateways like PayPal or Razorpay work well for online retailers and small recurring payments, yet carry 3–4% fees. Virtual accounts&nbsp; (skydo/wise) offer better rates for freelancers or consultants, especially for frequent payments, by providing local accounts and fast conversion.

Many Indian freelancers and small exporters are now using fintech platforms. For example, Wise’s business accounts come with local USD/EUR/GBP details and low fees, and Skydo (an RBI-approved cross-border payment aggregator) offers virtual accounts with flat fees and no rate.&nbsp;These&nbsp;services typically settle within 1–2 days (much faster than banks and handle paperwork for you. 

Before deciding, compare speed vs. cost: some banks waive fees if you’re willing to wait longer, whereas instant methods charge a premium. Also, check regulatory credentials – e.g., Skydo’s new RBI authorisation for cross-border payments shows it follows official compliance standards

In summary, identify what matters most: lowest fees, fastest clearance, or easiest compliance. If speed and cost are top priority, consider a virtual account provider. If you already use PayPal or your business has card sales, a gateway may suffice. For large exports, traditional banks might be unavoidable. By understanding each option’s timeline and charges (as outlined above), you can choose the solution that fits your business. Modern platforms like Skydo combine low Forex markup with RBI-backed security, making them a compelling option for many freelancers and

Here's a quick comparison chart to help you decide the best way to accept international payments in India based on your needs:

Accept International Payments in India with Skydo

While there are several ways to receive international payments in India, virtual bank accounts are quickly becoming the preferred option for businesses and freelancers due to their simplicity and affordability. With Skydo, setting up an international account takes just five minutes, helping you easily do business in markets like the US, Europe, Singapore, and Australia.

Skydo streamlines your payments by offering live Forex rates with no hidden fees or currency markups. Take the <a href="https://x.com/0xmarvelmaniac/status/1918939616188780960">example of Ashutosh,</a> a developer who saved significantly with Skydo, as compared to receiving his payments via banks

Further, to keep things hassle-free and compliant with RBI regulations, you’ll get instant FIRA downloads after every transaction. Plus, each user benefits from a dedicated representative who’s ready to provide guidance and support whenever you need it.

If you're looking to avoid high fees on international transfers and make your foreign payments seamless and compliant, Skydo is the perfect solution!

Not sure what’s right for you? Get free 1:1 advice from a payments expert. Sign up on <a href="https://www.skydo.com/">Skydo.com</a>

How to receive international payment in India

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Payoneer is a widely used global payment platform that has helped countless freelancers and businesses manage cross-border payments with ease. Its extensive international reach, ability to receive payments from major marketplaces, and multi-currency support make it a convenient option for many.

However, for some Indian users, particularly those focused on cost-efficiency and faster local settlements, there are considerations to weigh. Payoneer’s fee structure can be both complicated and steep. For example, it charges 

All of these can add up, depending on usage

As a result, businesses and freelancers in India are increasingly exploring alternative platforms that offer localised support, faster settlements, and pricing structures more tailored to their needs. In the sections below, we explore some of the leading Payoneer alternatives, such as Skydo, Wise, PayPal, and others, highlighting how they compare in terms of features, costs, and compliance support.

Skydo is an India-based international payments app designed for exporters and freelancers. It offers loca<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/virtual-account-numbers">l virtual accounts</a> in countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, so overseas clients can pay to a “local” account without using SWIFT

All of these are huge advantages for exporters.


Skydo’s India-centric approach (auto FIRA, fast INR credit) often makes it a better alternative to Payoneer for local businesses

Wise Business: Global Payoneer Alternative with Mid-Market Rates

Wise (formerly TransferWise) is well-known for low-cost transfers. Its business account features include:

Wise’s clarity on fees and speed has made it a top Payoneer alternative globally

 PayPal: Globally Accepted but Costly Payoneer Alternative&nbsp;

PayPal is a household name for international payments. For Indian merchants, note:

In summary, PayPal is easy to use but a pricier alternative to PayPal for Indian transfers. It remains an alternative if your buyers insist, but smaller businesses often find specialised services like Skydo cheaper.

PingPong: E-commerce Friendly Payoneer Alternative&nbsp;

PingPong is popular with Indian e-commerce sellers (e.g. Amazon, eBay vendors). Its features include:

They charge ~1% of each payout (which can add up on large sales). Some users report less clarity on exact currency conversion than mid-market.

For merchants selling products abroad, PingPong simplifies operations and stands as a viable Payoneer alternative, but freelancers or service exporters may prefer other tools.

Stripe: Developer-Friendly Payoneer Alternative (Invite-Only in India)

Stripe is a powerful payments platform for businesses, especially those that need custom integrations. Key points:

Stripe is a good Payoneer alternative if you need deep customisation and can get access in India. Otherwise, more India-friendly options (Skydo, Infinity, etc.) are likely better.

Other India Based India-Based Payoneer Alternatives

For Indian freelancers, SaaS exporters, and small businesses, local alternatives to Payoneer are gaining traction, especially those built with Indian regulations, bank systems, and business needs in mind. Two platforms leading this shift are Karbon and Infinity.

Karbon is a fintech platform designed for Indian exporters looking for a fast and seamless way to collect international payments. It’s especially helpful for businesses that want to avoid delays and manage cross-border payments without getting into operational complexity.

Why consider it:
Karbon’s simple interface makes it a strong Payoneer alternative for Indian agencies and SaaS companies working with international clients.

Infinity positions itself as a lightweight, cost-effective alternative to Payoneer for Indian freelancers and small businesses. It focuses on helping users get more out of every dollar by reducing fees and simplifying cash flow.

Why consider it:
Infinity is a great option for freelancers or smaller exporters who want to avoid high forex fees and prefer a transparent, no-frills platform.

Receiving International Payments with Payoneer Vs. Skydo: A Quick Comparison&nbsp;

Let’s say you’re receiving a $10,000 international payment:

That’s a meaningful difference in both speed and net amount received, especially if you're collecting multiple payments every month.

While Payoneer continues to be a reliable option with global acceptance, platforms like Skydo are now offering India-focused solutions that prioritise savings, compliance ease, and fast settlements.

Bottom line: If you receive international payments and want to maximise what lands in your Indian bank account, Skydo is built for that. With zero markup, fast payouts, and built-in compliance, it’s a smarter way to manage your global receivables.

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Payoneer Alternatives

India is seeing a massive surge in foreign remittances, from freelancers working with global clients to families receiving support from relatives abroad. But while sending money is easier than ever, receiving it efficiently, affordably, and compliantly still poses challenges for many.

In this guide, we break down everything you need to know to receive money from abroad in India, covering bank transfers, online platforms, virtual accounts, required documents, tax rules, and the smartest options for your needs.

What Are the Main Ways to Receive Money From Abroad in India?

Bank wire transfers via the <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/swift-money-transfer-ultimate-guide">SWIFT network</a> are one of the most common ways to receive international payments in India, especially for established businesses or high-value transactions.

A Bangalore-based IT services company receives $150,000 from a U.S. corporate client for a quarterly contract. The client uses SWIFT to transfer funds from Chase Bank to HDFC Bank.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/virtual-account-numbers">Virtual accounts</a> offer a modern, cost-effective way for Indian freelancers and businesses to receive international payments.&nbsp;Platforms like Skydo and Wise provide you with local receiving accounts in foreign countries, so clients can pay you like a local.

Steps to Receive via Virtual Account:

A freelancer in Pune provides design services to a client in New York. Instead of using SWIFT, the client pays via ACH using the freelancer’s virtual US bank account from Skydo. The money is converted and settled in INR within 24 hours, with no delays, no hidden forex fees.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/paypal-in-india-charges-review-alternatives">PayPal </a>and <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/stripe-india-charges-review-alternatives">Stripe</a> are two of the most popular global payment platforms for freelancers, agencies, and online businesses. They offer simple setups to receive payments from international clients, especially for small-ticket or card-based transactions.

These platforms act as intermediaries; your client pays using their preferred method (card, wallet, bank), and you withdraw the converted amount to your Indian savings account.

An Indian SaaS business uses Stripe to collect monthly subscriptions from global customers, offering seamless card payments and auto-billing. Meanwhile, a freelancer uses PayPal to invoice clients for one-off projects or small retainer work, offering a quick and familiar option for international clients to pay via card or wallet.

 Other Methods: Remittance Services &amp; UPI-Based Transfers

Apart from bank transfers, virtual accounts, and payment gateways, there are other ways Indian individuals receive money from abroad,&nbsp; such as cash remittance services (Western Union, MoneyGram) and UPI-linked international transfers.

These methods are typically more suited for personal remittances rather than business transactions.

Remittance Services (e.g., Western Union, MoneyGram)

&nbsp;UPI-Linked Transfers (via Tie-ups with NRIs or Global Apps)

A student receives ₹25,000 from their parents abroad via Western Union, or an NRI sends a small Diwali gift through a global app integrated with UPI. Quick, simple, but not appropriate for business invoices or export earnings.

When it comes to receiving international payments in India, the method you choose significantly impacts how much actually reaches your account. Below is a breakdown comparing traditional bank wire transfers, payment gateways (like PayPal, Stripe), and virtual accounts (like Skydo).

Typical Scenario: If you’re receiving $5,000, you might lose ₹5,000–₹10,000 in deductions before it hits your account.

Use Case: Good for small, frequent payments or client card payments, but costly for large transfers.

Best For: Exporters, agencies, and freelancers who want clarity, savings, and automated documentation.

 RBI Guidelines &amp; Tax: What You Need to Know

Whether you're a freelancer, a small business, or receiving money from friends or family abroad,&nbsp; it's important to stay <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/compliance-guideline-for-inward-remittance">compliant with RBI and Indian tax regulations</a>. Here's what you need to know:

All foreign inward remittances must comply with the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). The purpose of the transfer (gift, income, business payment, etc.) determines the applicable regulation and reporting requirement.

Virtual accounts (Skydo, Wise) offer ease, low fees, and instant FIRA.

Use virtual accounts for routine payments. For very large sums, occasional SWIFT transfers may still be necessary."

Payment gateways like PayPal or Stripe are convenient, but plan to avoid conversion markups by withdrawing via lower-cost alternatives or virtual accounts.

Tips to Avoid Overpaying While Receiving Money from Abroad

If you're tired of hidden bank charges, delayed settlements, and chasing compliance paperwork, Skydo offers a better way.
With RBI-approved virtual accounts, live forex rates (no markup), and instant, free FIRA for every transaction, Skydo makes receiving international payments faster, cheaper, and 100% compliant.

Whether you're a freelancer, an agency, or an exporter, Skydo helps you bring your payments home without the usual hassle.

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Receiving money from abroad in India

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infinity Payment Fees: How Much Do You Pay?

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

Transaction fee: Infinity Payment charges a transaction fee of 0.5% of the amount. For receiving a payment of $10,000, the fee will be $50 (0.5% X $10,000). They also offer custom pricing for payments above&nbsp;USD 50,000.

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

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

Skdyo: A Seamless Infinity Payment Alternative For Receiving International Payments

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

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

For example,&nbsp;a $10,000 payment would incur a flat fee of $29 with Skydo.

This structure can make Skydo more cost-effective for mid to high-value transactions. However, for smaller amounts, particularly under $1,000, percentage-based platforms may sometimes offer lower fees depending on their pricing model.

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

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

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

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

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Infinity Payments

In today’s global economy, many Indian freelancers, SaaS startups, and exporters regularly receive payments from clients abroad. Choosing the right platform for international payments can make a big difference in costs and convenience. Two of the most popular options are Stripe and PayPal. Both enable cross-border transactions, but they work very differently. PayPal operates in 200+ countries and supports 25 currencies, whereas Stripe is available in 46 countries and supports 135+ currencies.&nbsp;This means PayPal has a broader geographic reach, while Stripe shines with its developer-friendly tools and multi-currency support.

In this guide, we’ll compare Stripe vs PayPal (and mention a few alternatives) on key factors like fees, payment methods, supported markets, and regulatory compliance (especially for Indian businesses). We’ll explain real costs, limitations, and use cases for each service. We’ll also introduce India-focused solutions like Skydo, which offers transparent fees, live forex rates and instant FIRA/GST compliance for payments. By the end, you’ll know which platform best fits your needs for international invoicing and payments.

Stripe vs PayPal: Key Differences at a Glance

While both Stripe and PayPal enable global payments, they serve very different use cases, especially for Indian businesses. Here's a quick overview of how they stack up on the fundamentals

Stripe is often preferred by tech-led companies that need developer flexibility and customised billing models. Its global infrastructure supports a wide range of currencies and payment methods, though availability in India is currently limited.

PayPal has long been the go-to for freelancers and e-commerce businesses due to its ease of use and global reach. It provides features like FIRA for Indian users and integrates easily with most client workflows.

💡 Today, platforms like Skydo are also becoming popular among Indian businesses, offering benefits like faster INR settlements, flat fees, and automated compliance support.

Stripe is a global payments platform designed to power internet businesses, from startups to enterprise companies. Headquartered in the U.S. and Ireland, Stripe supports over 135 currencies and is known for its developer-friendly APIs, which make it easy to build custom payment flows.

While Stripe has become the backbone of many SaaS companies and marketplaces worldwide, its availability in India is still limited. Business accounts in India are currently invite-only, and Stripe doesn’t issue Foreign Inward Remittance Advice (FIRA), which is a key document required by Indian exporters for GST and compliance purposes.

Stripe is ideal for companies that need flexibility, scalability, and deep integration capabilities, especially those offering subscriptions, platforms, or global SaaS products.

🔖<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/stripe-alternatives-for-international-payments-in-india">Not happy with Stripe? Learn about these Stripe alternatives</a>.&nbsp;

PayPal is one of the world’s most recognised digital payment platforms. Originally designed to simplify peer-to-peer payments, it has evolved into a robust solution for freelancers, e-commerce sellers, and small businesses looking to receive payments globally.

PayPal allows Indian users to receive payments from international clients in major currencies like USD, GBP, and EUR. Once the funds arrive, they are automatically converted to INR and settled into your linked Indian bank account. PayPal also provides a digital Foreign Inward Remittance Advice (FIRA), which is essential for compliance in India.

PayPal is especially useful for freelancers, digital service providers, and small e-commerce sellers who prioritise ease of use and broad client acceptance.

🔖<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/top-paypal-india-alternatives-for-international-payment">Not happy with PayPal? Learn about these PayPal alternatives</a>.&nbsp;

When it comes to receiving international payments, both Stripe and PayPal have different pricing models, each with its own structure for transaction fees, currency conversion, and compliance.

&nbsp;Example: Receiving $5,000 from an International Client

Let’s break down what happens when you receive $5,000 via Stripe and PayPal, assuming a mid-market exchange rate of ₹85/USD.

If you're a freelancer or exporter receiving international payments regularly, platforms like Skydo offer mid-market exchange rates, no forex markup, and instant free FIRA, helping you retain more from every payment.

Cross-Border Features: Stripe vs PayPal for Indian Users

When it comes to international payments, businesses care about how fast they get paid, which currencies are supported, and how flexible the platform is in terms of payment methods and compliance.

Growing Global

Understanding Global Payments blogs