5 PayPal Alternatives for International Payment in India

Tired of PayPal’s High Fees and Restrictions?

Here Are the Best International Payment Alternatives in India (2025)

If you’re a freelancer, agency, creator, or remote worker in India, you’ve probably used PayPal to receive international payments. And chances are, you’ve also been frustrated by its high transaction fees, unexpected holds, or withdrawal delays.

With India’s freelance economy growing rapidly, smooth and fast cross-border payments have become a necessity. Today, several reliable PayPal alternatives offer better service, lower fees, and more flexibility. In this article, I’ll walk you through the best international payment platforms available in India, their features, and why they may be better for your freelance or remote career.

I’m Riten, founder of Fueler - a platform that helps freelancers and professionals get hired through their proof of work. In this article, I’ll share the best PayPal alternatives for international payments in India. Because beyond just getting paid, how you present your work and how easily you receive global payments matter. Your portfolio is your “proof of work”, your shortcut to trust, and your gateway to better clients.

Here are the best PayPal Alternatives for International Payment in India

1. Wise (Formerly TransferWise)

Best for Low Fees and Transparent Exchange Rates

Wise is one of the most popular PayPal alternatives worldwide. It lets you receive international payments directly to your Indian bank account using real exchange rates and minimal fees.

Features:

• Real-time currency conversion with mid-market rates
• Local receiving accounts in USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, and more
• Seamless withdrawals to Indian bank accounts
• Full compliance with RBI and FEMA regulations

Why Wise:

If you're tired of losing money to hidden fees, Wise helps you receive international freelance payments at real exchange rates, making it perfect for developers, marketers, and remote workers.

Pricing:

• No setup fee
• Small fee (~0.33% to 1.8%) depending on currency
• No monthly subscription

2. Payoneer

Best for Freelancers Working on Platforms Like Upwork, Fiverr, or Amazon

Payoneer is a global payment solution designed for freelancers, agencies, and e-commerce sellers. It offers virtual receiving accounts in multiple currencies and lets you withdraw money to your Indian bank in INR.

Features:

• Multi-currency receiving accounts (USD, EUR, GBP, etc.)
• Payoneer Prepaid Card (usable at ATMs and online)
• Direct integration with Upwork, Fiverr, Toptal, Amazon, etc.
• 24x7 customer support

Why Payoneer:

Payoneer is ideal for freelancers who work with global platforms or direct clients. It simplifies the entire payment journey while keeping your earnings accessible.

Pricing:

• No signup or monthly fees
• ~2% currency conversion fee

Also Read: 10 Alternatives for PayPal in 2025

3. Deel

Best for Freelancers Working with Startups and Remote Companies

Deel is a powerful platform for contractors and freelancers working with global companies. It offers legal contracts, tax documents, and supports multiple withdrawal options like Wise, Payoneer, bank transfer, and even USDC (crypto).

Features:

• Automated contracts and invoices
• Fast payments from global companies
• Supports freelancers in 150+ countries
• One-click withdrawals to Wise, Payoneer, Crypto, or UPI

Why Deel:

Deel is ideal if you're working with startups or international clients who require legal compliance. It also allows companies to pay you via the method you prefer.

Pricing:

• Free for freelancers
• Client companies pay the service fee
• Fastest payment delivery in the market

4. Stripe (via Razorpay or Instamojo)

Stripe isn’t directly available for Indian individuals, but you can still use it through Razorpay, Instamojo, or Cashfree if you have a registered business (sole proprietorship or above).

Features:

• Accept international cards from 130+ countries
• Create payment links, invoices, and subscriptions
• Integrates with Gumroad, Shopify, Webflow, etc.
• UPI and local payment options for Indian clients

Why Stripe:

If you run a freelance studio or sell services/products globally, Stripe via Razorpay gives you a legit, professional way to accept international payments.

Pricing (via Razorpay):

• 3% to 4% fee per international transaction
• No monthly charges
• Free integration tools

5. Mulya

Built in India, for India – A Modern Payment Stack for Freelancers and Agencies

Mulya is a new-age payment platform built specifically for Indian freelancers, creators, and agencies to receive international payments with ease. What makes Mulya stand out is that it’s 100% built in India, compliant with Indian laws, and focused on reducing the pain of global transactions, without relying on legacy tools like PayPal.

Features:

• Generate client-friendly payment links in USD, EUR, GBP, and more
• Payments settle in your Indian bank account in INR
• 100% RBI and FEMA compliant
• No need for a registered business or company, even individuals can use it
• Works great for US, EU, UK, and Australia-based clients

Why it matters:

Most freelancers either struggle with complex international banking tools or face high currency conversion fees. Mulya simplifies that entire process with a clean interface, fast settlement, and transparent pricing. It’s also designed keeping in mind Indian creators and consultants, so it removes the friction freelancers often face on global platforms.

Pricing:

• Flat 1% fee on all international payments
• No monthly fees or setup costs
• Payouts in 2–3 working days to Indian bank accounts

FAQs

1. What is the best alternative to PayPal for freelancers in India?

Wise and Payoneer are currently the best PayPal alternatives for freelancers in India due to their low fees, currency flexibility, and easy bank withdrawals.

2. Can I receive international payments without PayPal?

Yes, you can use platforms like Wise, Payoneer, Deel, and even crypto wallets to receive international payments without needing PayPal.

3. Which platform is best for receiving Fiverr or Upwork payments in India?

Payoneer integrates directly with Fiverr and Upwork and offers fast transfers to your Indian bank account.

4. How to legally receive international freelance payments in India?

Use RBI-compliant platforms like Wise, Payoneer, or Deel. Always report earnings in your tax returns and consult a CA for compliance.

5. Is crypto a legal option for international payments in India?

Crypto is not illegal, but it’s taxed under Indian law. Use it cautiously and ensure all transactions are well-documented.

What is Fueler Portfolio?

Fueler is a career portfolio platform that helps companies find the best talents for their organization based on their proof of work.

You can create your portfolio on Fueler, thousands of freelancers around the world use Fueler to create their professional-looking portfolios and become financially independent. Discover inspiration for your portfolio

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