Export essentials
Posted on Apr 22, 2025
Whether you're a freelancer billing clients abroad or an export business shipping products worldwide, receiving international payments quickly and compliantly is key. That’s where payment gateways come in.
A payment gateway serves as a bridge between your business and your customer’s banks, allowing seamless, secure online transactions. But when it comes to international transactions, especially in the Indian regulatory environment, not all gateways are created equal.
Let’s start with the basics — what a payment gateway actually is — and then dive into the top payment gateways in India for handling global payments.
What is a Payment Gateway?
A payment gateway is a technology solution that authorises and processes payments made online. It acts as an intermediary between the merchant's website/app and the customer's payment method, such as cards, net banking, wallets, or UPI.
How Payment Gateway Works for International Transactions:
For global transactions, the payment gateway:
Accepts foreign currency payments
Converts them into INR
Sends the amount to the merchant’s Indian bank account
It also ensures transaction security, compliance, and timely settlements, which are especially critical for exporters and freelancers dealing with clients overseas.
As more Indian businesses go global, choosing the right payment gateway becomes more than a tech decision — it’s a financial one.
Related Read: How to set up a multi-currency account with Infinity
Why are Payment Gateways Crucial for Indian Exporters and Freelancers?
International clients expect seamless payment experiences — and that’s where Indian businesses need to step up.
Here’s why the right payment gateway matters:
Speed: Delayed payments mean cash flow issues. Good gateways offer faster settlements.
Compliance: Exporters need RBI-compliant documentation, like e-FIRCs and purpose codes.
Transparency: Avoiding hidden FX markups can save thousands.
Ease of use: Clients should be able to pay via card or bank transfer without friction.
In short, a powerful payment gateway isn't just a backend tool — it's a business growth enabler for Indian freelancers, SaaS companies, and exporters.
Top 4 Payment Gateways in India for International Transactions
Let’s take a closer look at the most popular gateways Indian businesses use for receiving international payments — and how they stack up for global use:
1. Razorpay
Accepts international cards (manual activation)
No multi-currency accounts
e-FIRC must be requested manually (₹500 each)
Ideal for domestic businesses with light international exposure
2. PayPal
Globally recognized
Supports over 25 currencies
High transaction fees (~4.4% + fixed fee + 4%)
Good for freelancers but lacks Indian compliance features (no e-FIRC)
3. Instamojo
Easy to set up and use
Supports international card payments
Limited compliance support for exporters
Best suited for smaller businesses just starting out
4. Payoneer
Offers virtual USD, EUR, and GBP account details
Great for receiving direct bank transfers
e-FIRC is not auto-generated
Each of these gateways solves different problems. But which one solves all of them — and is truly designed for Indian businesses scaling internationally?
How to Choose the Best Payment Gateway for Your Business
The best payment gateway for international use depends on several factors:
✅ Currency support – Can you accept USD, EUR, etc., directly?
✅ e-FIRC & compliance – Is documentation automated and RBI-ready?
✅ FX transparency – Are exchange rates fair, or padded with hidden markups?
✅ Speed – How fast do you get your INR?
✅ Integration ease – Does it plug into your website or app easily?
Many gateways tick a few boxes. But very few cover everything Indian exporters and freelancers need to scale globally.
Which Payment Gateway Should Indian Exporters and Freelancers Choose?
If you’re selling mostly in India and occasionally taking international card payments, tools like Razorpay or Instamojo may be enough to get started.
But if you’re a growing exporter or a freelancer with overseas clients, you need more:
Transparent FX rates
Virtual foreign account details
Fast INR settlements
Auto e-FIRC and purpose code tagging
That’s where Infinity stands out.
Want to know how much you save on your payments? Click here to know more!
Infinity: Great Alternative for Receiving International Payments
Infinity is not a payment gateway but a modern payment solution built specifically for Indian freelancers, SaaS founders, and export businesses.
With features like:
Multi-currency virtual accounts (USD, EUR, GBP)- Open your multi-currency account in minutes by following a simple KYB procedure.
Real-time INR settlement- Receive your payment in 1 business day and track your payment throughout the process.
Auto-generated e-FIRCS- With each transaction, you get instant and free-of-cost FIRA.
Transparent Live FX rates- No more hidden charges and FX markup, you get ar what you see at Google. That means you get to convert your money at live FX rates.
Cheapest Pricing- With just 0.5%( inclusive of all) platform fee, you can receive your payment across the globe.
Infinity ensures you receive more, faster, with full compliance and zero surprises.
👉 Visit infinity to learn more or start receiving global payments like a pro.
