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PayPal vs Stripe (2026): Which Is Better for Receiving International Payments in India?

Author:
Editorial team, serviceexportguide.com
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Editorial team
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15 min read

Short answer

Stripe publishes enough pricing to estimate the cost of a USD 5,000 receipt, so there is no cost verdict. The better choice depends on how your client pays: PayPal is best for clients paying by card or PayPal balance, and Stripe is best for card checkout and subscriptions.345

Use caseBetter optionWhy
Bank transfer of USD 5,000Cannot comparePayPal costs about 7.27 to 8.23%; Stripe does not publish full pricing.12
Bank transfer of USD 2,000Cannot comparePayPal costs about 7.28 to 8.24%; Stripe does not publish full pricing.12
Client paying USD 2,000 by card or linkCannot comparePayPal costs about 7.28 to 8.24%; Stripe does not publish full pricing.12
PayPal is best forPayPalClients paying by card or PayPal balance.3
Stripe is best forStripeCard checkout and subscriptions.45

1,000 USD = ₹94,243 at the reference rate for 13 November 2026 (European Central Bank data).

Estimated rupees received, on published fees

Sorted by estimated rupees received, highest first. Only providers that publish both their fee and their conversion markup for this currency and method can be estimated.

#Provider and routeBest forFee (+GST)MarkupYou receiveCost
1Karbon BusinessLowest estimated costBank transfer to a Karbon virtual USD accountUS bank transfers and marketplace payouts₹942plus GST, rate not stated0%₹93,131 to ₹93,3011.00 to 1.18%
2RazorpayMoneySaver Export Account: bank transfer to virtual account details (Standard plan)Local transfers from the US, UK and eurozone₹1,000plus GST, rate not stated0%₹93,063 to ₹93,2431.06 to 1.25%
3WinvestaGlobal Collections Account, standard plan (up to 2,000 a month per currency)Local transfers with a published per-payment fee₹1,4350%₹92,8091.52%
4SkydoPayment link (InstaLinks) paid by ACH debitLocal bank transfers from major markets₹1,885plus GST, rate not stated0%₹92,019 to ₹92,3582.00 to 2.36%
5PayoneerLocal bank transfer to Payoneer receiving account detailsMarketplace payouts such as Amazon or Upwork₹0no GST stated1 to 4%₹90,473 to ₹93,3011.00 to 4.00%
6PayPalThis pageInternational commercial transaction received into a PayPal account (PayPal checkout or invoice)Clients paying by card or PayPal balance₹4,175no GST stated3 to 4%₹86,465 to ₹87,3667.30 to 8.25%

Not estimated because pricing is not fully published: Cashfree Payments, Dodo Payments, PingPong, Stripe, Tazapay, TransFi, Wise.

Where a provider says GST applies to its fee but not at what rate, the range runs from no GST to 18%, the rate Skydo, Stripe and Winvesta state on their pages. Estimates use each provider's published fee, conversion markup, GST on fees and FIRA charge, checked 2026-10-28, against the reference rate. They exclude charges taken by intermediary banks and your own bank, and the rate a provider actually applies at the time of conversion. Check the provider's pricing page before you choose. The order is calculated only from these published numbers; no provider can pay to change its position, and there are no affiliate links.

How do PayPal and Stripe compare at a glance?

PayPal and Stripe compare on the twelve points below, using each provider's published information as checked on 28 October 2026. Where a provider does not publish something, the table says so.167

PayPalStripe
Best forClients paying by card or PayPal balance3Card checkout and subscriptions45
Fees4.40% plus a fixed fee per international commercial transaction. Fixed fee by currency received, for example 0.30 USD, 0.35 EUR, 0.20 GBP, 0.30 AUD, 0.30 CAD. Approved micropayment accounts pay 6.00% plus a micropayments fixed fee (for example 0.05 USD) instead.13% for Visa and Mastercard cards issued outside India, 3.5% for American Express cards issued outside India, and 4.3% for international cards with USD or other non-INR presentment, per successful charge.67
FX markupBase exchange rate plus a fee. PayPal lists 3.0% above the base exchange rate for 'converting balance and payments received into another currency' and 4.00% for 'conversions in all other cases' (INR listed at 4.00%). The fee page does not say which of the two applies when the balance is converted to INR for transfer to an Indian bank.13Additional 2% if currency conversion is required. Stripe does not publish on these pages exactly which export charges need conversion.67
SettlementPayPal asks users to allow up to 5 business days for funds to show in the bank account, depending on the bank's clearing process.8Each daily payout includes international card payments processed five business days earlier. No payouts on weekends or public holidays. Seven-day waiting period for the first payout, which can be longer for high-risk industries.9
FIRAFree weekly digital FIRA (Foreign Inward Remittance Advise) from February 2026, downloadable under Reports, then Tax, in a business account for the last 12 months; earlier transactions are covered by monthly FIRAs. Custom FIRA: 100 INR plus 18% GST per transaction for up to 20 transactions, or 2,000 INR plus 18% GST for a bulk request above 20 transactions; PayPal says custom FIRAs are issued by Citibank.2Stripe does not issue a FIRC itself. Standard Chartered Bank emails a payment advice (payee advice) to the registered Stripe email on the day an export payout is processed; Stripe says to present it to your own bank to request a FIRC. Cost of the FIRC from your bank: not published by Stripe.104
CurrenciesPayPal says Indian users can receive payments from international customers in more than 25 currencies. The list below is the currencies other than INR that appear in the fixed-fee table on PayPal's India fee page.111Stripe says it supports presentment in 135+ currencies on Visa and Mastercard, and INR or USD on American Express.47
KYC: who can sign upIndian residents with a personal or business account; PayPal's KYC page covers individual business accounts, sole proprietors, partnership firms (including LLPs) and private limited companies. Receiving international payments needs a verified PAN, a linked Indian bank account, a purpose code, a description of the business and full KYC (Lite KYC allows one payment under $200).31213By invite only: Indian businesses cannot sign up through the website and must request an invite. International payments are open to sole proprietorships, LLPs and companies. Individuals can use Stripe India for domestic payments only. Non-profits, NGOs and simple partnerships are not supported.451415
RBI PA-CB statusPayPal's India user agreement says it provides export payment services as an online payment gateway service provider under RBI A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 16 (RBI/2015-16/185) and that PayPal is not a bank in India. RBI's status list as on 16 October 2026 shows PayPal Payments Private Limited under 'Existing PAs-CB which can operate as Payment Aggregator- Cross Border' with 'In-Principle Authorisation Granted'. PayPal is not on RBI's list of Certificates of Authorisation dated 16 October 2026.31617RBI lists Stripe India Private Limited as an authorised Payment Aggregator Online (PA-O, 'Stripe', dated 15.01.2024), not as a Payment Aggregator-Cross Border (PA-CB). RBI's application status list as on 16.10.2026 shows its new PA-CB application returned on 12.07.2024 and marks it as withdrawn by the entity. Stripe says it withdrew the PA-CB application based on RBI guidance and continues cross-border services for Indian businesses on an invite-only basis. Stripe names Standard Chartered Bank as the bank that issues payment advice for export payouts.171618410
SupportNot published as a list of channels for Indian users on the pages checked; PayPal India's help centre articles are the published support route.Not published for Indian users on the pages checked; prospective users fill in a contact form to request an invite.
LimitsPayPal's India user agreement lists using Export Payment Services for a product or service worth more than USD 10,000 per transaction as a restricted activity. Lite KYC allows receiving one payment under $200.313Up to ₹25 lakh per export transaction for sole proprietorships, LLPs and companies.19
How clients payThe buyer pays through PayPal from a PayPal balance, card, bank account or other payment method; alternative payment methods listed in PayPal's APM agreement can be enabled and are charged at commercial transaction rates. Payments from Indian customers are not supported.3111Foreign customers pay by card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), Apple Pay or Google Pay through a Stripe checkout, payment link, invoice or subscription. Cards must be issued outside India and the customer must give a non-Indian billing address. International card payments require 3D Secure authentication.14204
Card paymentsBuyers can pay by credit or debit card through PayPal. The India fee page publishes one rate for receiving international commercial transactions (4.40% plus fixed fee) and does not list a separate card rate.31Yes, card payments are the core method: 3% (Visa or Mastercard issued abroad, INR presentment), 3.5% (American Express issued abroad), 4.3% (non-INR presentment), plus 2% if conversion is required. GST at 18% is charged on Stripe fees.621

How much INR do you receive on $2,000, $5,000 and $10,000 with PayPal vs Stripe?

The INR you receive with PayPal and Stripe is the invoice at the reference rate, less each provider's fee, conversion markup, GST on fees and FIRA charge. The table works this out from published pricing at today's rate.

PlatformBest forINR on USD 2,000INR on USD 5,000INR on USD 10,000Cost on USD 5,000
PayPalMost INRInternational commercial transaction received into a PayPal account (PayPal checkout or invoice)Clients paying by card or PayPal balance₹1,72,958 to ₹1,74,760₹4,32,436 to ₹4,36,940₹8,64,899 to ₹8,73,9087.27 to 8.23%

Not estimated because pricing for USD is not fully published: Stripe.

Ranked by INR received on USD 5,000. Reference rate: European Central Bank data for 13 November 2026. Fees, conversion markup, GST on fees and FIRA charges as published by each provider, checked 28 October 2026. Ranges appear where a provider publishes a range or does not state its GST rate. Intermediary bank charges are excluded. See the methodology.

What is PayPal and who is it for?

PayPal is a payment services company whose India entity, PayPal Payments Private Limited, lets Indian residents receive payments from buyers outside India and transfers the balance to a linked Indian bank account.31

  • Regulated by: PayPal's India user agreement says it provides export payment services as an online payment gateway service provider under RBI A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 16 (RBI/2015-16/185) and that PayPal is not a bank in India. RBI's status list as on 16 October 2026 shows PayPal Payments Private Limited under 'Existing PAs-CB which can operate as Payment Aggregator- Cross Border' with 'In-Principle Authorisation Granted'. PayPal is not on RBI's list of Certificates of Authorisation dated 16 October 2026.31617
  • Used by: Indian residents with a personal or business account; PayPal's KYC page covers individual business accounts, sole proprietors, partnership firms (including LLPs) and private limited companies. Receiving international payments needs a verified PAN, a linked Indian bank account, a purpose code, a description of the business and full KYC (Lite KYC allows one payment under $200).31213
  • Best for: Clients paying by card or PayPal balance.3

What is Stripe and who is it for?

Stripe is a US-headquartered online payments company whose India accounts, available by invite only, let registered Indian businesses accept card and wallet payments from customers abroad and receive payouts in INR.47

  • Regulated by: RBI lists Stripe India Private Limited as an authorised Payment Aggregator Online (PA-O, 'Stripe', dated 15.01.2024), not as a Payment Aggregator-Cross Border (PA-CB). RBI's application status list as on 16.10.2026 shows its new PA-CB application returned on 12.07.2024 and marks it as withdrawn by the entity. Stripe says it withdrew the PA-CB application based on RBI guidance and continues cross-border services for Indian businesses on an invite-only basis. Stripe names Standard Chartered Bank as the bank that issues payment advice for export payouts.171618410
  • Used by: By invite only: Indian businesses cannot sign up through the website and must request an invite. International payments are open to sole proprietorships, LLPs and companies. Individuals can use Stripe India for domestic payments only. Non-profits, NGOs and simple partnerships are not supported.451415
  • Best for: Card checkout and subscriptions.45

How do PayPal and Stripe fees and FX markup compare?

PayPal and Stripe charge in different ways, so compare the fee and the conversion markup together, not the headline fee alone.

What does PayPal charge?

Transaction typeFeeFX markupGST on feesBest for
International commercial transaction received into a PayPal account (PayPal checkout or invoice)4.4% + plus a fixed fee by currency123 to 4%Not statedClients paying through a payment link

What does Stripe charge?

Transaction typeFeeFX markupGST on feesBest for
Visa or Mastercard issued outside India, charged in INR3%67210%18%Clients paying by card
American Express card issued outside India3.5%6212%18%Clients paying by card
International card with USD or other non-INR presentment4.3%67212%18%Clients paying by card

How do PayPal and Stripe compare on settlement speed?

PayPal and Stripe publish these settlement times for money reaching an Indian bank account.

PlatformSettlement timePayout to IndiaBest for
PayPalPayPal asks users to allow up to 5 business days for funds to show in the bank account, depending on the bank's clearing process.8PayPal transfers the balance automatically every day to the linked Indian bank account. Standard withdrawal to a bank account: no fee when no currency conversion is involved. A failed withdrawal because of incorrect bank details carries a bank return fee of 250.00 (currency not stated on the page).81Clients paying by card or PayPal balance3
StripeEach daily payout includes international card payments processed five business days earlier. No payouts on weekends or public holidays. Seven-day waiting period for the first payout, which can be longer for high-risk industries.9Automatic daily payouts in INR only to the Indian bank account. Export payouts are made separately from domestic payouts and are labelled International. Manual, weekly and monthly schedules are not available. No payout fee is stated.947Card checkout and subscriptions45

Do PayPal and Stripe provide FIRA and e-BRC, and are they RBI PA-CB authorised?

PayPal and Stripe publish the FIRA position and RBI status below, checked on 28 October 2026. An e-BRC is generated by the exporter on the DGFT portal from bank remittance data, so it does not depend on the provider issuing one.41

PlatformFIRARBI PA-CB statusBest for
PayPalFree weekly digital FIRA (Foreign Inward Remittance Advise) from February 2026, downloadable under Reports, then Tax, in a business account for the last 12 months; earlier transactions are covered by monthly FIRAs. Custom FIRA: 100 INR plus 18% GST per transaction for up to 20 transactions, or 2,000 INR plus 18% GST for a bulk request above 20 transactions; PayPal says custom FIRAs are issued by Citibank.2PayPal's India user agreement says it provides export payment services as an online payment gateway service provider under RBI A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 16 (RBI/2015-16/185) and that PayPal is not a bank in India. RBI's status list as on 16 October 2026 shows PayPal Payments Private Limited under 'Existing PAs-CB which can operate as Payment Aggregator- Cross Border' with 'In-Principle Authorisation Granted'. PayPal is not on RBI's list of Certificates of Authorisation dated 16 October 2026.31617Clients paying by card or PayPal balance3
StripeStripe does not issue a FIRC itself. Standard Chartered Bank emails a payment advice (payee advice) to the registered Stripe email on the day an export payout is processed; Stripe says to present it to your own bank to request a FIRC. Cost of the FIRC from your bank: not published by Stripe.104RBI lists Stripe India Private Limited as an authorised Payment Aggregator Online (PA-O, 'Stripe', dated 15.01.2024), not as a Payment Aggregator-Cross Border (PA-CB). RBI's application status list as on 16.10.2026 shows its new PA-CB application returned on 12.07.2024 and marks it as withdrawn by the entity. Stripe says it withdrew the PA-CB application based on RBI guidance and continues cross-border services for Indian businesses on an invite-only basis. Stripe names Standard Chartered Bank as the bank that issues payment advice for export payouts.171618410Card checkout and subscriptions45

Which currencies, countries and payment methods do PayPal and Stripe support?

PayPal and Stripe accept the currencies and payment methods below, as each publishes them.

PlatformCurrenciesHow clients payCard paymentsBest for
PayPalPayPal says Indian users can receive payments from international customers in more than 25 currencies. The list below is the currencies other than INR that appear in the fixed-fee table on PayPal's India fee page.111The buyer pays through PayPal from a PayPal balance, card, bank account or other payment method; alternative payment methods listed in PayPal's APM agreement can be enabled and are charged at commercial transaction rates. Payments from Indian customers are not supported.3111Buyers can pay by credit or debit card through PayPal. The India fee page publishes one rate for receiving international commercial transactions (4.40% plus fixed fee) and does not list a separate card rate.31Clients paying by card or PayPal balance3
StripeStripe says it supports presentment in 135+ currencies on Visa and Mastercard, and INR or USD on American Express.47Foreign customers pay by card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), Apple Pay or Google Pay through a Stripe checkout, payment link, invoice or subscription. Cards must be issued outside India and the customer must give a non-Indian billing address. International card payments require 3D Secure authentication.14204Yes, card payments are the core method: 3% (Visa or Mastercard issued abroad, INR presentment), 3.5% (American Express issued abroad), 4.3% (non-INR presentment), plus 2% if conversion is required. GST at 18% is charged on Stripe fees.621Card checkout and subscriptions45

What are the strengths and limitations of PayPal and Stripe?

PayPal and Stripe each suit some exporters better than others. These points come from each provider's own pages.

What are the strengths and limitations of PayPal?

Strengths:

  • Your foreign client wants to pay by card or from a PayPal balance rather than by bank transfer.3
  • Individual invoices are at or below USD 10,000, the per-transaction ceiling in PayPal's India user agreement.3
  • You want an export document without a per-payment fee: PayPal provides a free weekly digital FIRA.2

Limitations:

  • The receiving fee is 4.40% plus a fixed fee per international commercial payment, before any currency conversion fee.1
  • The fee page lists both 3.0% and 4.00% conversion fees and does not state which one applies to conversion to INR on withdrawal.1
  • Payments from Indian customers are not supported; only international payments can be received.11
  • Export Payment Services cannot be used for a product or service worth more than USD 10,000 per transaction.3
  • Dispute and chargeback fees apply, for example 8.00 USD at the standard rate and 16.00 USD at the high-volume rate, and receiving fees are not returned on refunds.1
  • As of 16 October 2026 RBI lists PayPal Payments Private Limited with in-principle (not final) authorisation as a cross-border payment aggregator.1617

What are the strengths and limitations of Stripe?

Strengths:

  • You are a registered sole proprietorship, LLP or company and have been invited to Stripe India.45
  • Your foreign customers pay by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay, for example on a website checkout or a subscription.14
  • You bill recurring international subscriptions or invoices and want Stripe Billing to collect them.4
  • Each payment is within ₹25 lakh.19

Limitations:

  • Available by invite only in India; new businesses cannot sign up through the website.415
  • Individuals (freelancers not registered as a business entity) cannot accept international payments.51419
  • Only card and wallet payments from abroad are listed; no local bank account details for clients to pay by bank transfer are listed for India accounts.14
  • Payouts are in INR only; a foreign currency balance cannot be held or withdrawn.74
  • Only one transaction purpose code per Stripe account.4
  • Stripe does not issue a FIRC; you take the Standard Chartered payment advice to your own bank.10
  • RBI lists Stripe India as a Payment Aggregator Online (PA-O), not a Payment Aggregator-Cross Border (PA-CB); its PA-CB application was withdrawn, per RBI's status list and Stripe's own support page.171618
  • Stripe charges ₹1,000 per dispute received and ₹1,000 per dispute countered, each returned if you win, and the original processing and conversion fees are not returned on refunds.6

Should you choose PayPal or Stripe?

Choose between PayPal and Stripe by how your clients pay and your usual invoice size.

Choose PayPal if:

  • Your foreign client wants to pay by card or from a PayPal balance rather than by bank transfer.3
  • Individual invoices are at or below USD 10,000, the per-transaction ceiling in PayPal's India user agreement.3
  • You want an export document without a per-payment fee: PayPal provides a free weekly digital FIRA.2

Choose Stripe if:

  • You are a registered sole proprietorship, LLP or company and have been invited to Stripe India.45
  • Your foreign customers pay by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay, for example on a website checkout or a subscription.14
  • You bill recurring international subscriptions or invoices and want Stripe Billing to collect them.4
  • Each payment is within ₹25 lakh.19

For example, say a designer invoices a US client USD 2,000. Because Stripe does not publish full pricing for that case, ask for a quote in writing and compare it with the FIRA rate after the first payment.1367

Which other platforms should you consider besides PayPal and Stripe?

Other platforms to consider besides PayPal and Stripe are the ones with the lowest estimated cost on a USD 5,000 receipt, listed in that order.2324252627283031333436383940

PlatformBest forEstimated cost on USD 5,000FIRAReview
SkydoLocal bank transfers from major markets220.68%232425262728Skydo says it issues a free FIRA on every payment received, and that its FIRA and FIRC are accepted for GST filing and by banks.2729Skydo review
Karbon BusinessUS bank transfers and marketplace payouts301.00 to 1.18%3031Karbon says it provides a FIRA for every transaction, issued by its licensed banking partner, which it does not name. Cost not published.30Karbon Business review
RazorpayLocal transfers from the US, UK and eurozone321.00 to 1.18%3334Razorpay provides a Foreign Inward Remittance Statement (FIRS), sent to the contact email within 24 hours after settlement for bank transfers, and downloadable from the dashboard, which shows bank-provided certificates and Razorpay-generated statements. The pricing page lists FIRC or eFIRC as included and auto-generated for international cards. No separate charge is published.323534Razorpay review
WinvestaLocal transfers with a published per-payment fee36371.24%36383940Free e-FIRA, emailed within 24 hours of funds reaching the Indian bank account and downloadable from the dashboard; it shows the purpose code and exchange rate.3938Winvesta review

Compare every provider on your own invoice in the platform cost comparison.

How did we verify this?

We checked this page against the sources below on 28 October 2026. Provider fees, conversion markups and RBI payment aggregator (PA-CB) status were checked on 28 October 2026. Rupee amounts use European Central Bank reference rates for 13 November 2026. Read our methodology or report an error.

  1. [1]PayPal India, PayPal Merchant Fees (page last updated 28 March 2024) (checked 2026-10-28)
  2. [2]PayPal India, Foreign Inward Remittance Advise (FIRA) (checked 2026-10-28)
  3. [3]PayPal India, User Agreement for PayPal Services (last updated 13 January 2025) (checked 2026-10-28)
  4. [4]Stripe Docs, Accept international payments from India (checked 2026-10-28)
  5. [5]Stripe Support, Accepting international payments from Stripe accounts in India (checked 2026-10-28)
  6. [6]Stripe India, Pricing (checked 2026-10-28)
  7. [7]Stripe Support, Additional pricing information for Indian cross-border sellers (checked 2026-10-28)
  8. [8]PayPal India Help, How do I transfer funds to my bank account? (checked 2026-10-28)
  9. [9]Stripe Support, Payout schedule for Stripe accounts in India (checked 2026-10-28)
  10. [10]Stripe Support, FIRC/payment advice for international transactions in India (checked 2026-10-28)
  11. [11]PayPal India Help, Can I use PayPal to receive payments from Indian customers? (checked 2026-10-28)
  12. [12]PayPal India, Four steps to complete your KYC (checked 2026-10-28)
  13. [13]PayPal India Help, How do I receive payments through PayPal? (checked 2026-10-28)
  14. [14]Stripe Support, Supported payment methods, currencies and businesses for Stripe accounts in India (checked 2026-10-28)
  15. [15]Stripe India, Contact sales (request an invite) (checked 2026-10-28)
  16. [16]RBI, Status of Applications received under Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, as on 16.10.2026, Table D (checked 2026-10-28)
  17. [17]RBI, Certificates of Authorisation issued under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, 16 October 2026 (checked 2026-10-28)
  18. [18]Stripe Support, Cross-border payment services in India (checked 2026-10-28)
  19. [19]Stripe Support, Export (international) transaction limits for Stripe accounts in India (checked 2026-10-28)
  20. [20]Stripe Support, Requirements for India export charges (checked 2026-10-28)
  21. [21]Stripe Support, Taxes on Stripe fees for India-based businesses (checked 2026-10-28)
  22. [22]Skydo FAQs, What countries can I get paid locally through Skydo? (checked 2026-10-28)
  23. [23]Skydo FAQ, How much does Skydo charge? (checked 2026-10-28)
  24. [24]Skydo, Home page (checked 2026-10-28)
  25. [25]Skydo FAQ, Who will bear the SWIFT charges? (checked 2026-10-28)
  26. [26]Skydo FAQ, Limitations and restrictions on receiving your foreign remittance via Skydo (checked 2026-10-28)
  27. [27]Skydo, Receive international payments in India as a freelancer (checked 2026-10-28)
  28. [28]Skydo, Terms of use (checked 2026-10-28)
  29. [29]Skydo FAQs, What is accepted for GST filings and banks between FIRA and FIRC? (checked 2026-10-28)
  30. [30]Karbon Business, Karbon for Freelancers (checked 2026-10-28)
  31. [31]Karbon, PayPal alternative (checked 2026-10-28)
  32. [32]Razorpay Docs, International Bank Transfer (MoneySaver Export Account) (checked 2026-10-28)
  33. [33]Razorpay, MoneySaver Export Account (international bank transfers) (checked 2026-10-28)
  34. [34]Razorpay, Pricing (checked 2026-10-28)
  35. [35]Razorpay Docs, FIRS Automated Process (checked 2026-10-28)
  36. [36]Winvesta FAQs, What are the charges for the global collections account? (checked 2026-10-28)
  37. [37]Winvesta FAQs, What currencies are available with local accounts? (checked 2026-10-28)
  38. [38]Winvesta, Multi-currency account (checked 2026-10-28)
  39. [39]Winvesta FAQ, When will I receive my e-FIRA certificate? (checked 2026-10-28)
  40. [40]Winvesta FAQ, Can I get priority processing for my withdrawal? (checked 2026-10-28)
  41. [41]DGFT: eBRC services (self-generation of e-BRC from bank inward remittance data)
  42. [42]GST Portal user guide: Furnishing of Letter of Undertaking (FORM GST RFD-11)

Frequently asked questions

Which is cheaper for Indian exporters, PayPal or Stripe?+

There is no cost verdict for a USD 5,000 bank transfer: payPal costs about 7.27 to 8.23%; Stripe does not publish full pricing.12 The answer can change with the currency, payment method and invoice size, so check your own numbers in the platform cost comparison.

Do PayPal and Stripe give a FIRA to Indian exporters?+

PayPal: Free weekly digital FIRA (Foreign Inward Remittance Advise) from February 2026, downloadable under Reports, then Tax, in a business account for the last 12 months; earlier transactions are covered by monthly FIRAs. Custom FIRA: 100 INR plus 18% GST per transaction for up to 20 transactions, or 2,000 INR plus 18% GST for a bulk request above 20 transactions; PayPal says custom FIRAs are issued by Citibank.2 Stripe: Stripe does not issue a FIRC itself. Standard Chartered Bank emails a payment advice (payee advice) to the registered Stripe email on the day an export payout is processed; Stripe says to present it to your own bank to request a FIRC. Cost of the FIRC from your bank: not published by Stripe.104

Can individual freelancers use PayPal and Stripe?+

PayPal: Indian residents with a personal or business account; PayPal's KYC page covers individual business accounts, sole proprietors, partnership firms (including LLPs) and private limited companies. Receiving international payments needs a verified PAN, a linked Indian bank account, a purpose code, a description of the business and full KYC (Lite KYC allows one payment under $200).31213 Stripe: By invite only: Indian businesses cannot sign up through the website and must request an invite. International payments are open to sole proprietorships, LLPs and companies. Individuals can use Stripe India for domestic payments only. Non-profits, NGOs and simple partnerships are not supported.451415

Are PayPal and Stripe authorised by the RBI?+

PayPal: PayPal's India user agreement says it provides export payment services as an online payment gateway service provider under RBI A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 16 (RBI/2015-16/185) and that PayPal is not a bank in India. RBI's status list as on 16 October 2026 shows PayPal Payments Private Limited under 'Existing PAs-CB which can operate as Payment Aggregator- Cross Border' with 'In-Principle Authorisation Granted'. PayPal is not on RBI's list of Certificates of Authorisation dated 16 October 2026.31617 Stripe: RBI lists Stripe India Private Limited as an authorised Payment Aggregator Online (PA-O, 'Stripe', dated 15.01.2024), not as a Payment Aggregator-Cross Border (PA-CB). RBI's application status list as on 16.10.2026 shows its new PA-CB application returned on 12.07.2024 and marks it as withdrawn by the entity. Stripe says it withdrew the PA-CB application based on RBI guidance and continues cross-border services for Indian businesses on an invite-only basis. Stripe names Standard Chartered Bank as the bank that issues payment advice for export payouts.171618410

How fast do PayPal and Stripe pay out to an Indian bank?+

PayPal: PayPal asks users to allow up to 5 business days for funds to show in the bank account, depending on the bank's clearing process.8 Stripe: Each daily payout includes international card payments processed five business days earlier. No payouts on weekends or public holidays. Seven-day waiting period for the first payout, which can be longer for high-risk industries.9

Do I still need an LUT if I am paid through PayPal or Stripe?+

Yes, if you are registered under GST and want to invoice the export without IGST. The Letter of Undertaking is a GST filing for the financial year, and it does not depend on how the money reaches you, whether through PayPal, Stripe or a bank wire.42

This page is general information for Indian service exporters, not tax or legal advice. Rules change and outcomes depend on your facts, so confirm with a chartered accountant before acting.

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