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

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Short answer

Neither Stripe nor Adyen 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: Stripe is best for card checkout and subscriptions, and Adyen is best for large businesses with an Indian entity.1234

Use caseBetter optionWhy
Bank transfer of USD 5,000Cannot compareNeither publishes full pricing for this case.
Bank transfer of USD 2,000Cannot compareNeither publishes full pricing for this case.
Client paying USD 2,000 by card or linkCannot compareNeither publishes full pricing for this case.
Stripe is best forStripeCard checkout and subscriptions.12
Adyen is best forAdyenLarge businesses with an Indian entity.34

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%
6PayPalInternational 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 Stripe and Adyen compare at a glance?

Stripe and Adyen 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.5639

StripeAdyen
Best forCard checkout and subscriptions12Large businesses with an Indian entity34
Fees3% 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.56Not published for Indian exporters. Adyen's global pricing page shows indicative fees: $0.13 per transaction plus Interchange++ plus 0.60% for Visa and Mastercard, and $0.13 plus 3.95% for American Express.
FX markupAdditional 2% if currency conversion is required. Stripe does not publish on these pages exactly which export charges need conversion.56Not published.
SettlementEach 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.7Not published.
FIRAStripe 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.81Not published.
CurrenciesStripe says it supports presentment in 135+ currencies on Visa and Mastercard, and INR or USD on American Express.16Not published for Indian exporters.
KYC: who can sign upBy 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.12910Adyen describes itself as a platform for enterprises. To process payments locally in India, Adyen requires a local entity in India and a separate company account. Eligibility of Indian freelancers or small exporters is not published.114
RBI PA-CB statusRBI 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.12131418The RBI lists Adyen India Technology Services Private Limited as an online payment aggregator (PA-O, 15 July 2024) and as PA-CB-O, a cross-border payment aggregator facilitating outward transactions. Adyen's India onboarding policy describes its cross-border product as the Payment Aggregator Cross Border Import solution for foreign merchants. Adyen is not listed for inward (export) cross-border transactions.151116
SupportNot published for Indian users on the pages checked; prospective users fill in a contact form to request an invite.Not published for this use; Adyen's pricing page directs custom pricing and minimum invoice questions to its sales team.
LimitsUp to ₹25 lakh per export transaction for sole proprietorships, LLPs and companies.17For its cross-border import product, Adyen restricts foreign merchants from selling goods or services priced above ₹25,00,000 per transaction. No limit is published for Indian exporters.16
How clients payForeign 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.9181Not published for Indian exporters. For local processing in India Adyen lists cards (Visa, Mastercard, RuPay), UPI, online banking and wallets.
Card paymentsYes, 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.519Not published for foreign customers paying Indian businesses. Adyen's India compliance guide says its India rules apply to local acquiring and do not apply to cross-border payments.

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

The INR you receive with Stripe and Adyen 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.

None of these providers publishes both a fee and a conversion markup for USD.

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 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.16

  • 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.12131418
  • 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.12910
  • Best for: Card checkout and subscriptions.12

What is Adyen and who is it for?

Adyen is a payments platform for enterprises; in India it is authorised by the RBI as an online payment aggregator and as a cross-border aggregator for outward (import) transactions, and it publishes no product for Indian exporters collecting from foreign customers.111516

  • Regulated by: The RBI lists Adyen India Technology Services Private Limited as an online payment aggregator (PA-O, 15 July 2024) and as PA-CB-O, a cross-border payment aggregator facilitating outward transactions. Adyen's India onboarding policy describes its cross-border product as the Payment Aggregator Cross Border Import solution for foreign merchants. Adyen is not listed for inward (export) cross-border transactions.151116
  • Used by: Adyen describes itself as a platform for enterprises. To process payments locally in India, Adyen requires a local entity in India and a separate company account. Eligibility of Indian freelancers or small exporters is not published.114
  • Best for: Large businesses with an Indian entity.34

How do Stripe and Adyen fees and FX markup compare?

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

What does Stripe charge?

Transaction typeFeeFX markupGST on feesBest for
Visa or Mastercard issued outside India, charged in INR3%56190%18%Clients paying by card
American Express card issued outside India3.5%5192%18%Clients paying by card
International card with USD or other non-INR presentment4.3%56192%18%Clients paying by card

What does Adyen charge?

  • Fees: Not published for Indian exporters. Adyen's global pricing page shows indicative fees: $0.13 per transaction plus Interchange++ plus 0.60% for Visa and Mastercard, and $0.13 plus 3.95% for American Express.39

How do Stripe and Adyen compare on settlement speed?

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

PlatformSettlement timePayout to IndiaBest for
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.7Automatic 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.716Card checkout and subscriptions12
AdyenNot published.Not published.Large businesses with an Indian entity34

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

Stripe and Adyen 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.40

PlatformFIRARBI PA-CB statusBest for
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.81RBI 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.12131418Card checkout and subscriptions12
AdyenNot published.The RBI lists Adyen India Technology Services Private Limited as an online payment aggregator (PA-O, 15 July 2024) and as PA-CB-O, a cross-border payment aggregator facilitating outward transactions. Adyen's India onboarding policy describes its cross-border product as the Payment Aggregator Cross Border Import solution for foreign merchants. Adyen is not listed for inward (export) cross-border transactions.151116Large businesses with an Indian entity34

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

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

PlatformCurrenciesHow clients payCard paymentsBest for
StripeStripe says it supports presentment in 135+ currencies on Visa and Mastercard, and INR or USD on American Express.16Foreign 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.9181Yes, 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.519Card checkout and subscriptions12
AdyenNot published for Indian exporters.Not published for Indian exporters. For local processing in India Adyen lists cards (Visa, Mastercard, RuPay), UPI, online banking and wallets.Not published for foreign customers paying Indian businesses. Adyen's India compliance guide says its India rules apply to local acquiring and do not apply to cross-border payments.Large businesses with an Indian entity34

What are the strengths and limitations of Stripe and Adyen?

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

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.12
  • Your foreign customers pay by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay, for example on a website checkout or a subscription.9
  • You bill recurring international subscriptions or invoices and want Stripe Billing to collect them.1
  • Each payment is within ₹25 lakh.17

Limitations:

  • Available by invite only in India; new businesses cannot sign up through the website.110
  • Individuals (freelancers not registered as a business entity) cannot accept international payments.2917
  • 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.9
  • Payouts are in INR only; a foreign currency balance cannot be held or withdrawn.61
  • Only one transaction purpose code per Stripe account.1
  • Stripe does not issue a FIRC; you take the Standard Chartered payment advice to your own bank.8
  • 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.121314
  • 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.5

What are the strengths and limitations of Adyen?

Strengths:

  • You are a large business with an Indian entity that needs domestic card, UPI and online banking acceptance in India on one platform.34
  • You are a foreign merchant selling to Indian buyers through Adyen's cross-border import product.16

Limitations:

  • Adyen's RBI cross-border authorisation is for outward (import) transactions, not inward export receipts.1516
  • Adyen publishes no product, fee, FIRA or purpose code process for Indian service exporters collecting from foreign customers.11394
  • Pricing shown is global and indicative, and a minimum invoice may apply depending on industry or business model.39
  • Adyen positions itself for enterprises; eligibility for freelancers or small agencies is not published.11

Should you choose Stripe or Adyen?

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

Choose Stripe if:

  • You are a registered sole proprietorship, LLP or company and have been invited to Stripe India.12
  • Your foreign customers pay by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay, for example on a website checkout or a subscription.9
  • You bill recurring international subscriptions or invoices and want Stripe Billing to collect them.1
  • Each payment is within ₹25 lakh.17

Choose Adyen if:

  • You are a large business with an Indian entity that needs domestic card, UPI and online banking acceptance in India on one platform.34
  • You are a foreign merchant selling to Indian buyers through Adyen's cross-border import product.16

For example, say a designer invoices a US client USD 2,000. Because neither provider 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.5639

Which other platforms should you consider besides Stripe and Adyen?

Other platforms to consider besides Stripe and Adyen are the ones with the lowest estimated cost on a USD 5,000 receipt, listed in that order.2122232425262829313234363738

PlatformBest forEstimated cost on USD 5,000FIRAReview
SkydoLocal bank transfers from major markets200.68%212223242526Skydo says it issues a free FIRA on every payment received, and that its FIRA and FIRC are accepted for GST filing and by banks.2527Skydo review
Karbon BusinessUS bank transfers and marketplace payouts281.00 to 1.18%2829Karbon says it provides a FIRA for every transaction, issued by its licensed banking partner, which it does not name. Cost not published.28Karbon Business review
RazorpayLocal transfers from the US, UK and eurozone301.00 to 1.18%3132Razorpay 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.303332Razorpay review
WinvestaLocal transfers with a published per-payment fee34351.24%34363738Free 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.3736Winvesta 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]Stripe Docs, Accept international payments from India (checked 2026-10-28)
  2. [2]Stripe Support, Accepting international payments from Stripe accounts in India (checked 2026-10-28)
  3. [3]Adyen press release, Adyen expands to India, 15 August 2024 (checked 2026-10-28)
  4. [4]Adyen Docs, Payments India compliance guide (checked 2026-10-28)
  5. [5]Stripe India, Pricing (checked 2026-10-28)
  6. [6]Stripe Support, Additional pricing information for Indian cross-border sellers (checked 2026-10-28)
  7. [7]Stripe Support, Payout schedule for Stripe accounts in India (checked 2026-10-28)
  8. [8]Stripe Support, FIRC/payment advice for international transactions in India (checked 2026-10-28)
  9. [9]Stripe Support, Supported payment methods, currencies and businesses for Stripe accounts in India (checked 2026-10-28)
  10. [10]Stripe India, Contact sales (request an invite) (checked 2026-10-28)
  11. [11]Adyen India, home page (checked 2026-10-28)
  12. [12]RBI, Payment system operators authorised under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, list dated 16 October 2026 (checked 2026-10-28)
  13. [13]RBI, Status of Applications received under Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, as on 16.10.2026, Table F (checked 2026-10-28)
  14. [14]Stripe Support, Cross-border payment services in India (checked 2026-10-28)
  15. [15]RBI: Certificates of Authorisation issued under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, Payment Aggregators (PA-O, PA-P and PA-CB), list dated 16 October 2026 (checked 2026-10-28)
  16. [16]Adyen, India merchant onboarding policy overview, version 1.5, 9 June 2026 (checked 2026-10-28)
  17. [17]Stripe Support, Export (international) transaction limits for Stripe accounts in India (checked 2026-10-28)
  18. [18]Stripe Support, Requirements for India export charges (checked 2026-10-28)
  19. [19]Stripe Support, Taxes on Stripe fees for India-based businesses (checked 2026-10-28)
  20. [20]Skydo FAQs, What countries can I get paid locally through Skydo? (checked 2026-10-28)
  21. [21]Skydo FAQ, How much does Skydo charge? (checked 2026-10-28)
  22. [22]Skydo, Home page (checked 2026-10-28)
  23. [23]Skydo FAQ, Who will bear the SWIFT charges? (checked 2026-10-28)
  24. [24]Skydo FAQ, Limitations and restrictions on receiving your foreign remittance via Skydo (checked 2026-10-28)
  25. [25]Skydo, Receive international payments in India as a freelancer (checked 2026-10-28)
  26. [26]Skydo, Terms of use (checked 2026-10-28)
  27. [27]Skydo FAQs, What is accepted for GST filings and banks between FIRA and FIRC? (checked 2026-10-28)
  28. [28]Karbon Business, Karbon for Freelancers (checked 2026-10-28)
  29. [29]Karbon, PayPal alternative (checked 2026-10-28)
  30. [30]Razorpay Docs, International Bank Transfer (MoneySaver Export Account) (checked 2026-10-28)
  31. [31]Razorpay, MoneySaver Export Account (international bank transfers) (checked 2026-10-28)
  32. [32]Razorpay, Pricing (checked 2026-10-28)
  33. [33]Razorpay Docs, FIRS Automated Process (checked 2026-10-28)
  34. [34]Winvesta FAQs, What are the charges for the global collections account? (checked 2026-10-28)
  35. [35]Winvesta FAQs, What currencies are available with local accounts? (checked 2026-10-28)
  36. [36]Winvesta, Multi-currency account (checked 2026-10-28)
  37. [37]Winvesta FAQ, When will I receive my e-FIRA certificate? (checked 2026-10-28)
  38. [38]Winvesta FAQ, Can I get priority processing for my withdrawal? (checked 2026-10-28)
  39. [39]Adyen, Pricing (global page, checked 2026-10-28)
  40. [40]DGFT: eBRC services (self-generation of e-BRC from bank inward remittance data)
  41. [41]GST Portal user guide: Furnishing of Letter of Undertaking (FORM GST RFD-11)

Frequently asked questions

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

There is no cost verdict for a USD 5,000 bank transfer: neither publishes full pricing for this case.5639 The answer can change with the currency, payment method and invoice size, so check your own numbers in the platform cost comparison.

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

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.81 Adyen: Not published.

Can individual freelancers use Stripe and Adyen?+

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.12910 Adyen: Adyen describes itself as a platform for enterprises. To process payments locally in India, Adyen requires a local entity in India and a separate company account. Eligibility of Indian freelancers or small exporters is not published.114

Are Stripe and Adyen authorised by the RBI?+

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.12131418 Adyen: The RBI lists Adyen India Technology Services Private Limited as an online payment aggregator (PA-O, 15 July 2024) and as PA-CB-O, a cross-border payment aggregator facilitating outward transactions. Adyen's India onboarding policy describes its cross-border product as the Payment Aggregator Cross Border Import solution for foreign merchants. Adyen is not listed for inward (export) cross-border transactions.151116

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

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.7 Adyen: Not published.39

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

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 Stripe, Adyen or a bank wire.41

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.