Running a freelancing business on Upwork is an exciting opportunity, especially when you start getting clients from around the world. However, many Indian freelancers face challenges with fluctuating exchange rates, hidden fees, and long delays in receiving payments in their Indian bank accounts.
It can be incredibly frustrating when you’re focused on delivering great work and instead have to worry about where your money is and why it’s taking so long. If you're dealing with these issues, you're not alone. Many others are in the same boat, feeling the same stress and looking for an easier way to handle payments.
In this blog, we'll explore the top Upwork global payment methods that Indian freelancers can use to receive international payments. So, read on to learn how you can receive your Upwork international payments without high fees.
Wire transfer through SWIFT has been the go-to method for transferring international payments. It’s a trusted but expensive method. The transaction fees are usually 1-2%. Additional fixed fees can be thousands of rupees per transaction. Hidden banking fees may increase the cost, and the process takes several days.
Despite these drawbacks, many Indians choose wire transfers for their security and reliability. To know more about how SWIFT works, read our blog.
Credit cards are a popular choice to receive Upwork global payments. They are quick and convenient for both parties involved. However, there are some downsides to these transactions. Their high fees, up to 2-4%, impact profit margins. Processing time may also take several days, affecting cash flow.
Credit card companies have strict security measures to prevent fraud. Credit card transactions, therefore, experience high failure rates (~20%), resulting in a loss of customer trust. Despite these downsides, credit cards provide a secure method to receive funds from your international clients.
Freelancers on Upwork also rely on platforms like PayPal to receive their international money transfers. PayPal is convenient because you don’t need to visit a bank or deal with paperwork. You can easily open an account online by submitting the required documents.
Remember, PayPal’s support for different currencies may vary. Also, transaction fees, usually 3-5%, can affect your earnings. So, compare the fees and supported currencies before choosing PayPal.
Freelancers on Upwork now opt for global collections accounts to receive international payments. These accounts help manage funds in different currencies, which is helpful for global businesses.
Compared to traditional banks, virtual accounts offer faster and cost-effective alternatives.
With Winvesta, businesses and individuals can open a global collection account with local bank account numbers. You'll get local US, UK, EUR, and CAD accounts. With these local accounts, you can receive unlimited payments. Collect payments from 180 countries in 37+ currencies and withdraw your funds to INR in as little as 1 day at charges starting at $3 + 0.99%.
How does it work?
| Winvesta MCA | Credit Card | PayPal | Payment Gateway | SWIFT | |
| Payer Fee | 0% | 3% | 0% | 0% | $30-$50 |
| Receipt Fee | $3 + 0.99% | 1.5%-3% | 4.4% + $30 | 3%-4.5% | $20-$40 |
| FX spread | 0% | 3%-5% | 3% | 2% | 3%-5% |
| Withdrawal to India | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total | $3 + 0.99% | 7.5%-11% | 7.4% + $30 | 5%-6.5% | upto 5% + $90 |
| Speed | In as less as 1 day | 2 to 7 business days | 2 to 5 business days | 2 to 7 business days | 2 to 7 business days |
| Rejection Rate | Low | High | Low | Medium | Low |
Choosing the right Upwork global payment method for business can help your business grow.
Open your Winvesta account today!
Disclaimer: The article references PayPal, which owns its own trademark.