Stripe vs Currenxie (2026): Which Is Better for Receiving International Payments in India?
- Author:
- Manoj Sharma
- Verified by:
- Editorial team
- Published:
- Last modified:
Short answer
The better choice depends on how your clients pay and which documents you need. Currenxie does not publish full pricing; Stripe does. Stripe is best for registered Indian businesses selling online to foreign customers who pay by card. The table compares both by use case using published information.
| Use case | Better option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Invoices around $2,000 | Not comparable | Currenxie does not publish full pricing; Stripe does. |
| Invoices around $5,000 | Not comparable | Currenxie does not publish full pricing; Stripe does. |
| Invoices around $10,000 | Not comparable | Currenxie does not publish full pricing; Stripe does. |
| Need: registered Indian businesses selling online to foreign customers who pay by card | Stripe | Stripe is built for this. |
| Need: incorporated businesses that hold and convert multiple currencies in one account, often with a Hong Kong presence | Currenxie | Currenxie is built for this. |
CurrencyUSD
At the mid-market rate
₹4,74,319
Highest payout: Stripe
₹4,39,058
- 1.Stripe₹4,39,058cost 7.43%
1 USD = 94.86 INR, ECB reference rate for 4 Nov 2026. Payout = amount minus fees, converted at the reference rate minus each platform's markup, minus 18% GST on fees where charged. Platforms without published pricing are left out.
How do Stripe and Currenxie compare at a glance?
| Attribute | Stripe | Currenxie |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Registered Indian businesses selling online to card-paying foreign customers | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
| Fees | 4.3% intl cards; 3% Visa/Mastercard, 3.5% Amex; + 2% if converted | USD 0.75 per local collection, USD 8.00 SWIFT, USD 3.00 India payout |
| FX markup | 2% if converted; Stripe says rate is generally mid-market | States mid-market + 0.50% for INR (0.35% majors) |
| Settlement | Daily INR payouts; card funds after five business days | States same or next business day; India timing not confirmed |
| FIRA | Standard Chartered payment advice; FIRC cost not confirmed | Not confirmed; no FIRA or FIRC mention |
| Currencies | Cards in 135+ currencies; Amex INR or USD; INR payouts | Holds 15 currencies incl. USD, EUR, GBP, HKD; INR payouts to India |
| RBI status | Not confirmed | Not confirmed; no RBI claim, licensed elsewhere |
| Indian individuals | No; international payments need a registered entity | No sole traders or personal accounts |
| Indian businesses | Yes, by invite, after opting in to exports | Not confirmed for India-registered companies |
| Limits | Up to INR 25 lakh per export transaction for sole proprietorships, LLPs and companies | Not confirmed |
How much INR do you receive on $2,000, $5,000 and $10,000 with Stripe vs Currenxie?
Each row applies the platform's published fee, FX markup and GST on the fee to the XE mid-market rate for 4 Nov 2026.
| Platform and invoice | Fee | FX markup | GST | INR received | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stripe, $2,000 | ₹11,953 | ₹0 | ₹2,152 | ₹1,75,623 | 7.43% | Registered Indian businesses selling online to card-paying foreign customers |
| Stripe, $5,000 | ₹29,882 | ₹0 | ₹5,379 | ₹4,39,058 | 7.43% | Registered Indian businesses selling online to card-paying foreign customers |
| Stripe, $10,000 | ₹59,764 | ₹0 | ₹10,758 | ₹8,78,116 | 7.43% | Registered Indian businesses selling online to card-paying foreign customers |
| Currenxie, $2,000 | – | – | – | Not published | – | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
| Currenxie, $5,000 | – | – | – | Not published | – | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
| Currenxie, $10,000 | – | – | – | Not published | – | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
What is Stripe and who is it for?
Stripe is a global online payments platform. In India it is available by invite only, and registered Indian businesses can use it to accept international card payments declared as exports, with funds paid out in INR to an Indian bank account. Its India help pages list cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay for international payments and do not describe receiving bank transfers from foreign clients.
- Regulated by: Not confirmed
- Used by: Sole proprietorships, LLPs and companies in India can accept international card payments after opting in to exports, by invite only. An IEC is required for physical goods and for Amex international payments; optional for services otherwise.
- Best for: Registered Indian businesses selling online to foreign customers who pay by card
What is Currenxie and who is it for?
Currenxie is a Hong Kong headquartered payments company that offers a multi-currency Global Account with local virtual account details in several countries, FX conversion and outbound payments. It accepts companies only, not sole traders or personal use. An incorporated business could collect from foreign clients into its Currenxie balances and send INR to an Indian bank account through Currenxie's local India payout, but Currenxie publishes no India-specific onboarding, compliance or FIRA information.
- Regulated by: Not confirmed. Currenxie does not state any RBI authorisation; it lists licences or registrations in Hong Kong, the UK, Ireland, South Africa, Australia and Canada
- Used by: Not confirmed for India-registered companies. Currenxie states it welcomes 'businesses registered in most countries, except those that are currently under international sanctions or deemed high risk' (India is not on its prohibited list) and cannot onboard US-registered businesses; it does not state which entity would contract with an Indian company
- Best for: Incorporated businesses that hold and convert multiple currencies in one account, often with a Hong Kong presence
How do Stripe and Currenxie fees and FX markup compare?
What does Stripe charge?
| Fee type | Amount | When it applies | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Receiving: International card payment (Visa/Mastercard) with USD or other foreign currency presentment | 4.3% + 2% if currency conversion is required | – | Registered Indian businesses selling online to card-paying foreign customers |
| Receiving: International Visa/Mastercard card payment charged in INR | 3% (published as 3% for Mastercard and Visa cards issued outside India + 2% if currency conversion is required) | Stripe's cross-border pricing article lists 3% for INR presentment, with any conversion fee charged to the customer by their issuing bank. | Registered Indian businesses selling online to card-paying foreign customers |
| Receiving: International American Express card payment | 3.5% + 2% if currency conversion is required | American Express presentment is INR or USD. | Registered Indian businesses selling online to card-paying foreign customers |
| Receiving: Bank transfer (ACH, SEPA, SWIFT) from a foreign client | Not confirmed | Stripe's India help pages list cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay for international payments and state local payment methods are not supported; receiving bank transfers was not found. | Registered Indian businesses selling online to card-paying foreign customers |
| Currency conversion to INR | 2% currency conversion fee if conversion is required, on top of a rate Stripe says is generally the third-party-sourced mid-market rate; in certain circumstances Stripe may use the rate at which it sources the currency | When foreign currency is converted | Registered Indian businesses selling online to card-paying foreign customers |
| Payout to an Indian bank | Stripe pays out in INR to the business's Indian bank account on a daily automatic schedule; funds from international card payments are included five business days after processing, and the first payout has a seven day waiting period. No payout fee is listed on the India pricing page; a zero payout fee is not explicitly stated. | When INR is sent to your account | Registered Indian businesses selling online to card-paying foreign customers |
| Dispute received | INR 1,000 per dispute | – | Registered Indian businesses selling online to card-paying foreign customers |
| Dispute countered | INR 1,000 per dispute, refunded if won | – | Registered Indian businesses selling online to card-paying foreign customers |
| Billing | 0.7% of billing volume | – | Registered Indian businesses selling online to card-paying foreign customers |
| Invoicing | 0.4% per paid invoice | – | Registered Indian businesses selling online to card-paying foreign customers |
| Setup or monthly fee | None on standard pricing | – | Registered Indian businesses selling online to card-paying foreign customers |
| GST on fees | Stripe's monthly tax invoice adds GST on its fees: a single 18% IGST line or 9% CGST plus 9% SGST, depending on the state. GST is not charged on Stripe processing fees for any single card transaction up to INR 2,000. Stripe also pays an additional 2% of the monthly invoice amount if a valid TAN is provided on the Dashboard. | Applies to the platform's fee | Registered Indian businesses selling online to card-paying foreign customers |
What does Currenxie charge?
| Fee type | Amount | When it applies | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Receiving: Local payment to virtual account details (US, UK, Eurozone, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, Canada, Mexico) | USD 0.75 per transfer | – | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
| Receiving: SWIFT payment received into the Hong Kong multi-currency account | USD 8.00 per transfer | Correspondent bank fees may apply and are outside Currenxie's control | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
| Receiving: Inter-client transfer from another Currenxie client | Processing fee waived; standard FX fees and any applicable non-standard fees still apply | – | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
| Currency conversion to INR | States it uses the genuine mid-market rate plus a published FX fee: 0.50% for exchanges involving INR (Tier 3), 0.35% for major currencies such as USD, EUR and GBP; INR exchanges are excluded from volume-based FX discounts | When foreign currency is converted | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
| Payout to an Indian bank | Convert balances to INR at mid-market plus a 0.50% FX fee, then send a local INR payment to an Indian bank account for USD 3.00 per transfer. Currenxie states new beneficiaries typically take one business day to activate; delivery time to India is Not confirmed | When INR is sent to your account | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
| Additional virtual account (one-time provisioning) | USD 8.00 | – | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
| Inbound payment with incorrect beneficiary name | USD 40 | – | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
| Returning an inbound payment | USD 50 | – | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
| Payment collection for offshore registered companies | 0.05% of received amount | – | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
| Global Account set up for offshore jurisdictions or listed industries | USD 50 | – | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
| Dormant account reactivation (no outgoing activity for 12 months) | USD 50 | – | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
| Team Visa cards (Hong Kong companies) | HKD 50 per month for up to 5, HKD 15 per additional card | – | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
| Global Account set up for complex corporate structures (three or more layers of ownership) | USD 500 | – | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
| Global Account set up for companies with nominee shareholders | USD 250 | – | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
| GST on fees | Not confirmed. Currenxie does not state whether Indian GST applies to its fees | Applies to the platform's fee | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
How do Stripe and Currenxie compare on settlement speed?
- Stripe: Daily automatic payouts in INR include international card payments processed five business days prior
- Currenxie: States funds collected through virtual accounts are instantly available in the Global Account and that outgoing payments usually arrive on the same or next business day depending on the beneficiary bank's location; India-specific delivery time is Not confirmed
| Platform | Settlement to India | Payout route | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stripe | Daily INR payouts; card funds after five business days | Daily INR payouts to Indian bank; no payout fee listed | Registered Indian businesses selling online to card-paying foreign customers |
| Currenxie | States same or next business day; India timing not confirmed | Mid-market + 0.50% FX, USD 3.00 per INR transfer; timing not confirmed | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
Do Stripe and Currenxie provide FIRA and e-BRC, and are they RBI PA-CB authorised?
| Platform | FIRA and e-BRC | RBI status | Checked | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stripe | Standard Chartered payment advice; FIRC cost not confirmed | Not confirmed | 30 Sept 2026 | Registered Indian businesses selling online to card-paying foreign customers |
| Currenxie | Not confirmed; no FIRA or FIRC mention | Not confirmed; no RBI claim, licensed elsewhere | 30 Sept 2026 | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
Which currencies, countries and payment methods do Stripe and Currenxie support?
| Platform | Currencies | Payment methods | Indian individuals | Indian businesses | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stripe | Cards in 135+ currencies; Amex INR or USD; INR payouts | International card payment (Visa/Mastercard) with USD or other foreign currency presentment; International Visa/Mastercard card payment charged in INR; International American Express card payment; Bank transfer (ACH, SEPA, SWIFT) from a foreign client | No; international payments need a registered entity | Yes, by invite, after opting in to exports | Registered Indian businesses selling online to card-paying foreign customers |
| Currenxie | Holds 15 currencies incl. USD, EUR, GBP, HKD; INR payouts to India | Local payment to virtual account details (US, UK, Eurozone, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, Canada, Mexico); SWIFT payment received into the Hong Kong multi-currency account; Inter-client transfer from another Currenxie client | No sole traders or personal accounts | Not confirmed for India-registered companies | Incorporated businesses holding multiple currencies, often with Hong Kong presence |
What are the strengths and limitations of Stripe and Currenxie?
Stripe
- Checkout and API: Developer tools for websites, subscriptions and invoices
- Currency presentment: Customers can pay in their local currency on Visa and Mastercard
- Export documentation: Purpose code captured at onboarding and payment advice emailed for export payouts
- No fixed fees: No setup or monthly fees on standard pricing
- Invite only: Indian businesses cannot sign up on the website and must request an invite
- No individuals: International payments are not supported for individuals; a sole proprietorship, LLP or company is required
- Cards and wallets only: Bank transfers (ACH, SEPA, SWIFT) from foreign clients are not listed as a supported method for India accounts
- Cost: 4.3% on foreign currency card payments plus 2% if currency conversion is required, with 18% GST on fees (7.434% in total), except that GST is not charged on processing fees for single card transactions up to INR 2,000
Currenxie
- Published pricing: collection, payout, SWIFT and FX fees are listed in USD on the pricing page
- Low collection fee: USD 0.75 per local payment received into a virtual account
- Several currencies: local receiving details in eight regions in one account
- Multiple licences: holds licences or registrations in Hong Kong, the UK, Ireland, South Africa, Australia and Canada
- Companies only: does not offer accounts to sole traders or for personal use, so Indian freelancers cannot open one
- No India-specific information: Currenxie publishes no FIRA, purpose code, GST or RBI information for Indian clients
- FX cost on INR: 0.50% fee for exchanges involving INR, with no volume discount, on top of the USD 3.00 payout fee
- Extra fees: non-standard fees apply, for example USD 40 to USD 75 for recalls, returns and amendments, and set-up fees for offshore or complex structures
Should you choose Stripe or Currenxie?
- Choose Stripe if: you need registered Indian businesses selling online to foreign customers who pay by card.
- Choose Currenxie if: you need incorporated businesses that hold and convert multiple currencies in one account, often with a Hong Kong presence.
For example, an exporter billing $5,000 a month: Currenxie does not publish full pricing; Stripe does.
Which other platforms should you consider besides Stripe and Currenxie?
Other covered platforms ranked by the INR received on a $5,000 invoice.
| Platform | Fees | FX markup | FIRA | INR on $5,000 | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skydo | $19 up to $2,000, $29 to $10,000, 0.3% above + GST | States zero FX margin at live rate | States instant, free FIRA per payment | ₹4,71,073 | Indian freelancers and exporters receiving mid to large B2B invoices |
| Razorpay | 1% per bank transfer (Rs 1,000 flat below Rs 1,00,000) + GST | States 0% markup on MoneySaver at live rate | FIRS within 24 hours of settlement; no charge listed | ₹4,68,722 | Indian businesses and freelancers on Razorpay invoicing foreign clients |
| Kotak Mahindra Bank | No inward, FIRC, SWIFT fee on current accounts; GST on conversion | Card rate, markup not published; 1.71% below mid-market on 7 Oct 2026 | Nil FIRC on current accounts; savings Rs 100 or nil | ₹4,65,700 | Service exporters wanting a current account without inward remittance fees |
| HDFC Bank | No inward charge; physical FIRC INR 200 + taxes; GST on conversion | Card rate ~1.79% below mid-market on 6 Oct 2026; markup unpublished | Physical FIRC INR 200; emailed advice free for trade | ₹4,65,321 | Existing HDFC customers wanting free SWIFT receipts or EEFC accounts |
How did we verify this?
Fees, FIRA terms and RBI status were checked on each platform's own pages and RBI sources on 30 Sept 2026. INR figures use the XE mid-market rate for 4 Nov 2026. The formula is on the methodology page.
- Stripe India pricing, International cards with USD/other currency presentment 4.3% + 2% if currency conversion is required; Mastercard and Visa cards issued outside India 3% + 2%; American Express outside India 3.5% + 2%; dispute received INR 1,000.00 (checked 7 Oct 2026)
- Accept international payments from India (Stripe docs), Stripe is available by invite only in India; the Stripe account must be a registered Indian business (sole proprietorship, limited liability partnership, or company) and can't be an individual; Stripe pays out to you in INR (checked 7 Oct 2026)
- Additional pricing information for Indian cross-border sellers, Mainly international: 4.3% per successful charge; currency conversion additional 2% if required (checked 7 Oct 2026)
- How can I open a Stripe account in India (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- Supported payment methods, currencies and businesses for Stripe accounts in India (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- FIRC for international transactions in India (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- Payout schedule for Stripe accounts in India (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- Payout currency for Stripe accounts in India (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- GST and TDS on Stripe invoices for India-based accounts (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- Export transaction limits for Stripe accounts in India (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- RBI regulations: context and FAQs (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- Localise prices: exchange rate (Stripe docs), When Stripe provides currency conversion services for transactions, we generally apply the mid-market rate based on pricing data sourced from third-party service providers. Mid-market rate is the average between the buy and the sell price of a currency. In certain circumstances, Stripe might apply the rate at which we source the currency owed to you. (checked 7 Oct 2026)
- Taxes on Stripe fees for India-based businesses, either a single 18% tax line item (IGST) or a sum of two 9% tax line items (CGST & SGST). GST is not charged on Stripe processing fees for any single Cards transaction with a value up to INR 2,000. (checked 7 Oct 2026)
- Stripe Docs: Supported currencies (India selected), Stripe users in the selected country can process charges in the following list of currencies, with these exceptions: Domestic charges can only be in INR; You can charge American Express cards issued outside of India only in INR and USD (checked 8 Oct 2026)
- Currenxie Pricing, Collect local payments USD 0.75 per transfer; Send local payments (... India ...) USD 3.00 per transfer; Tier 3 (... INR ...) 0.50% (checked 7 Oct 2026)
- Currenxie homepage (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- Who can apply? (Global Account), "We do not offer accounts for Sole Traders or for personal use." (checked 7 Oct 2026)
- Is Currenxie regulated? (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- What documents are needed for opening a Global Account? (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- What documents can I use as proof of address? (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- Which countries and currencies are included in the Currenxie payment network? (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- What countries can I send and receive payments to and from? (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- What exchange rate is used for foreign exchange? (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- Schedule of additional and non-standard fees, Global Account set up for complex corporate structures (for companies that have three or more layers of ownership) $500; Global Account set up for nominee shareholdings $250 (checked 7 Oct 2026)
- Are there any correspondent bank fees for transfers made with a Currenxie account? (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- Who can apply? (Currenxie Card) (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- Why does my account confirmation letter show Currenxie Technologies Limited? (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- Are there any fees associated with inter-client transfers? (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- How do I send payments? (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- What is volume-based pricing? (updated 17 Sep 2026), "Out of scope currencies include: Any exchange with IDR, INR, MYR" (checked 7 Oct 2026)
FAQs about Stripe vs Currenxie
Is Stripe or Currenxie cheaper for receiving USD in India?
Currenxie does not publish full pricing; Stripe does. At $2,000: Currenxie does not publish full pricing; Stripe does. At $10,000: Currenxie does not publish full pricing; Stripe does. Figures use each platform's published pricing and today's reference rate, so check both pricing pages before you decide.
Which is faster, Stripe or Currenxie?
Stripe states: Daily automatic payouts in INR include international card payments processed five business days prior. Currenxie states funds collected through virtual accounts are instantly available in the Global Account and that outgoing payments usually arrive on the same or next business day depending on the beneficiary bank's location; India-specific delivery time is Not confirmed.
Do Stripe and Currenxie both provide a FIRA?
Stripe: Payment advice emailed by Standard Chartered Bank on the day each export payout is processed; Stripe says it can be used to obtain a FIRC. Cost of FIRC not confirmed. Currenxie: Not confirmed. Currenxie does not mention FIRA or FIRC on its pricing page or in its help centre.
Are Stripe and Currenxie authorised by RBI?
Stripe: Not confirmed. Currenxie: Not confirmed. Currenxie does not state any RBI authorisation; it lists licences or registrations in Hong Kong, the UK, Ireland, South Africa, Australia and Canada. RBI publishes the list of authorised cross-border payment aggregators, so check the current list before relying on any platform's own statement about its status.
Can Indian freelancers use both Stripe and Currenxie?
Stripe, individuals: Individuals can only accept domestic payments. Stripe states it cannot support international transactions for individuals, so freelancers need a sole proprietorship or other registered entity, and access is by invite only. Currenxie, individuals: No. Check the platform's own pricing page before relying on these figures.
Should I switch from Stripe to Currenxie?
Switch only if Currenxie pays more on your usual invoice size or fits how your clients pay. Keep the Stripe account open until every invoice sent with its details is paid, and download your FIRA or FIRC records first. Check the platform's own pricing page before relying on these figures.