TransFi vs Skydo (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. TransFi does not publish full pricing; Skydo does. TransFi is best for businesses integrating an API for cross-border collections, payouts and fiat-stablecoin conversion in its supported countries. Skydo is best for Indian freelancers and exporters receiving mid to large B2B invoices by bank transfer.
| Use case | Better option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Invoices around $2,000 | Not comparable | TransFi does not publish full pricing; Skydo does. |
| Invoices around $5,000 | Not comparable | TransFi does not publish full pricing; Skydo does. |
| Invoices around $10,000 | Not comparable | TransFi does not publish full pricing; Skydo does. |
| Need: businesses integrating an API for cross-border collections, payouts and fiat-stablecoin conversion in its supported countries | TransFi | TransFi is built for this. |
| Need: Indian freelancers and exporters receiving mid to large B2B invoices by bank transfer | Skydo | Skydo is built for this. |
CurrencyUSD
At the mid-market rate
₹4,73,192
Highest payout: Skydo
₹4,69,953
- 1.Skydo₹4,69,953cost 0.68%
1 USD = 94.64 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 TransFi and Skydo compare at a glance?
| Attribute | TransFi | Skydo |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Businesses using an API for collections, payouts and stablecoin conversion | Indian freelancers and exporters receiving mid to large B2B invoices |
| Fees | Not published; India not on supported countries list | $19 up to $2,000, $29 to $10,000, 0.3% above + GST |
| FX markup | Not confirmed; no FX markup published | States zero FX margin at live rate |
| Settlement | Not confirmed for India | States under 24 hours; FAQ timelines vary by rail |
| FIRA | Not confirmed; not mentioned on official pages | States instant, free FIRA per payment |
| Currencies | States 40+ currencies, 100+ tokens; INR not confirmed | Local USD, GBP, EUR, CAD, AUD, SGD, AED; 32 via SWIFT |
| RBI status | Not confirmed; no RBI authorisation documented | RBI authorised PA-CB Inward and Outward; on RBI list |
| Indian individuals | Not confirmed; India not on supported list | Yes, freelancers and sole proprietors with PAN |
| Indian businesses | Not confirmed; India not on supported list | Yes, companies, partnerships and HUFs |
| Limits | Not confirmed; KYB levels are triggered by per-transaction, daily or monthly cumulative thresholds, which TransFi asks customers to obtain from their BD Manager or support | Minimum USD 50 per payment; Skydo states there is no upper limit. Payments above USD 100,000 a month are priced on request. |
How much INR do you receive on $2,000, $5,000 and $10,000 with TransFi vs Skydo?
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TransFi, $2,000 | – | – | – | Not published | – | Businesses using an API for collections, payouts and stablecoin conversion |
| TransFi, $5,000 | – | – | – | Not published | – | Businesses using an API for collections, payouts and stablecoin conversion |
| TransFi, $10,000 | – | – | – | Not published | – | Businesses using an API for collections, payouts and stablecoin conversion |
| Skydo, $2,000 | ₹1,798 | ₹0 | ₹324 | ₹1,87,155 | 1.12% | Indian freelancers and exporters receiving mid to large B2B invoices |
| Skydo, $5,000 | ₹2,745 | ₹0 | ₹494 | ₹4,69,953 | 0.68% | Indian freelancers and exporters receiving mid to large B2B invoices |
| Skydo, $10,000 | ₹2,745 | ₹0 | ₹494 | ₹9,43,144 | 0.34% | Indian freelancers and exporters receiving mid to large B2B invoices |
What is TransFi and who is it for?
TransFi is a cross-border payments infrastructure company offering collections, payouts, treasury and fiat-to-stablecoin conversion through an API and business products such as BizPay and Checkout. It routes payments over stablecoin rails and supports digital assets such as USDT and USDC. India does not appear on the Supported Countries list in its developer documentation (updated 4 August 2026), so it is not a confirmed route for Indian residents receiving money from abroad.
- Regulated by: Not confirmed; TransFi's policy page lists an affiliate, Trans-Fi India Private Limited, but documents no RBI authorisation
- Used by: Not confirmed for Indian businesses. India is not on the Supported Countries list in the developer documentation, although the homepage mentions India in a South Asia section.
- Best for: Businesses integrating an API for cross-border collections, payouts and fiat-stablecoin conversion in its supported countries
What is Skydo and who is it for?
Skydo is a Bengaluru-based cross-border collection platform run by Skydo Technologies Private Limited, founded in 2022. It gives Indian exporters and freelancers local account details in the US, UK, Europe, Canada, Australia, Singapore and the UAE, plus an International SWIFT account, so foreign clients can pay by bank transfer. Skydo converts the funds and settles INR to the user's Indian bank account, issuing a FIRA for each payment.
- Regulated by: RBI authorised Payment Aggregator: PA-O 'Skydo' (08.01.2026) and PA-CB Inward and Outward (RBI Certificates of Authorisation list dated 30 September 2026)
- Used by: Yes. Private limited companies, partnerships and HUFs sign up with the business PAN; partnerships also provide the partnership deed.
- Best for: Indian freelancers and exporters receiving mid to large B2B invoices by bank transfer
How do TransFi and Skydo fees and FX markup compare?
What does TransFi charge?
| Fee type | Amount | When it applies | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Receiving: Virtual account (IBAN) for bank transfers, e.g. EUR | Not confirmed | Documented for supported countries; availability to Indian residents not confirmed | Businesses using an API for collections, payouts and stablecoin conversion |
| Receiving: Local payment methods (bank transfer, cards, wallets) via payin order | Not confirmed | Funds land on the TransFi balance in the chosen currency, which can be a stablecoin | Businesses using an API for collections, payouts and stablecoin conversion |
| Receiving: Crypto or stablecoin deposit address | Not confirmed | – | Businesses using an API for collections, payouts and stablecoin conversion |
| Currency conversion to INR | Not confirmed; no FX markup is published | When foreign currency is converted | Businesses using an API for collections, payouts and stablecoin conversion |
| Payout to an Indian bank | Not confirmed. TransFi documents settlement from the TransFi balance to a bank account but publishes no INR payout route or cost for Indian recipients. | When INR is sent to your account | Businesses using an API for collections, payouts and stablecoin conversion |
| Account and transaction fees | As agreed between TransFi and the customer; not published | – | Businesses using an API for collections, payouts and stablecoin conversion |
| GST on fees | Not confirmed; no GST treatment is stated | Applies to the platform's fee | Businesses using an API for collections, payouts and stablecoin conversion |
What does Skydo charge?
| Fee type | Amount | When it applies | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Receiving: Local bank transfer to Skydo local account details (US, UK, Europe, Canada, Australia, Singapore, UAE) | $19 up to $2,000, $29 from $2,001 to $10,000, 0.3% above $10,000, plus GST | Skydo states SWIFT charges are not applicable for local transfers | Indian freelancers and exporters receiving mid to large B2B invoices |
| Receiving: SWIFT transfer to the International SWIFT account (32 currencies) | Same slab fee plus GST | SWIFT charges are borne by the sender or deducted in-line as the sender chooses; Skydo adds no further SWIFT fee for transfer to India | Indian freelancers and exporters receiving mid to large B2B invoices |
| Receiving: InstaLinks payment link (US ACH Debit) | 2% per transaction, minimum $9 | Typically settles within 6 business days; chargebacks possible | Indian freelancers and exporters receiving mid to large B2B invoices |
| Receiving: Amazon Global Selling withdrawals to Skydo accounts | 0.5% (min $2) for monthly payments under USD 10,000; 0.3% above USD 10,000 | Separate Amazon seller pricing | Indian freelancers and exporters receiving mid to large B2B invoices |
| Currency conversion to INR | Zero FX margin; Skydo states it converts at the live rate with no markup (its India payments page describes this as the live mid-market rate) | When foreign currency is converted | Indian freelancers and exporters receiving mid to large B2B invoices |
| Payout to an Indian bank | Skydo converts the received funds at the live rate with zero FX margin and settles INR to the user's registered Indian bank account; the only charge stated is the Skydo slab fee plus GST, with no extra SWIFT fee for the transfer to India. | When INR is sent to your account | Indian freelancers and exporters receiving mid to large B2B invoices |
| InstaLinks (ACH Debit payment link) | 2% per transaction, minimum $9 | – | Indian freelancers and exporters receiving mid to large B2B invoices |
| Refund or chargeback | User bears the original amount, processing fees and any bank transfer fees to return funds | – | Indian freelancers and exporters receiving mid to large B2B invoices |
| FIRA | Free (as stated by Skydo) | – | Indian freelancers and exporters receiving mid to large B2B invoices |
| Account opening or annual fee | Not confirmed | – | Indian freelancers and exporters receiving mid to large B2B invoices |
| GST on fees | GST at 18% is charged on the Skydo transaction fee, as shown in the homepage calculator and the FAQ ('+ GST'). | Applies to the platform's fee | Indian freelancers and exporters receiving mid to large B2B invoices |
How do TransFi and Skydo compare on settlement speed?
- TransFi: Not confirmed for India; TransFi states collected money lands on the TransFi balance, ready to pay out, swap or settle to a bank account, but no India settlement time is stated
- Skydo: Skydo's FAQ gives standard timelines by local account: to the Skydo virtual account in 1 to 3 business days for USD ACH, EUR SEPA, CAD EFT and AUD, 1 business day for USD Fedwire and GBP FPS, and 1 to 5 business days for SWIFT; then to the Indian bank account in 1 business day for USD, GBP, EUR and SGD, 1 to 2 for CAD, and 1 to 3 for AUD and SWIFT. The homepage states payments are received in less than 24 hours. InstaLinks ACH Debit payments typically settle within 6 business days.
| Platform | Settlement to India | Payout route | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| TransFi | Not confirmed for India | Not confirmed; no INR payout route published | Businesses using an API for collections, payouts and stablecoin conversion |
| Skydo | States under 24 hours; FAQ timelines vary by rail | INR to Indian bank at live rate; no extra SWIFT fee | Indian freelancers and exporters receiving mid to large B2B invoices |
Do TransFi and Skydo provide FIRA and e-BRC, and are they RBI PA-CB authorised?
| Platform | FIRA and e-BRC | RBI status | Checked | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TransFi | Not confirmed; not mentioned on official pages | Not confirmed; no RBI authorisation documented | 30 Sept 2026 | Businesses using an API for collections, payouts and stablecoin conversion |
| Skydo | States instant, free FIRA per payment | RBI authorised PA-CB Inward and Outward; on RBI list | 30 Sept 2026 | Indian freelancers and exporters receiving mid to large B2B invoices |
Which currencies, countries and payment methods do TransFi and Skydo support?
| Platform | Currencies | Payment methods | Indian individuals | Indian businesses | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TransFi | States 40+ currencies, 100+ tokens; INR not confirmed | Virtual account (IBAN) for bank transfers, e.g. EUR; Local payment methods (bank transfer, cards, wallets) via payin order; Crypto or stablecoin deposit address | Not confirmed; India not on supported list | Not confirmed; India not on supported list | Businesses using an API for collections, payouts and stablecoin conversion |
| Skydo | Local USD, GBP, EUR, CAD, AUD, SGD, AED; 32 via SWIFT | Local bank transfer to Skydo local account details (US, UK, Europe, Canada, Australia, Singapore, UAE); SWIFT transfer to the International SWIFT account (32 currencies); InstaLinks payment link (US ACH Debit); Amazon Global Selling withdrawals to Skydo accounts | Yes, freelancers and sole proprietors with PAN | Yes, companies, partnerships and HUFs | Indian freelancers and exporters receiving mid to large B2B invoices |
What are the strengths and limitations of TransFi and Skydo?
TransFi
- Collection options: Supports bank transfers, cards, local wallets, virtual accounts and crypto deposits in supported countries
- Stablecoin rails: Converts between fiat and digital assets within one platform
- API-first: Developer documentation covers collections, payouts, settlements and webhooks
- Registration disclosed: TransFi Canada Inc. states a FINTRAC Money Service Business registration (M24519990)
- India coverage: India is not on the Supported Countries list in TransFi's developer documentation
- Pricing: No public fee schedule or FX markup; fees are agreed per customer
- India compliance: No FIRA/FIRC, purpose code handling for Indian exports or RBI authorisation is documented
- Digital assets: Flows that involve crypto or stablecoins may not suit Indian exporters who need standard inward remittance documentation
Skydo
- FX: Zero FX margin on conversion to INR, as stated on the homepage and pricing section
- Predictable fees: Flat $19 or $29 per payment up to $10,000, so the effective rate falls as invoice size rises
- Compliance paperwork: FIRA issued instantly and stated to be free; Skydo says its FIRA and FIRC are accepted for GST filing and by banks
- Regulation: Listed by RBI as an authorised Payment Aggregator with PA-CB Inward and Outward authorisation
- Small payments: Minimum payment of USD 50, and a $19 flat fee is a high share of small invoices
- Card payments: Skydo's published pricing and FAQs list bank transfers and ACH Debit payment links only; no card payment option is listed
- InstaLinks cost: Payment links cost 2% per transaction with a $9 minimum and typically settle within 6 business days
- Chargebacks: For InstaLinks, the user is liable for chargeback amounts and fees, which Skydo may debit from the account
Should you choose TransFi or Skydo?
- Choose TransFi if: you need businesses integrating an API for cross-border collections, payouts and fiat-stablecoin conversion in its supported countries.
- Choose Skydo if: you need Indian freelancers and exporters receiving mid to large B2B invoices by bank transfer.
For example, an exporter billing $5,000 a month: TransFi does not publish full pricing; Skydo does.
Which other platforms should you consider besides TransFi and Skydo?
Other covered platforms ranked by the INR received on a $5,000 invoice.
| Platform | Fees | FX markup | FIRA | INR on $5,000 | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | ₹4,67,608 | 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 | ₹4,64,593 | 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 | ₹4,64,215 | Existing HDFC customers wanting free SWIFT receipts or EEFC accounts |
| Wise Business | Calculator: 1.6% + $2 per payment + 18% GST | Mid-market rate; cost is the 1.6% conversion fee | eFIRC per transfer, 2 USD + 18% GST | ₹4,64,206 | Freelancers and small exporters wanting multi-currency local accounts and eFIRC |
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.
- TransFi homepage, 40+ currencies, 130+ digital assets; South Asia section (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- TransFi Docs: Supported Countries, Country list, updated 2026-08-04; India not listed (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- TransFi Docs: Collections, Four ways to collect; funds land on TransFi balance, ready to pay out, swap or settle to bank (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- TransFi Docs: Collect via a Virtual Account (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- TransFi Docs: Collect with a Local Payment Method (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- TransFi Docs: KYB levels for Business User (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- TransFi Compliance Policies, FINTRAC MSB M24519990; Annexure A group entities (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- TransFi Business Services Agreement, Definition of Fees (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- TransFi Payment Methods, 40+ currencies and 100+ tokens; 100+ countries (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- Skydo homepage (pricing and fee calculator), Know what you pay; calculator showing GST 18% of transaction fee (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- Skydo FAQs: Fees & charges, How much does Skydo charge; Who will bear the SWIFT charges; Payment Links fees; Refund or chargeback fees (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- Skydo FAQs: Payment queries, When will I receive money (timeline table); FIRA vs FIRC; Limitations and Restrictions (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- Skydo FAQs: International accounts, Countries for local accounts; currencies via SWIFT account; unsupported countries (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- Skydo FAQs: InstaLinks, Fees, settlement timeline, chargebacks (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- Skydo: Receive International Payments in India, Skydo section: FIRA instant, automatic and free; settlement within 24 hours (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- Skydo for Amazon Global Sellers, Know what you pay (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- Skydo Terms of Use, About Skydo; Export transaction collection payments; KYC Process (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- Skydo About Us (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- Skydo blog: How to Sign Up on Skydo in 5 Minutes, What Do You Need Before You Sign Up on Skydo (checked 6 Oct 2026)
- RBI: Certificates of Authorisation issued under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 (dated 30 September 2026), Section A, Payment Aggregators, serial 56, and footnote # (checked 6 Oct 2026)
FAQs about TransFi vs Skydo
Is TransFi or Skydo cheaper for receiving USD in India?
TransFi does not publish full pricing; Skydo does. At $2,000: TransFi does not publish full pricing; Skydo does. At $10,000: TransFi does not publish full pricing; Skydo does. Figures use each platform's published pricing and today's reference rate, so check both pricing pages before you decide.
Which is faster, TransFi or Skydo?
TransFi states: Not confirmed for India; TransFi states collected money lands on the TransFi balance, ready to pay out, swap or settle to a bank account, but no India settlement time is stated. The homepage states payments are received in less than 24 hours. InstaLinks ACH Debit payments typically settle within 6 business days..
Do TransFi and Skydo both provide a FIRA?
TransFi: Not confirmed; no FIRA or FIRC is mentioned on TransFi's official pages. Skydo: FIRA issued instantly for each payment, emailed and downloadable from the dashboard; Skydo states it is free. A FIRA or FIRC is used as proof of export for GST refunds and income tax records, so confirm how each platform issues it before you invoice.
Are TransFi and Skydo authorised by RBI?
TransFi: Not confirmed; TransFi's policy page lists an affiliate, Trans-Fi India Private Limited, but documents no RBI authorisation. Skydo: RBI authorised Payment Aggregator: PA-O 'Skydo' (08.01.2026) and PA-CB Inward and Outward (RBI Certificates of Authorisation list dated 30 September 2026).
Can Indian freelancers use both TransFi and Skydo?
TransFi, individuals: Not confirmed. TransFi's products are aimed at businesses, and India is not on its documented Supported Countries list. Skydo, individuals: Yes. Skydo's sign-up guide states freelancers and sole proprietors can sign up with a personal PAN, Aadhaar verification via DigiLocker and a bank account in their own name.
Should I switch from TransFi to Skydo?
Switch only if Skydo pays more on your usual invoice size or fits how your clients pay. Keep the TransFi 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.