Compare Total Cost Across Payment Platforms

The platform cost comparison runs the same payout formula at each invoice size. For each platform it takes the published fee from the tier that covers that size, converts the rest at the mid-market rate minus the FX markup, and deducts 18% GST on the fee where charged. Total cost is the shortfall against the mid-market value.

Total cost % = (amount x mid-market rate - INR received) / (amount x mid-market rate) x 100, where INR received = (amount - fee) x mid-market rate x (1 - FX markup %) - 18% GST on the fee

For example, at an example rate of 1 USD = 96 INR and with no FX markup, a flat $20 fee plus GST costs ₹2,265.60 on every payment. That is 4.72% of a $500 invoice, 0.47% of $5,000 and 0.05% of $50,000. A 1.5% fee plus GST costs 1.77% at every size. The two cost the same on an invoice of about $1,333.

1. Choose the currency you invoice in.
2. Read the table: one row per platform, one column per invoice size, showing total cost % and INR received.
3. Find the column closest to your usual invoice size and compare the rows there.
4. Check the fee type for each platform to see whether its cost falls, stays level or changes in steps as invoices grow.

The platform cost comparison shows how each platform's total cost changes as the invoice grows. A flat fee shows a falling line, because the same charge is spread over a bigger amount. A pure percentage fee with a markup shows a level line. Tiered pricing shows steps where a new tier starts.

• Your size: Read the column that matches the invoices you actually send. A platform that costs least at $50,000 can cost most at $500.
• Crossover: Where two lines cross, the two platforms cost the same. Above and below that size, the lower line changes, because the pricing models scale differently.
• Level lines: A level line means the cost scales with the invoice, so splitting or combining invoices changes little.
• Steps: A jump between columns usually means the invoice moved into a different pricing tier.

• Rates used: Every column uses the same European Central Bank reference rate as the mid-market benchmark. The ECB publishes it for information only, so actual conversion rates differ slightly.
• Taxes included: 18% GST is added to a platform's fee where its pricing says GST applies. For banks, GST on the currency conversion, valued under CGST Rule 32(2), is included in the fee figure.
• One payment: Each column is a single payment of that size. Monthly volume discounts, subscriptions and plan fees are not modelled.
• Not covered: Intermediary bank charges on SWIFT wires, your bank's inward credit charges, FIRA or FIRC fees and income tax are left out.
• Pricing date: Fees come from each platform's own pricing pages, checked by hand. The last check date is shown on the page.

• One size: Judging platforms on a single invoice size when your clients pay very different amounts.
• Flat fees: Calling a flat fee cheap or expensive without the invoice size. A flat fee is a large share of a small invoice and a tiny share of a large one.
• Markup: Comparing only fee percentages. The FX markup applies to the whole converted amount at every size.
• Average size: Using your average invoice when most payments are small. Check the column for your most common size as well.

Two sets of rules apply here. CGST Rule 32(2) sets the taxable value of a currency conversion, so bank GST on conversions changes with the amount. The FEMA export regulations, 2026 require full export value of services to be realised within nine months of the invoice, and Regulation 6 lets your AD bank allow a reduced realisation.

Related guides: reduce forex charges exporters, receive large international payment india, what is fx markup, gst on payment gateway charges.

Every rule and fee is linked to its official or first-party source below with the date it was checked. Exchange rates are dated 3 Nov 2026. The full method is on the methodology page.

1. European Central Bank: Euro foreign exchange reference rates, The reference rates are usually updated at around 16:00 CET every working day, except on TARGET closing days. The reference rates are published for information purposes only. Using the rates for transaction purposes is strongly discouraged. (checked 8 Oct 2026)
2. CGST Rules, 2017: Rule 32 (determination of value in respect of certain supplies), Rule 32(2)(a): value of money changing is the difference between the buying or selling rate and the RBI reference rate, multiplied by the units of currency. Rule 32(2)(b), at the supplier's option: 1% of the gross amount up to Rs 1 lakh (minimum Rs 250); Rs 1,000 and 0.5% above Rs 1 lakh up to Rs 10 lakh; Rs 5,500 and 0.1% above Rs 10 lakh (maximum Rs 60,000). (checked 8 Oct 2026)
3. RBI Notification No. FEMA 23(R)/2026-RB: Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026 (amended up to 22 September 2026), In force from 1 October 2026. Regulation 5(1)(a): full export value of services realised and repatriated within nine months from the date of invoice. Regulation 6: AD bank may allow reduction in realisation on reasons cited; where the export value is up to Rs 10 lakh per invoice, reduction may be permitted based on a declaration from the exporter. Regulation 19(3): AD bank charges to be reasonable and proportional. (checked 8 Oct 2026)