How to accept International Payments in India

What Is an International Payment & How Is It Different from Domestic Payments?

An international payment refers to receiving funds from a customer or client outside India, usually in a foreign currency such as USD, EUR, or GBP. These payments involve cross-border fund transfers and require currency conversion, adherence to RBI compliance, and tracking via inward remittance processes. Unlike domestic transactions processed through UPI, IMPS, or NEFT, international payments flow through systems like SWIFT,  Payment Gateways, or money transfer operators. They involve -

• Currency conversion rate application at the time of settlement
• Settlement delays due to intermediary banks and local regulations
• FIRC certificate issuance as proof of receipt for legal and tax compliance

The key difference lies in regulatory scrutiny. For instance, even if a customer within India pays in USD, it counts as an international transaction and triggers compliance steps.

Tip - A domestic transaction ≠ international payment. However, if the amount is paid in foreign currency, it is legally classified as a cross-border payment, even if both parties are based in India.

Who Needs to Accept International Payments?

The ability to accept international payments for Indian businesses has become increasingly crucial for sustainable growth and competitive advantage. Organizations across various sectors are recognizing the strategic importance of establishing seamless cross-border payment mechanisms.

• Freelancers & Consultants - Independent professionals serving international clients
• eCommerce Stores - Online retailers shipping products to international customers
• SaaS Platforms - Software-as-a-Service companies with global users
• Exporters (Goods & Services) - Export of physical goods or IT-enabled services
• Content Creators & Digital Product Sellers - Entrepreneurs selling digital products, courses, or subscriptions globally.

Common Methods of Accepting International Payments

There are several ways Indian businesses can accept international payments, each with its pros and considerations. Here are the most commonly used methods:

Choosing the right method depends on your business type, frequency of transactions, and whether you need compliant documentation like a FIRC certificate or GST filings.

Key Benefits of Accepting International Payments

Indian businesses can unlock global opportunities by enabling foreign transactions through secure, compliant channels. Whether you're a freelancer, SaaS startup, or eCommerce brand, accepting international payments helps you grow faster and build global trust. It allows you to earn in stronger currencies, serve customers worldwide, and scale operations efficiently.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the benefits of accepting international payments -

• Higher Earnings - Charge in USD, EUR, or GBP and improve profit margins.
• Global Reach - Expand your business internationally without physical market presence.
• Customer Trust - Offer reliable, secure options that build buyer confidence.
• Faster Settlements - Improve cash flow with quicker cross-border fund transfers.

Step-by-Step: How to Start Accepting International Payments in India

Getting started might seem complex, but with the right partner, it’s quite straightforward. Here are the key steps to receive international payments in India with ease:

• Register Your Business - Ensure you have a valid PAN, GSTIN, and a current bank account in your business name. If you export goods or services, apply for an IEC (Import Export Code) through the DGFT portal.
• Choose a Trusted International Payment Gateway - Pick a platform like Worldline international payments, which supports 140+ currencies, automatic currency conversion rate, and secure onboarding.
• Complete KYC & RBI Compliance - Submit incorporation documents, address proofs, and bank details. Your gateway should assist with RBI compliance and issue FIRC certificates for your records.
• Integrate the Payment Solution - Use APIs, hosted checkout pages, or no-code plugins depending on your tech stack. Include support for cards, wallets, and inward remittance flows.
• Go Live and Start Receiving Payments - Test all flows and settle into production mode. Monitor transactions, settlement times, and fees on your gateway dashboard.

Tip: These steps aren’t just for large exporters. They're ideal for freelancers, digital startups, and growing D2C brands exploring global markets.

What to Watch Out For (Fees, Compliance, Taxes & Fraud)

Accepting international payments comes with a few hidden costs and compliance checkpoint -

• MDR (Merchant Discount Rate) - Typically higher than domestic cards (2.5–4%)
• FX conversion margins - Charged by banks or providers—compare rates
• GST on foreign payments - Even services to foreign clients may attract GST depending on classification
• TCS (Tax Collected at Source) - May apply if foreign remittances exceed certain thresholds
• FIRC certificate - Essential proof of receipt for export invoices and tax benefits
• Chargebacks and Fraud Risks - Especially on high-ticket items or digital services

To stay protected, use a PCI DSS-compliant payment partner, monitor for suspicious transactions, and set clear refund and delivery policies.

Why Choose Worldline for International Payment Acceptance

Worldline is a trusted partner offering secure, scalable, all-in-one platform solutions that simplify how to accept international payments. We support 140+ currencies with transparent currency conversion rates and local settlement in ₹ to minimize forex risks. With a PCI DSS-compliant infrastructure, automated FIRC certificate generation, and dedicated support, we make global expansion seamless. 

Get in touch today and discover how to grow your business internationally with a reliable partner.