Freelancers and agencies in 2025 have a lot of options in terms of freelancing and remote work, especially given the larger global market. There is a great need for efficient international payment gateways, as the requirement for these is constantly increasing. They are not only transaction queries but also financial management tools for freelancers and agencies across various international jurisdictions.
However, international payments are also full of challenges, with fees often being high, currency conversion fees being complex, and compliance regulations for each ‘operating’ country being difficult to adhere to. Understanding how to overcome these challenges is vital for anyone who wants to succeed in the international marketplace.
This post deals with payment options for freelancers, agencies, consultants, remote workers, and SaaS businesses, which can help them look for highly reputable, reliable payment option providers. This post is aimed at people who have not considered these payment options before or would like to improve their current payment options or utilize the current payment option provider.
Comparison Table
| Payment Gateway | Supported Countries | Transaction Fees | Withdrawal Methods | Ease of Setup |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PayPal | 200+ | 2.9% + $0.30 | Bank Transfer, PayPal Balance | Easy |
| Wise | 70+ | 0.35% - 1% | Bank Transfer | Easy |
| Payoneer | 200+ | 1% - 3% | Bank Transfer, Payoneer Balance | Moderate |
| Stripe | 40+ | 2.9% + $0.30 | Bank Transfer | Moderate |
| Deel | 100+ | 1% - 3% | Bank Transfer | Easy |
| Revolt Business | 30+ | 0.4% - 1% | Bank Transfer | Moderate |
| Skrill | 200+ | 1.45% | Bank Transfer, Skrill Balance | Easy |
You may also like, Best Payment Gateways in India for 2025 – Features, Pros & Cons
Top 5–6 International Payment Gateways Overview
PayPal
PayPal is one of the most popular online payment services and, therefore, a default choice for most freelancers/agencies.
Key Features:
- Immediate payments
- Protection to buyer and seller
- Incorporation with other platforms
Supported Countries: It is accessible in more than 200 countries.
Ideal For: Freelancers and small agencies in need of a simple payment solution.
Pros/Cons:
- Pros: Widespread acceptance, buyer protection, and simple to use.
- Cons: Expensive international transaction fees, and currency conversion fees.
Wise
Wise is a commonly used cross-border payment service known for clear pricing and competitive exchange rates.
Key Features:
- Real exchange rate
- Low fees
- Multi-currency accounts
Supported Countries: It is available in more than 70 countries.
Ideal For: Freelancers and agencies work with numerous currencies.
Pros/Cons:
- Pros: Excellent FX rates, low fees, easy to set up.
- Cons: Few payment methods as compared to others.
Payoneer
Payoneer serves businesses or freelancers that receive money transferred from foreign clients.
Key Features:
- Global payment service
- Multi-currency accounts
- Integration with various platforms
Supported Countries: Available in over 200 countries.
Ideal For: Agencies and freelancers working with high-ticket clients.
Pros/Cons:
- Pros: Competitive fees, easy to withdraw funds.
- Cons: Requires verification, can be complex for beginners.
Stripe Atlas / Stripe India via Partners
Stripe is a robust payment processor equipped with features that are suitable for businesses, including freelancers and agencies.
Key Features:
- Customizable payment solutions
- Strong API for developers
- Support for multiple currencies
Supported Countries: Available in over 40 countries.
Ideal For: Tech-savvy freelancers and SaaS businesses.
Pros/Cons:
- Pros: Flexible, robust features, good for developers.
- Cons: Requires some technical knowledge, not as user-friendly for beginners.
Deel
Deel makes hiring and paying international contractors much easier, making their platform great for agencies.
Key Features:
- Global payroll solutions
- Compliance with local laws
- Easy contract management
Supported Countries: Available in over 100 countries.
Ideal For: Agencies hiring remote workers globally.
Pros/Cons:
- Pros: Simplifies compliance, easy to use.
- Cons: Fees can add up, limited payment options.
Revolut Business
Revolut offers a business account that includes international payments, making it a versatile option for freelancers and agencies.
Key Features:
- Multi-currency accounts
- Budgeting tools
- Instant payment notifications
Supported Countries: Available in over 30 countries.
Ideal For: Freelancers and agencies looking for a comprehensive financial tool.
Pros/Cons:
- Pros: Good FX rates, budgeting features.
- Cons: Limited availability in some regions.
Skrill
Skrill is another option for international payments, known for its ease of use.
Key Features:
- Low-cost international transfers
- Prepaid card option
- Cryptocurrency support
Supported Countries: Available in over 200 countries.
Ideal For: Freelancers looking for a simple payment solution.
Pros/Cons:
- Pros: Easy to use, low fees.
- Cons: Customer service can be lacking, not as widely accepted.
Key Factors to Consider
When selecting an international payment gateway, look at the following:
- FX Conversion Rate: Seek gateways with favourable exchange rates to get the best profit.
- Transaction & Withdrawal Fees: Make sure to know the fee per gateway, as it can differ considerably.
- Compliance & KYC: Make sure that the gateway is compliant in the local jurisdiction and that the KYC process is easy.
- Bank Withdrawal Time: Find out the time scale of withdrawing the money into your bank account, as this may affect your cash flow.
- Platform Restrictions: Certain gateways might only need you to be registered in business, or they might have some other limitation that would make you unable to use that gateway.
Summary of Best Picks International Payment Gateways
- Best for beginners: PayPal – With its simple interface and popularity, this option is best suited to those who are new to making international payments.
- Best FX rate: Wise – With its clear fee system and actual exchange rates, Wise is ideal to use when your priority is to limit expenses.
- Best for agencies: Payoneer – This feature-rich and internationally focused service is a strong contender as a primary option to consider in an agency with multiple clients.
In short, selecting the appropriate international payment gateway is essential for Indian freelancers and agencies looking to succeed in the global market. This decision tree will help you to choose the best gateway based on your unique requirements and features of gateways, and this will ensure that your payment operations are simplified and your business will flourish.
