This article offers a well-researched guide to the 5+ best payment gateway in India for international transactions, helping readers identify the most suitable solution for seamless and secure global payments. Continue reading to explore each option in depth.
As the digital economy continues to flourish, businesses in India are increasingly engaging in international trade. Whether you’re a SaaS company in Bangalore, a freelancer in Mumbai, or an e-commerce seller catering to customers in the US or Europe, seamless global payment processing is critical. That’s where the best payment gateway in India for international transactions comes into play.
A payment gateway acts as the bridge between your customer and your bank, processing payments in real time. However, not all gateways are built equally—especially when it comes to handling international currencies, foreign bank integrations, cross-border compliance, and low transaction fees.
In this article, we dive deep into the best payment gateway in India for international transactions, analyzing each solution with fresh insights, use cases, statistics, pros, cons, and actionable tips.
Let’s take the first step!
Table of Contents
What is Payment Gateway?
A payment gateway is a technology solution that facilitates online payments by securely transferring payment information between a customer, a merchant, and the acquiring bank. In simpler terms, it acts like a digital cashier at a virtual checkout counter, authorizing and processing transactions between buyers and sellers over the internet.
Whenever you make a purchase online—whether it’s through a website, mobile app, or payment link—the payment gateway ensures that your sensitive information (like credit card or banking details) is encrypted, verified, and securely transmitted to complete the transaction.
Why Choosing the Right International Payment Gateway Matters
Selecting the right payment gateway can mean the difference between business growth and operational chaos. Here’s why it matters:
- Global Currency Support: Without support for major global currencies, your business risks high conversion fees.
- Security & Compliance: Gateways need to be PCI DSS-compliant and support 3D Secure to prevent fraud.
- Customer Experience: A smooth, multilingual checkout experience improves conversion rates.
- Faster Settlements: Reliable international gateways reduce settlement cycles, improving cash flow.
With that in mind, let’s explore the best payment gateway in India for international transactions.
5+ Best Payment Gateway in India for International Transactions!
Want smooth global transactions? Check out the 5+ best payment gateways in India for international payments.
1. PayPal India
PayPal is one of the most recognized and trusted international payment platforms. In India, it’s widely used by freelancers, consultants, and small business owners who need to receive payments from clients worldwide. Its global reputation and ease of use make it a go-to option for cross-border transactions without much technical setup.
Features:
- Accept payments from 200+ countries.
- Supports 25+ global currencies.
- Integration with WordPress, WooCommerce, Shopify, etc.
- Dispute resolution center and buyer/seller protection.
- Recurring billing (for subscriptions).
Charges:
- International Payments: 4.4% + fixed fee (based on currency)
- No setup or monthly maintenance fees.
Best For:
- Freelancers
- Consultants
- Small businesses with global clients
Pros
- Trusted by clients globally.
- Instant transfer to Indian bank accounts.
- Simple and fast signup process.
Cons
- High fees for small transactions.
- Limited customization in checkout.
- Not ideal for eCommerce scale.
Real Use Case: A freelance graphic designer in Delhi can easily send PayPal invoices to clients in the US, who can pay using a card or their PayPal account.
2. Razorpay International
Razorpay is an India-based payment gateway that has quickly gained popularity for offering seamless international payment support. It caters especially to startups, SaaS businesses, and digital product sellers looking to scale globally. Razorpay stands out for its developer-friendly APIs, robust dashboard, and smooth checkout experience for global customers.
Features:
- Accepts international payments in 100+ currencies.
- Smart checkout with card saving & fraud detection.
- RazorpayX for managing vendor payouts and payroll.
- Built-in GST and invoice generator.
Charges:
- International Cards: 3% + GST
- No setup cost; zero maintenance fee.
Best For:
- Startups
- SaaS
- eCommerce
- Digital product businesses
Pros
- Powerful developer APIs.
- Supports subscriptions, payment links, and invoices.
- India-based support team.
Cons
- Need manual approval for international payments.
- Sometimes, KYC review can take time.
Real Use Case: An Indian SaaS product selling $49/month subscriptions globally can automate billing with Razorpay’s recurring payment feature.
3. Cashfree Payments
Cashfree is a fast-growing Indian fintech company known for its powerful payout infrastructure and easy-to-integrate global payment solutions. It is ideal for businesses that handle high-volume transactions and need advanced features like instant settlements, FX control, and recurring billing support. Cashfree is trusted by thousands of Indian brands looking to expand internationally.
Features:
- Accept payments in 30+ currencies.
- Integration with Amazon Pay, UPI, wallets, and cards.
- International Payment Gateway + Payout system in one.
- Bank-level FX conversion rates.
Charges:
- International Cards: 2.5% to 3.5% per transaction.
- No setup fee.
Best For:
- Large-volume e-commerce
- D2C brands
- Platforms with mass payouts.
Pros
- Fast onboarding, even for small businesses.
- API-rich platform.
- Offers marketplace payment splitting.
Cons
- Newer compared to Stripe or Razorpay.
- The dashboard UI could be more intuitive.
Real Use Case: An online learning platform selling courses to students in the UAE and the US uses Cashfree to collect payments and pay instructors.
4. PayU India
PayU is one of India’s most established payment gateway providers, offering a secure and scalable solution for businesses of all sizes. It’s especially useful for educational platforms, marketplaces, and NGOs that deal with international students, clients, or donors. With strong anti-fraud measures and an intelligent payment routing system, PayU ensures a reliable global payment experience.
Features:
- One-click checkout experience.
- PCI DSS Level 1 certified.
- Supports EMI, BNPL, and recurring payments.
- Intelligent routing for faster success rates.
Charges:
- International transactions: 3% to 4%
- Setup fee (on enterprise plans): Negotiable.
Best For:
- Large businesses
- Education sector
- Online marketplaces
Pros
- Strong fraud prevention system.
- Easy plugin for Magento, PrestaShop, and others.
Cons
- Slightly complex integration for non-tech users.
- UI needs improvement.
Real Use Case: An online university using PayU to accept admission fees from students in Nepal, Singapore, and Canada in their local currency.
5. Stripe India
Stripe is known globally as the most developer-centric and flexible payment gateway. It empowers Indian startups and tech companies to build scalable, subscription-based platforms and serve global customers with ease. With advanced API documentation, built-in fraud detection, and global compliance tools, Stripe is ideal for businesses ready to go international from day one.
Features:
- Accepts 135+ currencies.
- Tools like Stripe Connect, Radar (fraud detection), and Elements.
- Advanced dashboards and reporting.
- Webhooks, test environments, API-first platform.
Charges:
- International card payments: 2.9% + 30¢ + 1% cross-border fee
- No monthly fee.
Best For:
- Tech companies
- Subscription-based startups
- International SaaS products
Pros
- Best-in-class API documentation.
- Supports Apple Pay, Google Pay, Klarna, etc.
- Highly scalable.
Cons
- Not easy for beginners.
- Requires business registration outside India in some cases.
Real Use Case: An Indian startup with global users manages subscription billing, global tax compliance, and reporting using Stripe.
6. CCAvenue
CCAvenue is one of India’s oldest and most reliable payment gateways, particularly favored by large enterprises, hotels, and government projects. It offers multilingual checkout, dynamic currency conversion, and advanced risk management features. With support for over 200 payment methods, it’s built to handle both high-volume and high-security payment environments.
Features:
- Accepts 200+ payment options.
- Multilingual checkout (18 languages).
- Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC).
- AI-powered fraud detection.
Charges:
- International Cards: 3% to 4%
- Setup Fee: May vary by plan.
Best For:
- Hotels
- Government projects
- Multinational companies
Pros
- Localized payment experience.
- Solid support and trust factor.
Cons
- Slightly outdated dashboard.
- Higher learning curve.
Real Use Case: A travel agency serving international tourists collects deposits in USD/EUR via CCAvenue with real-time FX conversion.
7. Instamojo International
Instamojo is a lightweight, user-friendly payment gateway tailored for freelancers, creators, and micro-businesses. It allows users to accept international payments through simple links, even without a website. This makes it ideal for those just starting or offering digital products and services to a global audience without complex integrations.
Features:
- Easy setup—no website required.
- Collect payments via payment links, pages, and stores.
- Support for global card payments and PayPal.
Charges:
- International: 5% + ₹3 per transaction
- Zero monthly charges.
Best For:
- Freelancers
- Online educators
- Small businesses
Pros
- Great for beginners.
- In-built invoice generator.
- Integrated store option.
Cons
- Limited global currency coverage.
- High transaction fees for low-ticket items.
Real Use Case: A YouTuber selling eBooks to global followers uses Instamojo for digital product delivery + payment collection.
How to Choose a Payment Gateway?
Here’s a cheat sheet to help you choose the best payment gateway in India for international transactions:
| Business Type | Recommended Gateway |
|---|---|
| Freelancer | PayPal, Instamojo |
| SaaS / Subscription | Stripe, Razorpay |
| E-commerce | Razorpay, Cashfree |
| Education / NGO | PayU, CCAvenue |
| Digital Products | Instamojo, Cashfree |
| Tech Startup | Stripe, Razorpay |
FAQs:)
A. Yes, for business accounts only. Personal services have been discontinued.
A. Yes, with gateways like Razorpay, Stripe, and PayPal, you can accept USD and convert it to INR.
A. Yes. Most platforms allow easy switching and even parallel integration of multiple gateways. However, do compare costs and ensure data security during migration.
A. No. Stripe is invite-only in India as of 2025. Alternatives like Razorpay or Cashfree are more accessible.
A. Not always, but having it speeds up onboarding and compliance.
A. Yes, most gateways convert and settle INR. Platforms like Cashfree and Payoneer also allow settlement in EEFC accounts if needed.
A. No. Most payment gateways automatically convert the currency and settle in INR. However, services like Stripe and Payoneer allow holding balances in foreign currency.
A. Freelancers often find PayPal and Instamojo to be the most accessible. Razorpay and Stripe are good options for tech freelancers.
A. Cashfree and Razorpay generally offer the most competitive pricing (2.5%–3% range) with wide currency and platform support.
A. Yes, Indian businesses can legally accept international payments through RBI-approved gateways. Make sure to complete your KYC and obtain an Import Export Code (IEC) for higher volume international trade.
Conclusion:)
Choosing the best payment gateway in India for international transactions is not a one-size-fits-all decision. It depends on your business size, target geography, product type, and technical capability. For freelancers, PayPal and Instamojo offer fast and easy onboarding. For SaaS and e-commerce players, Stripe and Razorpay offer scalability and API flexibility. Meanwhile, larger enterprises may benefit from Cashfree, PayU, or CCAvenue’s advanced integrations.
As global business continues to grow, your gateway choice can simplify or complicate your operations. Be proactive, review your needs quarterly, and don’t hesitate to run A/B tests with two gateways for real-world insights.
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Have you had experience using any of these gateways or still unsure which one to pick? Drop your thoughts, questions, or feedback in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!