How can Indian agencies receive international payments?

Traditional bank transfer (SWIFT)

Bank transfers are safe and secure, but are considered a slow and expensive method of receiving international payments. Clients can also find them inconvenient due to high banking charges.

Global payment gateways (PayPal, Wise)

These platforms are client-friendly and used worldwide. But there are certain drawbacks, especially for an Indian user. These platforms are not especially built for the Indian customer base, so there are issues related to compliance documents.  Also, platforms like PayPal and Wise come with certain drawbacks like high fees,FX margins, and a lack of transparency.

Fintech Platforms (InfinityApp)

A specialised fintech platform, especially built for receiving payments from foreign clients like Infinity, can be the best combination of both worlds: low fees, fast settlements, and compliance support. Indian digital marketing agencies can receive their international payments within 24 hours, while maintaining RBI compliance.

Best practices for digital marketing agencies handling global clients

Cross-border payments can either help the business grow or slow it down with unnecessary costs and delays. By adopting the right measures, digital marketing agencies in India can ensure smooth cash flow, client satisfaction, and compliance with Indian regulations. Here is how it can be done:

1. Invoice in the client's preferred currency, but manage the conversion strategically

Clients based in the UK, US, or Europe prefer being invoiced in their local currencies. By doing that, the agency appears professional and reduces the client-side friction. This is an ideal practice that agencies should follow. However, converting the foreign payments immediately into INR at poor rates is not a good practice to follow.

Instead, agencies should have a multi-currency account like Infinity, where they are able to hold funds and convert them into INR at a preferred FX rate.

2. Set Clear Payment Terms Upfront

One of the most common reasons for delayed payments is the lack of transparent agreements. Agencies should clearly define:

• Whether payments will be milestone-based, monthly retainers, or upfront deposits.

• The acceptable payment methods and who bears transaction fees.

• Penalties or late fees for delayed payments.

This ensures that expectations are aligned from day one, leaving no room for disputes later. A simple clause in the contract can save weeks of follow-up.

3. Maintain Compliance Documents (FIRC, GST, and RBI Purpose Codes)

Agencies in India must remain compliant with RBI rules and tax laws. Every foreign payment should be backed by a Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate (FIRC), which acts as proof of inward foreign exchange. Similarly, agencies should maintain GST invoices and assign the correct purpose code to every transaction. Proper documentation ensures audit readiness, smooth claim of tax benefits, and eligibility for export incentives under Indian law.

4. Choose Transparent Payment Platforms with Low Fees and Faster Settlement

Not all payment providers are equal. While PayPal and banks are popular, they often charge hidden fees and take several days to process settlements. Agencies should opt for fintech platforms that:

• Charge low, flat fees.

• Provide clear exchange rate transparency.

• Settle payments within 24–48 hours.

This ensures agencies have predictable cash flow to fund campaigns, pay vendors, and run operations without delays.

How Infinity helps Digital marketing agencies receive cross-border payments

Digital marketing agencies in India need a payment platform that can make the whole process of receiving international payments from their foreign clients hassle-free. This is where Infinity comes in. Infinity is built and designed for agencies in India, where they can receive and optimise their foreign payments without putting any extra effort. This is what Infinity provides to the agencies in India:

• Multi-currency account: Infinity opens up a multi-currency account where agencies can receive payments in up to 50+ currencies across the globe. A small KYC is needed, and you can get a multi-currency account opened in minutes.

• Lowest transaction fees: Most of your hard-earned income gets eaten up by high transaction fees and currency conversion fees. Infinity charges 0.5% (inclusive of all) with 0% FX margin, which is the lowest in the market.

• RBI-compliant process: Infinity follows RBI’s FEMA guidelines. So, all your international payments are RBI-regulated with FIRA support.

• 24-hour settlement: Infinity offers a 24-hour settlement process. This means you don't have to wait for weeks to get your hard-earned money credited to your account.

So, for agencies working with overseas clients, InfinityApp ensures payments are smooth, cost-effective, and hassle-free. By adopting smarter solutions like a multi-currency account by Infinity, agencies can reduce costs, speed up settlements, and simplify the compliance process.

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People also ask (FAQs)

1.How long do international payments take in India for digital marketing agencies?

Using traditional methods like SWIFT can take up to 3-7 days to settle the international payments. But using fintech platforms like InfinityApp, you can settle international payments within 24 hours (1 business day).

2.Is FIRA mandatory for agencies in India?

FIRA is not always mandatory for every transaction, but it will be required by the agency for audits and compliance purposes. FIRA works as proof for foreign inward remittance to India.

3.Do agencies pay GST on foreign payments?

Yes, Digital marketing agencies need to pay GST on foreign payments. Payments received from foreign clients are considered as export of services under Indian law. Such services are generally zero-rated under the GST, but proper documentation needs to be maintained.