Best Salt.pe Alternatives in India: Compare Fees & Features

Managing cross-border payments is one of the toughest challenges you may have to go through as an Indian business. This is especially true if you are an exporter, SaaS company, freelancer, or startup receiving money frequently from international clients. 

While Salt.pe has gained attention as a modern fintech solution for global collections, it falls short in some respects. This has left many businesses still searching for Salt.pe alternatives that offer more transparency, lower costs, and better reliability.

Let’s explore what the limitations of Salt.pe are, look at its top competitors in India, and compare the features, pricing, and suitability of each so you can find a platform that helps you receive the maximum possible value from every dollar earned abroad.

Salt.pe is a cross-border payment platform that promises to simplify receiving international payments for Indian businesses. It offers quick settlement times, compliance features, and a user-friendly interface. 

Here are some of the features Salt.pe provides:

1. Salt.pe allows you to open a digital account to collect payments from clients abroad.
2. You can receive payments in major currencies like USD, EUR, and GBP, which are then converted to INR.
3. The platform provides Foreign Inward Remittance Certificates, which are required for compliance with RBI regulations and GST input claims.
4. Businesses and freelancers can sign up with digital KYC / KYB without the paperwork typically required by banks.

While Salt.pe is an appealing option for cross-border collections, there are several recurring pain points that push businesses to explore Salt.pe alternatives. 

Here are some shortcomings: 

1. High transaction fees and FX markup: Salt.pe charges around 1.75% of the transfer amount for inward remittances, which can be substantial for high-value transactions. Even if the platform claims to use a mid-market rate with no hidden markup, that upfront fee cuts into your margin directly.

2. Zero foreign balance holding: Currently, Salt.pe does not let users hold balances in foreign currency; the moment a payment arrives, it's converted to INR. This restricts strategic flexibility. If you expect USD invoices later, you cannot retain USD liquidity.

3. Limited global currency coverage: While Salt.pe supports major currencies like USD, EUR, GBP, it doesn't offer as many lanes or rails as global players. This can be limiting if your clients use less common currencies or payment rails.

4. Settlement delays reported: Some users report that funds take longer than ideal to be credited to their account. This can seriously affect your cash flow, especially when your have deadlines or vendor payments on the line. 

5. Lack of advanced features or integrations: For larger exporters or SaaS platforms, Salt.pe's feature set can feel pretty basic. It lacks tools like predictive FX analytics, deep API integrations, or marketplace plug-ins that more advanced cross-border payment offer.

6. Support and reliability constraints: Salt.pe is also occasionally criticised for its slower customer support and for handling complex cases less gracefully than other platforms.  

There are many cross-border payment solutions in India that are excellent alternatives to Salt.pe. Here is a comparison of some of the top Salt.pe competitors. 

1. Xflow 

Xflow is a modern cross-border payments platform built specifically for Indian businesses that need efficient, transparent, and compliant solutions for receiving international payments. It allows you to collect funds globally with local receiving accounts, minimal hidden costs, AI-backed FX insights, and automatic compliance documentation.

Key Features of Xflow

1. Mid-market-linked pricing

Xflow aims to keep your effective INR value close to the true benchmark, reducing the hidden spread you typically lose via traditional banking or less transparent platforms.

2. Receiving Accounts in 25+ currencies

You get virtual accounts (like banking details) in USD, EUR, GBP, etc. Clients abroad pay using domestic rails (ACH, SEPA, etc.), bypassing SWIFT fees and correspondent bank deductions.

3. AI FX Analyst / predictive insights

Xflow's FX AI Analyst analyzes market indicators like FPI flows, global rates, and macro events to suggest favorable windows to convert your balances, helping you improve realized gains.

4. Fast Settlement & Predictability

Funds are typically credited to your Indian bank account within one business day, reducing cash-flow delays your business may face. Since Xflow displays the precise INR amount before you execute, your budgeting becomes more predictable.

5. Compliance & Audit Friendly

Every incoming transaction through Xflow comes with automated FIRA issuance. This makes reconciliation easier and documentation audits more seamless.

6. Scalable & No Hidden Limits

There are no transaction caps, no forced invoice splitting, and support for high-volume flows, making it suitable for freelance businesses to large exporters.

Advantages of Xflow

• You retain more of each dollar because there's minimal spread, and intermediary bank costs are bypassed.
• You always see exactly how much INR will land before confirming a transfer.
• API support, dashboards, and automation reduce manual efforts and errors.
• Xflow secured in-principle RBI approval to operate as a cross-border payments aggregator, enhancing its trust and operating legitimacy. 
• It's backed by major investors and built for scale, serving thousands of businesses already.

2. Wise 

Wise, formerly known as TransferWise, is a global money transfer platform that has gained strong popularity for its transparent mid-market exchange rates. It allows businesses and individuals to hold, convert, and send money across multiple currencies with ease.

Key Features of Wise

• Wise uses the real mid-market exchange rate and adds a small transparent service fee that is shown upfront.
• Users can hold over 40 currencies in multi-currency accounts, which simplifies cross-border transactions.
• Wise issues local account details in currencies like USD, GBP, EUR, and AUD, enabling businesses to get paid like a local.

Limitations of Wise

• Wise can be expensive for very high-value transfers since its percentage-based fee may scale up significantly.
• Business users may not find dedicated compliance features such as automated FIRC or eFIRA. 

3. Payoneer 

Payoneer is an international payments platform that businesses use to receive cross-border payments. It offers several integrations with marketplaces and gig platforms, which is useful for freelancers and e-commerce sellers. 

Key features of Payoneer

• Payoneer provides virtual receiving accounts in major currencies such as USD, GBP, EUR, and JPY.
• It integrates directly with platforms like Amazon, Upwork, and Fiverr, allowing users to collect payments seamlessly.
• Businesses can withdraw funds in INR directly into local bank accounts with relative ease.

Limitations of Payoneer

• Payoneer's FX conversion can be costly since spreads may be higher than fintech competitors.
• Withdrawals may not always be instant, with settlement timelines varying by geography and bank partner.
• Certain services, like card issuance or cross-border billing, can be subject to hidden administrative fees.

4. Winvesta 

Winvesta is an emerging fintech in India that combines forex services with investment opportunities. It offers multi-currency accounts designed to help Indian residents manage international income and investments.

Key Features of Winvesta 

• Winvesta provides multi-currency accounts that allow users to hold and transact in over 30 currencies.
• It enables Indians to invest in US stocks and ETFs while managing their global income on the same platform.
• Users can receive international remittances directly into their accounts without immediate conversion to INR.

Limitations

• Winvesta can be more suited to individual investors than to export-driven businesses requiring high-volume payments.
• Transaction limits may not match the scale required by large exporters or SaaS companies.

5. PingPong 

PingPong is an international payment service tailored to the needs of e-commerce sellers, focusing particularly on those who sell goods on major global platforms like Amazon and eBay. It's designed to minimize the cost and complexity of bringing sales revenue back to India.

Key Features of PingPong 

• PingPong provides global receiving accounts in various currencies, enabling exporters to collect funds from marketplaces in foreign currencies.
• It supports integration with Amazon, eBay, and Shopify to streamline payout workflows.
• Exporters can request settlement to INR accounts, usually with faster turnaround.

Limitations of PingPong

• PingPong may not fully expose its FX margin structure, so you might not know the full effective cost before converting.
• Its model is more optimized for product exporters. Service/SaaS businesses may find fewer marketplace-centric features helpful.

6. PayPal 

PayPal is a globally recognized payments platform that many small businesses, freelancers, and merchants use due to its reach. Even though it is widely trusted, its cost structure inside India often makes it less attractive for high-value cross-border collection.

Limitations of PayPal

• For international commercial transactions, PayPal typically charges the highest fees, often exceeding 4.40% plus a fixed fee.
• PayPal uses a proprietary exchange rate that includes a significant currency conversion fee/FX markup (3%-4%) on top of the wholesale rate when withdrawing to an INR bank account, drastically reducing the final amount received.
• PayPal provides a monthly FIRC/bank certificate for all transactions, but it does not offer the granular, per-transaction eFIRA seen with specialized Indian fintechs. 

When you decide to opt for a Salt.pe alternative, look beyond just costs and charges. Make sure to pick a platform that fits your business model, transaction frequencies and compliance needs. Before making a switch, here are the factors you should evaluate in detail:

1. Exchange Rate Policy: Always confirm if the provider uses mid-market exchange rates or padded bank rates. Even a small spread of 0.5-1% can cost you lakhs over the course of a year.

2. Transparent Fees: Look beyond the headline "zero fees" claims. Some platforms may make such claims but ultimately pass on SWIFT costs and correspondent bank deductions to you. Platforms like Xflow that offer upfront, transparent pricing make your financial planning far easier.

3. Settlement Speed: Consider how quickly funds settle in your Indian account. A delay of two to three days can disrupt vendor payments or payroll, while faster settlements improve liquidity.

4. Compliance Support: Ensure the platform automates compliance documents like FIRA or FIRC. These records are mandatory for RBI reporting and GST input claims, and manual processes can waste valuable time.

5. Local Receiving Accounts: A provider offering foreign currency accounts or virtual IBANs allows your customers to pay via local bank transfers. This bypasses SWIFT, reduces intermediary deductions, and improves reliability.

6. Customer Support Quality: International transactions can often get held up due to KYC holds, refund issues, or technical glitches. If your payment platform has a strong support infrastructure, these issues can be resolved quickly. Check that the platform offers round-the-clock support. 

The right international payment platform directly impacts your business's financial stability. Here’s how: 

1. Transparent pricing: By choosing a platform that offers transparent pricing and mid-market-based forex rates, you avoid hidden spreads and know exactly how much INR will be credited before you transact. 

2. Accurate forecasting: Transparent pricing also helps you forecast revenues better, manage receivables with confidence, and protect your margins from unnecessary erosion.

3. Operational efficiency: Beyond the numbers, a reliable gateway reduces operational friction. Automated compliance features like eFIRA issuance can save you hours of paperwork during audits. 

4. Smooth client payments: Platforms that provide local receiving accounts and support multiple currencies also make it easier for international clients to pay, creating a smoother experience on both sides. 

Among the various Salt.pe alternatives, Xflow is the top choice for businesses in India that depend on cross-border payments. Unlike banks or other platforms that build hidden spreads into their forex rates, Xflow links its pricing directly to the mid-market benchmark. That means you always know the exact INR amount you will receive before you convert, with no surprises from padded margins or correspondent bank deductions.

Xflow's Receiving Accounts let your customers abroad pay in their own local currency using local rails, bypassing SWIFT entirely. This eliminates unnecessary charges and speeds up settlements. Additionally, most payments are credited to your Indian account within one business day. 

What really sets Xflow apart is its intelligence layer. The AI-powered FX Analyst monitors USD/INR fluctuations, global market signals, and RBI liquidity actions to help you pick the right moment to convert. With us, you get a data-backed strategy that can improve your effective rates consistently. When combined with automatic eFIRA issuance, no transaction limits, and enterprise-grade security (SOC 2 and ISO 27001 certified), Xflow offers unparalleled efficiency. 

If your business wants cost savings, speed, and smarter forex management, Xflow provides the most complete solution for receiving international payments today. Sign up with Xflow and experience transparent pricing with faster, more reliable settlements.