Karbon helps Indian freelancers save on conversion fees and get faster INR payouts.
Fiverr connects you to clients across the world. You can start small, grow a steady income, and build a full-time freelance career from home.
But for freelancers in India, getting paid can be confusing, delayed, and expensive.
Should you stick with PayPal? How much does it really take? Is there a better way to get paid on Fiverr without losing money in the process?
We’ll break down how Fiverr payments work for Indian freelancers, how to set up your withdrawal method the right way, common challenges to expect, and how to keep more of what you earn.
How To Get Paid on Fiverr?
Fiverr is a prepaid platform. That means clients pay Fiverr before your work begins. Once you deliver and the client accepts the order, Fiverr starts a short waiting period before releasing the money to you.
Your earnings appear in USD, no matter where you or the buyer are located. Fiverr doesn’t support INR or direct local currency payments.
After delivery, there’s a clearing period:
• 14 days for most sellers
• 7 days for Top Rated, PRO, and Seller Plus Premium sellers
Once the funds clear, you’ll see them under “Available for Withdrawal” in your Fiverr dashboard.
Fiverr’s Commission: How Much Do You Get Paid?
Fiverr takes a 20% fee from every order. This includes any tips or gig extras your client may add.
So, if a client pays you $100, you only receive $80. This is before conversion charges or transfer fees.
How Indian Freelancers Can Withdraw Their Fiverr Earnings?
Fiverr supports a few global payment methods. However, only a few of them work well for freelancers in India.
.png)
PayPal
PayPal is easy to set up and popular among Indian freelancers. But it often ends up being one of the costliest options.
There’s no fee from Fiverr’s side, which sounds great. The issue is PayPal’s currency conversion.
You’ll lose around 3–4% every time your USD balance is auto-withdrawn to INR. This fee is baked into the exchange rate.
It works if you need a quick setup. But if you earn consistently on Fiverr, that loss adds up fast.
Payoneer
Payoneer is a more advanced solution. Many experienced Indian freelancers prefer it over PayPal.
You can link your Fiverr account directly to Payoneer. Payments land in your Payoneer USD wallet.
From there, you can withdraw to your Indian bank account. But Payoneer also applies up to 2% markup on the exchange rate.
It charges $1–$3 per withdrawal depending on the speed. The faster the payout, the higher the fee.
It’s more transparent than PayPal, but still not the cheapest for Indian users.
Fiverr Revenue Card (Not available in India)
Fiverr also offers a prepaid Mastercard through Payoneer. But this isn’t available to freelancers in India.
Where and How to Set Up Fiverr Payments? Step By Step
1. Log in to Fiverr and go to your “Selling” dashboard.
2. Click “Earnings” in the menu.
3. Look for “Available for Withdrawal” and click “Withdraw”.
4. Choose your withdrawal method: PayPal, Payoneer, Bank Transfer, etc.
5. Follow the prompts to link your account and verify email.
Make sure your Fiverr account name matches your bank account and PAN. Indian banks can reject payments due to name mismatches.
If you're using Payoneer, you’ll also need to submit KYC documents. These include your Aadhaar or passport and a bank statement.
How To Track Your Earnings And Payment From Fiverr?
Fiverr’s Earnings Dashboard is where you track payments.
.png)
Here’s what each section means:
1. Available Funds
Balance available for use:
This is the amount currently available for you to withdraw. It’s already cleared the 14-day hold period and is ready to move to your PayPal, Payoneer, or bank account.
Withdrawn to date:
This shows the total amount you've already transferred out of Fiverr, split by currency (e.g., USD and EUR). It helps you track past withdrawals.
2. Future Payments
Payments being cleared:
These are completed orders still under Fiverr’s 14-day clearance period (or 7 days for Top Rated Sellers). The money is pending and will become available soon.
Payments for active orders:
This amount reflects ongoing orders that clients have already paid for, but the work hasn't been marked complete yet. Once done, these will move into the "Payments being cleared" section.
3. Earnings & Expenses
Earnings to date:
This is your total lifetime earnings on Fiverr before any withdrawals. It shows how much you've earned since becoming a seller.
Expenses to date:
This shows how much you’ve spent on Fiverr as a buyer. It may be on gigs, services, or tools. It helps keep your overall Fiverr activity transparent.
Other Key Terms to Know
Although not in the screenshot, here are a few other useful terms you will find in the same section:
• Pending Clearance: This is the 14-day hold period after an order is marked complete. For Top Rated Sellers or Seller Plus Premium, it’s reduced to 7 days.
• Cancelled Orders: This includes gigs that were refunded or cancelled, which means the revenue from those isn’t added to your earnings.
• Revenue: The gross amount you earned before Fiverr’s 20% service fee is deducted.
• Net Income: The amount you actually receive, which is Revenue minus Fiverr’s fee.
Common Payment Issues Indian Freelancers Face On Fiverr
There are a few payments. Here's what to watch for:
Delayed payments
Freelancers on Fiverr experience payout delays, even after an order is marked complete and funds are cleared. Sometimes the issue isn’t with Fiverr but with the payout method or compliance checks.
.png)
If your money hasn’t landed in your account, here’s what could have happened:
• Your Fiverr account isn’t fully verified
• Payoneer or PayPal has requested KYC documents but you missed the email
• There’s a mismatch in the name on your Fiverr profile and your bank account
Even a small mismatch in spelling or initials can cause Indian banks to reject incoming payments.
Low INR amount
If you’re receiving less money than expected, it’s likely not just Fiverr’s service fee. The real loss usually happens during currency conversion.
.png)
Platforms like PayPal and Payoneer apply a markup on the exchange rate around 3-4% below the mid-market rate. Always try to receive international payments in live markup accounts like Karbon, where you get the real exchange rate with minimal or no hidden fees.
PayPal account holds
Many Indian freelancers face sudden PayPal restrictions usually when a large payment comes in. These holds can last weeks, and in some cases, up to 180 days.
.png)
Make sure your PAN is linked and you're using it for “freelance services” under RBI guidelines.
How Currency Conversion Affects Your Earnings On Fiverr?
Fiverr pays in USD. But Indian freelancers need that money in INR.
PayPal and Payoneer both convert your money. The catch is- neither gives you the mid-market rate you see on Google.
Instead, they add a hidden markup. This can be anywhere from 2% to 4%.
Over time, you lose a lumpsum. If you’re earning $1,000 a month, you could lose ₹2,000–₹3,500 to conversion margins.
A Better Way to Get Paid On Fiverr Payments in India
Most Indian freelancers on Fiverr start with PayPal or Payoneer by default. It works, but it’s obviously not the best option.
Karbon gives you access to your own virtual USD, EUR, and GBP account, which you can link to Payoneer on Fiverr.
Here’s how it works:
Fiverr → Payoneer → Karbon is the flow
1. Set Payoneer as your withdrawal method on Fiverr.
Fiverr will send your USD earnings to your linked Payoneer account after deducting its platform fees.
2. In Payoneer, set your Karbon USD account as the payout destination.
Karbon gives you a virtual USD account. Since Payoneer and Karbon both operate in the US, this becomes a domestic USD transfer. So there’s no exchange rate applied here.
3. Karbon receives the USD and converts it to INR.
Karbon converts your USD at the mid-market rate and charges a flat 1% fee on the INR payout. The money is deposited directly into your Indian bank account.
Can You Earn a Living from Fiverr in India?
Yes, many freelancers in India already use Fiverr as their primary source of income. With the right skills, consistency, and client experience, it’s entirely possible to build a sustainable freelance career on the platform.
Some of the most in-demand, high-paying gig categories for Indian sellers include:
• Web development and WordPress setup
• SEO, blog writing, and content marketing
• UI/UX design and mobile app design
• YouTube video editing and podcast production
• Copywriting, resume writing, and business presentations
If you’re just starting out, don’t expect ₹50,000 or ₹1 lakh in your first few months. Most new freelancers earn between ₹5,000–₹10,000 per month early on. But with consistent delivery, good reviews, and gig optimization, that number can grow steadily.
Some Indian freelancers now earn ₹1 lakh or more each month through Fiverr alone. But that growth takes more than your core skills.
It Takes More Than Freelancing Skills….
If you're serious about making Fiverr your main income stream, you'll need to develop skills beyond just your service area.
That includes:
• Writing clear and persuasive gig descriptions
• Managing client communication professionally
• Learning how to price your services smartly
• Staying updated on Fiverr’s algorithm and buyer trends
• Managing payments, taxes, and client expectations
Freelancing Isn’t Easy Money
There’s a common myth that freelancing gives you instant freedom and better income than a full-time job. In reality, it takes patience, structure, and discipline.
Yes, you’ll eventually enjoy the flexibility. But in the beginning, you have to wait for gigs, building a portfolio, and figure out how to stand out.
You have to treat freelancing like a business.
.png)
If you're willing to learn, adapt, and stay consistent, Fiverr can absolutely become your full-time career path.
Do You Need to Pay Tax on Fiverr Income in India?
Yes, Fiverr income is fully taxable under Indian law, even though Fiverr doesn’t deduct any tax at source.
That means you are responsible for reporting and paying taxes on the money you earn.
Here’s what that involves:
1. Income Tax
If you’re earning more than ₹2.5 lakh in a financial year, you fall under the taxable bracket. You’ll be taxed according to the slabs under the old or new regime, whichever you choose.
If your total income (including Fiverr) crosses ₹10 lakh or more, you may also need to pay advance tax in instalments across the year.
2. GST (in some cases)
If your freelance income exceeds ₹20 lakh annually, you’re required to register for GST. As Fiverr payments come from international clients, this is treated as an export of service.
You can file these under zero-rated exports, which means you don’t pay GST on them, but you must still report them properly.
Some freelancers voluntarily register under GST earlier to claim input tax credit or deal with corporate clients.
Final Thoughts:
Once you understand when your funds clear and what fees apply, getting paid on Fiverr is one less thing to worry about. The idea is to cash out quicker without watching your hard-earned money slip away.
If you're in India, be careful while setting up your payouts. Some default options may seem convenient but end up burning a hole in your pocket.
FAQs On Getting Paid On Fiverr
1. Is Fiverr free to use?
Yes, Fiverr is completely free to join and start using. You don’t need to pay anything upfront to create an account, set up your profile, or list your services (called “gigs”). That means you can explore the platform, test out your offerings, and start selling without any initial investment.
Fiverr only charges a fee when you earn money, which keeps the risk low and the entry barrier friendly for beginners.
2. How much does Fiverr take from each transaction?
Fiverr charges a flat 20% commission on everything you earn. This includes the base price of your gig, any extras the buyer adds on, and even tips.
For example:
If a client pays $100 for your service, Fiverr keeps $20 and you receive $80.
While the cut may seem high at first, it covers the cost of hosting your gigs, processing payments, offering dispute resolution, and providing access to a global audience.
3. How long does it take to receive payment on Fiverr?
After you deliver a service and it is marked complete by the buyer, your earnings are held in a pending balance for a short period. This is called the clearing period.
Here’s how long it takes:
• Standard sellers: 14-day clearing time
• Top Rated, Pro, and Seller Plus Premium sellers: 7-day clearing time
Once the clearing time is over, the funds appear in your Fiverr account and can be withdrawn through PayPal, bank transfer, or other payout methods.
4. How much can you earn on Fiverr?
There’s no fixed limit to how much you can earn. Some freelancers make a few hundred dollars a month, while others earn thousands depending on their skills, experience, and consistency.
Your income depends on what you offer, how well you present your gig, and the kind of clients you attract. If you have in-demand skills and maintain good reviews, you can turn Fiverr into a serious income stream over time.
5. How does Fiverr make money?
Fiverr earns revenue from both buyers and sellers.
From sellers, Fiverr keeps 20% of every completed order.
From buyers, it charges a small service fee. Usually, this is 5% of the total order value with a minimum charge of $2.
In addition, Fiverr offers optional premium features like Seller Plus and Fiverr Business, which provide extra insights and support for users who want more advanced tools.
6. How do you find work on Fiverr?
You don’t need to apply for jobs manually. Instead, you create gigs and buyers come to you based on what they’re searching for.
Start by setting up your profile and creating detailed, attractive gig listings. Use clear descriptions, good visuals, and relevant keywords to increase your visibility. Once your gig is live, buyers who are interested in your service can place orders or message you directly.
You can also browse the Buyer Requests section, where clients post what they’re looking for. This lets you send custom offers to people who need your skills.