Source: https://rivet.global/blog/accept-payments-from-international-customers-us
Published: 2026-09-04 · Updated: 2026-09-04 · By Alexia M.

# How to accept payments from international customers as a US business

Ways a US business can accept payments from customers abroad: cards, PayPal, wires and local bank details in their currency, with the fees and trade-offs of each.

## Key takeaways

- Stripe charges 1.5% extra for international cards and 1% for conversion on US accounts; PayPal adds 1.50% for international payments and a 3.00% conversion spread.
- International wires cost the customer a fee and can arrive short.
- Local bank details in the customer's currency, such as a euro IBAN, let them pay domestically at little or no cost.
- Match the method to the sale: cards for small online sales, bank details for B2B invoices.

"How to accept payments from international customers" is one of the top completions after "how to accept payments from". US businesses usually start with cards and move invoices to bank transfer once volumes grow.

## Four ways

| Method | Customer's cost | Your cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Card (Stripe, US pricing) | None | 2.9% + 30¢, +1.5% international, +1% conversion | Online checkout |
| PayPal | None | Rate + 1.50% international + 3.00% conversion spread | Small sales, trust |
| International wire | Their bank's fee | Possible incoming and intermediary fees | Large one-offs |
| Local bank details in their currency | Domestic transfer | Low | B2B invoices |

## A $5,000 invoice to a UK client

- By card on Stripe: about $145 base, $75 international, $50 conversion. About $270.
- By wire: the client pays a fee, and the amount may arrive short.
- By Faster Payments to GBP details: arrives in full in pounds. Convert when you choose.

## Practical setup

1. Keep a card processor for online sales.
2. Put local bank details on invoices for your main customer countries.
3. Hold those currencies if you have costs in them.

## Paying into the United States: the local rail

| What | Detail |
|---|---|
| Local rail | ACH for batch payments; RTP and FedNow for instant transfers |
| Run by | Nacha for ACH; The Clearing House for RTP; the Federal Reserve for FedNow |
| Settlement | Same-day ACH within the business day, standard ACH the next; RTP and FedNow in seconds, 24/7, where both banks take part |

Source: [Nacha: Same Day ACH](https://www.nacha.org/rules/same-day-ach-moving-payments-faster). Checked when this guide was last updated; the scheme's own page has the current figures.

## Where Rivet fits

Rivet gives registered companies USD details on Starter and EUR and GBP details on Growth, in the company's name, so customers in Europe and the UK pay domestically. Scale adds CAD, HKD and 25 more currencies. Rivet is not a bank; regulated partner institutions hold the funds. See [how to receive international payments as a business](/blog/how-to-receive-international-payments-as-a-business).

## Questions

### What is the best way to accept international payments?

For online checkout, a card processor. For B2B invoices, local bank details in the customer's currency, which are cheapest for both sides.

### How much does Stripe charge for international cards?

2.9% plus 30 cents, plus 1.5% for international cards and 1% if conversion is required, on US standard pricing.

### Should I invoice in USD or the customer's currency?

Invoicing in their currency often gets you paid faster. Holding that currency lets you avoid converting until you choose.

### Do I need a foreign bank account?

No. Multi-currency providers give US companies euro, sterling and other local details in their own name.