Source: https://rivet.global/blog/collect-cad-from-canadian-customers-us
Published: 2026-10-02 · Updated: 2026-10-02 · By Alexia M.

# Collecting CAD from Canadian customers as a US company

How US businesses get paid by Canadian clients: CAD vs USD invoices, Canadian account details for EFT, cross-border wires, and how conversion costs compare.

## Key takeaways

- Canadian businesses pay suppliers by EFT using an institution number, transit number and account number.
- Invoicing Canadian clients in USD pushes conversion onto them, and many push back or pay late.
- CAD details in the US company's name let clients pay locally.
- Holding CAD lets you pay Canadian contractors and costs directly.

Canada is the largest market for many US service companies. Canadian clients often prefer to pay in Canadian dollars, by EFT, in their normal payment run.

## Two ways to get paid

| | USD invoice, USD account | CAD invoice, CAD details |
|---|---|---|
| How the client pays | USD wire or cheque | EFT |
| Who converts | Client's bank | You, when you choose |
| Client friction | High | Low |

## A C$22,000 invoice

Paid by USD wire, the client's bank converts at its rate and charges a wire fee. Paid by EFT into CAD details, it arrives in full, and you convert at a rate you can check against the Bank of Canada rate.

## Canadian tax

Non-residents selling to Canada may need to register for GST/HST in some cases. Check CRA guidance for your situation.

## Hold or convert

If you pay Canadian contractors, hold CAD and pay them from it. Convert the surplus.

## 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's Scale plan adds CAD account details in the company's name, plus HKD and 25 more currencies, with FX from 0.30%. Starter and Growth can pay out to Canada in CAD from your USD balance. Rivet is not a bank; regulated partner institutions hold the funds. See [CAD business account](/blog/cad-business-account).

## Questions

### How do Canadian clients pay a US company?

Usually by USD wire or cheque, unless the US company has Canadian account details. With those, they pay by EFT.

### Should I invoice in CAD or USD?

CAD is easier for Canadian clients. If you invoice in CAD, hold it or convert at a rate you choose.

### Do I charge GST/HST?

Generally not for B2B services by a non-resident not registered in Canada, but registration rules apply in some cases. Check CRA guidance.

### How long does EFT take?

Usually one to two business days.