USD account for a French company: billing US clients in dollars
A French SAS billing US clients can receive dollars by SWIFT into a currency account at its bank, or into US account details by ACH. The second is cheaper for the client and usually for you.
- Published
- Reading time
- 1 min read
French companies with American clients run into the same request sooner or later: "Can you send us your ACH details?" A French IBAN is not one.
Two ways to hold dollars
| Dollar account at a French bank | US account details | |
|---|---|---|
| How the client pays | International wire | ACH or domestic wire |
| Client's cost | Wire fee | Low or none |
| Your cost | Incoming fee, possible conversion | Usually none to receive |
Why hold dollars
A Bordeaux software company earns $24,000 a month from US customers and spends $7,000 a month in dollars on cloud, ads and a US contractor. Converting every receipt to euros and buying dollars back costs two margins on $7,000 each month.
What US clients need from you
- US account details on the invoice.
- A W-8BEN-E documenting that the SAS is a foreign entity.
- An invoice with your mandatory mentions and, for services, a note that French VAT does not apply.
Accounting
French accounts are in euros. Record each dollar invoice at the applicable rate and book the exchange difference at conversion.
Paying into France: the local rail
| What | Detail |
|---|---|
| Local rail | SEPA Instant Credit Transfer |
| Run by | European Payments Council scheme, run by each bank |
| Settlement | Under ten seconds, 24/7 |
| Published fee | By the EU Instant Payments Regulation, no more than the bank charges for a standard SEPA transfer |
Source: European Payments Council: SEPA Instant Credit Transfer. Checked when this guide was last updated; the scheme's own page has the current figures.
Where Rivet fits
Rivet gives registered companies US account details in their own name on the free Starter plan, plus EUR and GBP details on Growth, with conversion shown before you confirm. Check our eligibility list for French companies. Rivet is not a bank; regulated partner institutions hold the funds. See France startups billing US customers.
Questions people ask
Can a French company have a USD account?
Yes, at many French banks and at fintech providers. Check whether it comes with US details for ACH or only an IBAN for SWIFT.
Do US clients prefer ACH?
Yes. ACH is how most American companies pay vendors. A SWIFT wire is an exception that costs them a fee and an approval.
Should I invoice in dollars or euros?
Invoicing in dollars makes it easier for US clients. Holding the dollars reduces conversion costs if you have dollar expenses.
Does the client need tax forms?
US clients usually ask a foreign company for Form W-8BEN-E.
Sources
Alexia compares the accounts, cards and payment tools companies weigh before they switch, and writes Rivet's market guides for founders in a specific country. Prices in Alexia's comparisons come from each provider's own pricing page on the date given in the article, rules come from the regulator or tax authority that sets them, and every source is listed at the end.
More from Alexia M. →This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and fees change; check the sources above and the provider’s current terms before you act on them.
- france usd account
- sas
- us clients
- ach
- swift
- dollar account
