Source: https://rivet.global/blog/france-usd-account-for-sas
Published: 2026-08-04 · Updated: 2026-08-04 · By Alexia M.

# USD account for a French company: billing US clients in dollars

How a French company holds and receives US dollars: currency accounts at French banks, US account details for ACH, conversion timing and euro accounting.

## Key takeaways

- French banks offer dollar accounts reached by SWIFT, usually with fees on incoming payments.
- US account details in the company's name let US clients pay by ACH, as they pay American suppliers.
- Holding dollars lets the company pay US software and contractors in dollars and convert the rest when it chooses.
- Dollar revenue is recorded in euros; keep each conversion's rate and date for your accountant.

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](https://www.europeanpaymentscouncil.eu/what-we-do/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](/blog/france-startup-billing-us-customers-in-dollars).

## Questions

### 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.