USD account for a German GmbH: getting paid by US clients
A German company paid by US clients can receive dollars by SWIFT into a dollar account at its bank, or into US account details by ACH. The second is cheaper for both sides.
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Google's suggestions for "Germany USD account" include "usd bank account germany" and "can a us citizen open a bank account in germany". German companies ask because US clients want ACH details, and a German IBAN is not one.
Two ways to hold dollars
| Dollar account at a German bank | US account details | |
|---|---|---|
| How the US client pays | International wire | ACH or domestic wire |
| Client's cost | Wire fee | Low or none |
| Your cost | Incoming fee, sometimes conversion | Usually none to receive |
| Speed | 1 to 3 days | 1 to 2 days by ACH |
The case for holding dollars
A Berlin SaaS company earns $32,000 a month from US customers. It pays $9,000 a month in dollars: cloud, ads and a contractor in Austin. Converting everything to euros and buying dollars back costs two margins on $9,000 each month. Holding the dollars pays the dollar costs directly.
What US clients will need
- Your US account details.
- A W-8BEN-E documenting that the GmbH is a foreign entity.
- An invoice with your company's legal details and, if relevant, a note that German VAT does not apply.
Accounting
German books are in euros. Record each dollar invoice at the applicable rate and the conversion when it happens. Your Steuerberater will want a statement that shows both.
Paying into Germany: 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 German companies. Rivet is not a bank; regulated partner institutions hold the funds. See receive USD payments from US clients.
Questions people ask
Can a GmbH have a US dollar account?
Yes. German banks offer USD accounts, and fintech providers offer USD balances with US account details.
What is cheaper for US clients?
ACH to US details. An international wire costs them a fee and an approval step.
Does the GmbH need a US company to get US details?
No. Some providers give foreign companies US account details in their own name.
How is dollar revenue taxed?
In euros. The invoice amount is translated at the applicable rate, and gains or losses on conversion are recorded.
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.
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