Receiving an international wire into a US business account
Getting paid from abroad by wire needs the right details, an understanding of who pays the fees, and patience with compliance checks on large first payments.
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Google's suggestions include "receive wire transfer from abroad" and "receiving large wire transfer from abroad". US businesses ask because their first foreign client paid less than invoiced, or later than expected.
Details to give the sender
| Field | Example |
|---|---|
| Account name | Your company's legal name |
| Account number | |
| Bank name and address | |
| SWIFT/BIC | Your bank's code |
| Intermediary bank | If your bank uses one |
Some US fintechs receive international wires through a partner bank. Use exactly the details they give you.
Why amounts arrive short
An €18,000 invoice paid by a German client can arrive as fewer dollars than expected because:
- The client's bank converted at its rate.
- An intermediary bank took a fee.
- Your bank charged an incoming fee.
Ask clients to pay on OUR terms, or invoice in dollars and let them choose.
Delays
Banks review large or unusual incoming wires. If you expect a large first payment, tell your provider in advance and keep the contract and invoice ready.
A cheaper route from Europe
With euro details, the German client pays by SEPA in euros, arriving in full. You convert to dollars when you choose, or pay European costs in euros.
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. 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 for ACH and wires on Starter, and EUR and GBP details on Growth, so clients abroad pay on their local rails. Conversion is shown before you confirm. Rivet is not a bank; regulated partner institutions hold the funds. See US companies collecting EUR and GBP from European customers.
Questions people ask
What details does someone abroad need to wire money to my US account?
Your name, account number, bank name and address, and the bank's SWIFT code. Some banks also give an intermediary bank and require a routing number.
Why did I receive less than the invoice?
Intermediary or receiving fees were deducted, or the amount was converted at a different rate. Ask senders to use OUR terms.
How long does an incoming international wire take?
Usually one to two business days, longer if a compliance review applies.
Is there a cheaper way to get paid from Europe?
Give the client euro account details so they pay by SEPA, then convert when you choose.
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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