How a UK limited company receives payments from the USA
US clients can pay a UK company four ways. An international wire is the default and the most expensive for both sides. ACH to US details in your company's name is usually the cheapest.
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Google's suggestions for UK companies include "receive payments from usa" next to "uk usd account". The question is how to get paid by Americans without losing a slice to banks on both sides.
The four routes
| Route | Client's cost | Your cost | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| International wire to a UK account | Wire fee | Incoming fee, conversion, possible intermediary deduction | 1 to 2 days |
| ACH to US details | Low or none | Low or none to receive | 1 to 2 days |
| Card via a processor | None | Percentage plus international and conversion surcharges | Card settlement |
| PayPal | None | Percentage, international fee, conversion spread | Instant to balance |
A $10,000 invoice
- By wire into a sterling account: the client pays its bank's wire fee, an intermediary may take $15 to $30, and your bank converts at its margin.
- By ACH into US details: arrives in full in dollars. You convert when you choose.
- By card on Stripe UK or similar: a percentage fee plus surcharges for a non-UK card and conversion.
What US clients will ask for
- A W-8BEN-E to document that your company is not a US person. See W-8BEN vs W-8BEN-E.
- Your bank details on company letterhead or through their vendor portal.
- Sometimes a bank letter confirming the account. See bank reference letter.
Paying into the United Kingdom: the local rail
| What | Detail |
|---|---|
| Local rail | Faster Payments |
| Run by | Pay.UK |
| Settlement | Seconds, 24/7; the scheme limit is £1,000,000, and each bank sets its own |
Bacs still carries most payroll and Direct Debits, on a three-day cycle.
Source: Pay.UK: Faster Payment System. Checked when this guide was last updated; the scheme's own page has the current figures.
Where Rivet fits
Rivet gives UK limited companies US account details in the company's name on the free Starter plan, for ACH and wires, with EUR and GBP details on Growth. Receiving by bank transfer has no percentage fee, and you convert at a rate shown before you confirm. Rivet is not a bank; regulated partner institutions hold the funds. See receive USD payments from US clients.
Questions people ask
What is the cheapest way for a US client to pay a UK company?
Usually ACH to US account details in the UK company's name. The client pays as it would any US supplier.
Will a US client pay by ACH to a foreign company?
Yes, if you give them US routing and account details. Their accounts payable system treats it like any other vendor.
How long does a wire from the US to the UK take?
Usually one to two business days by SWIFT, longer if a compliance check or intermediary delays it.
Do I need a W-8BEN-E?
US clients usually ask a foreign company for Form W-8BEN-E to document that it is not a US person. See our guide to W-8BEN vs 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.
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- uk company us clients
- ach
- international wire
- paypal
- stripe
