Source: https://rivet.global/blog/uk-receive-payments-from-usa-limited-company
Published: 2026-07-18 · Updated: 2026-07-18 · By Alexia M.

# How a UK limited company receives payments from the USA

How a UK company gets paid by US clients: international wires, ACH to US details, card processors and PayPal, with the fees on each route and how to cut them.

## Key takeaways

- An international wire from a US client to a UK account costs the client a wire fee and often loses an intermediary fee before it arrives.
- ACH to US account details in the UK company's name is how most US companies pay suppliers, and costs little or nothing.
- Card processors and PayPal charge a percentage plus surcharges for international payments and conversion.
- Holding dollars lets the company convert when it chooses and pay US costs directly.

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](/blog/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](/blog/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](https://www.wearepay.uk/what-we-do/payment-systems/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](/blog/receive-usd-payments-from-us-clients).

## Questions

### 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.