Getting Paid by US Clients: ACH, Wires, Cards and Checks Explained
The payment methods US clients use, their costs and speeds, and how a US business bank account makes getting paid faster and cheaper for non-resident companies.
You have won a US client. Now you need to get paid, and the client's accounts team asks for your "ACH details" or "routing number". If your business only has a bank account at home, this is where friction begins: international wires, intermediary fees, currency conversion and delays.
This guide explains the payment methods US businesses use, what each costs and how long it takes, and why a US business bank account makes everything simpler.
How US businesses pay vendors
ACH transfers
ACH (Automated Clearing House) is the most common way US businesses pay other businesses. It is cheap or free for the sender, typically arrives in one to three business days (same-day ACH is also available), and is what most accounts payable teams default to.
What you need: a US bank account, with its routing number and account number.
Domestic wire transfers
Faster than ACH, often same day, but the sender usually pays a fee. Common for larger payments or first payments to a new vendor.
What you need: the same US account details.
International wires (SWIFT)
What a US client uses if you only have a non-US account. Typically two to five business days, with fees on the sending side, possible intermediary bank fees deducted along the way, and currency conversion at the receiving bank. Many US companies dislike sending international wires and some refuse to.
Card payments
Clients can pay by card through a payment processor such as Stripe or PayPal. Convenient for the client, but processing fees (often around 3% for cards) come out of your revenue. Good for small or one-off payments. See Stripe for non-residents.
Checks
Still used by some US companies, especially traditional businesses and government-related clients. With a US business account that supports mobile check deposit, you can deposit checks by photo. Without a US account, foreign check deposits are slow and costly.
Comparison
| Method | Typical speed | Typical cost to you | Needs a US account? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACH | 1–3 business days | Free or very low | Yes |
| Domestic wire | Same day | Low incoming fee, if any | Yes |
| International wire | 2–5 business days | Intermediary and conversion fees | No |
| Card via processor | Payout in days | Around 3% | For USD payouts, yes |
| Check | Days, faster with mobile deposit | Low | Yes, in practice |
Why a US business account changes everything
With a US business bank account for your US company:
- clients pay you like any American vendor, by ACH, usually at no cost to them,
- you avoid intermediary fees and receive the full invoice amount,
- you hold USD and convert only when and how you choose,
- your company can issue W-9s and look like a local supplier, which helps with procurement teams, and
- payment platforms can pay out in USD without conversion.
See the US business bank account guide.
Invoicing tips
- Put your company's legal name, address and EIN-backed details on invoices.
- Include ACH and wire instructions clearly.
- State payment terms (for example net 15 or net 30) and the currency.
- Send the client's accounts team the tax form they need, usually a W-9 from your US company, or the appropriate W-8. See W-8BEN vs W-8BEN-E vs W-9.
Watch out for payment fraud
Business email compromise is common: fraudsters send fake "updated bank details" emails to clients. Confirm bank detail changes by phone or another channel, and ask clients to do the same.
Getting the money home
From your US account, you can send international wires to your home account or use a multi-currency service for better exchange rates. Keep a record of each transfer, because transfers between your company and you are reported on your annual Form 5472. See moving money from your US LLC to your home country.
How UCB helps
We open US business bank accounts for foreign-owned companies, so your clients can pay you by ACH like any local vendor. $99 for an existing company, or included in our formation + bank packages. See the bank account service.
Tired of international wire fees and delays? WhatsApp us at +91 8105 199 399 or email info@ucbsolutions.com and we will set up your US business account.
Let our experts handle it for you
Every business is different. Message us with your country, business type and goals, and we will recommend the right structure, state and package. We do the work; you focus on your business.
This article is general information for non-resident business owners and is not legal or tax advice. Rules and fees change; contact us to confirm what applies to your situation.
