“How to Get International Payments in the USA”, written in clear.
How to Get International Payments in the USA: A Complete Guide for Businesses, Freelancers, and Individuals
In today’s global digital economy, receiving international payments in the USA has become easier than ever. Whether you are a freelancer working with overseas clients, an eCommerce seller shipping products worldwide, a startup offering SaaS services, or a business dealing with global partners, understanding how to get paid from abroad is essential for growth.
International payments involve transferring money across borders, currencies, and financial systems. While the process used to be complicated, modern financial technology (fintech) platforms, online banking tools, and digital wallets have simplified it significantly.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about getting international payments in the USA, including methods, regulations, fees, tax considerations, security, and best practices.
Understanding International Payments
International payments refer to financial transactions where money is sent from one country to another. For people in the USA, this means receiving funds from clients, employers, customers, or partners located outside the United States.
These payments may involve:
Currency conversion
International banking networks
Compliance with US financial laws
Foreign exchange fees
Cross-border security checks
The goal is to ensure money reaches your US account safely, quickly, and with minimal cost.
Who Needs International Payments in the USA?
International payments are commonly used by:
Freelancers and remote workers
Exporters and importers
Online store owners (Shopify, Amazon, Etsy)
SaaS companies and app developers
Content creators and influencers
Consultants and agencies
International students and researchers
US businesses with overseas clients
If you earn income from outside the US, you need a reliable system to receive international payments.
Main Methods to Get International Payments in the USA
There are several popular and legal ways to receive money from abroad in the USA.
1. International Wire Transfer (SWIFT)
International wire transfers use the SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) network. This is the most traditional method.
How it works:
The sender sends money from their bank.
The money travels through intermediary banks.
It reaches your US bank account.
What you need:
Bank name
Account number
SWIFT/BIC code
Routing number
Pros:
Highly secure
Suitable for large payments
Accepted worldwide
Cons:
High fees ($15–$50+)
Slow (2–5 business days)
Hidden intermediary charges
2. PayPal International Payments
PayPal is one of the most popular ways to receive global payments.
How it works:
Create a PayPal account in the USA.
Share your PayPal email with international clients.
Receive money instantly.
Pros:
Easy to use
Instant transfers
Widely trusted
Cons:
High fees (4%–6%)
Currency conversion costs
Account freezing risk
Best for:
Freelancers
Digital services
Small businesses
3. Wise (Formerly TransferWise)
Wise offers multi-currency accounts with local bank details.
How it works:
You get a US account number.
Clients pay you like a local transfer.
Wise converts currency at real exchange rates.
Pros:
Low fees
Real exchange rate
Fast transfers
Transparent pricing
Cons:
Not ideal for cash payments
Some countries not supported
Wise is one of the best options for freelancers and international contractors.
4. Payoneer
Payoneer provides virtual receiving accounts in multiple currencies.
How it works:
You get US, UK, EU, and other accounts.
Clients send money locally.
You withdraw to your US bank.
Pros:
Works with marketplaces (Upwork, Fiverr, Amazon)
Multi-currency support
Business-friendly
Cons:
Withdrawal fees
Account verification delays
5. Stripe for International Payments
Stripe is widely used by online businesses.
How it works:
Integrate Stripe with your website.
Accept payments from international cards.
Receive funds in USD.
Pros:
Supports 135+ currencies
Automatic conversion
Developer-friendly
Cons:
Requires technical setup
Transaction fees apply
Best for:
eCommerce
SaaS platforms
Subscription businesses
6. International Checks and Money Orders
Some clients may still send checks.
Pros:
Simple
No tech setup
Cons:
Very slow
High bank processing fees
Risk of fraud
Not recommended for modern businesses.
7. Cryptocurrency Payments
Some US businesses accept crypto like Bitcoin or USDT.
Pros:
No banks involved
Fast global transfers
Low fees
Cons:
Volatility
Regulatory uncertainty
Tax complexity
Crypto is best used with proper accounting and legal advice.
Required Information to Receive International Payments
To receive international payments in the USA, you typically need:
Full legal name
US bank account
Routing number
SWIFT/BIC code
PayPal or Wise account
Business details (for companies)
Tax identification number (SSN or EIN)
Always double-check details to avoid delays or lost payments.
Fees Involved in International Payments
Fees can reduce your earnings significantly.
Common fees include:
Transfer fees
Currency conversion fees
Intermediary bank fees
Platform service fees
Withdrawal fees
For example:
Wire transfer: $30–$70
PayPal: 4%–6%
Wise: 0.5%–1%
Payoneer: 1%–3%
Choosing the right platform saves money long-term.
Currency Conversion and Exchange Rates
International payments often involve currency conversion.
Two types of exchange rates:
Mid-market rate (real rate)
Marked-up rate (bank profit)
Banks and PayPal often add hidden margins. Wise offers real exchange rates with transparency.
Tip: Always ask how much you’ll receive in USD before confirming.
US Regulations for International Payments
The USA regulates international payments to prevent:
Money laundering
Terrorism financing
Tax evasion
Fraud
Major regulators:
IRS (Internal Revenue Service)
FinCEN (Financial Crimes Enforcement Network)
OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control)
Banks may require:
Identity verification
Source of funds
Transaction purpose
This is normal and protects your account.
Tax Implications for International Income
International income is taxable in the USA.
You must report:
Freelance income
Business income
Royalties
Investment income
Important points:
File Form 1040
Report foreign income
Keep invoices and contracts
Pay self-employment tax if applicable
Even if income is earned abroad, US citizens and residents must pay taxes.
Best Practices for Receiving International Payments
1. Choose the Right Platform
Use Wise or Payoneer for freelancers.
Use Stripe for online businesses.
Use SWIFT for large corporate payments.
2. Always Invoice Properly
Include:
Your business name
Amount
Currency
Payment method
Due date
3. Track All Payments
Use accounting software like:
QuickBooks
FreshBooks
Wave
4. Avoid Currency Loss
Request USD payments when possible.
5. Verify Clients
Avoid scams and fake senders.
Common Problems and How to Solve Them
Delayed Payments
Cause: incorrect details, compliance checks
Solution: confirm bank info, follow up
High Fees
Cause: bank or platform markup
Solution: switch to Wise or Payoneer
Account Freezing
Cause: suspicious activity
Solution: submit documents promptly
Payment Reversal
Cause: chargebacks
Solution: use contracts and invoices
How Businesses Can Optimize International Payments
Businesses should:
Open multi-currency accounts
Negotiate lower processing fees
Automate invoicing
Use local receiving accounts
Implement fraud detection systems
Global payment strategy is now a competitive advantage.
Future of International Payments in the USA
The future looks digital, fast, and borderless.
Trends include:
Real-time payments
Blockchain settlement
AI fraud detection
Open banking APIs
Central bank digital currencies (CBDCs)
International payments will become cheaper, faster, and more transparent.
Final Thoughts
Getting international payments in the USA is no longer complicated. With modern platforms like Wise, Payoneer, Stripe, and PayPal, anyone can receive global income securely and efficiently.
Whether you are a freelancer, entrepreneur, or global business owner, choosing the right payment method saves time, money, and stress. Understanding fees, taxes, regulations, and best practices ensures that your international income flows smoothly into your US account.
In a world where work and business are increasingly global, mastering international payments is not just an option—it is a necessity for success in the USA.
