How to accept payments from international buyers as a US wholesaler
Updated
You can accept international payments by wire, by local-currency payment methods that settle to you in US dollars, or in stablecoins that convert to dollars. The right choice depends on where your buyers are and what they already use. The goal is to make paying you easy for them and to get dollars into your account without surprises.
The common ways to get paid
International bank wire
Buyers send a wire to your US account. It is widely accepted, but your buyer may pay fees at their end, and timing varies by banks and route.
Local-currency payments
Buyers in some markets prefer to pay in their own currency through familiar methods. A provider converts the money and you receive US dollars. This removes work for the buyer, which can speed up payment.
Stablecoins
Some buyers, especially those who find bank wires slow or hard to arrange, prefer to pay in stablecoins. The provider receives the stablecoins under your business name and converts them to dollars if you choose.
Cards and payment links
Useful for smaller orders and first purchases. Check processing fees and whether larger wholesale orders fit.
What to set up first
- A US account with routing and account numbers in your business name. Buyers and their banks will want clear payment details.
- Clear invoices. Include your legal name, payment instructions, currency and due date.
- Agreed payment terms. Deposit, balance before shipping, or net terms. For new buyers, consider payment before shipment.
- A record of every payment. It simplifies bookkeeping and any dispute.
Protect yourself
Watch for overpayment scams, where a buyer "accidentally" sends more than the invoice and asks you to refund the difference. Wait until funds have fully cleared and confirm the sender is who you expect before sending anything back. Confirm any change to a buyer's payment details through a separate channel. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center covers email-based payment fraud (IC3).
How Shield handles it
Shield gives US wholesalers a business account with US routing and account numbers, so buyers can pay by wire or ACH. Your customers can also pay in BRL, COP, MXN, CAD, EUR, GBP and more, using the payment methods they already use, and you get US dollars. See foreign exchange for how it works.
If you are a US business with customers in Brazil, they can pay with Pix, and Shield settles US dollars to your US business account.
For stablecoins, your buyer sends stablecoins or another digital currency to your Shield account, and it arrives under your business name. You can convert it to US dollars and receive it by wire or ACH, or keep it as stablecoins.
Shield accounts are for US companies. Owners can live outside the US, with a US company.
FAQ
Do I need to understand crypto to accept stablecoins? No. Your buyer sends the payment and Shield handles the conversion to US dollars.
How fast do I get paid? It depends on the method and the banks involved. Ask your provider for current timing on the method your buyer will use.
Can I accept payments from buyers in any country? Not every country is supported. Check with your provider about the buyer's country before you quote terms.
Next step
To let overseas buyers pay in their local currency while you settle in US dollars, see Shield foreign exchange.