How To Accept Payments From International Clients: A Guide For B2B Businesses

Expanding your B2B business globally means tapping into new markets, and with that comes the challenge of accepting payments from international clients. While the rewards are high, cross-border transactions introduce a unique set of risks, costs, and complexities that can disrupt your cash flow and affect your bottom line.

This guide breaks down the key challenges, outlines the most common payment methods, and shares strategies (including modern tools like multi-currency accounts) to help you streamline and secure international payments.

The Challenges of Accepting Cross-Border Payments

When working with international clients, payment processes are rarely simple. Here are the most common hurdles:

1. Currency & Exchange Rate Risks

Fluctuating exchange rates can erode your profits between invoice issuance and payment settlement.
Hidden FX fees and markups from banks or providers make it hard to forecast true costs.
Currency management—whether you charge in your own currency, theirs, or a neutral one—adds complexity to invoicing and accounting.

2. High Costs & Slow Processing

Cross-border payments can cost 6–7% of the transaction value, thanks to fees from banks, intermediaries, and FX conversion.
Settlements can take up to five days, impacting cash flow, especially for small businesses.
Manual processing increases the risk of errors and slows operations.

3. Regulatory and Compliance Hurdles

Navigating AML, KYC, and CTF laws in different jurisdictions is time-consuming and risky.
You’ll also face tax compliance obligations (VAT, GST, etc.) and varying data privacy laws.

4. Lack of Transparency

Unclear fees and post-transaction exchange rates make budgeting difficult.
Tracking payments in real time is hard, especially when multiple intermediaries are involved.

5. Security and Fraud Risks

Cross-border payments are more prone to fraud, including phishing attacks and BEC scams.
Higher risk of transaction declines due to fraud filters or compliance blocks.

6. Access and Technology Limitations

In some regions, clients may lack access to banking infrastructure.
System incompatibility between banks can lead to delays and manual workarounds.

Top International B2B Payment Methods

Each payment method has pros and cons based on cost, speed, and ease of use. Here’s a quick overview:

1. International Wire Transfers (SWIFT)

Best for: Large transactions
Pros: Secure, globally accepted
Cons: High fees, 1–5 day settlement

2. Bank Transfers / EFTs (ACH, SEPA)

Best for: Recurring regional payments
Pros: Low cost, direct bank-to-bank
Cons: International use can be slow, complex

3. Online Payment Platforms (PayPal, Stripe, Wise, Airwallex)

Best for: Fast, tech-enabled payments
Pros: Quick settlement, FX tools, compliance features
Cons: Platform fees and FX spreads may apply

4. Credit & Debit Cards

Best for: Small or urgent payments
Pros: Convenient, fraud protection
Cons: High fees, limited by card limits

5. Checks (Paper or E-Checks)

Best for: Legacy partners
Pros: Familiar in some regions
Cons: Slow, insecure, costly to process

6. Foreign Currency Business Accounts

Best for: Frequent transactions in specific currencies
Pros: Avoids double conversions, faster local settlement
Cons: Requires local banking relationships

7. Stablecoins (USDC, USDT)

Best for: Fast, low-cost digital payments
Pros: 24/7 transfers, minimal fees, instant settlement
Cons: Regulatory uncertainty, limited adoption among partners

Additional Tools That Simplify Payments

Invoicing Software – Allows integrated payment links and automatic currency calculations
Payment Gateways – Platforms like Stripe or PayPal accept cards, ACH, and other methods, with automated reconciliation
Accounting Integrations – Sync payments with ERP and financial tools for easier reporting and compliance

Should You Use Local Bank Accounts for Global Business?

Local banking has its advantages—but also important drawbacks. Let’s compare:

Advantages

Lower local transfer fees vs. SWIFT
Faster domestic payment processing
Enables payments in local currency
Builds trust and credibility with clients/suppliers
Simplifies payroll, taxes, and regulatory compliance
Access to local financing and support

Disadvantages

Complex setup across multiple countries
Tracking issues with non-SWIFT payments
Integration delays and limited cross-border tools
Harder to maintain liquidity visibility
Still subject to fees in some jurisdictions

A Smarter Alternative: Multi-Currency Business Accounts

Platforms like Wasspe’s multi-currency account offer a modern solution for global payments without the overhead of managing multiple bank accounts worldwide.

Key Benefits of Wasspe’s Multi-Currency Account:

✅ Centralized Platform:
Manage all your currencies and payments from one secure interface—no need for foreign bank relationships.

✅ Fast Onboarding:
Open accounts and start transacting quickly, with minimal paperwork.

✅ Lower FX Costs:
Avoid unnecessary conversions and benefit from transparent, competitive exchange rates.

✅ Improved Efficiency:
Simplify global cash flow management, reconciliation, and reporting.

✅ Greater Security and Trust:
Hold local-currency accounts in your business’s name, with payments processed at full value.

✅ No Minimum Volume Requirements:
Ideal for startups and enterprises alike—scale as you grow.

Conclusion

International payments can be complex, but they don’t have to be. By understanding your options and leveraging tools like multi-currency accounts, you can eliminate unnecessary costs, reduce risk, and offer your clients seamless, professional payment experiences.

Whether you're entering a new market or managing a global customer base, a modern payment strategy is essential to scaling successfully.

Ready to simplify your international payments?
Explore how Wasspe’s multi-currency account can help your business grow globally with less friction, fewer fees, and greater control.

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