Before the first dollar moves
ACH or wire? What to send your US client
Your client’s AP team asks for “bank details.” This guide tells you what to send, when ACH beats wire, and how to avoid holds from mismatched memos or amounts.
- Fields to copy from SwiftFi (routing, account, name)
- ACH: cheaper, 1–3 business days typical
- Wire: faster sometimes, higher client fees
- Invoice memo that matches compliance reviews
How SwiftFi helps
Conversion account → everyday ACH → your choice
In this guide
Practical takeaways
- 01
What to send your client
Send a one-page PDF or invoice block with: beneficiary name (as verified on your account), account number, routing number, bank name if shown, payment amount in USD, invoice number, and your email for questions.
Ask them to use ACH credit (US domestic) unless they explicitly need same-day wire. Most US startups default to ACH for vendor bills under routine limits.
- 02
ACH: timing and cost on their side
ACH debits/credits usually settle in 1–3 US business days. Many banks charge little or nothing for outbound ACH to vendors.
Cutoffs are often afternoon Eastern time. A payment initiated Friday may not complete until the following week—set expectations with your client.
- 03
Wire: when it makes sense
Domestic wires can same-day if the client’s bank processes before cutoff, but fees of $15–$45 per wire are common.
Use wire when contract requires it, amount exceeds ACH limits, or AP insists. Otherwise ACH is usually the freelancer-friendly default.
- 04
Avoid “where did this payment come from?” holds
Match invoice amount to the cent. Use memo/reference fields for invoice ID, not jokes or crypto terms.
If a new client sends a large first payment, proactively upload contract and scope to Support—see our RFI guide.
How SwiftFi helps
Open a conversion account, share US ACH details with clients or payroll, then choose stablecoin for lower fees and faster settlement—or off-ramp if you prefer not to hold stablecoin.
Common questions
Should I ask clients for wire or ACH?+
Default to ACH for cost and simplicity unless they require same-day wire or exceed ACH limits.
What goes in the invoice memo?+
Invoice number and your company name—avoid unrelated text that confuses compliance matching.
Related guides
Stablecoins 101
What USDC and USDT are, why a digital dollar is meant to hold value, how stablecoin payout differs from a bank deposit, and real risks—before you share payment details or off-ramp.
Direct Invoicing US Clients: ACH Details That AP Teams Accept
Invoice templates, W-8BEN context, payment terms, and ACH blocks that US accounts payable teams approve without calling you twice.
Conversion accounts
Conversion accounts give you US banking details so clients pay with everyday ACH. Then hold stablecoin for lower fees and faster payments, or off-ramp if you prefer not to.