Can I invoice US clients without a US company?

Yes, and many freelancers do, receiving payment by international wire or through a multi-currency provider. The friction is that ACH — the cheap default US clients prefer — only reaches US bank accounts, so you are asking them to do something unfamiliar.

Why do US clients ask for a W-9?

Because they must report payments to US persons on Form 1099-NEC. If you are not a US person, you provide Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E instead, which documents your foreign status and means no 1099 is issued.

What is the cheapest way to receive payment?

ACH into a US business account is usually cheapest and is what clients prefer. Card payments cost a percentage. International wires carry fees at both ends plus an exchange margin, which is often the largest hidden cost.

Getting paid: payment processing for a US company

Guide · 1 min read

Getting paid by US clients from abroad

US clients default to methods that only reach US bank accounts. That is usually the real reason founders form a US entity.

The short answer

US clients typically pay by ACH transfer or cheque, both of which require a US bank account, or by card, which requires a payment processor. A US entity with a US business account removes most of this friction and is frequently the practical reason founders abroad incorporate.

Method	Cost to you	Speed	Needs a US account?
ACH transfer	Low or free	1–3 business days	Yes
Card payment	Percentage plus fixed fee	Rolling payout	For payout, usually
International wire	Fees both ends plus FX margin	1–5 business days	No
Multi-currency provider	Low, tighter FX margin	1–3 business days	No
Cheque	Low, but slow and awkward	Weeks	Yes

The paperwork your client will ask for

If you are not a US person, supply Form W-8BEN (individual) or W-8BEN-E (entity). It documents your foreign status, supports the absence of a 1099, and where a treaty applies can reduce withholding on certain payment types.

Frequently asked questions

Can I invoice US clients without a US company?: Yes, and many freelancers do, receiving payment by international wire or through a multi-currency provider. The friction is that ACH — the cheap default US clients prefer — only reaches US bank accounts, so you are asking them to do something unfamiliar.
Why do US clients ask for a W-9?: Because they must report payments to US persons on Form 1099-NEC. If you are not a US person, you provide Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E instead, which documents your foreign status and means no 1099 is issued.
What is the cheapest way to receive payment?: ACH into a US business account is usually cheapest and is what clients prefer. Card payments cost a percentage. International wires carry fees at both ends plus an exchange margin, which is often the largest hidden cost.

Sources

Last reviewed August 23, 2026. Verify against the primary source before acting.

More in Getting paid: payment processing for a US company

All of Getting paid: payment processing for a US company