How to Receive International Payments as a UK Small Business (2026)
Selling to customers in the US, Europe or Asia is easier than ever. Getting paid is where small UK businesses quietly lose money: bank transfer fees, poor exchange rates and slow settlement all take a bite. A few simple choices can save a surprising amount.
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Where the money leaks
- Exchange rate markup: banks often add a margin to the rate, which is bigger than any visible fee
- Transfer fees: incoming and outgoing international payments can each carry a charge
- Delays: payments that take days make cash flow harder to plan
- Fees from your marketplace or card processor: check what they take before conversion
Your options
- Your normal business bank: convenient, but check the exchange rate margin, not just the fee
- A currency account from a payments specialist: receive in local currencies, then convert when the rate suits you
- Your payment processor: Stripe, PayPal and Shopify Payments convert for you, often at a cost; see our guide to selling online
Who a specialist account suits
If you sell on international marketplaces, invoice overseas clients or pay overseas suppliers, a business payments provider such as WorldFirst lets you collect in several currencies with local account details and then move money to the UK or pay suppliers abroad. It is aimed at online sellers and exporters rather than someone taking an occasional overseas payment, where your existing processor is simpler.
How to compare
- Work out the real cost on a typical payment, including the exchange rate margin
- Check how fast money arrives and any minimum balances or monthly fees
- Make sure the provider is authorised or registered with the Financial Conduct Authority
- Check that it connects to the marketplaces, accounting software or website you already use
- Read the terms on holding balances; this is not the same as a bank deposit protected by the FSCS
Don’t forget
- Tax and VAT still apply to overseas sales; ask your accountant about the rules for your products
- Keep clear records of every currency transaction
- Show prices in the customer’s currency if it helps conversion
This is general information, not financial advice. If you sell internationally, a good website and checkout matter as much as the payment route; get in touch if you would like help with yours.
Quick checklist
- Know your current exchange rate margin
- Compare two or three providers on a real payment
- Check FCA status and how fast funds arrive
- Keep records for your accountant