US Client

UK Bank account

[limbo]

I've a client in the states who wants me to do a bit of work. Till now all my clients to date have been based in the UK. What would you reccomend as the easiest option for payment across borders?

Cheque? Wire? Transfer? Other?

Cheers, Limbo

[andye]

Depends on the amount, really.

Credit card has the advantage that the currency conversion is automatic - good for smallish amounts. It's also quick.

You can pay a US $ cheque into a normal UK bank acccount, they charge you a fee (at HSBC it's £10 upwards) - so that's good for larger amounts. This is what I use for 'normal' payments where speed isn't a real issue.

Bank transfer can be fast but is a bit of a pain in the arse.

hth, a.

PS also worth thinking about PayPal.

[adamnichols45]

One thing i have experience is this type of topic.

DO NOT ACCEPT PAYPAL
OR CHEQUE

Wire transfer and you wont have to worry so much about a reversal. Also make them pay the charges which is typically around £15/25 at both ends of the transaction.

[limbo]

Thanks guys

Wire transfer to my account is free for me and $45 for them

Paypal is 3.4% of the total transaction + £.20 - so if I earn over about $1400 I start to pay over the odds.

Would you agree this contractually before services are provided?

[LifeinAsia]

Would you agree this contractually before services are provided?

ABSOLUTELY!

Payment terms should always be cleared stated in the contract. I also suggest clearly stating penalties for late/non-payment.