Getting paid by US clients over ACH

What is ACH?

ACH (Automated Clearing House) is the electronic payment network that moves money between bank and credit union accounts in the United States. Nacha writes its rules, and payroll deposits, bill payments and business-to-business supplier payments all run over it. When a US client pays by ACH, the money travels from their bank to your US bank account on this network.

Nacha's definition of ACH (accessed 12 October 2026) describes it as a payment system that reaches all US bank and credit union accounts, with same-day and next-day settlement options. For short definitions of the terms used here, see our glossary in 30 seconds.

What is the difference between an ACH credit and an ACH debit?

ACH works in two directions. In an ACH credit, the payer pushes money to the other account. In an ACH debit, the party being paid pulls money from an account with the account holder's authorisation. A US client paying your invoice from their own bank is usually an ACH credit.

Nacha's page on how ACH payments work (accessed 12 October 2026) gives the examples: a payroll deposit is a credit, a utility bill collected from your account is a debit.

Why does a US company make ACH payments easier?

ACH runs between US accounts. When your US client pays into a US bank account, the payment is an ordinary domestic payment for them. Invoicing from a US company and receiving into a US bank account in the company's name fits more easily into a client's purchasing and accounting process.

If you work with US clients as a freelancer, agency or consultant, this setup makes two things clear: your company is the party to the contract, and the client's supplier record shows a US company name and tax ID. With our LLC formation service, we form your company; the state approves the formation.

• You apply for the bank account; the bank reviews and decides.
• Fees and settlement times are in the banks' official terms and can change.

If you also want to accept cards, our guide to a US company for Stripe explains what a payment provider asks for.

Which tax form can a US client ask for?

US clients can ask suppliers for the tax identification they need when filing information returns with the IRS. For a US company this is usually the EIN. The IRS describes Form W-9 as the form used to provide your correct taxpayer identification number to the person who must file an information return.

The IRS Form W-9 page (accessed 12 October 2026) states that purpose. Foreign entities use a different form: the IRS Form W-8BEN-E page (accessed 12 October 2026) says it documents the status of foreign entities. Which form fits your company depends on its tax classification and your situation; decide with a qualified tax adviser. LaunchUS does not give tax or legal advice.

What is an EIN, and who gets it?

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is the federal tax ID the IRS issues to businesses. Banks, client supplier records and tax forms identify your company by it. We get your EIN; the IRS issues the number. The EIN confirmation letter arrives in your vault, where you can download it whenever you need it.

The IRS EIN page (accessed 12 October 2026) says an EIN is free directly from the IRS and lists separate routes for applicants whose principal place of business is outside the US. Our EIN service page shows how an application without an SSN works. EIN preparation is part of our plans; see pricing for what each plan includes.

Step by step: getting ready to receive ACH payments

This sequence shows who does what when you prepare to receive ACH payments through a US company. Banks and clients may ask for different documents, and they always have the final say. Each step names who does the work and who decides.

1. We form your company. You enter your details for a Wyoming or Delaware LLC; we file, and the state approves. Our Wyoming vs Delaware comparison helps with the choice.
2. We get your EIN. We prepare Form SS-4, you sign it, the IRS issues the number.
3. You apply for a bank account. The bank may ask for the formation document, the EIN letter and your ID; the decision is the bank's.
4. You complete the tax form with your adviser. If a client asks for a W-9 or another form, your tax adviser decides which one is right.
5. You invoice from the company. Use the company's legal name and the account details your bank gives you.
6. You track payments in your bank. Incoming payments appear in your bank account; banks set the timing.

What does your LaunchUS vault keep ready?

The vault is where your company's official documents live. LaunchUS does not apply to banks for you or correspond with your clients; we keep the documents current and accessible. When a bank or client asks for a document, you download it from the vault and send it yourself.

• The formation document (Articles of Organization in Wyoming, Certificate of Formation in Delaware)
• The EIN confirmation letter
• The company's legal name, state and date of formation
• Official mail received and scanned through the LaunchUS Registered Agent service

The Registered Agent service receives official state mail. The Registered Agent address is not a general business address or a verification address; do not use it as a verification address with a bank. Our post on selling on Etsy and Shopify with a US company has similar notes for sales channels.

Freelancers can also read our US LLC for freelancers guide.