To send an ACH payment, you typically need the recipient’s bank account number, routing number, account type (chequing or savings), and authorization to complete the transfer. Businesses may also require the recipient’s name and billing details for verification.

What information do I need to send an ACH payment?

ACH payments are widely used by individuals and businesses alike. Consumers often use ACH for bill payments, direct deposits, and bank transfers, while businesses rely on ACH for payroll, vendor payments, and recurring billing.

Can individuals use ACH payments, or are they only for businesses?

An ACH credit is a payment initiated by the sender and received by the recipient, such as payroll deposits. An ACH debit is a payment pulled from the payer’s account, commonly used for recurring bills or subscription payments after authorization.

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

If an ACH payment cannot be completed, it may be returned due to insufficient funds, incorrect account details, or authorization issues. Businesses are typically notified via a return code, allowing them to resolve the issue and resubmit the transfer.

What happens if an ACH payment is returned or rejected?

ACH payments can sometimes be reversed, but only under specific conditions such as duplicate transactions, fraud, or processing errors. Reversals must typically be requested quickly and are subject to bank and network rules.

Can ACH payments be reversed?

ACH transfers generally only process on business days. Payments initiated on weekends or bank holidays are usually queued and begin processing on the next available banking day.

Do ACH payments process on weekends or holidays?

Yes, many banks and ACH payment services allow you to schedule transfers in advance. This is especially useful for recurring obligations such as rent, payroll, and vendor payments with fixed due dates.

Can I schedule an ACH payment in advance?

ACH payments can be used for large transfers, but limits vary by bank or provider. For very high-value or time-sensitive payments, businesses may still consider wire transfers or specialized payment solutions.

Are ACH payments suitable for high-value transactions?

Businesses often use verification tools such as micro-deposits, instant account validation, or third-party payment processors to confirm account ownership before processing ACH transactions.

How do businesses verify bank accounts for ACH payments?

ACH is widely used across industries, including payroll providers, subscription services, property management, healthcare billing, education payments, and B2B supplier networks, due to its low cost and reliability.

What industries commonly rely on ACH payment processing?

Yes, many businesses now offer ACH as an online payment option, allowing customers to pay directly from their bank accounts. This is especially common for larger purchases where card fees may be higher.

Can ACH payments be used for online checkout?

ACH payments may fail due to incorrect routing numbers, closed accounts, insufficient funds, unauthorized debits, or bank compliance holds. Proper setup and verification help reduce these issues.

What are common reasons ACH payments fail?

Direct deposit is a specific type of ACH credit payment, most commonly used for payroll or government benefits. All direct deposits use ACH rails, but not all ACH payments are direct deposits.

Is there a difference between ACH and direct deposit?

ACH payments typically do not include real-time tracking, unlike wire transfers. However, businesses can monitor transaction status through their bank or ACH payment provider, including pending, settled, or returned payments.

Can ACH payments be tracked like wire transfers?

Before adopting ACH, businesses should review settlement timing, customer authorization requirements, return handling processes, and provider fees. Choosing the right ACH payment service can make implementation smoother and more secure.

What should businesses consider before switching to ACH payments?

FAQs - ACH Payment for Businesses

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Learn what an ACH payment is, how ACH transfers work, settlement timing, fees in Canada, and how ACH compares with wire transfers. Complete guide for businesses.

The Ultimate ACH Payment Guide for Businesses

Yes. In fact, Canadians can buy existing businesses in the USA if they want. They have the advantage of strong economic ties between Canada and the US, as exemplified by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), preceded by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

Can a Canadian citizen buy a business in the USA?

Yes, the two main options are the E-2 and the EB-5 Visa. The E2 visa is a temporary visa which expires after a defined number of years. The EB-5 visa is a permanent visa which requires a more substantial investment and leads to a green card.

Can I get a visa if I buy a business in the USA?

You can live, work, and do business in the USA if you obtain the appropriate immigration status.

Can Canadian businesses do business in the US?

Yes, as a foreign business owner, you can hire employees in the USA. However, you must comply with US employment laws, including obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and adhering to payroll tax requirements.

Can I hire employees in the USA for my business?

No, you can start a business in the US without any physical presence in the country. Many states allow foreign entrepreneurs to incorporate remotely. However, having a US address and bank account may be beneficial for practical reasons.

Do I need a physical presence in the USA to start a business?

To protect your intellectual property (IP) in the USA, you should register your trademarks, patents, and copyrights with the relevant US authorities, such as the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). It’s also wise to use legal agreements to protect your IP from unauthorized use.

How can I protect my intellectual property rights when starting a business in the USA?

Canadian entrepreneurs can explore several visa options, including the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa, L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa, and TN Visa under NAFTA. Each visa has specific business operations and investment requirements in the US.

What types of visas are available for Canadian entrepreneurs to start a business in the US?

Yes, Canadians can start a business in the USA. You can find businesses or franchises, such as a business for sale in California, for sale in the USA. Also, you can buy a business in any industry, such as a gas station in the USA. The process typically involves choosing a state for incorporation, registering the business, and complying with state and federal regulations. While physical presence is not required, understanding legal and tax obligations is crucial.

Can a Canadian start a business in the US?

MTFX offers safe and secure currency exchange services and a cost-effective way to exchange CAD for USD and make international business payments. FINTRAC regulates us and has specialized in FX and global payments for over 25 years.

How can MTFX help with buying a business in the US?

Start by identifying your target industry and state, then confirm whether you’re buying shares or assets and what structure you’ll use to own the business. From there, assemble the right advisors for due diligence (legal and accounting), review financials and liabilities, and outline your funding plan and timelines for closing. If you plan to operate the business in the US, you should also align the purchase with an appropriate immigration pathway early in the process.

What are the first steps for a Canadian buying a US business?

Most buyers begin with established business marketplaces, local business brokers, and industry-specific listing networks in the state where they want to buy. You can also source opportunities through professional networks, accountants, franchise channels, and local chambers of commerce. The key is to filter listings by verified financials, seller disclosures, and realistic valuation expectations before moving into negotiations.

How do I find businesses for sale in the USA?

Canadians typically need to choose a legal entity (such as an LLC or corporation), register it in the state where the business operates, and ensure the business meets applicable licensing and regulatory requirements. The purchase itself should be supported by formal agreements, due diligence, and proper closing documentation, often involving escrow and structured payment terms. Since requirements vary by state and industry, working with qualified legal professionals is strongly recommended.

What legal requirements must Canadians meet to own a US business?

Common options include using personal capital, securing seller financing, arranging financing through Canadian or US lenders, or bringing in partners or investors depending on deal size. Buyers also need to plan for working capital after closing, not just the purchase price. Because lending terms can differ for foreign buyers, it helps to prepare strong documentation, clear business financials, and a credible operating plan.

How do Canadians finance purchasing a business in the USA?

Not always, but it often makes the transaction and ongoing operations far easier. A US business bank account can support payroll, vendor payments, tax payments, and day-to-day cash flow once the business is running. Some banks may require additional documentation for foreign owners, and in certain cases, in-person verification may be requested.

Do Canadians need a US bank account to buy a business?

Most cross-border purchases require wiring funds in USD to an escrow account or the seller’s designated account by a specific closing date. Because exchange rates and transfer fees can impact the total cost, many buyers plan currency conversion ahead of time to reduce risk, avoid delays, and ensure the final amount received matches the purchase agreement. For large transfers, using a specialist provider can also help improve pricing transparency and timing control.

How do Canadians transfer funds to the US to close a deal?

No. Canadians can buy or own a US business without a visa. However, if you intend to live in the US or actively manage the business on the ground, you’ll typically need an appropriate immigration status. Ownership alone doesn’t grant residency or work authorization, so immigration planning depends on how involved you’ll be day to day.

Do Canadians need a US visa to buy a business?

FAQs - Buy a Business in the US

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Can Canadians buy a business in the United States? Learn the essential steps, legal considerations, and currency strategies to expand into the US market, plus how to save on large CAD to USD transfers with expert FX guidance.

Buying a Business in the USA as a Canadian

The mid-market exchange rate is the midpoint between the buy and sell prices of two currencies in the global FX market. It reflects where currencies trade between major financial institutions and serves as a neutral benchmark rather than a rate consumers typically receive.

What is the mid-market exchange rate?

The customer exchange rate includes a markup applied by banks or providers on top of the mid-market exchange rate. This difference accounts for provider margins, risk, and operating costs, which is why the final rate is usually less favourable than the benchmark.

How does the mid-market rate differ from the rate I get?

Several final exchange rate factors influence pricing, including provider margins, transfer size, market volatility, timing, and liquidity. These elements sit on top of the current mid-market exchange rate to produce the executable rate you receive.

What determines the final exchange rate I am charged?

Banks and providers add a spread to the mid-market rate to cover costs and generate profit. While the market exchange rate explained reflects true market value, retail pricing incorporates additional layers that are not always clearly disclosed.

Why do banks and payment providers charge above the mid-market rate?

FX transactions may include visible fees, such as transfer or service charges, as well as embedded costs within the exchange rate itself. Even when fees appear low or zero, markups applied to mid-market rates can still significantly affect the final cost.

What fees are included in a foreign exchange transaction?

The spread is the difference between the mid-market exchange rate and the rate offered to customers. Wider spreads increase FX costs, while tighter spreads help keep the customer exchange rate closer to the market benchmark.

How do spreads impact the final exchange rate?

Yes. Using FX specialists, monitoring live mid-market rates, and choosing transparent pricing models can help reduce the gap. Platforms like MTFX are designed to offer rates that track more closely to FX mid market rates.

Are there ways to get closer to the mid-market rate?

Most platforms reference the current mid-market exchange rate and apply their own margin based on risk, costs, and pricing strategy. This means two providers can quote different rates even when the underlying market rate is the same.

How do currency conversion platforms set their rates?

Yes. Larger transfer amounts often qualify for tighter spreads and better pricing, resulting in a customer exchange rate that is closer to the mid-market exchange rate today than smaller, one-off transactions.

Does the transfer amount affect the exchange rate?

Businesses can reduce FX costs by using specialists, monitoring historical mid-market exchange rates, timing conversions strategically, and avoiding providers that embed excessive margins into rates rather than charging transparent fees.

How can businesses minimize FX costs when converting currency?

The mid-market exchange rate itself is consistent across global markets at any given moment, but the rate displayed can vary slightly depending on timing and data sources, especially when comparing delayed versus live mid-market rate feeds.

Is the mid-market exchange rate the same everywhere?

FX markets operate continuously, and mid-market rates move as supply, demand, economic data, and market sentiment change. This constant movement is why the mid-market exchange rate today may differ even within short timeframes.

Why does the mid-market exchange rate change throughout the day?

A mid-market exchange rate calculator is accurate for reference and estimation, showing where the market is trading. However, it does not reflect executable pricing, as provider margins are applied afterward.

Are online mid-market rate calculators accurate?

Historical mid-market exchange rates help individuals and businesses understand past trends, volatility, and typical trading ranges. This context supports better timing decisions for future conversions and large transfers.

How do historical mid-market exchange rates help with planning?

Yes. Comparing provider quotes against the current mid-market exchange rate is one of the best ways to assess true FX costs. It highlights the margin applied and helps identify more competitive, transparent pricing options.

Should I always compare quotes to the mid-market rate?

FAQs - Mid-Market Exchange Rates

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The mid-market exchange rate may look like the “true” price of a currency, but it’s rarely the rate you actually receive. This blog breaks down the real factors that shape your final exchange rate, including provider margins, timing, transaction size, and market conditions. It explains why headline rates can be misleading and how small differences add up to meaningful costs on real-world transfers. Understanding what sits behind the quote is key to making smarter, more cost-effective FX decisions.

Beyond the Mid-Market Exchange Rate: What Really Determines Your Final Rate?

To invoice international clients, you need to issue a clear, compliant invoice that includes the currency, payment method, due date, and accurate recipient details. Using the right tools for international client invoicing helps reduce delays, errors, and unnecessary back-and-forth with overseas customers.

How do I invoice international clients?

The currency you choose depends on your cash flow needs and client preferences. Some businesses invoice in CAD for predictability, while others prefer foreign currencies for faster settlement. Multi-currency invoicing platforms like MTFX give businesses flexibility without adding FX complexity.

What currency should I use when invoicing international clients?

In many cases, invoicing foreign clients in their local currency improves clarity and speeds up approval and payment. This approach reduces uncertainty for the payer and helps streamline cross-border invoicing, especially for recurring or high-volume invoices.

Is it better to invoice clients in their local currency?

Fees often come from FX markups and intermediary banks involved in cross-border payments for invoices. Choosing a specialist provider like MTFX helps businesses invoice overseas clients while avoiding hidden bank charges and improving cost transparency.

How can I reduce fees when invoicing overseas clients?

The fastest option is usually using local payment rails instead of traditional international wires. These methods improve settlement speed for international payments for invoices and reduce delays tied to intermediary banks, especially in major markets.

What is the fastest way to get paid by international clients?

Common international invoicing challenges include payment delays, unclear FX costs, reconciliation issues, international taxes, and compliance requirements. These issues become more complex when invoicing foreign companies across multiple regions and currencies.

What are the most common challenges with international invoicing?

Exchange rates directly influence the final amount you receive when you invoice international clients in foreign currencies. Without proper FX management, rate markups can quietly reduce margins on each invoice.

How do exchange rates affect international invoices?

Yes, Canadian businesses can invoice international clients in multiple currencies using multi-currency invoicing solutions. Platforms like MTFX allow businesses to manage foreign currency invoices while keeping FX control centralized.

Can Canadian businesses invoice clients in multiple currencies?

The most efficient options include local bank transfers and specialised cross-border payments for invoices, which tend to be faster and more cost-effective than traditional wires. These methods support smoother global invoicing solutions.

What payment methods work best for international invoices?

Automation helps businesses invoice international clients more efficiently by reducing manual work and errors. Tools such as recurring billing and batch invoicing are core features of modern global invoicing solutions, including those offered by MTFX.

How can I automate international client invoicing?

FAQs- How to Invoice International clients - Cheaper, Faster and Easier

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International invoicing shouldn’t slow your business down. Learn how to invoice overseas clients faster, reduce hidden FX costs, and avoid payment delays. This guide breaks down smarter ways to get paid internationally with better control and visibility.

How to Invoice International Clients - Cheaper, Faster and Easier

Using a dedicated FX platform like MTFX helps you access competitive USD/CAD rates with low fees, avoiding costly bank markups when converting US dollar revenues to Canadian dollars.

How can I get better exchange rates for USD payments from international customers?

To send payments in euros efficiently, use a global payment platform that offers real-time CAD to EUR conversion and supports direct payments to European bank accounts with low transaction costs.

What’s the best way to pay overseas suppliers in EUR from Canada?

You can receive funds in British pounds (GBP) and convert to Canadian dollars (CAD) using FX services that offer transparent GBP/CAD rates and faster settlements than traditional banks.

Can I collect customer payments in GBP and convert them to CAD?

By using a specialised FX provider instead of traditional banks, you can access better exchange rates, avoid high transfer fees, and automate international payments- all of which help reduce your overall costs.

How can Canadian e-commerce businesses reduce foreign exchange costs?

The safest way is to use a regulated platform with encryption, two-factor authentication, and compliance with global financial standards. Look for providers that specialise in secure business payments.

What’s the safest way to send international payments for my e-commerce business?

With the right payment platform, most international transfers are completed within 24–48 hours. Some regions and methods allow for same-day delivery, especially when using digital FX services.

How long do international supplier payments typically take?

Use real-time exchange rate tools, set rate alerts, and schedule payments when rates are favourable. This helps protect your margins and improves financial forecasting.

How can I manage FX risk when operating in multiple countries?

It’s highly recommended. A business FX account offers tools for managing international payments, monitoring rates, and automating transactions- far beyond what a personal account can handle.

Do I need a business FX account to make cross-border payments?

Look for platforms that offer multi-currency accounts, live FX charts, bulk payments, rate alerts, and secure payment workflows designed for e-commerce businesses.

What tools can help me optimise global payments in my e-commerce store?

Look for a provider that offers low fees, competitive rates, real-time payment tracking, regulatory compliance, and tools tailored to e-commerce operations like supplier payments and global collections.

How do I choose the right FX provider for my e-commerce business?

FAQs- Cross-Border E-Commerce Decoded: How to Tackle Global Expansion Challenges in 2025

E-commerce dashboard displaying sales, revenue, and traffic analytics on a computer screen, with printed charts on a desk. Reflects the data-driven needs of cross-border businesses and how MTFX supports global e-commerce growth with seamless international payments and currency exchange solutions.

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Canadian e-commerce businesses face major FX challenges when going global, including currency conversion costs, payment delays, and exchange rate volatility. Using an FX specialist like MTFX helps streamline cross-border payments, reduce fees, and optimize international supplier payouts- all while improving your global profit margins.

Cross-Border E-Commerce Decoded: How to Tackle Global Expansion Challenges in 2026

Explore strategies to streamline cross-border payments, manage FX risk, and grow your global operations. See how MTFX supports businesses with smarter, cost-effective payment solutions.

Business Blogs

Explore smarter business money transfer solutions with MTFX. Gain expert insights on international payments, currency exchange, compliance, and cutting transfer costs.

Guides & Tips for Business Money Transfers with MTFX

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Blogs

Discover global trends, inspiring customer stories, and how to make the most of your international money transfers.

Business Blogs

The Ultimate ACH Payment Guide for Businesses

Buying a Business in the USA as a Canadian

Beyond the Mid-Market Exchange Rate: What Really Determines Your Final Rate?

How to Invoice International Clients - Cheaper, Faster and Easier

Cross-Border E-Commerce Decoded: How to Tackle Global Expansion Challenges in 2026

Personal Blogs

Studying in the US? A Guide for Canadian Students

Moving to the USA from Canada

Guide for Canadians Buying Property in Mexico

How to Convert CAD to USD?

Guide for Canadians Buying Property in the United States

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