Top 6 ACH processing companies for UK businesses in 2026

Key takeaways

• ACH payments are the backbone of US bank transfers. UK businesses can use similar methods to send or receive funds globally.

• For UK merchants operating in USD, the right ACH processor can reduce FX costs and simplify settlement into US accounts.

• Airwallex can provide UK businesses with ACH-style capabilities, with USD accounts, transparent FX, and API-based transfers that connect directly to your global payments.

If you work with clients in the US, you might have noticed that getting paid in dollars involves navigating intermediary banks, slow settlements, and expensive FX. 

In the US, the ACH (Automated Clearing House) network powers local bank-to-bank transfers for payroll, invoicing, and recurring payments. It’s a trusted, low-cost system comparable to Bacs in the UK or SEPA in Europe, governed by NACHA’s rules.

While UK companies can’t access the ACH network directly, the right payment provider can replicate it. That means you can collect or send USD, pay American suppliers, and settle with US customers as if you held a local account.

This guide explains how ACH processing works, how UK businesses can benefit, and which providers offer the most reliable solutions in 2026.

What ACH is and why it matters for UK businesses in 2026

ACH is a system that moves money electronically between bank accounts in the US. It supports two main types of transactions:

ACH credit: The payer sends funds to a recipient (for example, paying a supplier).

ACH debit: The payee pulls funds from a payer (for example, collecting a subscription).

For UK businesses, ACH is relevant when you:

• Invoice US clients and want to get paid in USD without wire fees

• Run US operations but manage finance from the UK

• Pay US suppliers, employees, or freelancers efficiently

• Offer subscription or recurring billing to US customers

Because the UK uses Bacs, CHAPS, and Faster Payments, a payment partner that bridges ACH and UK systems is useful for cross-border transactions.

Read more: Decoding digital payments: ACH and wire transfers

The top ACH processing companies for UK businesses in 2026

You can’t access the US ACH network directly from the UK, but several platforms let you collect and send USD as if you had a US account.

Here’s a look at the providers worth considering and what each one does best for UK businesses.

Airwallex 

Airwallex lets you send and receive ACH-style transfers without needing a US bank account. You can open local USD accounts in minutes, accept payments from US clients via ACH or wire, and settle in your Airwallex wallet.

Funds can be held in USD or converted at interbank FX rates when needed. Built-in APIs automate reconciliation, while FCA-regulated safeguarding ensures compliance and fund security.

Beyond ACH capabilities, Airwallex offers complete financial infrastructure, from multi-currency accounts to bill pay, cards, and global payouts.

Used by: Global SaaS, eCommerce, and service firms billing in USD

Core strengths: USD accounts, transparent FX, fast local settlement, API access, compliance infrastructure

GoCardless  

GoCardless offers local bank debit collection in multiple regions, including the US via ACH and the UK via Direct Debit. It’s useful for recurring billing, such as SaaS subscriptions or membership fees.

You can collect USD from US customers directly into your connected account, with transparent transaction fees. Integration with accounting software and CRMs is straightforward, although FX conversion is handled through partners, not natively.¹

Used by: Subscription-based UK businesses with US customers

Core strengths: Recurring payment automation, Direct Debit and ACH coverage, CRM integrations

Stripe 

Stripe supports ACH payments through its US-based infrastructure. UK companies can use it if they have a US entity or work through Stripe Atlas. It’s a strong choice for businesses needing developer-friendly APIs and integrated recurring billing.

However, Stripe routes ACH transfers through its own US network, so settlement into non-US accounts typically requires conversion. FX fees apply unless paired with a USD account provider like Airwallex.²

Used by: Developers and SaaS businesses with existing Stripe integrations

Core strengths: Developer APIs, recurring billing, global payment orchestration

PaymentCloud  

PaymentCloud provides ACH and eCheck processing tailored to high-risk industries like finance, gaming, or travel. It integrates with most gateways and offers fraud detection and chargeback management.

Its ACH offering suits US-focused businesses more than UK-based ones, as UK entities still need a US intermediary account to settle funds.³

Used by: High-risk and regulated merchants

Core strengths: ACH and eCheck support, risk management, merchant services expertise

Stax  

Stax focuses on US-based ACH and card processing, with predictable monthly fees rather than per-transaction pricing. It offers integrated invoicing and analytics tools, but its ACH features are limited to businesses with US accounts.⁴

Used by: US companies needing volume-based pricing

Core strengths: Transparent pricing, invoicing tools, ACH and card processing

Revolut Business

Revolut Business gives UK companies multi-currency accounts, card payments, and recurring billing tools in one platform. It supports international transfers, direct debit collection, and integration with accounting systems like Xero and QuickBooks.

While it doesn’t process ACH directly, Revolut enables USD payments through local US account details and transparent FX, making it a practical option for UK businesses trading with American clients.⁵

Used by: UK SMEs and digital businesses managing multi-currency payments

Core strengths: Multi-currency accounts, recurring billing support, accounting integrations, transparent FX

How the leading ACH processors compare on speed, cost, and reliability

How to evaluate ACH processors if you run a UK business

If you’re comparing ACH providers for UK use, focus on the factors that most affect your bottom line:

Integration ease. Strong API documentation and SDKs simplify embedding ACH and international payments into your systems.

Fee transparency. Look beyond per-transaction rates to FX markups, settlement fees, and reversal charges.

Currency support. The ability to collect, hold, and convert between GBP, USD, and EUR prevents unnecessary conversions.

Reliability and settlement speed. Settlement times typically range from same day to three days; consistent performance matters more than speed alone.

Compliance and security. Ensure the provider meets FCA or DNB authorisation standards and adheres to NACHA and PSD2 rules.

Recurring payment support. If you bill customers regularly, check that the platform supports automatic debits and retries.

Read more: International wire transfer: How to quickly send money abroad

The challenges UK companies face when using ACH

Using ACH as a UK business comes with advantages (namely lower fees and reliable transfers) but also challenges, including:

Limited access. Only US banks can originate ACH transactions, so UK companies need a partner that provides local USD accounts.

Settlement delays. ACH transfers can take one to three days, longer for international settlements.

Currency conversion. Without a multi-currency account, funds are often converted automatically at poor FX rates.

Compliance. Cross-border ACH transactions must follow NACHA’s IAT rules, requiring clear originator and beneficiary data.

Reversals. ACH payments can be reversed for up to 60 days, so cash flow predictability requires strong monitoring and reconciliation.

Read more: 6 International payment methods for cross border payments

How to choose the right ACH processor for your business

Start by clarifying where your customers and suppliers are based. If you regularly bill in USD, a provider that issues US bank accounts and handles ACH flows natively will save time and fees.

Evaluate integration options next. Strong APIs allow you to embed bank transfers directly into your workflows. Compare total cost, not just per-transaction fees, by factoring in FX markups, rejection rates, and compliance costs.

Run test transactions before scaling, and prioritise providers that offer audit trails, security controls, and FCA-regulated safeguarding.

How Airwallex enables ACH style payments for UK businesses

Airwallex lets UK businesses operate like local US companies. You can open local USD accounts, receive ACH and wire transfers directly, and hold funds in USD until you choose to convert.

Every transfer runs on Airwallex’s global payment rails, giving you faster settlement, transparent FX, and lower costs than traditional intermediaries. APIs connect seamlessly with your billing or ERP systems, automating bank debit, credit, and reconciliation.

With compliance built into its infrastructure, Airwallex meets FCA, DNB, and SOC2 standards while safeguarding funds through tier-one banks.

For UK merchants, this means ACH-style efficiency without US banking complexity, with local payments, global reach, and full financial visibility from one platform.

ACH style payments give UK companies a competitive advantage

ACH-style payments give UK businesses a faster, cheaper way to manage USD transactions. The right processor reduces friction, supports compliance, and simplifies reconciliation across markets.

Airwallex is a top choice because it bridges US and UK banking systems, combining local ACH access with transparent FX, API automation, and global settlement. It’s the modern way to collect, convert, and move money across borders with confidence.

FAQs

What is ACH payment processing?

ACH (Automated Clearing House) is the US system for low-cost, bank-to-bank transfers used for payroll, invoicing, and recurring payments. For UK businesses, ACH-style processing enables sending or receiving USD payments without needing a US bank account.

Can UK businesses use ACH payments?

Yes. While UK companies can’t access the ACH network directly, providers like Airwallex or GoCardless allow ACH-style transfers through local USD accounts, making it easy to collect or pay in dollars.

How is ACH different from Bacs or Faster Payments?

ACH operates within the US and settles in batches, usually taking 1–3 days. Bacs and Faster Payments are UK systems for GBP transfers, with Faster Payments offering near-instant settlement.

What are the benefits of using ACH processors in the UK?

ACH processors reduce FX costs, simplify USD billing, and offer predictable settlement for recurring payments. They’re ideal for UK companies working with US clients or suppliers.

What fees do ACH processors charge UK businesses?

Fees vary by provider. Airwallex charges from 1.3% + £0.20 for cards and ~0.5–1% FX markup. GoCardless charges 1% + £0.20 (capped at £4) for domestic and 2% + £0.20 for international payments. Revolut’s plans start at £10/month with 0.2% USD transfer fees.

Which ACH processor is best for UK companies?

Airwallex offers the strongest mix of ACH-style transfers, transparent FX, API access, and regulatory compliance, making it ideal for UK businesses billing or operating in USD.

Is ACH payment processing secure?

Yes. Providers like Airwallex, GoCardless, and Stripe comply with FCA or PCI DSS standards and include safeguards such as audit trails, fraud detection, and encryption.

How long do ACH payments take to clear?

Typical settlement times range from one to three business days, depending on the provider and whether the transfer is domestic or cross-border.

Sources and references

1.  gocardless.com/guides/ach/ach-debit-the-easy-way/

2.  stripe.com/payments/us-bank-debits

3.  paymentcloudinc.com/

4.  staxpayments.com/

5.  revolut.com/legal/business-scale-fees/

6.  gocardless.com/pricing/

7.  stripe.com/pricing

8.  revolut.com/legal/business-standard-fees/