7 best cross-border payment services and solutions in the US (2025)

If you sell overseas or source from international suppliers, you need an efficient and cost-effective way to send and collect payments. However, nearly half of businesses report that the cost of payment processing is a central pain point,¹ while 3 in 10 say that the cross-border efficiency of transactions is an issue.² 

The right payment service provider can help you manage transactions while protecting your bottom line from hefty fees. But which service should you use, and what features should you look out for?

In this article, we’ll explore cross-border payment services, highlight the top fintech firms for international payments, and provide guidance on choosing the right provider for your business. You’ll also learn about Airwallex and how US businesses use an all-in-one business account to drive overseas expansion.

What is a cross-border payment service?

A cross-border payment service is a financial service that enables businesses to send and receive money from different countries and regions. Service providers are usually fintech firms specializing in international payments. They offer services such as multi-currency accounts, foreign currency conversion, and payment gateways.

Unlike traditional banks, which often have higher fees and longer processing times, specialized cross-border payment services can be faster and more cost-effective. The latter uses technology that automates the manual processes involved with international payments. For these reasons, 40% of banks have reported losing at least 5% of their market share to fintech firms.³

Top cross-border payment solutions in 2025

The US is home to over 10,000 fintech firms, many of which offer payment services.⁴ Let’s look at the country’s top fintech firms for businesses and the global payment services they offer:

*Stripe supports 135+ currencies for accepting customer payments, but most funds are automatically converted to your default settlement currency. Stripe doesn't offer multi-currency accounts to hold or send funds in other currencies, and FX fees typically apply.¹²

**Feature not available in the US. 

Review: Airwallex

Airwallex is a modern financial platform that supports global payments and broader financial operations. Through an integrated wallet infrastructure, the platform enables businesses to receive, hold, convert, and send funds in multiple currencies. Its interbank FX pricing is transparent and offers like-for-like settlement in 14 currencies without requiring businesses to manage external bank accounts.

Airwallex is particularly well-suited for businesses that operate internationally and want an all-in-one platform to manage revenue, spending, and payments without layering on multiple providers. While others may specialize in payments or transfers, Airwallex offers a complete solution for businesses looking to simplify and scale their global financial operations.

Review: Wise Business 

Initially launched as a consumer-focused international money transfer service, Wise has expanded to serve freelancers and small businesses seeking a low-cost way to transfer money internationally. Wise Business enables users to receive and hold funds in multiple currencies and send payments abroad using mid-market exchange rates and transparent fees.

While Wise is a strong option for businesses with straightforward payment flows, it doesn't support card payment acceptance or provide a payment gateway. This makes it less suitable for companies that need to collect customer payments, particularly online. Its core strength lies in managing outgoing payments and everyday business expenses.

Review: Payoneer

Payoneer is a long-standing cross-border payment provider that serves freelancers, online sellers, and service providers. It allows businesses to receive funds in multiple currencies and make payouts globally. The platform is commonly used by marketplace sellers and contract-based companies, particularly those operating in established partner ecosystems.

Although Payoneer offers a range of tools, including invoicing and marketplace integrations, its foreign exchange (FX) fees can vary widely depending on the transaction type. It also provides less transparency and flexibility than some competitors. It supports card acceptance but doesn't offer the same level of control or automation for global finance management as more modern platforms.

Review: Revolut

Revolut Business offers multi-currency accounts, international transfers with access to mid-market exchange rates, and expense tracking and budgeting tools. It fits freelancers, sole proprietors, and small businesses looking to manage global and domestic spending within a single platform.

Some features, such as corporate cards and payment acceptance, aren't currently available to US-based users. As such, it’s best suited for businesses with relatively simple international payment needs rather than those requiring a complete cross-border financial operations platform.

Review: Stripe

Stripe is best known as a robust payment gateway used by startups, SaaS companies, and online retailers. It offers advanced developer tools and supports payment acceptance in 135+ currencies, making it a popular choice for businesses that need to scale globally.

However, Stripe doesn't offer complete multi-currency business accounts, i.e., the ability to hold balances in multiple currencies. Most funds are auto-converted to your default settlement currency, and multi-currency settlement is only available for Connect platforms in CAD, EUR, and GBP. 

Currency conversion and like-for-like settlement fees can add up for businesses operating across borders. While Stripe excels at enabling businesses to accept payments, it isn't designed for broader financial operations or global money movement beyond payment processing.

Top features to look for in a cross-border payment service

When choosing a cross-border payment service, look for features that ensure efficiency, security, and relevance to your business’s needs. Here are six key features to consider:

1. Cost-effective fees and competitive exchange rates. Minimize costs by selecting a provider offering transparent fees and interbank exchange rates – ‌the “real” exchange rate for any currency conversion pair.

2. Fast settlement times. Firms like Airwallex work with local payment networks to facilitate transactions and complete them in as little as one business day. This helps maintain smooth cash flow and reduces the risk of payment delays.

3. End-to-end transparency. Look for a real-time service that lets you track transfers and shows the exact amount your recipient will receive. You should also see the fees up front to anticipate the cost of your transaction.

4. Security. The best payment specialists adhere to high international security standards, including PCI DSS, SOC 1, and SOC 2 compliance, as well as local regulatory requirements.

5. Integrations with business software. Choose a payment provider that works with your existing accounting software or eCommerce platform. This streamlines manual processes, giving you greater operational efficiency.

6. Local and regional customer support. Find out where the payment provider’s customer support team is based. You’ll want one based in the US so they have local market knowledge and regional support that can help if your payments get stuck between countries. 

How does a cross-border payment work?

A cross-border payment involves transferring funds from one country to another, typically through a bank or specialized payment service.

When you initiate a payment, the service converts your currency into the recipient's currency using the current exchange rate. The funds are sent through financial institutions or payment networks, which can take several hours to several days, depending on the service and the countries involved. Along the way, the payment service and any intermediary banks may deduct fees. Finally, the payment arrives in the local currency, which the recipient can access through their bank account.

What questions to ask before onboarding a cross-border payments provider?

Before onboarding a payment service provider, fully understand the costs, services, and support you’ll receive. Here are the questions that you should ask:

• What fees do you charge for sending and receiving payments? Not all providers are transparent about their fees. Be sure to get a copy of its fee structure to anticipate the total cost of each transaction.

• What is your exchange rate markup? Many providers offer interbank rates but add a small markup to the exchange rate on top of this. Check the markups for the currencies you frequently transact with to evaluate how competitive the overall pricing will be and understand the actual cost of your transactions. 

• Do you use local payment rails for international transfers? Services that use local payment rails, such as ACH in the U.S., result in cheaper, faster, and more successful payments compared to SWIFT. 

• What kind of customer support do you offer? Accessible and reliable customer support is critical for a smooth onboarding process for you and your team. Some payment services provide dedicated account managers to select businesses.

• What security measures do you have in place? A good payment provider should ensure that customer transactions are secure and encrypted, making it difficult for bad actors to intercept payment information.

Why choose Airwallex as a cross-border payments provider?

For businesses looking to streamline global payments, Airwallex offers an affordable solution for making payments to overseas customers, suppliers, and teams. Open multi-currency accounts with local bank details in 60+ countries and accept payments like a local business. Send international payouts to over 150 countries – more than 120 of which use low-cost local rails instead of SWIFT. Over 90% of payments arrive within hours, and you can save up to 80% on FX fees with access to 60+ trade currencies at interbank rates.

Airwallex also has no monthly fees or subscription fees. Instead, you only pay for the services that you use, which is incredibly cost-effective for SMEs. Choose solutions that scale with your business and provide a full range of products to meet your evolving needs. 

With extensive capabilities for global payments, zero hidden fees, transparent FX rates, and financial management tools, Airwallex is a growth engine for US businesses like Gimme Swag, Crossnet, and Clocky.

Frequently asked questions about cross-border payment providers

1. What is cross-border software?

Cross-border software allows businesses to manage transactions across different countries. By supporting multiple currencies, languages, and regulatory compliance requirements, this software helps companies streamline their global operations efficiently and securely.

2. What are the important factors to consider when selecting a cross-border payment solution?

Here are some important factors to consider when selecting a cross-border payment solution:

• Fees and exchange rates. Find a provider with a transparent fee schedule and competitive exchange rates to minimize foreign transaction fees.

• Transaction speed. Choose a solution that offers fast processing times to ensure timely payments and improve cash flow management.

• Security and compliance. Ensure that the provider has robust security measures and complies with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), which enforces anti-money laundering (AML) laws; the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which protects consumers from unfair financial practices; and Federal Reserve guidelines that regulate the US payment system. Additionally, payment providers must adhere to international standards, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), to protect your financial data and ensure global compliance, maintaining legal and regulatory requirements.

3. How much does it cost to onboard a cross-border payment solution?

The cost depends on the provider. Some solutions have account opening and setup fees, monthly fees, or fees based on the number of transactions, while others – like Airwallex – let you open and use your account for free. 

4. How safe are cross-border payment services?

Cross-border payment services are usually safe. In the US, services like Airwallex are licensed as Money Service Businesses (MSBs) and registered with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) to safeguard customer funds.

Sources: 

1. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1386603/payments-issues-from-clients-according-to-providers/

2. https://www.statista.com/topics/11647/cross-border-payments/#topicOverview 

3. https://thefinancialbrand.com/news/payments-trends/fintech-is-disrupting-cross-border-payments-how-should-banks-respond-174954/

4. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1476784/us-number-of-fintechs/

5. https://wise.com/us/business/receive-money 

6. https://wise.com/us/

7. https://www.payoneer.com/about/pricing/ 

8. https://www.payoneer.com/resources/general-payments/how-to-send-money-internationally-throught-payoneer/

9. https://www.revolut.com/en-US/a-radically-better-account/

10. https://www.revolut.com/en-US/business/money-transfers/ 

11. https://www.revolut.com/en-US/business/multi-currency-accounts/ 

12. https://docs.stripe.com/payouts/multicurrency-settlement

13. https://stripe.com/pricing