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Best payment methods US to UK
Thread poster: Gül Kaya
Gül Kaya
Gül Kaya  Identity Verified
United Kingdom
Local time: 03:31
Turkish to English
+ ...
May 22, 2013

I'm sure this must have been asked before but a quick archive search didn't reveal a quick answer so apologies if it's come up recently. I've been getting a lot of queries from US agencies recently, a geographical area I haven't paid much attention to until now. I was wondering what is the easiest and cheapest way to get payment from there to the UK. I have absolutely no problem with agencies in the EU making direct transfers into my UK bank account but suspect that it might not be so easy from ... See more
I'm sure this must have been asked before but a quick archive search didn't reveal a quick answer so apologies if it's come up recently. I've been getting a lot of queries from US agencies recently, a geographical area I haven't paid much attention to until now. I was wondering what is the easiest and cheapest way to get payment from there to the UK. I have absolutely no problem with agencies in the EU making direct transfers into my UK bank account but suspect that it might not be so easy from across the pond and that there will be a whole load of charges. I also heard somewhere that US agencies like to pay by cheque. Would that cost a lot to cash in the UK.
I look forward to any suggestions or advice. ▲ Collapse
 
Ty Kendall
Ty Kendall  Identity Verified
United Kingdom
Local time: 03:31
Hebrew to English
Wire transfer / Paypal May 22, 2013

My US clients pay me by wire transfer (for large amounts) and Paypal for small amounts.
 
Sheila Wilson
Sheila Wilson  Identity Verified
Spain
Local time: 03:31
Member (2007)
English
+ ...
Everything depends May 22, 2013

I think it varies very much depending on the individual circumstances. My best client at the moment pays by wire transfer from an American bank to my Spanish bank. My bank charges me absolutely nothing. I don't know how much is taken at their end - that's their business!

OTOH, yes, you do hear about payments being ridiculously expensive for both parties. It's one reason why I'd be very reluctant to accept a rush job w... See more
I think it varies very much depending on the individual circumstances. My best client at the moment pays by wire transfer from an American bank to my Spanish bank. My bank charges me absolutely nothing. I don't know how much is taken at their end - that's their business!

OTOH, yes, you do hear about payments being ridiculously expensive for both parties. It's one reason why I'd be very reluctant to accept a rush job with a US client. Work would have to wait until guarantees about payment had been arranged. ▲ Collapse
 
Ty Kendall
Ty Kendall  Identity Verified
United Kingdom
Local time: 03:31
Hebrew to English
It may depend on bank... May 22, 2013

Sheila Wilson wrote:

I think it varies very much depending on the individual circumstances. My best client at the moment pays by wire transfer from an American bank to my Spanish bank. My bank charges me absolutely nothing. I don't know how much is taken at their end - that's their business!.


I was told by my client it costs them $50 to make a bank transfer, hence their reluctance to use this method for small amounts.

Although I'm aware this may not be the gospel truth. It seems relatively reasonable.

[Edited at 2013-05-22 15:20 GMT]
 
Gül Kaya
Gül Kaya  Identity Verified
United Kingdom
Local time: 03:31
Turkish to English
+ ...
TOPIC STARTER
Just earning money costs money! May 22, 2013

Thanks Ty and Sheila.

$50 per transfer is a lot and I think agencies would be keen to pass that on to the translator. I think you might be right Shelia about differences from bank to bank. I shall have to check with mine.
 
Russell Jones
Russell Jones  Identity Verified
United Kingdom
Local time: 03:31
Italian to English
Cheque payment May 22, 2013

I've only worked for US agencies once or twice but was paid by cheque (check).

There were no problems, but I understand that it can take several weeks for final clearance. I don't remember whether my bank charged me for the service but I think I would have remembered if it had been exorbitant.
 
John Fossey
John Fossey  Identity Verified
Canada
Local time: 22:31
Member (2008)
French to English
+ ...
Bank transfers from the US (and Canada) May 22, 2013

Ty Kendall wrote:

I was told by my client it costs them $50 to make a bank transfer, hence their reluctance to use this method for small amounts.

Although I'm aware this may not be the gospel truth. It seems relatively reasonable.


That is very likely correct. In addition, it most likely requires their accountant to physically go to the bank counter.
 


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Best payment methods US to UK







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