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How Can I Accept A One-Time Payment From the UK To US Without Using PayPal?

by AnniePot
14 replies
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I posted this earlier in the main forum, but no-one was able to help

Can anyone suggest a reliable method for someone in the UK to pay me $5,000?

I definitely don't want to use PayPal because when I last did so, (despite my phoning their "customer service" in advance and explaining the pending payment) they still slapped a 90-day hold on the amount, and then only released it in dribs and drabs.

My bank charges a huge chunk of change to clear foreign checks and they don't accept wire transfers from outside the USA.

Does anyone have an answer?

Thanks - Anne
  • Profile picture of the author Mark Andrews
    Banned
    Have you looked at Escrow Annie?

    Kindest regards,


    Mark Andrews
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    • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
      Originally Posted by Mark Andrews View Post

      Have you looked at Escrow Annie?

      Kindest regards,


      Mark Andrews
      Who's Escrow Annie? Anything like Calamity Jane?
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      • Profile picture of the author Mark Andrews
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        Trouble with Escrow is the fee would be just over $160.
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        • Profile picture of the author derekwong28
          Originally Posted by Mark Andrews View Post

          Trouble with Escrow is the fee would be just over $160.
          This fee is comparable to PayPal fees, it is possible that additional international charges may apply to her PayPal account.

          I still think the cheapest may be just to cash a cheque written in USD.
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        • Profile picture of the author seasoned
          Originally Posted by Mark Andrews View Post

          Trouble with Escrow is the fee would be just over $160.
          According to chase, as of last week, the average US bank charges 3% on such transactions. On $5000, that is $150. That is in ADDITION to normal charges.

          Steve
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      • Profile picture of the author AnniePot
        The problem is, it's not regular payments. I deal with smaller payments with PayPal without any issues. I did have a merchant account, but oft-times it cost me $100+ /month just to maintain it with no transactions.
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        • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
          Originally Posted by AnniePot View Post

          The problem is, it's not regular payments. I deal with smaller payments with PayPal without any issues. I did have a merchant account, but oft-times it cost me $100+ /month just to maintain it with no transactions.
          Annie, I don't pay any fees with my merchant account. The only cost is a 2.9% transaction fee. That would be $145 though, so it might not be attractive to you.
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      • Profile picture of the author KimW
        Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

        Who's Escrow Annie? Anything like Calamity Jane?

        Or Avenging Annie?


        On A serious note,when do you need it? If you can get it as a cc payment you might want to look into this:

        https://squareup.com/
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        • Profile picture of the author Mark Andrews
          Banned
          Could they not just send you the cash outright Annie through the post?

          I'm sure one of the big courier companies with international offices could help you. Obviously make sure the package is registered and insured and the delivery guaranteed. Then if it fails to turn up you've got your back covered.

          From the UK to the USA the cost would be minimal and once it arrives at your home it's simply a case of going down to the bank to put the money into your account.

          Tell your person in the UK to go to their bank, withdraw the equivalent amount out in British Sterling, then go to the Post Office and there exchange the currency to USD and then use an international courier service you designate to have it forthwith sent to you directly.

          No fees this way either.

          Kindest regards,


          Mark Andrews
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  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    Yeah, wire transfer was what I was going to suggest. If you'll be getting more payments like these in the future, for long term ease you might look into getting a merchant account so you can accept credit cards.
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  • Profile picture of the author seasoned
    Yeah, ESCROW won't help!

    You COULD use a merchant account. SOMEONE will get charged for conversion though! According to chase, they tend to charge 3% in the US.

    BTW ANY bank with a new york, USA, charter(Which includes pretty much any decent sized and serious bank on the PLANET) should allow foreign wire transfers! And I am serious when I say around the planet. THAT is how the US got to switzerland! Even Deutsche bank, Danske Bank, etc... have NY charters. Basically it gives them access to US bank resources and business. Here is a list of at least some of the foreign ones: NYSBD: Foreign Branches

    Seriously though, big US banks should be able to help you.

    ALSO, BE ADVISED!!!!!!!!!!! Once you go over a certain amount, delays may happen, and they ay get nosey and suspicious! That amount USED to be $5000. I believe it might be $3000 now! It's a US law SUPPOSEDLY to reduce money laundering.


    Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author seasoned
    BTW SOME banks have AFFILIATES, so ASK! I once went to a tiny nothing bank that had like one branch in ONE city. It was headquartered in long beach. They turned out to be VERY close with one of the largest banks in the world, at the time, they were the 96th largest bank. Last I heard they were closer to 50! AND, when I traveled, THEY gave me a list of banks that they were affiliated with in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and some of them were higher up on the list.

    Steve
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