Best Tools for Businesses Making International Payments
Making international payments costs time and money. The right tool can reduce both. Here’s a clear overview of the best options available — and how to choose the one that fits your business.
Whether you’re paying overseas suppliers, running cross-border payroll, or handling large one-off transfers, the platform you use matters. The wrong choice can mean high fees, poor exchange rates, and unnecessary admin.
This guide covers the tools worth knowing about — what they do well, who they’re built for, and where they fall short.
Quick Comparison
Not sure where to start? Use this table to find the right fit at a glance.
| Tool | Best For | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Cambridge Currencies | Large transfers & personal service | Competitive rates, direct expert access |
| Stripe | Online merchants | 135+ currencies, easy integration |
| Melio | Small businesses | Simple interface, no monthly fees |
| Bill.com | Automated invoicing | Handles high-volume recurring payments |
| Plooto | B2B payments | End-to-end automation, low fees |
| Square | Retail & in-person sales | Accepts international cards in-store & online |
| Convera | Global enterprises | 200+ countries, currency risk tools |
The Tools in Detail
Each tool is different. Here’s what you need to know about each one.
1 Cambridge Currencies
RecommendedSpecialist support for businesses moving large amounts internationally
Cambridge Currencies is built for businesses that need more than just a payment platform. You get direct access to a currency specialist who understands exchange rates and can help you get the timing right on large or regular transfers.
Key Features
- Bulk payments — Consolidate multiple supplier payments into one transfer to cut admin and fees
- Better business rates — Rates tailored to high-value or recurring transfers, not retail pricing
- Forward contracts — Lock in today’s rate for a future payment to protect your margins
- Personal service — Speak directly with a specialist, not a call centre
- Flexible solutions — Works for supplier payments, payroll, invoices, and one-off transfers
Best for: Businesses transferring large sums who want expert guidance and competitive rates
2 Stripe
E-CommerceThe go-to payment processor for online businesses
Stripe makes it easy to accept payments from customers around the world. It handles currency conversion automatically, so you don’t have to think about it. It’s widely used by online stores, SaaS companies, and digital businesses of all sizes.
Key Features
- 135+ currencies supported — Customers pay in their local currency
- Multiple payment methods — Credit cards, bank transfers, Apple Pay, and more
- Transparent fees — Fixed fee per transaction, no surprises
- Developer-friendly — Easy to embed into websites and apps
Best for: Online merchants and digital businesses accepting payments from global customers
3 Melio
Small BusinessA simple way for small businesses to pay international suppliers
Melio is designed to keep things simple. You can pay international invoices in a few clicks, even if your supplier only accepts bank transfers. There’s no monthly fee — you only pay when you make a transfer.
Key Features
- Pay by card or bank transfer — Even if your vendor only accepts bank transfers
- No monthly fees — Pay-as-you-go pricing keeps costs low
- QuickBooks integration — Syncs with your accounts automatically
- Scheduled payments — Set up payments in advance and track them easily
Best for: Small businesses paying overseas suppliers without complex volume requirements
4 Bill.com
AutomationAutomate your international accounts payable and receivable
If your business handles a large number of payments each month, Bill.com can save significant time. It automates the approval and processing of international payments, so less falls through the cracks.
Key Features
- Automated workflows — Set approval rules and let the system handle routine payments
- Real-time tracking — See where every payment is at any time
- Multiple payment methods — ACH, credit card, and wire transfers
- 130+ countries supported — Wide global reach for international transfers
Best for: Businesses with high volumes of recurring international payments that need automating
5 Plooto
B2BA full-service B2B payment platform at a low cost
Plooto handles the full payment cycle — from invoice approval to money transfer. It’s a good fit for businesses managing several vendors across different countries who want one clean system to manage everything.
Key Features
- End-to-end payment management — From approval to transfer in one platform
- Low, transparent fees — No hidden costs on international transfers
- Recurring payment automation — Schedule regular payments to reduce manual work
- Domestic and international — Manage all payments from one place
Best for: Businesses managing multiple vendors who want a low-cost, automated B2B payment system
6 Square
RetailAccept international payments in-store and online
Square is well known for retail point-of-sale, but it also handles payments from international customers. If your business sells online or in person to global customers, Square brings everything into one platform.
Key Features
- International card acceptance — Take payments from customers worldwide with automatic currency conversion
- Online & in-person — Works for e-commerce stores and physical retail
- Built-in reporting — Track international and domestic sales together
- Integrated ecosystem — Works with Square’s POS, inventory, and marketing tools
Best for: Retail and e-commerce businesses accepting payments from international customers
7 Convera
Global EnterpriseFormerly Western Union Business Solutions — built for complex global payments
Convera is designed for larger businesses operating across multiple countries. It offers a full range of payment and currency risk tools, making it suited to companies with complex international payment needs.
Key Features
- 200+ countries supported — One of the widest global coverage options available
- Currency risk tools — Get insights on exchange rate exposure and hedging options
- Customisable solutions — Tailor the platform to your payment structure
- One-off and recurring transfers — Handles both with equal ease
Best for: Large businesses with complex cross-border payment needs and significant currency exposure
How to Choose the Right Tool
Every business has different payment needs. Here are the key questions to ask before deciding.
- How large are your transfers? — For high-value transfers, a specialist like Cambridge Currencies will often deliver better rates than a general platform
- How often do you pay internationally? — Regular payments benefit from automation tools like Bill.com or Plooto
- Do you need to accept payments or just send them? — Stripe and Square are built for receiving payments; others focus on sending
- How many vendors or countries are involved? — More complexity calls for a more comprehensive platform
- Do you need expert advice? — If exchange rates matter to your margins, working with a currency specialist can save real money
Need Help with Your Business International Payments?
Cambridge Currencies offers competitive rates, bulk payment options, and direct access to an experienced currency specialist. Speak with us about a solution for your business.
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