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What is an ACH account and how to use it to receive payments from abroad
Getting paid from the United States can seem complex at first, especially when a client asks for details like routing number, account number, or whether you accept payments by ACH.
The good news is that you don’t need to understand the whole banking system to get started. Knowing what ACH is, how it works, and what information they usually ask for is enough to get paid more clearly and with less back-and-forth.
In this guide, you’ll see what ACH means, how it differs from Wire, how to share your payment details, and how to review these options from belo.
What the ACH system is
If you work with clients in the United States, it’s common for them to ask for your banking details to send you a payment. In many cases, that payment is processed through ACH.
ACH stands for Automated Clearing House. It is an electronic payment network used in the United States for transfers between accounts, vendor payments, and deposits.
For an Argentine freelancer, understanding ACH can help you get paid more simply when working with U.S. companies.
If you want to review options to get paid from abroad from an app, you can download the belo app and check which features are available for your account.
Routing number and account number: simple explanation
When someone pays you by ACH, they usually may ask for two main details.
Detail | What it’s for |
|---|---|
Routing number | Identifies the financial institution receiving the payment |
Account number | Identifies your account within that institution |
You can think of it like this: one identifies the general destination and the other the specific account. Sharing both details correctly helps avoid delays or rejections.
Difference between ACH and wire transfer
ACH and wire transfer are not the same. Both are used to send money, but they work differently.
Method | What usually happens |
|---|---|
ACH | Standard electronic transfer within the United States |
Wire | Fast, direct bank transfer within the United States |
According to belo Help Center, the dollar account allows you to receive ACH or Wire transfers, but does not accept SWIFT transfers.
How to get your ACH details in belo
From belo you can activate a receiving dollar account in your name in the United States.
This account allows you to receive payments by ACH or Wire from U.S. bank accounts and platforms like PayPal, Wise, Upwork, Deel, Ontop, and Airbnb. When you activate it, you’ll receive the information you need to share with your client:
account holder name
bank name
bank address
routing number
account number
account type
Once credited, the funds are automatically converted to USDC and managed from your belo account.
How to activate your dollar account in belo
The process reported by belo is simple:
Create your account.
Tap Sign in.
Choose Dollars.
Accept the terms and conditions.
Wait for activation confirmation.
Once active, you can check your account details from the app and share them with whoever pays you.
How to give your ACH details to your client
When you already have the details available, the best thing is to share them clearly and without mistakes. If your client is in the United States or usually works in English, you can send a simple message like this:
Hi, here are my payment details:
Account holder name: your name
Bank name: bank name
Bank address: bank address
Routing number: detail visible in belo
Account number: detail visible in belo
Account type: account type
Please let me know if you need anything else.
If you prefer, you can also add a brief explanation in Spanish to provide context. Before sending them, make sure they are written exactly as they appear in the app.
How long it takes and what it costs
According to the belo Help Center, ACH and Wire transfers can be credited within 2 to 4 business days. In some cases, such as transfers from PayPal, crediting can take up to 3 weeks.
The reported costs are:
Operation | Reported cost |
|---|---|
ACH transfer | 0.3% of the amount, minimum USD 0.50 |
Wire transfer | USD 20 |
USD account opening | USD 3, active for 1 year |
What you can do with your USDC balance
When the funds are credited, they are managed as a USDC balance within belo. Depending on availability, you can use that balance to:
convert it to local currency
transfer it to a bank account
use the belo card
buy gift cards via Bitrefill
Common mistakes when getting paid with ACH
Common mistake | What to check |
|---|---|
Incorrectly written details | Copy the information exactly |
Wrong method | Confirm whether they are sending ACH or Wire |
SWIFT | The account does not accept SWIFT |
Different name | Check the account holder |
Missing proof | Ask for the Trace ID or IMAD |
Conclusion
Understanding ACH can make getting paid by U.S. clients much easier. Knowing what details you’ll be asked for and how to share them avoids unnecessary friction.
If you work with international clients, you can download the belo app, activate your dollar account, and check your ACH or Wire details directly from the app.
Frequently asked questions about what an ACH account is and how to use it to get paid from abroad
What is the routing number and what is it for?
It is a code that identifies the financial institution receiving the payment within the U.S. system.
Does belo give me ACH details?
Yes. When you activate your receiving dollar account, belo shows you the information you need to receive ACH or Wire payments.
Can I receive payments from the U.S. with ACH from Argentina?
Yes. belo’s dollar account allows you to receive payments by ACH or Wire.
What is the difference between ACH and Wire?
ACH is a standard electronic transfer. Wire is a direct, fast bank transfer.
Can I receive SWIFT transfers?
No. belo’s dollar account does not accept SWIFT transfers.
