This article was checked in September 2026. Rules and figures change, so confirm them before you act. We are not lawyers or tax advisers.
The short answer
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How do US buyers usually pay? | By bank wire, ACH transfer through a US company, or letter of credit for larger orders. |
| Does a US company help? | Yes. Many US buyers and platforms prefer paying a US business. |
| What about Shopify Payments? | It often asks owners outside the US for an SSN or ITIN and proof of US operations, and may not approve you. |
| Pakistani rules? | Export proceeds must reach your bank in Pakistan within the State Bank of Pakistan limit. |
Key takeaways
- Agree payment terms before production starts.
- Use traceable bank payments for trade, not cash or informal channels.
- Match every payment to an export declaration in PSW.
- Have a backup payment provider if one says no.
For wholesale buyers
Bank wire to your Pakistani bank account
The simplest method. Your US buyer sends a wire transfer in US dollars to your export account in Pakistan. No US company is needed. Your bank handles the export paperwork.
Letter of credit
For large orders, the buyer's bank promises to pay once you present the right shipping documents. It is safer than open terms but costs more and needs careful paperwork.
Payment to your US company
If you have a US company and US bank account, US buyers can pay it by domestic wire or ACH, which many US companies prefer. You then move the money to Pakistan.
For retail customers
Card payments on your own store
To take card payments on your website or Shopify store, you need a payment processor. Most US processors ask for a US business and US bank account. Several popular platforms do not open accounts for businesses based in Pakistan, but a US company can apply as a US business.
Marketplace payouts
Amazon and similar marketplaces collect the money from customers and pay you. You add a bank account that the marketplace supports, which can be a US account or a supported payout service.
Which method should you use?
| Method | Needs a US company | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Wire to Pakistani bank | No | Wholesale buyers, especially repeat buyers |
| Letter of credit | No | Large orders and new buyers |
| Wire or ACH to your US company | Yes | US buyers who prefer paying a US company |
| Card payments on your store | Usually yes | Your own Shopify store |
| Marketplace payouts | No, but it helps | Amazon and other marketplaces |
Bring the money home
Pakistani exporters must bring export money home under State Bank of Pakistan rules. Talk to your bank and tax advisor about how payments through a US company fit those rules before you start.
Selling through platforms
The State Bank of Pakistan has a framework for exporters who sell through global platforms such as Amazon. You can ship stock to overseas warehouses and bring the sale money back through your bank, which settles your shipments in the order they were sent. Tell your bank before your first shipment.
Common payment routes
| Route | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Bank wire to your Pakistani account | Wholesale orders | Bank charges and correct beneficiary details |
| Payment to your US company | Buyers who prefer a US supplier | Paying your Pakistani company within the State Bank limit |
| Letter of credit | Large orders | Document errors that delay payment |
| Marketplace payouts | Amazon and similar platforms | Registering the platform route with your bank |
Want us to handle this for you?
We are a US office in Chicago for Pakistani exporters. We set up your US company, build your website and find US buyers. You sell to them directly.
Keep reading
Company, tax and bankingRegister a US company from Pakistan
Company, tax and bankingGet an EIN from Pakistan
Company, tax and bankingUS bank account for a Pakistani business
Common questions
Can US buyers pay my Pakistani bank directly?
Yes. A US dollar wire to your Pakistani export account is the simplest method and needs no US company.
How can I accept card payments from US customers?
You need a payment processor, and most US processors require a US business and US bank account. A US LLC lets you apply as a US business.
Is a letter of credit worth it?
For large orders or new buyers, often yes. It costs more than a wire but greatly lowers the risk of not being paid.
Can I accept card payments from US customers?
Yes, through a store platform and a payment provider that accepts your business. Each provider has its own rules for owners outside the US.
Should I invoice in dollars or rupees?
In US dollars. US buyers expect dollar prices, and export proceeds are received in foreign currency.