The Hidden Cost of International Payments
When companies expand into the U.S., one of the most overlooked challenges lies in payments and banking. Ben Kohler, founder of BLK.FX, highlights that many businesses unknowingly lose significant margins by allowing U.S. dollars to be deposited into non-dollar accounts. Traditional banks often apply hidden fees through conversion rates rather than transparent, fixed charges. As Kohler calls it, this is “the biggest hidden fee in banking.”
Simplifying U.S. Customer Payments
Beyond fees, the ease of payments has a direct impact on business growth. Kohler explains that BLK.FX enables even UK or European-based companies to hold local U.S. accounts. This allows American customers to pay via domestic systems such as ABA rather than costly and slow international transfers. For businesses relying on U.S. partners, platforms like Shopify, or advertising channels such as Google AdSense, this infrastructure can be a game-changer.
Managing Currency Risk
Foreign exchange volatility is another critical factor that can make or break profitability. Companies sourcing products in one currency and selling in another face constant exposure to rate changes. Kohler emphasizes the importance of risk management, noting that the right strategy helps businesses avoid unnecessary costs and volatility-driven surprises.
The Mindset of Successful Founders
When asked about the most consistent trait of high-performing founders, Kohler offers a powerful insight: the best leaders are not afraid to fail. They recognize that setbacks are inevitable when expanding to new markets, but each failure is an opportunity to learn and accelerate progress. In his words, “Failing is good. They fail and they fail hard and they don’t make those mistakes again.”
Expanding into the U.S. market requires more than strategy and ambition. It demands attention to financial infrastructure, payment efficiency, and risk management. As Ben Kohler’s experience shows, avoiding hidden costs and embracing resilience can give international businesses the edge they need to succeed.
Additional Resources
For more on this topic, we suggest reading Going Small to Grow Big: The Power of Focused Growth Strategies.
About
MEET helps international B2B & B2G companies gain traction and scale in the U.S. through trade shows, events, and strategic connections. Contact Bill Kenney for a no-obligation conversation: bill@meetroi.com or +1 (860) 573-4821.