In today's globalized real estate market, agencies often work with international buyers, sellers, and investors who need secure and efficient payment solutions for transactions.
Handling cross-border payments, multi-currency transfers, and regulatory compliance can be challenging, making it essential to choose the right payment platform that offers low fees, fast settlements, and strong security.
What Real Estate Agencies Need in a Payment Platform
When managing international property transactions, real estate agencies must consider several key factors before selecting a payment platform.
✅ Multi-Currency Support – The platform should allow payments in USD, EUR, GBP, AED, and other global currencies.
✅ Low Transaction Fees – Some payment processors charge high foreign exchange and transaction fees, so choosing cost-effective platforms is crucial.
✅ Fast Settlement Times – Clients expect quick property payments, so instant or same-day processing is ideal.
✅ Regulatory Compliance – The platform must meet AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and KYC (Know Your Customer) standards to prevent fraud.
✅ Escrow Services – For added security, real estate transactions benefit from escrow accounts that hold funds until contract terms are met.
✅ Bank and Crypto Payment Support – Some clients prefer traditional bank transfers, while others want to pay via crypto (Bitcoin, USDT, Ethereum, etc.).
Choosing a secure and internationally recognized payment platform helps prevent delays, chargebacks, and regulatory issues when dealing with overseas clients.
Best Payment Platforms for Real Estate Agencies Managing International Clients
1. Wise (Formerly TransferWise) – Best for Low-Cost International Transfers
🌍 Supports 70+ currencies | 🔹 Low FX rates | ⚡ Fast bank transfers
Wise is a top choice for real estate agencies that need to accept and send payments internationally while avoiding high foreign exchange fees.
Key Features:
✔ Real exchange rates with no hidden markups
✔ Multi-currency business accounts for international transactions
✔ Regulated in multiple countries (EU, UK, US, and more)
✔ Fast settlements (1-2 business days)
Real estate agencies that work with clients across different countries and need low-cost currency conversion.
2. Stripe – Best for Online Property Payments & Card Transactions
💳 Accepts credit/debit cards | 🔹 API integration for websites | ⚡ Instant settlements
Stripe is ideal for real estate agencies with online payment portals, allowing clients to pay for deposits, fees, or property reservations using credit and debit cards.
Key Features:
✔ Supports Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Apple Pay, Google Pay
✔ Multi-currency acceptance & automatic conversion
✔ Seamless integration with real estate websites
✔ Advanced fraud protection & chargeback prevention
Agencies that need an easy online checkout option for property-related payments.
3. Escrow.com – Best for Secure High-Value Transactions
🔐 Full escrow services | 🌍 Global support | ✅ Regulated for real estate payments
Escrow.com is perfect for real estate agencies handling large property transactions that require secure and verified payment transfers.
Key Features:
✔ Funds held in escrow until both parties fulfill contract terms
✔ Supports payments in multiple currencies
✔ Minimizes fraud & chargeback risks
✔ Regulated payment processing for high-value property sales
High-value property deals requiring safe transactions and escrow account protection.
4. Revolut Business – Best for Multi-Currency Real Estate Transactions
🌍 Supports 30+ currencies | 💳 Crypto-friendly payments | ✅ Low international fees
Revolut Business provides multi-currency business accounts for real estate agencies that handle international transactions and digital payments.
Key Features:
✔ Instant currency exchange at competitive rates
✔ Multi-currency IBAN accounts
✔ Crypto-friendly banking (supports Bitcoin, USDT, Ethereum)
✔ Secure business banking for real estate agencies
Agencies that work with international investors and digital payments.
5. Binance Pay – Best for Accepting Crypto Payments in Real Estate
💰 Supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, and more | 🔹 Zero-fee transactions | ✅ Instant settlements
Crypto adoption in real estate is growing, and Binance Pay allows agencies to accept cryptocurrency payments from international clients securely.
Key Features:
✔ Accepts multiple cryptocurrencies with zero transaction fees
✔ Fast cross-border payments with no banking delays
✔ Supports instant conversion from crypto to fiat
✔ Strong security with KYC & AML compliance
Real estate agencies working with crypto investors and blockchain-based property transactions.
Comparison Table: Best Payment Platforms for Real Estate Agencies
Payment Platform | Best For | Currencies Supported | Settlement Time |
Wise | Low-cost bank transfers | 70+ | 1-2 business days |
Stripe | Online credit card payments | Multi-currency | Instant |
Secure high-value transactions | USD, EUR, GBP | Varies | |
Revolut Business | Multi-currency real estate deals | 30+ | Instant |
Binance Pay | Crypto payments | BTC, ETH, USDT | Instant |
What to Do If Payment Platforms Reject Your Real Estate Agency Due to High-Risk Clients or Payments?
Despite having a legitimate real estate business, some payment platforms may refuse to onboard your agency due to high-risk clients, large transaction volumes, or concerns over compliance issues. If you encounter this challenge, here’s what you can do:
1️⃣ Partner with High-Risk Merchant Account Providers – Some specialized high-risk payment processors cater to industries with strict compliance requirements.
2️⃣ Use Private Banking Solutions – High-net-worth clients and real estate investors often prefer private banks that facilitate international property transactions. Consider banking with J.P. Morgan Private Bank, UBS Wealth Management, or Citi Private Bank, which offer customized solutions for large real estate deals.
3️⃣ Explore Offshore Business Accounts – Some jurisdictions, such as Switzerland, Singapore, or the Cayman Islands, provide banking services tailored for real estate investment firms. Offshore business accounts can help process international payments while complying with strict AML/KYC regulations.
4️⃣ Utilize Cryptocurrency & Stablecoin Transactions – If traditional payment processors block your transactions, crypto payments via USDT, Bitcoin, or Ethereum can serve as an alternative.
5️⃣ Improve Compliance & Risk Management Measures – Many payment providers reject accounts due to weak KYC/AML policies. Strengthening your compliance framework by verifying client identities, ensuring proper documentation, and maintaining transaction transparency can increase your chances of approval.
If you would like to get an up to date list of banks that can work with real estate agencies, their individual clients or open account for individually structured deals, fill out our contact form with your details and we will send it to you by email.
Conclusion
Managing international real estate payments requires a secure, cost-effective, and efficient payment platform. Whether you prefer low-cost bank transfers, credit card transactions, escrow services, or crypto payments, choosing the right platform can help you streamline client transactions and grow your business globally.