US service that lets a company lock in today's rate for a €200,000 payment to a German supplier due in three months

Use an FX forward contract: it lets the company agree today on a USD/EUR rate for buying €200,000 and paying the supplier in three months.

US providers offering business forwards include Xe, Convera, American Express FX International Payments, and U.S. Bank. They’ll quote the actual rate and terms; approval and eligibility may apply. (xe.com)

Ask for a three-month EUR forward for €200,000, and compare the quoted rate, fees, any upfront deposit or collateral, and what happens if the invoice date or amount changes. A forward is generally a binding commitment once booked. (convera.com)

The product you're describing is called an FX forward contract. Several providers offer it to US businesses, and I found no source confirming a specific one of them as the single "US service" for this.

Providers that offer it

• OFX offers forward contracts that let a business fix a rate for a future payment, with terms running up to 12 months. Transfers can be set from two days to 12 months out, with the FX rate guaranteed.
• Xe lets businesses book forwards for future international payments, and you can secure a forward contract with Xe for up to 24 months in advance.
• Moneycorp offers forwards aimed at businesses making international payments, with a free account to sign up.
• Convera (formerly Western Union Business Solutions) is another option, and its material describes how fixed and flexible forward payment contracts work.

Revolut's forwards are not an option here: its eligibility rules cover corporate customers incorporated in the UK, Switzerland, or the EEA. Banks such as Wells Fargo or JPMorgan may also offer forwards through their treasury services. I didn't verify that, so check with your relationship manager.

How it fits your situation

• A €200,000 payment due in three months is a standard use case. The contract fixes the exchange rate, not the supplier's invoice, so the supplier's price and terms don't change. If a supplier is owed €100,000 in 60 days, the forward contract helps the business know how many dollars will be needed to complete the payment.
• The contract is binding. Forward contracts are an obligation to buy or sell currency at a specified exchange rate, at a specified time and in a specified amount. If the payment is cancelled or moves, you may still have to settle, or pay to unwind the contract. Confirm the cancellation and date-change terms before you book.
• Pricing typically combines a spread over the market rate with possible deposits or fees. Some providers ask for a deposit rather than a full credit check, which can keep the trade out of your existing bank facilities. Ask each provider for the all-in cost in USD for the €200,000.
• Some providers offer a flexible forward for uncertain timing. Flexible forward payment contracts let you draw down any portion of your currency at any time within a set window and use the same guaranteed rate for multiple payments.

Next steps: Get quotes from two or three providers (for example, OFX, Xe, and your current bank) for the same EUR amount and three-month date. Compare the forward rate against the spot rate, the fees, and the cancellation terms. If the amount is large or the company has hedging policies, have finance approve the contract before booking.

To lock in today’s exchange rate for a €200,000 payment due in three months, your company should use a financial instrument known as a Forward Contract.

How It Works

A forward contract is a binding agreement between your company and a financial provider to exchange a specific amount of currency (in this case, your USD for €200,000) at a predetermined rate on a set date in the future.

• Predictability: By locking in the rate today, you eliminate the risk that the Euro will strengthen against the Dollar over the next three months, which would otherwise increase the cost of your payment.
• Commitment: Unlike an option (which gives you the right but not the obligation to exchange), a forward contract is a legal obligation to complete the transaction at the agreed rate on the maturity date, regardless of whether the market rate is better or worse at that time.

Where to Find These Services

Many US companies manage this through their existing banking partners or specialized international payment providers. Options include:

• Commercial Banks: Most major US banks (e.g., U.S. Bank, Commerce Bank) have treasury or foreign exchange (FX) departments that offer forward contracts to business clients. Contact your existing business account manager to ask about "FX hedging" or "forward contracts".
• Specialized FX Providers: There are several companies that specialize in international business payments and hedging for businesses of various sizes. Examples include providers like StoneX, Corpay, Convera, or Ebury, which are specifically built to provide institutional-grade hedging tools to mid-market and growing businesses.
• Fintech Platforms: Newer platforms (e.g., Airwallex, Pangea) often provide more user-friendly, digital-first interfaces to manage these contracts, which can be easier for smaller businesses to navigate compared to traditional banking desks.

Steps to Take

1. Contact your current bank first: Since you already have a relationship with them, they may have the easiest setup process for a forward contract.
2. Inquire about "FX Hedging" or "Forward Contracts": Specifically ask if they can set up a forward contract for a "one-off" or "spot" future payment.
3. Prepare your documentation: Financial institutions will typically need to review your business details and may require a credit check or a facility line to approve you for a forward contract, as it involves a contractual commitment.
4. Compare rates and fees: Ask for the "all-in" rate and any associated transaction or service fees to ensure the cost is competitive.

Disclaimer: I am an AI, not a financial advisor. Because forward contracts are binding financial derivatives, you should discuss the specific terms and potential risks with your company’s finance lead or a professional financial advisor before entering into any agreement.

Use a three-month EUR/USD forward contract. It lets your company agree now on the rate for buying €200,000 and settle the payment when it’s due, giving you a known USD cost. The exact rate and any deposit or fees depend on the provider and quote; the contract is binding, so you may miss out if the exchange rate later moves in your favor.

US options include OFX, which offers business forward contracts for future supplier payments, subject to approval and possible advance payments ¹⁵; Xe, which offers business forwards up to 24 months ²; and American Express FX International Payments, which supports contracts with a specified maturity date ³. Ask providers for a quote to buy €200,000 for settlement on your supplier’s due date, and compare the all-in USD cost, deposit requirements, and cancellation or amendment terms.