Help centre.
Answers to the questions clients ask most. Anything else: your account manager, or [email protected].
Opening an account
Who can open a Helm account?
Registered businesses that trade internationally: importers, exporters, wholesalers, distributors, trading and sourcing companies and freight firms. Supported countries and industries are listed on the Eligibility page.
How long does it take?
Most accounts open within days. Your account manager sends one document list, confirms it on the first call and keeps you informed until the account is live.
What documents are needed?
One list: certificate of incorporation, register of directors and owners, identity and address for each, proof of business address, a recent bank statement and two or three invoices or contracts. The full list is on the Eligibility page.
Does Helm serve businesses in the UK or EU?
No. Helm serves businesses registered worldwide with the exception of the United Kingdom and the European Economic Area.
Accounts
Which currencies can my business hold?
USD, EUR and GBP, with account details in your company's name, plus USDC and USDT. Balances convert inside the Helm account.
Are the account details in my company's name?
Yes. Every set of USD, EUR and GBP details carries your registered company name.
Is there a minimum balance?
No.
Can I add colleagues?
Yes, each with their own login and approval limit.
Payments
What does a SWIFT payment cost?
Fees are agreed with your account manager before you send, and shown on screen before you approve each payment.
Is the exchange rate locked?
Yes. The rate shown at approval is the rate applied.
What happens if a payment is reviewed?
You receive the outcome and the reason in writing within one business day.
Can I batch payments?
Yes, up to 500 in one batch, in mixed currencies and rails.
Digital dollars
Can buyers pay me in USDT or USDC?
Yes. Buyers pay in USDT or USDC on Solana, Ethereum or Tron. You can hold the digital dollars, convert them to USD or pay suppliers with them.
Which networks are supported?
USDC on Solana and Ethereum; USDT on Tron and Ethereum.
What does conversion cost?
Conversion fees are agreed with your account manager before you send, and shown before you confirm.
Trade finance
Does Helm offer trade finance?
Yes. Helm offers trade finance, including supplier finance, working capital and receivables finance, arranged around each client's trading cycle.
How is it priced?
Per facility, in writing, before you accept.
Do I need a Helm account first?
Yes. Finance is arranged for Helm account holders and repaid from the Helm account.
Security and complaints
Is Helm a bank?
Helm is a financial technology company, not a bank. Accounts and payments are provided through licensed banking and money transmission partners.
Where are funds held?
With licensed banking and money transmission partners named in your account agreement.
How do I report a security concern?
Contact your account manager or [email protected]. Helm never asks for your password or second-factor code.
How do I make a complaint?
Email [email protected] or write to the registered office. The process and timings are on the Complaints page.