If we wanted to debit international bank accounts in Canada, Europe or
Australia, how could we do that? We have several clients in Canada,
Europe and Australia and up till now, we have been doing direct
billing. We process accounts in the United States via the ACH network
but we would like to process similar payments in these locations. We
have looked into SWIFT but that appears to be for sending and
receiving payments only. Any information would be appreciated.

Hi, 
Just an explanation of direct debiting in Germany:
There are two forms of this:  a standing payment order, appropriate
for a regularly due fixed amount, rent for example.  The customer
authorizes his back to debit his account the fixed amount.  (not
really direct debiting)
As this is an arrangement between the customer and his bank, he could
arrange for payments in a fixed amount in a foreign currency  to a
foreign bank.

With the true direct debit, the customer provides the other party with
a form in which he agrees to having debits made against his account. 
These do not need to be just regular items, and the amounts can vary, 
telephone, electricity bill, and so on.  It's called
"Lastschriftverfahren".  The customer may request his bank to 
reversed any such charge within six weeks as a protection against
misuse.  Of course, if the company that made the charge could justify
that it had provided the good or service, it still has a valid claim
for the funds.

Both methods are widely used and accepted.
I don't know whether a foreign entity could use these methods  - sort
of doubt it.  You might require a billing agent in the country.  I
also don't know if one such billing agent in the European Union /
within the Euro countries could debit cross-border.

Maybe someone can tell you more.

Hello,

perhaps you've already run into the following solution for your needs,
but I'll give it a shot anyway...

worldpay.com lets you accept payment in several currencies.
You can let your customers pay by phone, fax or mail, as well as
through your website.  Their payment system is hosted on THEIR
servers, not yours, providing your customers (and yourself) with more
protection (including https).
They have an anti-fraud system built-in and you can peruse through
most of the transactions.  worldpay.com lets you accept the following:
Visa, MasterCard, Switch, American Express, JCB, Diners, Laser, and
Electron.  Since they accept several currencies, this may be something
you've been looking for.

Just my 2 pesos :)
Continued success with your business!