B2B payment methods: your go-to guide

The way your business handles payments directly affects your efficiency, cash flow, and customer relationships. Yet, while consumer payments have embraced digital innovation, many B2B companies are still stuck with outdated systems that slow things down and frustrate buyers.

B2B transactions are more complex than standard purchases, often involving larger sums, approval chains, and negotiated terms. That is why your B2B payment methods need to be both business-friendly and customer-centric.

Finding the right balance between convenience, cost, and security can be the difference between smooth operations and constant payment headaches.

In this guide, we break down the most common B2B payment methods, explore their pros and cons, and help you choose the right mix for you. 

Key takeaways

• B2B payments differ significantly from B2C transactions. They involve higher values, longer payment cycles, and more complex approval processes, requiring specialized payment solutions.
• Traditional payment methods like wire transfers and checks are still common in B2B, but digital options—including ACH, credit cards, and real-time payments—are becoming increasingly popular.
• When choosing payment methods, consider your transaction size, frequency, customer preferences, and existing technology systems.
• Inefficient payment processes cost businesses significantly through payment delays, manual processing time, and reconciliation errors.

B2B vs. B2C payments: What makes them different?

B2B payments work differently from B2C transactions in several important ways:

• The amounts are typically much larger. While a consumer might spend $100–200 on a purchase, B2B transactions often reach tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. These higher values mean more risk and more scrutiny for each transaction.
• B2B payments happen on a different timeline. Unlike consumer payments that complete instantly at checkout, B2B payments often occur 30, 60, or even 90 days after delivery. This creates entirely different cash flow dynamics and requires systems that can handle delayed settlement. 
• B2B payments involve multiple people in the decision process. A typical business purchase might need approval from procurement, department managers, and finance teams before payment even begins. These approval layers add complexity that does not exist in business-to-consumer transactions.
• B2B payments need to connect with complex back-office systems. Integration with accounting software, enterprise resource planning (ERP), and inventory systems is essential for accurate recordkeeping—something rarely needed in consumer payment processing.

8 B2B payment methods to know in 2025

1. Wire transfers

Wire transfers remain one of the most trusted ways to handle high-value B2B transactions, especially when paying internationally.

How it works: Wire transfers move money electronically between bank accounts, typically settling within 24 hours for domestic transfers and 2–5 days for international ones.

Pros

• Highly secure and reliable
• No limits on transaction amounts
• Works well for international payments
• Immediate finality (payments cannot be reversed)

Cons

• Expensive fees ($15–50 domestic, $35–65 international)
• Requires manual processing
• Limited data exchange capabilities
• Difficult to automate

Best for: Large, infrequent transactions, especially across borders or when payment security is crucial.

2. ACH transfers 

ACH (Automated Clearing House) transfers are electronic payments processed through a centralized network.

How it works: ACH payments process transactions in batches between banks, with settlement typically happening within 1–3 business days (or same-day for premium service).

Pros

• Low cost (typically $0.20–1.50 per transaction)
• Great for recurring payments and subscriptions
• Highly reliable
• Easier to automate than wires

Cons

• Not ideal when you need immediate payment
• Limited to domestic payments in many regions
• Potential for NSF (non-sufficient funds) issues

Best for: Regular vendor payments, payroll, and ongoing business relationships within the same country.

3. Credit card payments

Credit and debit cards offer convenience and potential rewards, though with higher processing fees than other electronic payments.

How it works: Payment cards process transactions through card networks (Visa, Mastercard, etc.), providing immediate authorization. Settlement typically occurs in 1–3 business days.

Pros

• Immediate payment authorization
• Convenient for smaller purchases
• Potential rewards and cashback benefits
• Easy integration with eCommerce platforms

Cons

• High processing fees (usually 1.5–3.5% plus fixed fees)
• Potential for chargebacks
• May have transaction limits

Best for: Smaller B2B purchases, online transactions, and businesses that value speed and convenience over cost.

4. Digital wallets and payment platforms

Digital payment platforms like Stripe, PayPal, Tipalti, and Mollie now offer specialized B2B payment solutions.

How it works: These platforms act as intermediaries, processing payments through various methods while providing additional services like automated reconciliation, fraud protection, and supplier management.

💡 The adoption of digital B2B payment platforms has accelerated dramatically, with industry reports showing that a significant percentage of B2B organizations plan to implement new digital payment methods in the coming years.

Pros

• Simplified global payments
• Multiple payment methods in one system
• Enhanced security and fraud protection
• Detailed transaction reporting
• API-first approach for easy integration

Cons

• Processing fees can be higher than direct bank methods
• May require suppliers to register with the platform
• Potential for vendor resistance to new systems

Best for: Businesses with diverse payment needs, frequent international transactions, or companies looking to modernize their payment stack.

5. Paper checks

Despite digital alternatives, research from AvidXchange found that paper checks still account for approximately 8% of B2B payment volume in the US.

How it works: A physical check is printed, mailed, deposited by the recipient, and then cleared through the banking system.

Pros

• No specialized technology required
• Familiar process for many businesses
• No percentage-based fees
• Provides physical payment record

Cons

• Slow processing (7–10 days)
• High manual processing costs (about $4–20 per check)
• Risk of mail delays and fraud
• Difficult to track and reconcile

Best for: Organizations with limited technology resources or those dealing with vendors who haven't modernized their payment acceptance.

6. Buy now, pay later (B2B BNPL)

B2B BNPL solutions offer structured payment plans specifically designed for business purchases. 

How it works: BNPL providers offer instant credit approval at checkout, allowing buyers to split payments over time while sellers receive the full amount upfront (minus fees).

💡 B2B BNPL is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.5% between 2025 and 2033, with particularly strong adoption in wholesale distribution and manufacturing.

Pros

• Increases buyer purchasing power
• Improves cash flow for sellers
• Streamlined credit application process
• Potential for higher average order values

Cons

• Provider fees typically range from 3–6%
• Limited availability for very large transactions
• Not yet widely adopted across all industries

Best for: Equipment purchases, inventory stocking, and businesses looking to offer flexible payment terms without managing credit in-house.

7. Real-time payments

Real-time payment networks enable instant, 24/7 money movement between bank accounts.

How it works: Dedicated payment rails process transactions in seconds rather than hours or days, with immediate confirmation and settlement.

Pros

• Instant availability of funds
• Enhanced visibility and certainty
• Available 24/7/365
• Rich data transfer capabilities

Cons

• May have transaction limits
• Not universally available across all banks
• Potential for higher fees than ACH
• Irreversible once completed

Best for: Time-sensitive payments, cash flow optimization, and payment scenarios where immediate confirmation is valuable.

8. Recurring payments or subscriptions

Automated recurring billing solutions streamline regular payments for ongoing business relationships.

How it works: Payment details are securely stored and automatically processed according to predefined schedules and amounts.

Pros:

• Reduces administrative overhead
• Improves predictability of cash flow
• Decreases late payments
• Enhances customer retention

Cons:

• Requires secure payment data storage
• May face resistance from traditional accounting departments
• Initial setup complexity

Best for: SaaS products, service contracts, regular supply arrangements, and any business with predictable, recurring billing needs.

How to choose the right B2B payment method(s) for your business

Selecting the best mix of B2B payment methods means balancing multiple factors. Here's a framework to guide your decision:

1. Analyze transaction patterns

Understanding how and where payments happen can help you choose the right mix of methods. Here is what to consider:

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• Transaction size: Higher-value transactions may justify the security of wire transfers, while smaller, more frequent transactions are often better suited to ACH or digital platforms.
• Transaction frequency: Regular, recurring transactions work better with automated solutions like ACH or subscription billing.
• Geographic scope: International payments require methods that handle currency conversion and offer reliable global reach.

2. Consider customer preferences

The best payment method is one that your customers can actually use. So, look into:

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• Key accounts: Ask how their customers’ accounts payable systems work. Some may be limited in which methods they can process easily.
• Industry norms: Certain sectors have preferred payment practices that shape what is considered standard or acceptable.
• Generational factors: Younger procurement professionals may expect digital-first options that mirror the ease of consumer payments.

3. Evaluate integration requirements

The best payment method will fit into—not complicate—your current operations. You should consider:

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• Enterprise resource planning (ERP) system compatibility: Make sure your chosen method syncs with your financial systems to reduce manual work and reconciliation errors.
• Order management alignment: Payments should link seamlessly with your order system to keep customer records accurate and up to date.
• Technology infrastructure: Older systems may limit your ability to adopt modern solutions, so assess what your setup can support.

4. Calculate total processing costs

It is not just about transaction fees—be sure to factor in total costs, including:

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• Direct fees: Compare transaction fees, monthly subscriptions, and setup costs across payment processing providers.
• Operational expenses: Consider the time and labor involved in manual processing, troubleshooting, and reconciliation.
• Opportunity costs: Assess the value of faster payments, improved cash flow, and better customer experience.

5. Plan for scalability

Lastly, ensure your chosen payment method can scale with your business. Consider factors like:

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• Transaction volume: As your business grows, make sure your system can handle more payments without driving up costs.
• International expansion: If you are planning to go global, look for platforms that support multiple currencies and international standards.
• Emerging technologies: Stay flexible—your payment setup should be compatible with new tools and innovations likely to shape your industry.

💡 The most successful B2B organizations typically offer 3–5 payment methods, balancing customer convenience with operational efficiency. This approach recognizes that no single payment method will work for all business scenarios.

By modernizing your B2B commerce payment stack gradually, you can minimize disruption while steadily improving the payment experience for both your team and your customers.

The cost of getting B2B payments wrong

The impact of poor B2B payment processes goes beyond visible transaction fees. Hidden costs show up as:

1. Extended Days Sales Outstanding (DSO)

• Manual processing adds 4–6 days to payment cycles on average.
• Higher DSO increases your working capital needs and may lead to costly short-term financing.
• Delayed payments reduce agility in responding to market opportunities.

2. Resource-intensive reconciliation

• Manual matching and exception handling eat up valuable finance team resources.
• Payment errors lead to service issues and strained customer relationships.
• Resolving discrepancies pulls focus from high-value, strategic financial work.

3. Missed early payment opportunities

• Rigid payment systems limit your ability to take advantage of savings.
• Early payment discounts (often 1–2%) go unused due to slow approvals or inflexible terms.
• Without automation, there is little room for dynamic payment optimization.

4. Security and compliance risks

• Paper checks and manual workflows are more susceptible to fraud.
• Inadequate systems may fall short of industry compliance requirements.
• A breach could result in financial loss and long-term brand damage.

5. Competitive disadvantage

• Poor payment experiences lower customer satisfaction and hurt retention.
• Limited payment options frustrate buyers used to consumer-like ease.
• Competitors with streamlined systems move faster and win more.

How to optimize your payment stack

The good news is that you do not need a full system overhaul to improve your B2B payments. Many organizations get great results by taking a step-by-step approach:

1. Start with data: Use analytics to pinpoint high-volume payment flows and prioritize improvements where they’ll have the most impact.
2. Automate in stages: Begin with straightforward tasks like electronic invoicing, then expand to more complex workflows over time.
3. Close integration gaps: Focus on connecting your current tools and systems before introducing entirely new payment methods.
4. Consider managed services: B2B payment platforms can handle complex processes end-to-end, reducing the internal load.

By modernizing your B2B commerce from your existing ERP, you can reduce payment friction while maintaining the stability of your core financial systems.

Trends in B2B payments for 2025 and beyond

Here are the key trends reshaping business payments in 2025 and beyond:

1. API-driven payment orchestration

More businesses are moving to flexible, API-based payment systems that are easier to update and connect with other tools. This means businesses can:

• Easily link payment tools to ERPs, customer relationship management (CRM) tools, and other business systems
• Add or change payment methods without reworking their entire setup
• Adjust quickly to customer needs or market changes

2. Embedded finance in B2B marketplaces

Payments and financing are being built directly into the buying process on B2B platforms.

This helps businesses:

• Let customers pay at checkout, even when buying from multiple suppliers
• Handle things like split shipments and partial orders more smoothly
• Offer financing options without sending buyers elsewhere

3. Intelligent payment routing

With intelligent routing, businesses can:

• Pick the best payment path based on speed, cost, and success rate
• Lower processing fees by choosing the most efficient method
• Improve success rates as the system learns over time

4. Enhanced payment data use

Payment data is becoming a tool for insights, not just record-keeping. Improved data standards allow businesses to:

• Speed up reconciliation and reduce errors
• Understand customer behavior through payment patterns
• Make smarter decisions around pricing and credit

5. Cross-border payment transformation

International B2B payments are getting faster and less expensive. New solutions are helping companies:

• Send global payments in real time
• Use blockchain or digital currencies instead of traditional banks
• Avoid high conversion fees and delays

6. B2B-specific digital wallets

Digital wallets are no longer just for consumers—they are being designed for business needs. These wallets help B2B companies:

• Manage multiple currencies in one place
• Add approval layers and custom permissions
• Strengthen fraud protection for large, complex transactions

7. Stronger integration between payments and predictive analytics

Businesses are now using payment data to predict what is coming rather than simply tracking what happened. With this approach, companies can:

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• Forecast cash flow more accurately
• Spot payment delays or issues before they happen
• Improve timing for outgoing and incoming payments

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💡 Businesses that treat payments as a strategic part of operations, not just an afterthought, will be better prepared to grow, adapt, and meet customer expectations. Platforms like DJUST can help you put these trends into action by giving you the flexibility to evolve as the market does.

Optimize your B2B payment strategy with DJUST

B2B payment methods have evolved beyond simple transactions. They are now a strategic way to improve cash flow, deepen customer relationships, and stay competitive. With the right mix of payment options, you can reduce friction at checkout while maintaining full financial control.

But optimizing your payment strategy is not just about adopting the latest tools. It is also about creating payment experiences that work for both your customers and your team. When payments become smooth and invisible, your business can focus on what matters most: building long-term value and trust.

Ready to modernize your B2B payment workflows? Request a DJUST demo to see how our platform helps streamline your order-to-cash process and support flexible, scalable payment solutions.

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