
B2B card payments offer a convenient and efficient way to manage business transactions. In fact, a study found that 75% of B2B payments are made using cards.
By using B2B card payments, businesses can reduce the risk of payment fraud and chargebacks. This is because card payments are secure and require authentication, unlike cash or checks.
One of the biggest benefits of B2B card payments is the ability to track and manage expenses more easily. According to a survey, 80% of businesses reported improved expense tracking and management after switching to card payments.
By automating payments, businesses can also save time and reduce administrative costs. In fact, one company reported a 30% reduction in administrative costs after implementing B2B card payments.
Benefits and Savings
You can expect interchange reductions of 20% to 40% off standard rates, which can equate to thousands of dollars in savings every month for businesses processing over $100k/month in credit cards.
Many businesses see significant savings from Level 3 data, with interchange fees reduced by over 40%. This can mean hundreds of dollars of savings on a single transaction.
For example, a $3,000 Visa sale with Level 3 data can save you $21, or 27% below standard interchange rates. This is compared to the standard Visa Purchasing Card rate of $76.60.
Mastercard Corporate Large Ticket transactions can also offer substantial savings, with a $20,000 sale paying only 1.45% in total interchange fees, a 45% reduction from standard rates.
Smaller B2B businesses may be hesitant to accept credit cards due to perceived expense, but the fees for Level 2 and Level 3 transactions are actually lower than those for consumer credit card transactions.
In fact, the cost of processing credit card transactions reduces as the level of verification required for the transaction increases, making big-ticket B2B transactions more cost-effective.
With a steady stream of customers and promoted credit card acceptance, you could save a lot of money by offering credit card payments.
Payment Options and Process
Customers expect credit card payment options, especially in B2B transactions, and want the process to flow smoothly. They want the convenience of paying via credit card and don't want to call in to provide their information.
Accepting credit card payments can help manage cash flow and minimize accounts receivable. You get paid faster, allowing you to manage your expenses and business investments better. Cash flow and accounts receivable are crucial concepts for business.
Here are some key benefits of accepting credit card payments:
- Faster access to your money
- Minimized accounts receivable
- Reduced risk of fraud
- Improved processing efficiency
Level II and III discounts provide lower transaction costs for B2B vendors compared to standard processing options because of the detailed transaction data provided. This can be achieved through the MX Merchant system using the B2B app for easy, simple B2B acceptance and access to discounted B2B Level 2 and Level 3 Interchange rates.
How It Works
The way payment options and processes work can be complex, but I'll break it down in simple terms. The B2B Virtual Account Payment Method system is designed to automate the process of paying suppliers, requesting virtual accounts, and setting controls for travel and other use cases.
There are two main flows in this system: one for the buyer and one for the supplier. The buyer generates a payment instruction file and sends it to the third-party provider. The third-party provider then makes API calls for payment processing.
The system sets controls on the account for Supplier Initiated Payments (SIP), submits Straight through Processing (STP) transactions to the acquirer for processing, and sends a confirmation of payment processing via API response.
Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the payment process:
- Buyer generates a payment instruction file and sends it to the third-party provider.
- Third-party provider makes API calls for payment processing.
- System sets controls on the account for SIP and submits STP transactions to the acquirer.
- System sends confirmation of payment processing via API response.
- System sends an optional remittance notification and/or an optional file to the supplier.
- Supplier collects the payment using the card sent in the payment advise notification for SIP transactions.
- System matches the settlement with the payment.
- System sends the reconciliation data via API or file to the third-party provider.
This process may seem lengthy, but it's designed to ensure secure and efficient payment processing. By using the MX B2B app, businesses can access the lowest possible interchange rates and qualify for discounts on their credit card transactions.
For example, Mastercard Corporate cards typically have an underlying interchange rate of 2.65% + $0.10, but with level 2 data, the rate can be reduced to 2.00% + $0.10/transaction, resulting in significant savings. Similarly, Visa Purchasing cards have an underlying interchange rate of 2.55% + $0.10, but with level 2 data, the rate can be reduced to 2.05% + $0.10/transaction.
By accepting credit card payments, businesses can also benefit from reduced cash flow delays, improved accounts receivable management, and increased customer satisfaction. According to the Association for Financial Professionals, B2B check usage has fallen to an all-time low of 33%, and businesses are increasingly favoring digital payments.
Payment Options
Your customers expect credit card payment options, especially in B2B transactions. They want the convenience of paying via credit card and having the process flow smoothly.
Accepting credit card payments can help you manage cash flow and minimize accounts receivable. You get paid faster, allowing you to manage your expenses and business investments better.
Credit card payments are on the rise, driven by the pandemic and the shift to remote transactions. Payments have become increasingly cashless, with a 42% increase in global cashless payment volumes.
Businesses are more likely to favor using credit cards for payment, with B2B check usage falling to an all-time low of 33%. Digital payments are also on the rise, with businesses reconsidering their operating models and considering consumer preferences, digital identity, and next-gen technology.
Taking payments by card is easy, but it's essential to choose the right payment methods for your business. You can consider talking to an advisor to explain the different classes of transaction and the fee structure.
If you're processing more than $50K a month in payments, you may want to explore other credit card processing solutions. These solutions can help you get the lowest rates possible and streamline your payment acceptance.
B2B payments can be made easy with the right payment solution. You can consider using a specialized terminal or a digital payment app to accept payments in person or online.
Credit card payment solution options are available, and it's essential to choose a solution that fits your business needs. You can consider consulting a guide to help you navigate the process and find the best solution for your business.
Integration and Partnerships
The traditional way of operating in the card payment industry has been to have issuers and acquirers working in separate silos, but B2B payments require a more collaborative approach.
This means that issuers and acquirers need to work together to develop tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of businesses. Gone are the days of each side having its own set of strategies, KPIs, and P&Ls.
For B2B payments to succeed, the silo approach needs to be abandoned in favor of a solution-driven one. This requires issuers and acquirers to communicate with each other, even if they're part of the same organization.
Imagine Janet on the 3rd floor having to speak with John on the 5th floor – it's a drastic move away from the traditional way of doing things. But it's necessary to fully exploit the immense opportunity that B2B represents.
A manufacturer might need to pay a supplier via card for a substantial order, requiring coordination between the issuer and the acquirer to ensure the transaction is automated, smooth, secure, and compliant with regulations.
Account Management Service
The Account Management Service is a powerful tool that allows businesses to manage payment controls for existing card accounts, request virtual accounts while setting controls, and manage funding accounts associated with Visa pseudo accounts and TSYS VANs.
You can use the Account Management web services to retrieve the status of new account requests, view authorization rules, and submit virtual card requisitions for employees.
The end points also enable you to create, update, and view funding accounts, which is especially useful for managing employee expenses or travel bookings.
Businesses can use the Account Management Service to streamline their payment processes and reduce administrative tasks.
With the Account Management Service, you can retrieve security code (CVV2) details of an existing account, providing an added layer of security and control.
This service is designed to be flexible and adaptable, making it a valuable asset for businesses of all sizes and industries.
Integration and Collaboration
The traditional segregation of roles within the financial industry has hindered the adoption of card payments for B2B transactions.
Issuers and acquirers have operated in silos, focusing on their specific functions without much coordination – even when they're both part of the same organization.
B2B payments necessitate a collaborative approach where issuing and acquiring teams work in tandem to develop tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of businesses.
A manufacturer might need to pay a supplier via card for a substantial order, requiring coordination between the issuer and the acquirer.
Both parties must ensure the transaction is automated, smooth, secure and compliant with any relevant regulations.
The silo approach has to be abandoned in favor of a solution-driven one to make B2B payments happen, as issuers and acquirers have to work together.
This means Janet on the 3rd floor has to speak with John on the 5th floor, which can be a challenge but is necessary to fully exploit the immense opportunity that B2B represents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does B2B payment mean?
B2B payments refer to the transfer of value from a buyer to a supplier for goods or services. This can be a one-time or recurring transaction, depending on the agreement between the two parties.
What are B2B cards?
B2B cards are specialized credit cards designed for business transactions, offering rewards and low-interest rates to help businesses manage their expenses efficiently. They also provide lower processing rates for qualified businesses, making them a cost-effective option for business owners.
Sources
- https://developer.visa.com/capabilities/vpa
- https://www.sparksolutionsgroup.com/blog/5-reasons-to-accept-credit-cards-in-b2b-transactions
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/b2b-card-payments-need-new-approach-amer-qavi-rothe
- https://higherstandards.net/the-rise-of-b2b-credit-card-payments/
- https://dharmamerchantservices.com/industries/b2b-processing/
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