The most popular B2B payment methods

Invoices, PayPal, direct debits, prepayments, and credit cards are still the most popular B2B payment methods in the DACH region. While prepayments and invoicing through traditional banks take a lot of time, using credit cards or digital payment systems are usually very costly, especially when it comes to foreign transactions. The following article shows the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular B2B payment methods in the DACH region and explains how the payment process can be made faster and cheaper.

B2B payment methods – still low flexibility and high costs

According to an ibi Report, payment by invoice, PayPal, direct debit, prepayment and credit card are among the most popular B2B payment methods in Germany. There are similar preferences in Switzerland and Austria.

Although these B2B payment methods have proven themselves in the past, a growing international customer and supplier base demands more flexible solutions. This is because a foreign transaction through traditional banks is not only costly, but also time-consuming, as several intermediary banking institutions may be involved in the process.

Therefore, we list the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular payment methods and show you how B2B payment methods with amnis become easier, faster and cheaper.

Invoice

An invoice payment is still one of the most popular B2B payment methods. In this case, the seller advances the product or service and issues the invoice only after the product or service has been delivered. As the seller is taking a risk, this B2B payment method is particularly suitable for existing customer relationships.

Advantages

• Convenient for customers
• Products and services are delivered immediately

Disadvantages

• Seller must pay or deliver in advance
• Risk due to payment default
• Foreign transactions through bank can cause high costs

PayPal

PayPal belongs to the most modern options in the list of the most popular B2B payment methods. The platform is connected to the business account to make digital payments in real time, including international transactions. As a disadvantage, PayPal charges high fees. For example, there are fees of 4 to 5% when exchanging to foreign currencies. In addition, sellers must pay transaction fees of up to 2.49%.

Advantages

• Transfers in real time
• International transfers in foreign currencies possible
• High level of security for both buyer and seller

Disadvantages

• High fees
• Risk of account blocking in case of unusual transactions from PayPal’s perspective

Direct debit

The direct debit system is suitable for regular customers who purchase frequently. The customer provides bank details and issues a direct debit authorisation. While this B2B payment method is particularly convenient for the customer, there is still a risk of payment default for the seller.

Advantages

• Particularly convenient for customers
• Low fees
• Little effort for seller and customer

Disadvantages

• Only suitable for existing customers
• Default risk for the trader or seller

Prepayment

In contrast to the other B2B payment methods, the risk is on the buyer’s side when paying in advance. The goods or services are not delivered until payment has been received, which makes this payment method less attractive for customers.

Advantages

• No risk for the seller
• No fees on the trader’s side

Disadvantages

• Risk on buyer’s side
• Inconvenient for customers
• Long waiting times before shipment

Credit card

Paying by credit card is becoming one B2B payment method which is becoming more and more popular, not only as a payment method in Germany, but especially with international trade. The customer must simply enter the credit card number, the holder’s name, the expiry date and the verification number. The payment process itself is fully automated. There is a risk for sellers that credit cards will be misused by fraudsters, which is why a customer authentication must be carried out. In addition, high transaction costs are charged.

Advantages

• Automated payments
• Internationally recognised (VISA or Mastercard)
• Convenient for customers and traders

Disadvantages

• Fraud increases risk for trader
• Customer authentication required
• High fees

Simplify B2B payment methods

No matter whether using B2B payment methods such as direct business debit card, credit card or digital providers like PayPal, amnis is the right partner to simplify your global payment processes and reduce costs. amnis is a digital payment platform that enables SMEs to make payments in different currencies quickly, securely, and cost-effectively with just one account. The foreign currency exchange is done in real time, even on weekends or public holidays. Compared to other service providers, the fees are considerably lower.

International money transfer in the B2B sector

Especially when it comes to international money transfer, traditional B2B payment methods still offer limited flexibility. The process not only costs a lot of time, but also money. While traditional banks charge an fx margin of 1 to 2%, PayPal even charges between 4 and 5 %. At amnis, on the other hand, the international payment fees amount to 0.4% or less, which makes the platform one of the lowest-cost providers. In addition, companies often need multiple foreign currency accounts with their bank, which comes with administrative effort and fees.

Conclusion: Companies benefit with amnis, especially SMEs

With amnis, traditional B2B payment methods can be optimally complemented and optimised, which is relevant now more than ever since customers and suppliers expect fast payment processing, preferably in their local currency. Most providers charge high fees for this, which can become a problem, especially for SMEs.

amnis complies with all requirements at favourable conditions, for satisfied customers and suppliers. You receive:

• A foreign currency account for 20+ currencies (multi currency account)
• A peer to peer network for free real-time transfers
• Low exchange rates (below 0.4%)
• Fast and paperless processes

Simplify your B2B payment process with amnis. Go to the business demo account here, which enables you to test amnis without any obligation: