In an increasingly digital and competitive environment, having efficient payment and collections management has become a strategic priority for businesses.
Given the complexity of corporate transactions—which involve not only the transfer of funds, but also factors like security, invoicing, and regulatory compliance—optimizing payment processes is key to ensuring predictable cash flow and sustainable growth through clear parameters and indicators that make costs and reach visible.
Read on to discover what B2B payments are, how they work, the different types available, and why B2B payment and collections management can make a difference in your business’s success.
What are B2B payments?
B2B (Business to Business) payments are financial transactions made between companies. Unlike B2C (Business to Consumer) payments, which occur between a company and the end consumer, B2B transactions typically involve larger amounts and longer terms, usually established by contract.
Additionally, in the B2B context, transactions may involve multiple stakeholders and more complex compliance and security requirements. All of this can make the flow of payments between companies slower and less efficient.
How do B2B payments and collections work?
B2B payments involve several stages that go beyond simply transferring funds. Typically, the process begins with the issuance of invoices and tax documents that create a payment obligation.
Next comes the payment authorization stage, which often requires multiple levels of approval and the involvement of various departments.
Generally, payments are processed through electronic means—ideally automated—checks, wire transfers, payment slips, corporate cards, among other methods. Depending on the format used, payment settlement may take time.
Additionally, B2B payments often require bank reconciliations and accounting records, as well as special attention to tax and regulatory aspects, making the process slower and more complex. In this context, an effective payment and collections management system can be a great ally by simplifying processes and providing agility and accuracy.
Types of B2B payments
B2B payments can be made in various ways. The right method for each company depends on its profile, business relationships, and technological infrastructure. The main types of B2B payments include:
- Automated clearing house (ACH) payments – Popular for their convenience and low cost, they are an effective alternative to checks.
- Wire transfers – A common method that has gained popularity for its convenience and low cost.
- Automated electronic means – Practical and more efficient than traditional methods.
- Bank payment slips – Easy to control and track, ideal for recurring collections or companies without integrated instant payment systems.
- Checks – Although digital payments have increased, checks are still used for the control and tangibility they offer, despite longer processing times.
- Corporate cards – Used for minor expenses, they offer ease of use and better expense management.
Payment and collections management: Key advantages
In the coming years, B2B transactions could reach up to $111 trillion by 2027. That’s why adopting a solid B2B payment and collections management strategy not only impacts your company’s financial health, but also offers advantages such as:
- Reduction of errors and fraud
Automated systems minimize human errors, prevent duplicate or overdue payments, and reduce exposure to fraud. - Improved cash flow
Automation allows for scheduling transactions and monitoring payments accurately, improving financial planning. - Diversification of payment methods
Integrating traditional and electronic methods expands processing and financing capabilities. - Better time management
A centralized platform saves resources and allows you to focus on strategic activities like renegotiations or expansion. - Simplified bank reconciliation
Integration with banks and ERPs enables automatic reconciliations, reducing rework and speeding up financial closings. - Regulatory compliance
Ensures payments are recorded and processed in accordance with current legislation.
Challenges and trends in payment and collections management
Although it offers many advantages, payment management also faces challenges. The fragmentation of payment methods and the use of non-integrated systems make financial control difficult. Additionally, the rise in digital fraud increases risks, especially without automated and secure management.
However, new technologies are revolutionizing the landscape. Tools like Evertec’s Payments and Collections platform enable automated, integrated, and secure management.
Adaptable to different business models, Evertec’s platform streamlines financial processes, simplifies bank reconciliations, and offers multichannel integration, providing greater control and a better customer experience.
