Payments
Beyond corporate payments: The power of flexible, fast payments to drive business growth
88% of heads of payment believe using faster payment methods are instrumental in driving business growth, according to PYMNTS.
Faster, flexible payment options have the potential to improve customer satisfaction, enhance cash flow, and create a sustainable competitive advantage for businesses.
In the first two installments of our “Beyond corporate payments” series, we explored the role of secure payments in building trust with suppliers and the power of AI-driven solutions in accounts payable processes. Now, let’s dive into how flexible and fast payment options can fuel your business growth.
Beyond corporate payments series:
The PYMNTS 2024 Certainty Project Report, sponsored by WEX, highlights the impact of payment options on business growth. Here’s how offering flexible and fast payment solutions can benefit your business:
Using digital and automated payments to drive business growth
The PYMNTS study found that none of the businesses using faster payment methods (like online or electronic payments) reported a negative impact on growth. However, 36% of companies relying primarily on paper methods (like checks or cash) found their payment options to be limiting. This contrast highlights the effectiveness of digital and automated payments, such as virtual cards, over traditional methods, such as cash and checks.
Advantages of digital and automated payments include:
- Reduced manual errors: Automated systems minimize human error, ensuring accurate and timely payment processing.
- Improved reconciliation: Digital payments simplify reconciliation processes, saving time and reducing the risk of discrepancies.
- Enhanced security: Advanced security features in digital payment solutions help protect sensitive financial data from fraud and unauthorized access.
- Real-time insights: Digital platforms provide real-time data and analytics, enabling you to monitor cash flow, identify trends, and make informed decisions.
Boosting customer satisfaction and loyalty
Offering convenient payment options can significantly enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. Customers appreciate flexibility and speed, especially when it comes to payments. By providing a variety of payment methods and ensuring quick processing times, you can create a positive customer experience that encourages repeat business.
PYMNTS also found that companies offering instant payment methods saw an 11% increase in consumer satisfaction over those that don’t. This highlights the strong connection between fast payments and increased customer loyalty.
Additionally, offering flexible payment options, such as mobile wallets, contactless payments, or buy-now-pay-later options, can cater to diverse customer preferences and attract a wider customer base.
Enhancing cash flow management
Efficient cash flow management is essential for the success of any business. By offering flexible and fast payment options, you can improve your cash flow management in several ways:
- Faster receivables: Incentives like early payment discounts can encourage customers to pay bills quicker, boosting cash flow. As one payment executive noted, “clearance or approval through some payment options can be time consuming, which makes it hard for us to get early payment discounts.”
- Reduced payment processing costs: Digital payment solutions also eliminate the need for manual processing and paper checks, reducing mailing and processing costs and improving efficiency.
Discover new business opportunities
Flexible and fast payment options can also help you uncover new business opportunities. By offering a wider range of payment methods, you can expand your customer base and reach new markets.
For example, international customers may prefer certain payment methods that are more common in their region. Additionally, offering buy-now-pay-later options can attract customers who may not have the full purchase price upfront, potentially leading to increased sales.
The importance of choosing the right payment partner
Selecting the right payment partner is important for reaping the full benefits of flexible and fast payment options. Consider the following factors when evaluating potential partners:
- Security: Ensure that your payment partner has security measures in place to protect sensitive financial information.
- Flexibility: Look for a partner that offers tailored solutions for your business needs.
- Integration: Ensure seamless integration with your existing systems for efficient account management.
- Customer support: Choose a partner with reliable customer support to address any issues or inquiries.
Consider partnering with WEX for your corporate payment needs
With WEX, you can streamline your payment processes, enhance security, and improve your overall business performance.
In modern B2B industries offering flexible and fast payment options is essential for staying ahead of the curve. By prioritizing customer convenience, improving cash flow management, and leveraging digital and automated payments for new business opportunities, you can drive long-term growth for your company.
For more insights and updates on corporate payments, check out:
- 2025 payment trends: What B2B companies need to know
- The role of B2B payment options in travel agency operations
- 4 expectations when evaluating service quality from payments providers
Learn more about how WEX payment solutions can be tailored to your business, so you can accelerate and streamline operations while creating lasting growth and success for your organization.
The information in this blog post is for educational purposes only. It is not legal or tax advice. For legal or tax advice, you should consult your own legal counsel, tax, and investment advisers.
