The verdict in three sentences
No payment method wins on every criterion: cards are instant but expensive (1.4-2.9%) and capped, SEPA transfer is near-free but slow and poorly reconciled, SEPA direct debit is ideal for recurring revenue (0.3-1%). For a CFO the right strategy is to combine: card for new customers and urgency, direct debit for subscriptions and recurring invoices, transfer for very large one-off amounts. The decisive factor is not only cost but collection delay and the reconciliation workload.
B2B payment methods compared
Here are the 2026 ballpark figures for the eurozone, from the viewpoint of an SME collecting professional payments.
| Criterion | Card | SEPA transfer | SEPA direct debit | B2B BNPL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | 1.4 - 2.9% | ~0 - EUR 0.50 | 0.3 - 1% | 1.5 - 4% |
| Collection delay | Instant | 1-2 days | 2-4 days | Instant (deferred for buyer) |
| Typical cap | EUR 3,000 - 10,000 | None | High | Per financier |
| Reconciliation | Auto | Manual | Auto | Auto |
| Best for | New customer | Large one-off | Recurring | Large basket on credit |
Cards often cap around a few thousand euros per transaction: for a EUR 25,000 invoice, transfer or direct debit are the choice. Conversely, a EUR 400 monthly subscription is far better served by automatic direct debit that avoids dunning.
Real cost by average basket
The fee percentage changes impact radically with the amount. Here is the 2026 cost per transaction for various baskets.
| Basket | Card at 1.8% | Direct debit at 1% | Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR 500 | EUR 9.25 | EUR 5 | ~EUR 0 |
| EUR 2,000 | EUR 36.25 | EUR 20 | ~EUR 0 |
| EUR 5,000 | EUR 90.25 | EUR 50 | ~EUR 0 |
| EUR 15,000 | EUR 270.25 | EUR 150 | ~EUR 0 |
The higher the basket, the costlier the card in absolute terms. Above EUR 5,000, the gap between card and direct debit often exceeds EUR 40 per transaction: over 100 monthly transactions, that is EUR 4,000 in saved fees.
Mini case study
Marc, CFO of a food wholesaler in Nantes, collects 120 orders a month at a EUR 2,400 average basket, 60% recurring. All on card at 1.8%, he pays about EUR 5,220 in fees monthly. Shifting the 60% recurring to SEPA direct debit at 1%, he saves on those 72 orders: instead of EUR 3,132 on card he pays EUR 1,728 on direct debit, saving EUR 1,404 every month, plus the end of manual dunning on subscriptions. The multi-method integration at EUR 7,000 pays back in 5 months.
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FAQ
Which method for a EUR 20,000 invoice?
SEPA transfer or direct debit, because cards are often capped and their fee would exceed EUR 300. Direct debit also automates reconciliation.
Is SEPA direct debit reliable for B2B?
Yes, with a signed mandate it is very reliable and cheap (0.3-1%). Rejection risk exists but stays low between businesses, and tools like GoCardless handle it.
Why offer cards despite the cost?
Because they are instant and reassuring for a new customer unwilling to sign a mandate. They act as an entry point before switching to direct debit.
How much does a multi-method integration cost?
Budget EUR 6,000 to EUR 10,000 to offer card + transfer + direct debit with automatic reconciliation. Payback is often under 6 months on recurring volumes.
Is B2B BNPL profitable for the seller?
Despite a 1.5-4% fee, it raises average basket and conversion, and the financier carries the default risk. It is often profitable on large baskets.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your one-off/recurring split and average basket: we design the cheapest payment mix for you. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
