The verdict in three sentences
In B2B, cards are the most expensive payment method, because commercial cards fall outside the EU interchange cap and cost 1.4 to 2.9% per transaction. SEPA direct debit remains unbeatable for recurring customers (0.35 to 0.80 EUR per transaction), and pay-by-link on invoices combined with instant transfers speeds up payment from occasional customers. For an SME collecting 4 million EUR a year, a well-designed mix integrated with the accounting software for 3,000 to 10,000 EUR excl. VAT cuts days sales outstanding by about 12 days.
Cost comparison by payment method
The rates below are 2026 orders of magnitude observed at French banks and payment providers (Stripe, GoCardless, Mollie, Adyen, Qonto, Libeo). They vary with negotiated volumes.
| Payment method | Cost per transaction | Cost on a 2,000 EUR invoice | Settlement time | Non-payment risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard SEPA transfer | 0 to 0.50 EUR | 0.50 EUR | 1 business day after sending | Customer decides when to pay |
| SEPA instant transfer | 0 to 1 EUR (priced like standard transfers since 2025) | 1 EUR | 10 seconds | Customer decides when to pay |
| SEPA B2B direct debit | 0.35 to 0.80 EUR | 0.80 EUR | D+2 to D+5 depending on provider | Low, no refund right in B2B |
| SEPA Core direct debit | 0.35 to 0.80 EUR, or 1% capped | 0.80 to 2 EUR | D+3 to D+5 | Disputable within 8 weeks |
| Commercial card | 1.4 to 2.9% + 0.25 EUR | 28 to 58 EUR | D+2 to D+7 | Low, but chargebacks possible |
| European consumer card | 0.8 to 1.5% + 0.25 EUR | 16 to 30 EUR | D+2 to D+7 | Low |
| B2B buy now pay later (Defacto, Mondu) | 1.5 to 4% depending on term | 30 to 80 EUR | Immediate for the seller | Carried by the financer |
On a 2,000 EUR invoice, a card therefore costs 30 to 70 times more than a direct debit. It remains useful for small customers, first orders and foreign customers.
Which method for which customer?
The right approach is to segment the portfolio rather than impose a single method.
| Customer segment | Typical revenue share | Recommended method | Pitch to the customer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recurring customers, subscriptions, contracts | 50% | SEPA B2B direct debit | No invoices to key in, never late |
| Regular customers ordering ad hoc | 25% | Pay-by-link on invoice (instant transfer or card) | One click from the invoice email |
| Small customers and new accounts | 10% | Card at order time | No credit account to open |
| Large accounts with purchasing procedures | 12% | Transfer at 45 or 60 days, automated reminders | Respects their approval flow |
| Customers outside SEPA | 3% | Card or international transfer | Payment in their currency |
Accounting integration: where time is saved
The real gain comes not from bank fees but from automatic reconciliation. An invoice paid by link or direct debit is matched automatically in Pennylane, Sage, Cegid or Odoo without accountant input. Allow 3,000 EUR excl. VAT to connect a standard provider to common software, and up to 10,000 EUR excl. VAT for an ERP with specific matching rules, digital SEPA mandates and a reminder workflow. France's September 2026 e-invoicing mandate is a good opportunity to run both projects together.
Mini case study
Claire, CFO of an industrial SME near Nantes, collects 4 million EUR a year across 1,800 invoices, with a DSO of 58 days. She moves 50% of revenue to SEPA B2B direct debit (900 transactions a year at 0.60 EUR, or 540 EUR) and adds a payment link to the other invoices, paid 70% by instant transfer and 30% by card (about 9,000 EUR in fees). DSO drops to 46 days: 12 days gained frees about 130,000 EUR of cash, or 5,200 EUR in interest saved at 4%. Automatic reconciliation saves the accounting team 6 hours a week, about 9,000 EUR a year. The 7,000 EUR excl. VAT integration pays back in under a year.
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FAQ
Do all business customers accept SEPA B2B direct debit?
It requires the customer to register the mandate with their bank, which 60 to 80% of SMEs accept for a recurring supplier. Others can sign a Core mandate, disputable within 8 weeks.
Can card fees be passed on to the customer?
In B2B, surcharging commercial cards is allowed in France if disclosed and not above actual cost. In practice, a 1 to 2% discount for paying by direct debit goes down better than a surcharge.
Are instant transfers really free in 2026?
Since January 2025, EU regulation requires instant transfers to cost no more than standard euro transfers. In most business banking plans, they are free or charged under 1 EUR.
Should we use a payment provider or our bank?
Banks work for high-volume direct debit, from 0.20 EUR per transaction. A provider like GoCardless or Stripe adds links, reminders and accounting connectors, at 0.40 to 1 EUR per transaction.
How many DSO days can we expect to gain?
SMEs that move to 50% direct debit and add a payment link usually gain 8 to 15 days within 6 months. The gain depends mostly on reminder discipline and the share of large accounts.
Let's scope your project. Send us your invoice volume, accounting software and current DSO: we will price the payment integration between 3,000 and 10,000 EUR excl. VAT, delivered in 3 to 6 weeks. 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.
