The verdict in three sentences
For an SME selling online to businesses with an average basket of 800 to 3,000 EUR, the card is the most expensive method, between 15 and 60 EUR per order once commercial cards are counted. Bank debits (SEPA in the eurozone, Bacs in the UK, ACH in the US) cost well under 1 EUR or 1 USD per transaction and suit repeat customers. Financed net-30 terms (1.5 to 3% of the basket) cost more than a debit but transfer non-payment risk and lift conversion among business buyers.
2026 fees by payment method
| Payment method | Typical 2026 fees | Time to cash | Non-payment risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Card (European consumer cards) | 1.2 to 1.5% + 0.25 EUR | D+2 to D+3 | low, chargebacks possible |
| Card (commercial and non-EU cards; US cards 2.5 to 3.5%) | 2 to 2.5% + 0.25 EUR | D+2 to D+3 | low |
| SEPA Core or B2B direct debit (UK Bacs, US ACH comparable) | 0.35 to 0.80 EUR per transaction | D+3 to D+5 | refund right up to 8 weeks (Core) |
| Bank transfer on invoice | 0 to 0.20 EUR | variable, often D+40 | borne by you |
| Financed net-30 terms (B2B BNPL) | 1.5 to 3% of basket | D+1 to D+3 for you | transferred to the financer |
| Classic invoice factoring | 0.5 to 1.5% plus financing charge | D+1 to D+2 after assignment | depends on contract |
The SEPA B2B mandate removes the 8-week refund right of SEPA Core, making it safer for you but requiring approval by the customer's bank.
What each method costs on your baskets
| Basket | Card 1.8% + 0.25 EUR | Debit 0.50 EUR | Net-30 terms at 2.2% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 800 EUR | 14.65 EUR | 0.50 EUR | 17.60 EUR |
| 1,500 EUR | 27.25 EUR | 0.50 EUR | 33.00 EUR |
| 2,000 EUR | 36.25 EUR | 0.50 EUR | 44.00 EUR |
| 3,000 EUR | 54.25 EUR | 0.50 EUR | 66.00 EUR |
| 3,000 EUR on commercial card at 2.5% | 75.25 EUR | 0.50 EUR | 66.00 EUR |
Reading: on large baskets paid by commercial card, financed net-30 terms become competitive while covering non-payment. For repeat customers, debit beats everything else.
The recommended mix for a B2B SME
New customers and small orders: card, to collect fast without a credit check. Repeat customers: a debit mandate signed at account opening, collected at 30 days end of month. Key accounts and baskets above 1,500 EUR: financed net-30 or net-60 terms, which buyers prefer, with average basket uplift often measured at 10 to 20%. Technically, the webshop must offer these options based on the account profile rather than showing them to everyone.
Mini case study
Nadia, CFO of a laboratory supplies SME, collects 4,000 orders a year with an average basket of 1,500 EUR, currently 70% by card. Current fees: 2,800 × 27.25 EUR = 76,300 EUR, plus the cost of chasing bank transfers. By moving 1,600 repeat orders to debit (800 EUR) and 600 large orders to financed net-30 terms (19,800 EUR), cards keep only 600 orders (16,350 EUR). Total: 36,950 EUR, i.e. 39,350 EUR saved a year, with non-payment risk transferred on large baskets.
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FAQ
Is direct debit suitable for a first order?
Rarely: without history, rejection risk exists and collection takes 3 to 5 days. Keep card or financed net-30 terms for new accounts.
What happens if a buyer defaults on financed net-30 terms?
The financer pays you within 1 to 3 days and handles collection. You only bear the 1.5 to 3% fee, unless there is a delivery dispute.
Are card fees capped?
In the EU, consumer card interchange is capped at 0.2% (debit) and 0.3% (credit), but commercial and non-European cards are not, hence 2 to 2.5% fees. In the US there is no cap on credit card interchange, and B2B card costs often reach 2.5 to 3.5%.
How much does technical integration cost?
With a payment provider already connected, allow 3,000 to 8,000 EUR to show the right methods per account type and push statuses into the ERP.
Can card fees be passed on to the customer?
In the EU and UK, surcharging consumer cards is banned. In most US states, surcharges are allowed up to a cap (often 3%), but they slow conversion.
Let's scope your project. Send us your volumes, average basket and current payment split: we will design the collection mix and its integration into your B2B webshop. 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.
