The verdict in three sentences
In B2B, cards remain the most expensive method (1.5 to 2.9% with commercial cards), while SEPA direct debit costs EUR 0.35 to 0.80 per transaction and an instant transfer about EUR 0.20. The right strategy is to move recurring customers to direct debit, add a payment link to every invoice for occasional customers, and keep cards for small amounts and international buyers. Properly integrated into your invoicing software, this setup cuts days sales outstanding by 15 days for a budget of EUR 4,000 to 10,000 excl. VAT.
The real cost of each payment method in 2026
The figures below reflect payment provider offers (Stripe, Mollie, GoCardless, banks) for a French SME, before volume negotiation.
| Payment method | Cost per transaction | Settlement time | Non-payment risk | Recommended B2B use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| European consumer card | 1.5% + EUR 0.25 | D+2 to D+7 | Chargebacks possible | Small amounts, first orders |
| Commercial or non-EU card | 2.5 to 2.9% + EUR 0.25 | D+2 to D+7 | Chargebacks possible | International |
| SEPA Core direct debit | EUR 0.35 to 0.80 | D+3 to D+5 | 8-week dispute window | Subscriptions, recurring customers |
| SEPA B2B direct debit | EUR 0.50 to 1.20 | D+3 to D+5 | No dispute after execution | Large recurring amounts |
| SEPA instant transfer | about EUR 0.20 (often included) | under 10 seconds | None | Large invoices |
| Open Banking payment link | EUR 0.20 to 0.60 or 0.5% | Immediate | None | Direct payment from the invoice |
| Standard transfer | EUR 0 to 0.20 | D+1 | Late payment | Current habit, hard to steer |
Since 2025, EU rules forbid banks from charging more for an instant transfer than for a standard one. It is the cheapest way to collect large invoices quickly.
Simulation for an SME with EUR 12 million in revenue
Assumptions: 6,000 invoices per year, average amount EUR 2,000, current DSO of 52 days.
| Scenario | Annual fees | Days sales outstanding | Cash released |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% card (unrealistic, benchmark) | about EUR 240,000 | 3 days | EUR 1.6 million |
| 100% standard transfer (current) | about EUR 600 | 52 days | EUR 0 |
| Mix: 50% direct debit, 40% payment link, 10% card | about EUR 27,000 | 37 days | about EUR 490,000 |
| Optimized mix: 60% direct debit, 35% instant transfer, 5% card | about EUR 15,000 | 35 days | about EUR 560,000 |
At a short-term financing cost of 5% per year, EUR 490,000 of released cash is worth about EUR 24,500 in savings. The optimized mix therefore almost entirely pays for its own fees, before counting fewer reminder calls.
Integration with your invoicing software
| Component | Scope | Indicative budget |
|---|---|---|
| Payment link on PDF invoice and email | QR code and "Pay now" button | EUR 1,500 to 3,000 |
| Electronic SEPA mandates | Online signature, storage, reminders | EUR 1,500 to 3,000 |
| Automatic bank reconciliation | Payment matching in the ERP | EUR 1,000 to 3,000 |
| Customer portal (invoices, statements, payment) | Secure access per customer | EUR 2,000 to 4,000 |
| Automated reminders with link | D-3, D+7, D+15 | EUR 500 to 1,500 |
The project takes 4 to 8 weeks. It fits well with mandatory e-invoicing in France, which requires every company to receive electronic invoices from September 2026.
Mini case study
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Isabelle, CFO of an electrical equipment wholesaler in Nantes (EUR 12 million revenue), sees a DSO of 52 days and 9% of invoices more than 30 days late. She rolls out SEPA B2B direct debit for her 180 recurring customers and a payment link on all other invoices, for EUR 7,500 of integration. Six months later, DSO falls to 37 days: 15 days × EUR 12 million / 365 = about EUR 493,000 of cash released. Annual fees reach EUR 21,000, offset by EUR 24,600 of avoided financing costs and half a collections position saved, worth about EUR 20,000.
FAQ
Is SEPA B2B direct debit suitable for every customer?
No, it only applies to business customers, and their bank must register the mandate. It removes the 8-week dispute right, which makes it ideal for amounts above EUR 5,000.
Should customers bear card fees?
In France, surcharging is banned for European consumer cards. You can, however, offer a 0.5 to 1% discount for payment by direct debit or instant transfer.
Which provider should we choose?
Stripe fits if you also sell internationally, GoCardless specializes in direct debit, and Mollie is competitive on payment links. Fee differences are often under 0.3 points, so integration quality matters more.
How long until we are live?
A payment link on invoices can be active in 2 to 3 weeks. The full setup with mandates, portal and reconciliation takes 6 to 8 weeks.
Does online payment really reduce late payments?
Yes: SMEs that add a pay button to invoices commonly see 10 to 20 fewer days of DSO, because customers pay on receipt instead of waiting for their next transfer run.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your invoice volume, your invoicing software and your current DSO, and we will price an integration between EUR 4,000 and 10,000 delivered in 4 to 8 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.
