The verdict in three sentences
In B2B, online payment isn't just about collecting: it shortens DSO, makes reconciliation reliable and secures via PSD2/3DS. Integration costs 6,000 to 20,000 EUR excl. tax (3 to 6 weeks), with fees of 0.8 to 2.5% per transaction depending on the card/SEPA/transfer mix. The real gain isn't customer convenience but -20 days of DSO and dwindling dunning.
Stripe vs banking provider: the right mix
In B2B, cards are expensive on large amounts and SEPA/transfer becomes central. The provider choice depends on your average order value and international volume.
| Criterion | Stripe | Banking provider (PSP/bank) |
|---|---|---|
| Card fees | 1.4-2.5% + 0.25 EUR | 0.8-1.8% negotiable |
| SEPA fees (direct debit) | ~0.35% (capped) | 0.20-0.50 EUR/operation |
| Transfer / SEPA credit | Via add-on | Native, low cost |
| Integration | Fast, well documented | Heavier |
| International / multi-currency | Excellent | Variable |
| 3DS / PSD2 | Included | Included |
For high, recurring B2B baskets, steering toward SEPA/transfer lowers processing cost far more than negotiating 0.2% on cards.
Real cost by payment mix
The headline rate says little: what matters is the cost weighted by your mix. 2026 order of magnitude for a B2B SME at 200,000 EUR of online payments/month.
| Payment method | Share of volume | Average rate | Monthly cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Card | 30% | 1.8% | 1,080 EUR |
| SEPA direct debit | 45% | 0.35% | 315 EUR |
| Transfer / SEPA credit | 25% | ~0.05% | 25 EUR |
| Total | 100% | ~0.71% | ~1,420 EUR/month |
By pushing SEPA and transfer over cards, an SME often halves its collection cost at equal volume.
Mini case study
Take Julien, CFO of a B2B SME in Lille, 200,000 EUR collected/month, DSO at 52 days before the project. The payment integration (14,000 EUR excl. tax) adds card, SEPA direct debit and transfer with automatic reconciliation. DSO falls to 32 days (-20 days), freeing ~130,000 EUR of cash (200,000 EUR × 20/30). At short-term credit cost (~6%/year), that's ~7,800 EUR/year saved, plus 0.5 FTE of dunning relieved (~18,000 EUR/year). The integration pays back in under a year, before even counting fewer unpaid invoices thanks to 3DS.
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FAQ
How much to add online payment to my B2B portal?
Expect 6,000 to 20,000 EUR excl. tax for integration (card, SEPA, transfer, reconciliation), plus 0.8 to 2.5% per transaction depending on the method. The payment mix weighs on recurring cost more than the headline rate.
Stripe or a banking provider: which is cheaper?
Stripe for speed, international reach and a light integration. A banking provider for large SEPA/transfer volumes with negotiated rates. In high-basket B2B, the latter often wins on total cost.
What do PSD2 and 3DS require in B2B?
Strong authentication (3DS2) applies to cards, with possible exemptions (B2B payments via dedicated corporate cards, MIT). A compliant integration cuts fraud and unpaid invoices without weighing down the journey.
How does online payment reduce DSO?
By enabling immediate settlement or automatic direct debit at due date, it removes postal delays and dunning. A 15 to 20 day DSO gain is realistic depending on your starting point.
Is SEPA direct debit suited to recurring B2B?
Yes, it's often the cheapest method for regular customers, with a mandate signed once. It makes due dates reliable and cuts cost sharply versus cards.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your monthly volume, card/SEPA mix and current DSO: we'll quote a compliant payment integration (6,000-20,000 EUR excl. tax, 3-6 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.
