The payments landscape is an ever-evolving barometer of consumer and business sentiment – measured by the popularity of instruments, the evolving nature of regulatory guidance, and the age-old battle between innovation and engrained behavior.

As businesses across the globe continue to embrace digital transformation, the way they pay each other is evolving rapidly. By 2025, the expectations for B2B (business-to-business) payment methods will be fundamentally different from what we see today. Increasingly complex supply chains, a push for faster transactions, tighter compliance requirements, and the growing importance of data security will drive the demand for more innovative and seamless payment solutions.

So, what B2B payment methods will be critical in 2025 in the steel industry and beyond? Let’s explore the trends and innovations that will define business transactions in the near future.

1. Pay by Bank (Standard and Same Day ACH)

As inflationary concerns remain high in the current economy, the costs of doing business by both debit and credit card are at the top of mind for many retailers, especially in large ticket verticals like raw goods and manufacturing. As businesses continue to push off card processing costs to consumers and likewise consumers feel less inclined to incur those costs, the portion of transactions that will choose to follow an expedited ACH path or something similar will continue to increase. By 2026 in the US the estimated pay by bank mix for ecommerce transactions is 20% up from just 9% 3 years ago. In Europe by comparison, the pay by bank method for ecommerce is approaching 40%.

Institutional coverage of industry leaders like Plaid is nearing or at terminal velocity meaning that almost all banks whether large or small can be linked in app, in real time, and with minimal amounts of sensitive data required to make the connection. This in conjunction with the speed and convenience of these transactions will continue to drive changes in both business and consumer sentiment as it pertains to their preferred methods of transacting.

2. Real-Time Payments (RTP) Systems

The era of slow, manual, and batch-processed payments is quickly fading. In the mid to long term, real-time payments will be the standard, not the exception. Businesses will demand instant payments for faster cash flow management, enhanced supplier relationships, and more streamlined operations. Real-time payments systems, such as the RTP networks that are already in place in several countries (like the U.S., UK, and India), are likely to see widespread adoption.

These systems allow businesses to send and receive payments instantly, without having to wait for bank processing times or waiting days for checks to clear. The result is a more agile and responsive financial ecosystem, benefiting both buyers and suppliers. The only holdback that could throttle widespread acceptance of this method is simply institutional coverage. With only a small portion of the bank population currently participating in RTP, consumers and businesses alike will have a hard time fully committing to using these methods in the near term, but this trend will reverse, and coverage begins to near saturation.

3. Payment Platforms for Embedded Finance

The rise of embedded finance—integrating financial services directly into business processes—will be a significant trend throughout 2025 and into the near and mid future. For instance, B2B companies will no longer need to rely on separate third-party payment providers to make transactions. Instead, embedded finance will allow businesses to send and receive payments directly within their existing software or platforms, such as through integrated invoicing or purchase order systems.

This integrated approach enables smoother and faster transactions, reducing the complexity of navigating multiple platforms. Whether through ERP systems, procurement tools, or marketplaces, businesses will use platforms that allow for direct payment without needing to jump through various hoops.

4. Cross-Border Payments and Global Payment Gateways

As globalization continues to shape supply chains and marketplaces, B2B payments will need to be more efficient when dealing with cross-border transactions. Traditional cross-border payments are slow and expensive due to intermediaries, currency conversion fees, and compliance checks.

By 2025, global payment gateways that allow businesses to settle transactions in multiple currencies instantly will become more common. Payment methods like multi-currency digital wallets, blockchain-based payments, and peer-to-peer payment systems will help businesses reduce the complexity and costs of cross-border transactions.

These systems will enable businesses to maintain liquidity and manage foreign exchange risks without the significant delays and fees typical of current international payment methods.

5. Mobile and Digital Wallets

With the rise of mobile technology, businesses are increasingly relying on mobile wallets to streamline payment processes. By 2025, we can expect to see the widespread adoption of digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or specialized B2B-focused wallets designed for enterprise transactions.

Mobile wallets offer several advantages, including faster payments, enhanced security features, and the ability to store multiple payment methods in one place. For B2B businesses, integrating mobile wallets into procurement systems will simplify payment methods, especially for businesses operating in industries like logistics or field services, where transactions are often carried out remotely.

As we look into 2025 and beyond, B2B payments will be faster, more secure, and more flexible than ever before. Emerging technologies like same day ACH, blockchain transactions, AI, and real-time payments will allow businesses to transact across borders, manage cash flows efficiently, and reduce transaction costs. As a result, B2B payment systems will become more integrated, embedded in everyday business processes, and driven by customer expectations for speed, security, and sustainability.

For businesses looking to thrive in this evolving landscape, adopting the right mix of B2B payment methods will be critical to staying competitive and agile. The future of B2B payments is not just about technology — it’s about creating seamless, efficient, and secure ways for businesses to connect, transact, and grow.