10 best B2B payment solutions in the UK [2026 list]
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Global B2B e-commerce is expanding at a pace few businesses can afford to ignore. In 2024, the global B2B e-commerce market reached an estimated US$28.1 trillion in GMV, growing by nearly 15% year on year as companies worldwide moved more purchasing, invoicing and supplier management online.
The UK is moving in the same direction, with the B2B e-commerce market rising to about US$259.9 billion in 2024 as manufacturers, wholesalers and service-based SMEs adopt digital channels to reach customers and manage cross-border operations more efficiently.
As B2B sales continue shifting online, payment needs are becoming more demanding. If your company has a global footprint, you’ll be handling multiple currencies, paying overseas suppliers and managing marketplace payouts – all while staying compliant across different regions.This 2026 guide reviews the 10 best B2B payment solutions for UK businesses, with a clear breakdown of each provider’s capabilities.
What are B2B payment solutions?
B2B payment solutions are financial tools that help businesses send, receive, hold and manage money across domestic and international markets with speed, clarity and control.
They’re built for business activity, which often involves higher-value payments, frequent transactions and added needs such as FX management, compliance checks and integration with accounting or ERP systems.
In practice, these solutions support everyday tasks, such as paying a supplier in China, receiving marketplace earnings in USD, settling invoices across regions and timing currency conversions to secure a better rate. Their value lies in managing all currencies and payment flows from a single platform without avoidable friction.
How to choose the right B2B payment solution
Choosing the right B2B payment solution starts with understanding how your business moves money across borders and what currently slows you down.
These are the factors that matter most for UK companies trading internationally:
1. Speed and settlement
Fast settlement keeps supply chains moving. When paying overseas suppliers, even a day’s delay can hold up production or stock replenishment.
Traditional bank transfers often take one to three working days. Modern payment providers can complete many routes on the same day, sometimes within hours.
2. Multi-currency capability
The right B2B payment solution lets you hold, receive and pay in multiple currencies without having to convert on arrival. This is essential if you sell in USD or EUR, source from Asia or receive marketplace payouts.
Look for the ability to hold balances, convert when rates are favourable and make payments in your supplier’s local currency.
3. Pricing clarity
Hidden FX spreads and intermediary bank fees can erode profit on every transaction. Choose a solution that shows the rate upfront, clearly outlines fees and avoids unnecessary charges.
Transparent pricing helps you forecast costs and protect margins.
4. Integrations and automation
Your payment system should seamlessly integrate with accounting and ERP tools such as NetSuite, Xero or QuickBooks.
Automated matching, batch payments and synced ledgers save hours of manual work and reduce reconciliation errors across finance teams.
5. Regulation and security
For UK businesses, look for providers regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority or with equivalent permissions.
PSD2 compliance, secure infrastructure and robust fraud controls are essential, especially when dealing with large international payments.
6. User experience and support
Smooth onboarding and reliable customer support are often underrated.
A clear dashboard, simple setup and access to support teams when you need them can make a significant difference, particularly for time-sensitive supplier payments.
10 best B2B payment solutions in the UK for 2026
Here’s the comparison table of the leading B2B payment solutions. After the table, you’ll find detailed sections covering each platform’s overview, key features and best uses:
| Provider | Main features | Best for | UK pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| WorldFirst World Account | Multi-currency local receiving accounts (20+), global payments in 100+ currencies, marketplace collections | UK SMEs and e-commerce sellers trading in the US, Europe, Asia | £0 account fee; local currency accounts free; payment fees start from £0.30; currency conversions up to 0.5% margin on major currencies |
| Wise Business | Hold/convert 40+ currencies; receive via local details (USD, EUR, GBP, AUD); batch payments | Startups and SMEs with frequent cross-border transfers and collections | One-off account opening £45; no monthly fee; currency conversions and transfers from approximately 0.33% |
| Revolut Business | Multi-currency wallets, business cards, integrations, modern fintech UI | Tech-savvy SMEs, teams needing expense/control tools and moderate FX volume | Free tier available; further fees apply beyond allowances (not fully published) |
| PayPal Business | Accept invoices, payments in 25+ currencies; strong marketplace compatibility | Businesses needing quick global receipts and payments with low setup | Basic account free; UK payment fee ~3.4% + 20p; FX conversion mark-up ~3-4% |
| Stripe | Online payments: cards, wallets, local methods; marketplace payouts; strong API | Digital-first firms, platforms/marketplaces, SaaS with global users | UK debit card ~1.4% + 20p; credit card ~2.9% + 20p; currency conversion ~2%+ depending on route |
| Airwallex | Multi-currency accounts in 20+ currencies; interbank FX; virtual/physical corporate cards; API integrations | Growth-stage SMEs or mid-sized firms with high FX needs | Plan £0/month (Explore) if you hold £10k+ balance, otherwise £19/month; UK card transactions 1.30% + £0.20; FX markup ~0.5% above interbank for major currencies |
| Payoneer | Global receiving accounts (USD/EUR/GBP); mass payouts; card linked to balance | Marketplace sellers, freelancers, companies receiving USD/EUR regularly | Annual card fee US$29.95 (~£23); conversion mark-up typically around 2–3.5% |
| GoCardless | Automated direct debit collections globally; recurring invoices; open banking verification | B2B firms with subscription models or regular invoices | UK direct debit: ~1% fee (max £4) per transaction |
| Tipalti | AP automation, mass payments, vendor onboarding and tax compliance | Medium to large businesses with many global suppliers | UK pricing starts at £99/month for the Starter plan |
| TransferMate | Global payments infrastructure; payables and receivables in local currencies; embedded payments for banks/ERPs | Large UK multinationals, firms needing scalable cross-border payables/receivables | Pricing bespoke; public source indicates starting from £199/month for advanced tier |
1. WorldFirst World Account
The World Account by WorldFirst (now part of Ant Group) is a multi-currency business account designed for international trading. It allows UK businesses to hold, send and receive funds in multiple currencies from a single dashboard.
Key to its appeal is the ability to open local receiving accounts – e.g., a GBP account in the UK, a USD account in the US, an EUR account in Europe – without requiring a local entity. It’s an all‑in‑one multi-currency account that helps businesses grow globally.
Key features:
- 20+ local currency accounts: Open local accounts for free in major currencies (USD, EUR, HKD, etc.) to receive payments like a local
- Pay globally: Send international B2B payments to over 210 countries in 100+ currencies (often same-day in USD/EUR) at competitive FX rates
- Marketplace collections: Free inbound payments from 130+ online marketplaces and platforms (Amazon, Etsy, TikTokShop, etc.) to your local accounts
- World Card: Linked virtual Mastercard for expenses, offering up to 1.2% cashback on business spending
- FX tools: Real-time and forward contracts to fix exchange rates (lock in rates up to 24 months) and spot trades for budgeting
- No monthly fee: The World Account has no setup or monthly account fee. Fees apply per transfer
Best for: UK SMEs and e-commerce sellers trading with the US, Europe, China and other major markets. Also suitable for businesses selling on multiple online marketplaces.
Why it stands out:
WorldFirst packages both inbound and outbound global flows into one multi-currency business account. The combination of local receiving accounts, global payout capabilities and FX tools provides a level of flexibility that many banks or single-currency platforms don’t match.
Open your World Account for free today and start managing international payments with greater speed, clarity and confidence.
2. Wise Business account
Wise (formerly TransferWise) offers a well-known multi-currency account aimed at both individuals and businesses.
The Wise Business account provides low-cost international transfers and the ability to hold balances in dozens of currencies. A hallmark is mid-market FX rates (no hidden margin) plus a transparent fee.
Key features:
- Multi-currency balances: Hold and convert between 40+ currencies
- Local details: Get IBANs (or local bank details) in USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, etc., to receive payments
- Low fees: Transfers to 80+ countries. Fees are typically a small percentage (around 0.4%–1.0%) plus a fixed fee (from ~£0.20)
- Batch payments: Upload up to 1,000 invoices for payment in a single batch
- Debit card: Optional multi-currency debit card for business expenses
Best for: Startups and SMEs with moderate to high volume in frequent cross-border payments and collections, who prioritise cost and simplicity over ultra-advanced treasury operations.
3. Revolut Business
Revolut Business is the corporate arm of the popular digital bank Revolut.
It offers multi-currency accounts, business debit cards and a suite of financial tools tailored to SMEs and freelancers. It’s known for its easy-to-use app and plans that range from free to premium.
Key features:
- Currency wallets: Hold and exchange 30+ currencies at interbank rates during market hours
- Business cards: Issue physical/virtual corporate cards; global spend in multiple currencies with no or low fees (varies by plan)
- Integrations: Connect to accounting software (Xero, QuickBooks, etc.) and e-commerce platforms
- FX and crypto: Competitive rates (often use mid-market) and even crypto trading
- Spend control: Set limits and controls on cards and manage employee expenses from the dashboard
Best for: Tech-savvy small companies seeking a modern fintech alternative with built-in expense management. Good for teams needing corporate cards and for businesses with moderate FX volume that fit the free allowance.
4. PayPal Business
PayPal is a household name in online payments. Its PayPal Business account allows businesses to send invoices, accept payments (via PayPal and cards) and transfer money internationally.
Though often associated with consumer e-commerce, many B2B sellers and suppliers use PayPal for simplicity and speed.
Key features:
- Global reach: Operates in 200+ markets, accepts 25 currencies. Many suppliers and clients already have PayPal accounts
- Invoicing: Generate and send professional invoices; recipients can pay instantly
- Integration: Works with e-commerce platforms (Shopify, eBay) and marketplaces
- Mass payouts: Pay up to hundreds of recipients in a batch (Mass Pay feature)
- Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL): Integrates PayPal Pay in 3 (UK) for partial payments on invoices
Best for: Businesses that need immediate, easy payments and have low transaction volume or smaller amounts. Fitting for receivables from platforms (many marketplaces only pay via PayPal) or paying suppliers who prefer PayPal.
5. Stripe
Stripe is a payment processing platform best known for enabling online card and digital payments.
For B2B e-commerce, businesses can use Stripe to accept payments from customers worldwide. Its Stripe Connect and Invoicing features also support marketplace and B2B invoicing use cases.
Key features:
- Payment acceptance: Accept all major credit and debit cards and local payment methods, in 135+ currencies
- Invoicing and billing: Send hosted invoices or subscription billing via Stripe
- Global payouts: For marketplaces or platforms, pay out to sellers/contractors in 130+ countries
- Advanced API: Custom integration, wide developer support, pre-built plugins (WooCommerce, Shopify, etc.)
- Security and fraud: PCI compliance built in and sophisticated fraud detection (Radar)
Best for: Online businesses (B2B or B2C) that want to accept credit-card or digital wallet payments from clients worldwide. Also ideal for platforms/marketplaces needing embedded payments.
6. Airwallex
Airwallex provides a global multi-currency account designed for fast-growing SMEs and mid-sized companies with international suppliers or high-volume FX needs.
It focuses heavily on infrastructure, offering both a business account and powerful APIs that allow companies to embed global payments inside their own systems.
Key features:
- Global accounts: Local receiving accounts in 11+ currencies (including GBP, USD, EUR, AUD, HKD)
- Global transfers: Send funds to 150+ countries at interbank rates (benchmark FX)
- Corporate cards: Virtual and physical cards for expense management, with zero FX fees in those currencies
- Payout solutions: API-based payouts to 200+ countries and payment gateway services (Airwallex Payments)
Best for: Growth-stage SMEs and enterprises with high-volume FX needs, who value a single platform and API integration. Also good for companies paying international supplier bills at scale.
7. Payoneer
Payoneer enables businesses to collect payments globally, especially from digital marketplaces, advertising networks and international clients.
It’s best known for providing users with local receiving accounts across multiple regions, helping UK companies receive USD, EUR or AUD from overseas platforms without delays.
Key features:
- Receive payments: USD virtual account (US bank routing), EU IBAN, UK account, etc., to receive from international clients or marketplaces
- Mass payouts: Pay multiple recipients in 150+ countries via bank withdrawal
- Business debit card: Optional Mastercard to spend the balance
- Low minimums: Accounts have low minimum balances
- Currency conversion: Convert between balances at set fees (around 2% above mid-market)
Best for: Businesses selling on global platforms (Amazon, freelancing networks, affiliate networks, etc.) or paying contractors worldwide. Also, any UK business regularly receiving USD/EUR/EUR payments without having local entities in the US/EU.
8. GoCardless
GoCardless is a UK-based provider specialising in automated direct debit collections globally. It’s tailored for B2B recurring and invoice payments.
Rather than one-off transfers, GoCardless pulls payments from customers’ bank accounts on agreed dates.
Key features:
- Global ACH/Direct debit: UK direct debit, SEPA (Euro DD), BECS (Australia) and PSPP (US) coverage – in total 30+ countries
- Recurring payments: Automated billing for subscriptions, membership fees or repeat invoices
- Instant bank authentication: Fast bank account setup via open banking verification (instant authorisation, no waiting for micro-deposits)
- Dashboard: Manage payers, track payments and get real-time notifications
- Integrations: Sync with Xero, QuickBooks, Zuora, Stripe, etc
Best for: Subscription businesses, utility companies or any B2B setting with regular invoices (e.g., suppliers billing UK customers monthly). Especially useful for one-off large B2B invoices (e.g., annual contracts).
9. Tipalti
Tipalti is an accounts payable automation and mass payment platform, often used by rapidly growing companies and marketplaces.
Rather than focusing on the end-user experience, it automates vendor payments, approvals and tax compliance for large-scale payables.
Key features:
- Global mass payments: Pay vendors/contractors across 200+ countries in 120+ currencies using 50+ payment methods (ACH, SWIFT, PayPal, etc.)
- Invoice automation: OCR and AI capture invoices for 2- or 3-way matching with purchase orders
- Self-service onboarding: Vendors enter their details/tax info into a portal
- Tax and compliance: Built-in VAT/tax collection (US 1099, UK UTR) and fraud screening
Best for: Medium to large businesses and marketplaces with international vendor bases. For example, publishers, ad networks, gig platforms or any firm paying many suppliers/contractors globally.
10. TransferMate
TransferMate (an Irish fintech) offers a global payments infrastructure that powers other services (banks, ERPs) but also sells directly to businesses.
It provides international payment services geared toward enterprise and channel partners.
Key features:
- Global network: Coverage of 200+ countries, with 140+ currencies, backed by numerous payment licenses
- Embedded and standalone: Can be white-labelled into other platforms or used via the TransferMate corporate portal
- Receivables and payables: Capabilities to invoice abroad and pay suppliers in their local currencies
- Local settlement: When a UK company sends GBP to India, TransferMate can find a local INR bank to move the money, cutting costs
Best for: Large UK businesses and multinationals that need to handle cross-border accounts payable/receivable at scale. Also, banks and ERP providers partner with TransferMate to offer cross-border payments natively within their services.
Why WorldFirst leads among the best B2B payment solutions in the UK
After comparing the leading providers, it becomes clear that the best B2B payment solutions share a few qualities: they simplify international operations, reduce friction in cross-border payments and give businesses more control over their money. Yet only a few manage to bring all of this together in a way that works for companies trading every day across multiple markets.
The World Account stands out because it aligns with how UK businesses operate across markets. Instead of using separate tools for receiving funds, converting currencies and paying suppliers, companies can manage everything from a single, easy-to-use platform.
How the World Account supports B2B payments for UK businesses:
- Brings collections, conversions and global supplier payments into one unified workflow
- Built for companies that rely on international sales, multi-currency income or global supply chains
- Offers a predictable, structured approach to managing currency risk and planning
- Delivers a modern, straightforward experience supported by teams who understand cross-border trade
For UK companies seeking the best B2B payment solutions to support expansion or streamline existing global operations, the World Account offers a practical, reliable and scalable option.
Open your World Account for free today and see why UK businesses trust WorldFirst for global growth.
- Sources:
- https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-trade-in-goods-statistics-by-partner-country
- https://www.ukfinance.org.uk/system/files/2024-07/Summary%20UK%20Payment%20Markets%202024.pdf
- https://www.openbanking.org.uk
- https://www.bis.org
- https://www.ft.com
- https://www.statista.com/statistics/1247637/global-b2b-cross-border-payments-volume
- https://www.worldfirst.com/uk/business/world-account/
- https://wise.com/gb/business
- https://www.airwallex.com/uk
- https://www.revolut.com/business/
- https://www.payoneer.com
- https://stripe.com/gb
- https://gocardless.com
- https://www.fisglobal.com/en/merchant-solutions-worldpay
- https://tipalti.com
- https://trolley.com
- https://www.transfermate.com
Abdul Muhit has 17 years' experience in banking and payments, spanning across regulation, payment networks, acquiring, issuing and treasury. He has served across strategic and delivery roles in product, technology and operations functions at global companies including JP Morgan, KPMG and Visa."
Abdul Muhit
Author
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