6 Best B2B Payment Solutions for Small Businesses

Level 2 and Level 3 data refer to enhanced transaction details that go beyond basic payment information. They include elements like tax amounts, invoice numbers, customer codes (Level 2), and more granular line-item data, such as product descriptions, quantities, and shipping details (Level 3). Supplying this data helps B2B payment solutions lower interchange fees and meet the requirements of corporate or government purchasing programs.

Level 2 and Level 3 data are not required for B2B payment processors. Some offer large volume discounts or interchange-plus pricing instead of flat rates for qualified businesses.

💡New to B2B transactions? Read our guide to B2B payments for small business

Who should use it:

Helcim is the best choice for small to mid-sized B2B companies and Saas platforms (including automotive, wholesale, healthcare, and education) looking for transparent pricing and automated fee optimization features.

Why I like Helcim:

Helcim is a Canada-based payment processor that’s built a strong reputation among small and mid-sized B2B businesses. It covers all the essential bases: invoicing, recurring billing, ACH, virtual terminal, and ecommerce payments, without locking you into a monthly fee.

What I like most about Helcim is how it automates cost optimization behind the scenes. It not only uses transparent interchange-plus pricing, but also automatically applies volume-based discounts and supports Level 2 and Level 3 data processing to help US merchants qualify for lower interchange rates. These features work together to minimize your processing costs without requiring manual setup or constant oversight, making it especially valuable for B2B businesses that process large or detailed invoices.

The main drawbacks with Helcim are its slower access to funds and limited international reach. Payouts can take longer than average, and its services are primarily focused on US and Canadian merchants. If you need faster deposits or plan to accept payments globally, Stripe is a better fit with its accelerated payout options and robust international capabilities.

Also read: Cheapest Credit Card Processors

• Monthly subscription: $0
• Transaction fees:
• • Online: Interchange plus 0.15% + 15 cents to 0.50% + 25 cents
  • Keyed-in: Interchange plus 0.15% + 15 cents to 0.50% + 25 cents
  • Domestic ACH/Wire transfers: 0.5% + 25 cents
  • Additional 0.10% + 10 cents for all AMEX transactions
• Payment service fees:
• • Invoicing: $0
  • Recurring billing: $0
  • International payments: $0
  • Virtual terminal: $0
• Chargeback fee: $15 (refundable)

• All-in-one dashboard for managing all payment processing tools
• Automated Level 2 & 3 data processing for fee optimization
• Free access to surcharging and cash discounting tools for businesses that accept ACH and use Helcim’s smart terminal
• Free virtual terminal for remote billing and taking payments over the phone
• Free advanced invoicing features (similar to Stripe) for estimates, quotes, and automatic accounts receivable reconciliation
• Free recurring billing features with a customer portal for subscription management
• ACH payments for single and recurring invoices, subscriptions, payment requests, and virtual terminals for up to $25,000 per transaction
• Free international credit card payment processing (however, note that a 1% to 3% international service fee may be charged by your bank)
• Back-office tools for organizing and managing administrative tasks, including business taxes; tax forms are listed, and status is displayed for easy tracking
• Guided chargeback dispute resolution and refundable chargeback fee if the dispute is won
• Native POS solution with advanced inventory management features
• Deposit speed of one to two days
• Compliance and risk tools: PCI compliance included, tokenization, secure customer vault

Real-life users widely praise Helcim for its outstanding customer support, frequently citing helpful, named reps. Its transparent pricing structure, with no monthly fees or surprise charges, offers real savings for growing businesses. The platform is also user-friendly and quick to set up, even for those with no technical background.

That said, some users report sudden account holds during onboarding, which can delay payouts. A few also note frustrations with invoicing tools that time out or reset mid-entry. Additionally, Helcim’s limited hardware selection and lack of global currency support may not suit businesses with international or specialized POS needs

Who should use it:

Use Stripe if your B2B operates internationally (including Saas and subscriptions) and require a payment processor capable of handling multiple currencies and payment methods with highly customizable payment solutions, robust API capabilities, and extensive integrations.

Why I like Stripe:

Stripe is an international payment processor that can take payments as small as 50 cents and as large as $999,999.99, making it a good choice for B2B businesses. It offers the widest range of payment processing solutions among all the providers in our list, with both in-person and remote payment processing, and allows you to accept domestic and international payments through wire transfers, ACH/e-checks, and cards.

What makes Stripe such a strong contender is its versatility and global reach. It supports over 135 currencies in 47+ countries, making it a great fit for businesses with international clients or cross-border operations. You can plug it into an off-the-shelf checkout, integrate with your POS, or build a fully customized flow, though the more you tailor, the more fees and dev resources you’ll need.

Stripe scores well for its wide range of supported payment methods, flexible customization, and strong security features. However, many advanced tools, like invoicing and fraud protection, come with extra fees, and faster deposits cost more. Helcim is your best alternative if you need free processing tools.

Also read: Best Stripe Alternatives

• Monthly subscription: $0
• Transaction fees:
• • Online: 2.9% + 30 cents
  • Keyed-in: 3.4% + 30 cents (card payment details are manually entered in the Stripe dashboard)
  • Domestic ACH debit: 0.8%, $5 cap
• Payment service fees:
• • Invoicing: From 0.4% to 0.5% per transaction (on top of transaction fees)
  • Recurring billing: 0.5% to 0.8% per transaction
  • International payments: 1.5%
  • Virtual terminal: Third party
• Chargeback fee: $15

• Local and international payment processing
• Customer support for more than 25 countries
• Built-in tools to create embeddable checkout forms and invoicing templates
• Real-time and unified reporting tools, including deposit tracking and integration with accounting software like QuickBooks and NetSuite
• Option to track payouts and control payout times when depositing to your bank account
• Excellent international coverage (over 135 currencies), local payment methods, foreign exchange rate transparency
• Programmable, automatic dispute handling, with tools to submit documents to card network directly from the Stripe platform
• Unified dashboard to manage your business operations, accessible from any iOS or Android device
• 24/7 customer support, including technical support on Discord platform
• Deposit speed of one to two days
• Compliance and risk tools: PCI Level 1 compliance, machine learning fraud detection (Radar), SCA support

According to real-life user reviews, Stripe is easy to integrate, especially for developers using modern tech stacks. Users appreciate its global payment support and seamless multi-currency capabilities. The API and dashboard offer flexibility and control for growing businesses.

On the other hand, many users find Stripe’s reporting tools confusing and time-consuming. Processing fees are considered high for smaller businesses. Some reviewers also mention sudden account holds tied to risk or compliance checks.

Who should use it:

I recommend PayPal Enterprise Payments for SaaS, subscription-based, and mobile-first platforms, especially if you are looking to boost your authorization rates with native payment orchestration tools.

Why I like PayPal Enterprise Payments:

Braintree (now PayPal Enterprise Payments) recently underwent a rebrand, but it continues to deliver its powerful full-stack payment capabilities under the new name. If you’re running a global or subscription-based B2B business, you’ll appreciate support for PayPal, Venmo (US), digital wallets, credit/debit cards, ACH, and local payment methods, all accessible through mobile SDKs or custom checkout flows.

What I like most about PayPal Enterprise Payments is its native payment orchestration that helps optimize cost and conversion. This means B2Bs can manage payment workflows, fraud tools, and multi-route logic all within one platform, reducing complexity while increasing approval rates. On top of that, having PayPal and Venmo integrations natively built‑in gives your business extra conversion muscle in global and digital wallet‑heavy markets.

However, you need to be a high-volume merchant to get most of these advanced functionalities and keep fees sustainable. Stripe is a solid alternative that offers similar capabilities but with better rates and is more accessible to small and mid‑size businesses.

💡What is payment orchestration? Payment orchestration is the process of managing and optimizing digital payment workflows through a single platform, connecting multiple payment service providers, gateways, fraud tools, and methods to route transactions intelligently and reduce failed payments.

• Monthly subscription: $0
• Cards and third-party digital wallet transactions
• • For standard merchants: 2.89% + 0.29 cents
  • Pass-through American Express transaction: + $0.15
  • Customer card issued outside of the United States: +1%
  • Payments in non USD currency: +1%
• PayPal transactions: PayPal fees
• • Advanced Credit and Debit Card Payments: 2.89% + 49 cents
  • Payments Advanced: 2.89% + 49 cents
  • Payments Pro: 2.89% + 49 cents
  • Virtual Terminal: 3.39% + 49 cents
  • PayPal Checkout: 3.49% + 49 cents
  • PayPal Pay Later options: 4.99% + 49 cents
• Venmo transactions: 3.49% + 0.49 cents
• ACH transactions: 0.75% capped at $5
• Chargeback fee: $15
• Volume discount: Interchange custom rates

Please note that the fixed fees indicated are for US merchants. Visit PayPal for a complete breakdown of PayPal merchant fees.

• Easy and free native PayPal payments integration
• Wide range of strong ready-made integrations and developer tools
• Strong global support (50+ currencies), multiple local currencies, but fees can add up
• Account updater (at extra cost) that updates customers’ Visa, Mastercard, or Discover Card details — such as numbers, expiration dates, and account status changes
• Payment orchestration tools for improving authorization rates.
• Recurring billing tool that lets merchants create custom subscription plans for their customers
• Deposits funds in two to three business days
• Compliance and risk tools: Free basic fraud prevention that can be upgraded (for a fee) to premium, which gives merchants more flexibility and control over their fraud prevention strategy

Many real-life users widely praised Braintree for its advanced subscription and recurring billing capabilities, making it ideal for SaaS and recurring revenue models. Users also highlight its strong fraud protection suite and support for multiple payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, and digital wallets. Furthermore, the platform’s seamless integration with PayPal extends global reach and flexibility for businesses operating internationally.

That said, many reviews also point to slow or unresponsive customer support, particularly for more complex issues or disputes. Users also describe the reporting and reconciliation tools as unintuitive and difficult to use, creating extra manual work. Additionally, some merchants reported inflexible fraud features or service restrictions that hinder their access to tools like 3D Secure based on volume or profile.

Please note that there were limited reviews published within the year; much of the relevant feedback spans late 2023 into early 2025, but the trends remain consistent and reflect current user sentiment.

Who should use it:

QuickBooks Payments is the best choice for professional services and freelancers already using QuickBooks for accounting.

Why I like QuickBooks Payments:

QuickBooks offers a payment processing function with strong features and good rates for those already using QuickBooks Online, as there are no additional fees, and payments are automatically reflected for accounting and bookkeeping. It has slightly lower processing fees for keyed-in and invoiced payments compared to Stripe and PayPal. Also, businesses processing over $7,500 a month can apply for a discount on transactions of up to 40%, making it a good fit for B2B companies.

The seamless integration between payments and bookkeeping features is what I like most about QuickBooks Payments. You get the features of the complete accounting software, including invoicing, reports, budget tools, and sales tax tracking, with information flowing both ways without any complex setup. It also integrates with many POS and business management systems.

However, while QuickBooks handles all the payment methods we considered, it does not have international money transfer capabilities and does not work with high-risk businesses. Transaction fees are competitive, you will end up paying at least $30 a month for a QuickBooks Online account, no matter how much you process in sales.

Also read: Best QuickBooks alternatives

• Monthly subscription: QuickBooks Online: $15 to $100 per month
• Transaction fees:
• • Online/Invoice: 2.99%
  • Keyed-in: 3.5%
  • Domestic ACH: 1%, maximum of $10 per transaction
• Payment service fees:
• • Invoicing: $0
  • Recurring billing: $0
  • International payments: 3%
  • Virtual terminal: $0
• Chargeback fee: $25

• Accepts wire transfers, paper checks, and card payments
• QuickBooks platform for creating and sending customizable invoices
• QuickBooks Checking gives you access to free instant deposits, mobile deposits, and paper check payment tools
• Tools for adding a Pay Now button to your invoice to make it instantly payable
• Enables you to accept digital payments with ACH and e-check payment options
• Next-day access to your deposits, or instantly at no extra cost or with a QuickBooks Visa debit card; you can also set up a recurring schedule for depositing your funds
• Seamless integration with Shopify, BigCommerce, and other online platforms so you can accept payments from your website
• Cash Flow Center’s real-time dashboard to track and automatically reconcile online and invoice payments
• Deposit speed of two to three business days
• Compliance and risk tools: PCI-compliant processing, but limited fraud customization options

Based on my research, QuickBooks Payments is praised for its seamless integration with QuickBooks Online, which automates bookkeeping and reduces manual data entry. Users value the ease of processing ACH and invoice payments directly through the accounting dashboard. Onboarding is simple and free, and many users appreciate no hidden setup fees and quick activation.

On the other hand, several recent reviews describe abrupt account holds or fund freezes without clear explanation or resolution. Customer service frequently receives criticism for unhelpful responses and unresolved payment disputes. Additionally, users report that processing fees are comparatively high, and the platform lacks flexibility for high-risk or complex transactions.

Please note that while feedback within the year is limited, recent comments (as cited) reflect these ongoing trends.

Who should use it:

Authorize.net is best for wholesalers, large-ticket retailers, and other POS-based businesses, as well as brick-and-mortar or hybrid businesses needing virtual terminal and POS support.

Why I like Authorize.net:

Authorize.net, a Visa-owned platform, has been around for decades, and for good reason. It’s one of the most reliable payment gateways for B2B businesses that need virtual terminal access, invoicing tools, and full Level 2 and Level 3 data processing. These features help reduce interchange fees and streamline commercial card transactions, making it especially useful for companies that invoice large clients or accept corporate payments.

What makes Authorize.net stand out in my list is how easily it integrates with the tools you’re already using, from ecommerce platforms and shopping carts to accounting software, CRM systems, and B2B ordering portals. It’s more plug-and-play than developer-heavy platforms like Stripe, which means you’ll need less technical lift to get up and running. And if you do want to customize your setup, it also offers an open API for added flexibility.

The biggest downside to Authorize.net is that it doesn’t offer a free monthly plan. That’s something to consider if you’re watching overhead closely or don’t process payments every day. If you want similar B2B features like invoicing, virtual terminal access, and Level 2/3 data support without the monthly cost, Helcim is a more budget-friendly alternative.

Also read: Best payment gateways

Authorize.net allows you to bring your own merchant account or choose its all-in-one plan, which bundles payment gateway access with a merchant account through one of its banking partners.

• Monthly subscription: $25
• Transaction fees:
• • Online: 2.9% + 30 cents
  • Keyed-in: 2.9% + 30 cents
  • ACH direct debit: 0.75% per transaction
• Payment service fees:
• • Invoicing: $0
  • Recurring billing: $0
  • International payments: 1.5%
  • Virtual terminal: $0
• Chargeback fee: $25

• Full Level 2 and Level 3 payment processing
• 145 certified solutions and open API for more custom integrations, including B2B-specific platforms like B2B Commerce Cloud
• Two plans to choose from: a payment gateway-only plan and an all-in-one plan that comes with a merchant account
• International payment processing with support for 13 currencies
• Customer information management tool capable of holding up to 10 payments and 100 shipping details
• High-risk business support through its partners
• Pays within 24 hours
• Compliance and risk tools: Advanced Fraud Detection Suite (AFDS) to identify, manage, and prevent suspicious and potentially fraudulent transactions

Users consistently praise Authorize.net for its intuitive interface and ease of integration, especially for recurring billing use cases and ecommerce platforms. Its fraud detection tools and compliance with PCI standards provide strong security and operational peace of mind. Many reviewers also highlight consistent performance and reliability, citing long-term use in mission-critical payment environments.

However, some users do find the platform’s interface visually dated and the reporting tools limited or cumbersome when creating custom summaries. Several reviews mention account disruptions or closures tied to third-party processor arrangements, which can cause confusion or delays. Additionally, merchants trying to integrate external hardware or physical terminals describe a convoluted setup that requires technical know-how or developer support

Please note that while live reviews within the year were somewhat limited, the insights from late 2024 to mid-2025 remain consistent and reflective of current user experience.

Who should use it:

I recommend using PaymentCloud for B2Bs in high-risk or specialized industries (e.g., CBD, firearms, supplements) and other businesses that require specialized support

Why I like PaymentCloud:

PaymentCloud supports businesses of all sizes, but it’s especially well-known for working with medium- and high-risk merchants. What makes it a standout is the white-glove onboarding experience with a team of experts that helps match you with the right back-end bank or processor, sets up your terminal or gateway, and walks you through compliance hurdles that typically stall other providers.

Like other providers in my list PaymentCloud supports in-person, online, ACH, e-check, virtual terminal, and even crypto payments, making it a versatile choice for B2Bs with more complex payment needs. But what sold me most onPaymentCloud is that it’s payment gateway agnostic, so you’re not locked into a single processor or gateway. They’ll help you choose from a range of partners and can even build you a custom payment gateway to fit your workflow or risk profile. That level of flexibility is hard to find, especially in the high-risk space.

The biggest tradeoff is pricing. Rates aren’t listed publicly (which is common for high-risk providers), but expect to pay higher monthly and transaction fees, and note that tools like the virtual terminal may come with additional costs. Still, if you’ve been turned down by other processors or need a partner who understands high-risk compliance, PaymentCloud is one of the few reliable options and only Authorize.net comes close in that regard.

Also read: 6 Best High-risk Merchant Account Providers

PaymentCloud does not publicize its fees but its fee structure can be customized to your preference. This is particularly important to note for high-risk merchants as custom rates allow to include the unique combination of tools in one fee structure that’s easiest to manage for you.

The fees listed below are estimated figures provided by PaymentCloud:

• Monthly fee: $10 to $45
• Transaction fees:
• • Online/Invoice: 2% to 4.3%
  • Keyed-in: 2% to 4.3%
  • ACH and e-check: Contact PaymentCloud
• Payment service fee:
• • Invoicing: $0
  • Recurring billing: $0
  • International payments: 1% to 2%
  • Virtual terminal: $15 to $45
  • Payment gateway

• Customized rates and flexible fee structure
• Payment gateway agnostic — seamlessly integrates your current gateway of choice, or request to have one customized for your needs.
• Specializes in high-risk merchants, partnered with a number of financial institutions
• White glove support from application to implementation
• Dedicated account consultant for existing clients
• Can work with offshore processors for high-risk international clients
• Supports a complete range of payment methods
• Compatible with most payment hardware
• Compliance and risk tools: High-risk compliance onboarding, fraud monitoring tools

Users overwhelmingly praise PaymentCloud’s customer service as highly responsive and deeply personalized, often citing interactions with individual team members by name. Reviewers describe the onboarding and setup process as smooth and efficient, even in complex, high-risk industries. For merchants in verticals like CBD or adult services, the support and flexibility offered by PaymentCloud stand out as particularly valuable.

However, a few customers do mention confusion during the signup process, citing a lack of clear instructions or missing account details upon approval. Some reviewees also reported unexpected fees or fund holds that were not fully explained upfront. Additionally, a handful of users experienced difficulty accessing the online portal after being approved, requiring follow-up with support.