B2B FIRMS WANT CROSS-BORDER PAYMENTS BUT SKEPTICAL OF CRYPTO: SURVEY

Last updated: June 19, 2025, 19:52 | Written by: Anthony Pompliano

In today's increasingly interconnected global economy, cross-border payments are the lifeblood that keeps businesses running smoothly. B2B firms want cross-border payments but skeptical of crypto: Survey Only 2% of B2B firms have adopted crypto payments so far, while 59% indicated no intention to accept it, one survey says. NEWSThe demand for efficient and transparent international transactions is surging, with projections estimating the B2B cross-border payments market to reach a staggering $50 trillion by 2025. While the majority of B2B firms are apparently not yet ready to adopt crypto payments, such companies reportedly face a significant demand for virtual card and cross-border payments, with 64% andYet, despite this booming need, a fascinating dichotomy is emerging within the B2B sector: while companies eagerly seek streamlined cross-border solutions, they remain hesitant to embrace cryptocurrency as the answer. B2B firms want cross-border payments but skeptical of crypto: Survey Novem Khareem Sudlow, OhNoCrypto crypto bitcoin Only 2% of B2B firms have adopted crypto payments so far, while 59% indicated no intention to accept it, one survey sa crypto bitcoinA recent survey highlights this tension, revealing that although many firms desire virtual card and cross-border payment options, a significant portion remains skeptical about adopting crypto for these transactions.

This skepticism stems from a variety of factors, including concerns about volatility, regulatory uncertainty, and the perceived lack of convenience associated with crypto.While the allure of faster, cheaper, and more transparent payments is undeniable, many B2B organizations are not yet convinced that crypto is a reliable or practical solution.The traditional banking system still dominates the landscape, handling a significant majority of global B2B cross-border payment flows. High-friction transactions such as cross-border payments could offer the incentive for more industries to take a serious look at developing blockchain payments. For all PYMNTS B2B coverageHowever, the inherent inefficiencies and limitations of these legacy systems are becoming increasingly apparent, potentially paving the way for innovative alternatives in the future.

The Growing Demand for Efficient Cross-Border Payments

The global marketplace is expanding rapidly, and businesses of all sizes are increasingly engaging in international trade.This surge in cross-border activity is driving a significant demand for faster, more transparent, and cost-effective payment solutions. Cross-border payments are no longer a niche requirement; they are a critical component of modern business operations.

Consider a small manufacturing company in the United States sourcing raw materials from suppliers in Asia.These transactions involve currency exchange, international wire transfers, and potential delays due to differing banking regulations and time zones.The traditional process can be cumbersome, expensive, and prone to errors, impacting the company's profitability and competitiveness.This highlights the need for streamlined cross-border payments that can address these challenges.

Faster settlement times
Lower transaction fees
Increased transparency and traceability
Reduced risk of errors and fraud

These are just some of the key requirements that B2B firms are seeking in their cross-border payment solutions.The existing infrastructure is struggling to keep pace with these demands, leading companies to explore alternative options that can provide a more efficient and seamless experience.

Cryptocurrency's Uneven Adoption in the B2B Sector

Despite the potential benefits of cryptocurrency, its adoption in the B2B sector remains relatively low. B2B firms want cross-border payments but skeptical of crypto: Survey B2B firms want cross-border payments but skeptical of crypto: Survey. Cryptocurrency. Published, .According to recent surveys, only a small percentage of B2B firms have embraced crypto payments, while a significant majority express no intention of doing so. Only 2 of B2B firms have adopted crypto payments so far while 59 indicated no intention to accept it one survey says Cryptocurrencies appear to be far from ready for business-to-business B2B commerce so far due to factors likeThis hesitancy is driven by a combination of factors, including:

Volatility: The fluctuating value of cryptocurrencies can be a major concern for businesses that need to maintain stable cash flows.
Regulatory Uncertainty: The lack of clear and consistent regulations surrounding crypto in many jurisdictions creates uncertainty and compliance challenges.
Perceived Lack of Convenience: Some businesses perceive crypto payments as complex and inconvenient, requiring specialized knowledge and infrastructure.
Security Concerns: The risk of hacking and fraud remains a significant concern for businesses handling crypto transactions.

While some companies are experimenting with crypto for specific use cases, such as cross-border payments to regions with limited banking infrastructure, the overall adoption rate remains low.The perceived risks and challenges outweigh the potential benefits for many B2B organizations.

Consider this example: A software development company in Europe outsources coding work to freelancers in South America. In a global economy that never sleeps, cross border payments are the fuel that keeps the engine running. Last year, the B2B cross border payments market hit $31.6 trillion. That figure is projected to grow 58% to reach $50 trillion by 2025, underscoring just how vital cross border transactions are to businesses, economies and communities aroundWhile crypto could theoretically offer a faster and cheaper way to pay these freelancers, the company may be hesitant to adopt crypto due to concerns about volatility and the lack of familiarity with crypto wallets among their freelancers.The company may instead opt for traditional wire transfers, despite the higher fees and longer processing times.

The Allure of Crypto for Cross-Border Payments

Despite the overall skepticism, a segment of B2B firms recognizes the potential advantages of using cryptocurrency for cross-border payments. Increased need for cross-border payments will fuel the adoption of cryptocurrency, according to 43.6% of the survey participants. Cross-border payments are made very convenient by cryptocurrencies. Businesses that need to make international payments are more likely to adopt cryptocurrency.Some surveys indicate that a significant percentage of companies are already using crypto for this purpose, citing benefits such as:

Faster Processing Times: Crypto transactions can often be processed much faster than traditional wire transfers, especially for payments to remote or underserved regions.
Lower Transaction Fees: Crypto transaction fees can be significantly lower than those charged by banks for international wire transfers.
Increased Transparency: Blockchain technology provides a transparent and auditable record of all crypto transactions, reducing the risk of fraud and errors.
Accessibility: Crypto can provide access to financial services for businesses and individuals in regions with limited banking infrastructure.

For example, a global e-commerce company may use crypto to pay suppliers in developing countries where traditional banking systems are unreliable or expensive. Business-to-business commerce has stayed away from adopting cryptocurrency payments so far due to alleged lack of convenience, a new survey suggests. 0. NEWS.Crypto can provide a faster, cheaper, and more transparent way to send payments, enabling the company to build stronger relationships with its suppliers and expand its reach into new markets.

Traditional Banking vs.Cryptocurrency: A Head-to-Head Comparison

The world of cross-border payments has long been dominated by traditional banking systems.These established networks have the infrastructure and trust built over decades, but they also come with inherent limitations.Let's compare the pros and cons of each approach:

Traditional Banking Systems

Pros:

Established infrastructure and global reach
Familiar and well-understood processes
Strong regulatory oversight and compliance

Cons:

Slow processing times, often taking days to complete
High transaction fees, especially for smaller payments
Lack of transparency and traceability
Cumbersome compliance requirements

Cryptocurrency

Pros:

Faster processing times, often completed within minutes or hours
Lower transaction fees, especially for larger payments
Increased transparency and traceability
Potential for decentralized and censorship-resistant payments

Cons:

Volatility in cryptocurrency values
Regulatory uncertainty and compliance challenges
Security risks, including hacking and fraud
Limited adoption and acceptance among businesses and consumers

The choice between traditional banking and cryptocurrency depends on the specific needs and priorities of the B2B firm.For companies that prioritize stability and regulatory compliance, traditional banking may be the preferred option.However, for those seeking faster, cheaper, and more transparent payments, cryptocurrency may offer a compelling alternative.

Virtual Cards: A Middle Ground?

While cryptocurrency adoption remains limited, many B2B firms are exploring virtual card solutions for cross-border payments. Only 2% of B2B firms have adopted crypto payments so far, while 59% indicated no intention to accept it, one survey says. Skip to content Call NowVirtual cards offer a convenient and secure way to make international purchases without exposing sensitive credit card information. Related: Bitcoin Suisse to enable Lightning Network payments. While the majority of B2B firms are apparently not yet ready to adopt crypto payments, such companies reportedly face a significant demand for virtual card and cross-border payments, with 64% and 62% of respondents exploring or adopting these areas, respectively.They provide a middle ground between traditional banking and cryptocurrency, offering some of the benefits of both without the associated risks and challenges.

Virtual cards are essentially digital credit cards that can be used for online transactions. Cryptocurrencies appear to be far from ready for business-to-business (B2B) commerce so far due to factors like lack of convenience, a new survey suggests.According to a joint survey by payment-related startups Invoiced and PaymentsNEXT, 59% of B2B respondents are not open to the idea of accepting cryptocurrency as aThey can be generated on demand and configured with specific spending limits, expiration dates, and merchant restrictions. Yet the core infrastructure supporting cross-border payments is struggling to keep up with rising standards around settlement time and transparency concerns. Traditional banking systems have been the backbone of international payments, handling 92% of global B2B cross-border payment ﬂows that occurred in 2025. Currently, banks andThis provides greater control and security over cross-border payments, reducing the risk of fraud and unauthorized spending.

Consider a marketing agency that needs to purchase advertising space on international websites.Instead of using a physical credit card, the agency can generate a virtual card with a specific spending limit and expiration date. According to a recent survey, 44% of corporate respondents are also using crypto for B2B payments, including cross border. 2 Ninety percent of the participants said they use the digital currency for cross-border payments, while 65% use it for vendor remittances. 3 Cross-border B2B payments are expected to reach over $56 trillion by 2025. 4This protects the agency's credit card information and prevents unauthorized charges.

Overcoming Skepticism and Fostering Crypto Adoption

Despite the current skepticism, there are steps that can be taken to overcome the barriers to cryptocurrency adoption in the B2B sector.These include:

Regulatory Clarity: Governments and regulatory bodies need to provide clear and consistent guidelines for crypto adoption, addressing concerns about compliance and security.
Education and Awareness: Businesses need to be educated about the benefits and risks of using crypto for cross-border payments, helping them make informed decisions.
Technological Advancements: Continued development of user-friendly crypto wallets and payment platforms can make it easier for businesses to adopt crypto.
Industry Collaboration: Collaboration between banks, fintech companies, and crypto exchanges can help create a more integrated and seamless cross-border payment ecosystem.

For example, industry associations could develop best practices for using crypto in B2B transactions, addressing issues such as volatility management, security protocols, and compliance requirements.This would provide businesses with a trusted framework for adopting crypto and reduce the perceived risks.

Addressing Volatility Concerns

One of the biggest concerns about using crypto for B2B payments is the volatility of cryptocurrency values.Businesses can mitigate this risk by using stablecoins, which are cryptocurrencies pegged to the value of a stable asset such as the US dollar.Stablecoins provide the benefits of crypto, such as faster processing times and lower fees, without the volatility risk.

Another strategy is to use crypto payment platforms that offer hedging tools, allowing businesses to lock in a specific exchange rate for a future transaction.This protects them from fluctuations in cryptocurrency values and provides greater certainty over payment amounts.

The Future of Cross-Border Payments

The future of cross-border payments is likely to be a hybrid approach, combining the strengths of traditional banking systems with the innovation of cryptocurrency and virtual card solutions.Traditional banks will continue to play a vital role in facilitating international transactions, but they will need to adapt to the changing landscape and embrace new technologies to remain competitive.Crypto and virtual cards will likely gain wider acceptance as regulatory clarity improves, technology advances, and businesses become more familiar with these solutions.

The key to success will be creating a seamless and integrated ecosystem that offers businesses a range of options for cross-border payments, allowing them to choose the solution that best meets their specific needs and priorities.This ecosystem will need to be secure, transparent, and compliant with all relevant regulations.

Actionable Steps for B2B Firms

Here are some actionable steps that B2B firms can take to evaluate and potentially adopt new cross-border payment solutions:

Assess your current cross-border payment needs: Analyze your current transaction volumes, payment destinations, and associated costs.Identify areas where improvements can be made.
Research alternative payment solutions: Explore different options such as virtual cards, stablecoins, and crypto payment platforms.Compare their features, fees, and security protocols.
Conduct a pilot program: Start with a small-scale pilot program to test the feasibility and effectiveness of new payment solutions.Monitor the results closely and gather feedback from stakeholders.
Develop a comprehensive risk management plan: Identify and assess the risks associated with adopting new payment solutions, such as volatility, security, and compliance.Develop mitigation strategies to address these risks.
Stay informed about regulatory developments: Keep abreast of changes in regulations and laws related to cross-border payments and cryptocurrency.Ensure that your payment solutions are compliant with all applicable regulations.

Common Questions About B2B Cross-Border Payments and Crypto

Q: What are the biggest challenges with traditional cross-border payments?

A: Slow processing times, high transaction fees, lack of transparency, and cumbersome compliance requirements are among the biggest challenges.

Q: Is cryptocurrency a viable solution for B2B cross-border payments?

A: Cryptocurrency offers potential benefits such as faster processing times and lower fees, but it also comes with risks such as volatility and regulatory uncertainty.It may be a viable solution for some B2B firms, but not for others.

Q: What are stablecoins and how can they help mitigate volatility risk?

A: Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies pegged to the value of a stable asset such as the US dollar.They provide the benefits of crypto without the volatility risk.

Q: What are virtual cards and how can they improve cross-border payment security?

A: Virtual cards are digital credit cards that can be generated on demand and configured with specific spending limits and expiration dates.They provide greater control and security over cross-border payments.

Conclusion

The landscape of B2B cross-border payments is undergoing a period of significant transformation.While the demand for faster, cheaper, and more transparent solutions is undeniable, the adoption of cryptocurrency remains uneven.Businesses are understandably cautious, weighing the potential benefits against the perceived risks and challenges.As regulatory clarity improves, technology advances, and awareness grows, we can expect to see a gradual increase in crypto adoption in the B2B sector.In the meantime, virtual cards and other innovative solutions offer a promising middle ground, providing a more secure and efficient way to make international payments.The key takeaway is that B2B firms need to carefully assess their needs, explore their options, and develop a risk management plan before adopting any new payment solution.The future of cross-border payments is likely to be a hybrid approach, combining the best of traditional banking, cryptocurrency, and other emerging technologies.