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WEX 2026 Business Payments Report
Modernization of B2B payment: An evolution is underway
B2B payments have reached a turning point. Don’t let fragmentation hold you back.
- 91% of organizations use 2 or more payment platforms—it’s time to consolidate.
- Manual processes amplify the need for automation, accuracy, and real-time visibility.
- Leading companies treat payments as a competitive advantage—accelerate your digital adoption.
Q&A
What role do virtual cards play in business payments?
Virtual cards give businesses a way to make payments without relying on a reusable card number. A unique number can be generated for an individual transaction, while finance teams can set controls around where and how funds are spent. Virtual cards can also provide greater visibility into transactions and may offer rebates on eligible supplier payments.
What makes virtual cards a safer way to pay?
Each virtual card can be assigned a specific transaction, supplier, amount, or other spending parameters. Because the number isn’t intended for repeated use, there’s less opportunity for compromised payment credentials to be reused. Finance teams can also use controls such as spending limits and supplier restrictions to add another layer of protection.
What makes paper checks vulnerable to fraud?
A paper check contains sensitive banking information, including the account and routing numbers associated with the payment. That information can potentially be used in fraudulent transactions. Check fraud can also create a significant administrative burden, from investigating unauthorized payments to issuing stop-payments and replacing compromised accounts or checks.
How widespread is payment fraud among U.S. companies?
Payment fraud remains a significant concern for U.S. organizations. The 2026 AFP Payments Fraud and Control Survey found that 76% of U.S. organizations experienced attempted or actual payments fraud in 2025.
What factors affect the time it takes to enable suppliers?
Supplier enablement timelines depend on factors such as how suppliers prefer to receive payments, their readiness to adopt a new payment method, and the outreach process used by the payment provider. A dedicated enablement team can manage supplier communications and follow-up, helping businesses move through the process more efficiently.
Will every supplier accept virtual card payments?
Not every supplier will be ready to accept virtual cards right away. Supplier enablement teams can prioritize suppliers that are most likely to accept card payments, then provide additional outreach and support to help other suppliers make the transition.
What does it typically cost to process an invoice?
The cost varies from one organization to another, but Ardent Partners’ 2025 Accounts Payable Metrics That Matter report puts the average cost at $9.40 per invoice. Organizations with best-in-class AP operations reported a much lower average of $2.78 per invoice.