2017 Electronic Payments Report

This report examines the ongoing transition from paper-based payments to electronic methods in business-to-business transactions. Based on survey data from finance and treasury professionals, the research quantifies adoption rates for ACH, virtual cards, wire transfers, and emerging payment technologies.

Payment Method Trends

• Check usage continued its steady decline, though many organizations still relied on paper for a significant portion of supplier payments
• Virtual card programs showed the highest growth rate among electronic payment methods
• ACH payments gained share as more suppliers accepted electronic remittance
• Cross-border payment complexity remained a barrier to full electronic adoption

Barriers to Electronic Adoption

Despite clear cost advantages, the transition to electronic payments faces persistent challenges. Supplier enablement, payment file formatting requirements, and internal process changes all contribute to slower-than-expected adoption curves. The report provides actionable strategies for accelerating electronic payment programs.

The Business Case

Organizations that successfully transition to electronic payments typically realize savings of $4-8 per payment compared to check-based processes. Beyond direct cost savings, electronic payments improve cash flow visibility, reduce fraud risk, and enable better working capital management through payment timing optimization.

As digital payment infrastructure continues to evolve, understanding these trends is valuable for professionals across financial services and corporate finance.