Whether you operate a B2B marketplace or run a SaaS platform, payments are no longer just a back-office function. They are a core part of the customer experience, cash flow strategy, and compliance posture.
Modern platforms must support complex transactions, automation, and flexibility while aligning with how customers expect to buy.
Below are the payment features that matter most today, broken down by B2B needs, SaaS needs, and the shared capabilities that benefit both.
What B2B marketplaces require
B2B sellers typically handle high-value transactions, longer buying cycles, and multiple parties on each deal. To support this sales model, payment infrastructure must go beyond basic invoicing.
Net terms and trade credit
Business buyers often expect the ability to buy now and pay later. Supporting net terms or third-party trade credit allows you to close deals faster while still getting paid promptly.
Split payments and automated payouts
Marketplaces frequently need to collect funds once, take a platform fee, and distribute the remainder to vendors. Automated payouts simplify this process and reduce reconciliation errors.
Escrow-style payment flows
Holding funds until delivery is confirmed builds trust between buyers and sellers. Digital escrow functionality supports this without manual intervention.
Real-time bank payments and virtual cards
Modern bank-based payments and single-use virtual cards give buyers greater control and improve cash flow timing across the marketplace.
Features SaaS vendors depend on
SaaS companies focus on long-term customer value rather than one-time transactions. Payments must support retention, expansion, and predictable revenue.
Recurring billing and hybrid pricing
The ability to accept recurring payments is foundational. Advanced platforms support flat-rate subscriptions, usage-based pricing, and hybrid combinations in one system.
Automated dunning and revenue recovery
Failed payments are a leading cause of involuntary churn. Smart retry logic and automated reminders improve recovery without manual outreach.
Entitlement and access management
Payments should connect directly to product access. When a subscription tier changes or a payment fails, permissions can update automatically.
Tax automation at checkout
Handling sales tax and VAT across jurisdictions manually is risky and inefficient. Built-in tax calculation and reporting reduce compliance burden as you scale.
Shared payment features both models need
Despite different buying motions, B2B and SaaS companies benefit from several overlapping capabilities.
Embedded payments
Customers expect to complete transactions without leaving your platform. Embedded payments reduce friction and improve conversion regardless of the sales model.
Advanced fraud detection
High transaction values and global reach increase risk. Real-time monitoring and adaptive fraud tools protect revenue and customer trust.
Multi-currency support
Selling internationally requires the ability to accept payments in local currencies and settle efficiently without excessive international exchange costs.
Accounting and ERP integrations
Direct synchronization with accounting systems eliminates manual reconciliation and provides real-time financial visibility.
Why payment features matter to your growth
Choosing the right payment processing option is no longer optional. The features you support influence how quickly deals close, how reliably you collect revenue, and how scalable your operations become.
Whether you are optimizing a B2B marketplace or refining a SaaS subscription engine, aligning your payments infrastructure with your sales model positions your business to grow efficiently in an increasingly competitive landscape.
North is a leading financial technology company that builds innovative, frictionless end-to-end payment solutions designed to simplify and grow businesses of all sizes. From the front door, to the back office, the developer world, and partnerships that expand the payments landscape, North offers proactive, comprehensive merchant services, in-house processing, and more.
