How Smart SMBs Make Cross-Border Payments Work for Them
Successful SMBs aren’t waiting for global customers to find them. They’re reaching across borders and making it easier to buy. Their secret? Payment systems built for a worldwide audience.
From smoother eCommerce checkouts to more efficient B2B transactions, the right cross-border tech can help turn a local business into a global contender.
Turning online carts into global revenue streams
The global cross-border eCommerce market is projected to reach $3.37 trillion by 2028.1 However, without the rightpayment infrastructure, businesses may struggle to attract and retain international customers.
Integrating cross-border payment solutions into eCommerce platforms can help eliminate global barriers, making it easier for businesses to accept diverse payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, account-to-account (A2A) transfers, and digital wallets.1 For instance, automatic currency conversion ensures a smoother online checkout process, allowing international shoppers to see prices in their local currency and pay without confusion.
Additionally, cross-border payment solutions are becoming more secure thanks to AI.2 Advanced security measures, including AI-driven fraud detection, help enhance consumer trust by providing a safer online shopping experience.
SMBs that adopt these technologies may be able to expand their reach, tapping into new markets and driving globalsales growth.
Winning over the world’s travelers—one transaction at a time
Tourism is a significant revenue stream for many SMBs, whether they operate hotels, restaurants, retail shops, or transit solutions. Tourists often prefer using their local payment methods when traveling abroad, and failing to accept those methods could mean missing out on revenue.
Cross-border payment solutions, such as D-PAS from Discover® Network, help enable businesses to accept popular international payment methods like Alipay or WeChat Pay.3 Offering multi-currency acceptance can reduce purchase abandonment, as consumers are more likely to complete transactions when they can use familiar payment methods and currencies.2 More seamless payment options create a welcoming experience for tourists, boosting customer satisfaction
and encouraging repeat visits.4
To help ensure smoother transactions, payment systems must work in harmony. Initiatives like the SWIFT GPI (Global Payments Innovation) are standardizing processes and fostering collaboration between banks and payment providers worldwide, making cross-border payments simpler and faster.3
SMBs that cater to international travelers with cross-border payment technology can attract more foot traffic and stand out in competitive markets.
From purchase order to payment—faster, smarter, borderless
According to EY’s Beyond Borders report, B2B cross-border payments represent the largest share of the global market—totaling approximately US $183.5 trillion, far exceeding consumer or remittance volumes.1 For SMBs sourcing materials or services from global vendors, efficient payment solutions are essential.
Innovations like digital currencies, Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), and tokenization are transforming B2B payments, making them more secure and programmable.1 Smart contracts with conditional transactions can automate processes, ensuring payments are only released when agreed-upon conditions are met.1
Now is the time to go global
Cross-border payment technology is rapidly evolving, driven by consumer demand and the need for businesses to operate globally. SMBs that embrace these solutions now can help set themselves up for sustained success in a world that is becoming more interconnected every day.
Discover Network and Diners Club International® provide a range of payment solutions tailored to help businesses thrive in the global marketplace. From contactless payments to more secure eCommerce integrations, there’s a solution for your business needs.
Explore our offerings to find the right fit for your business and take the first step toward unlocking global growth.
- EY. Beyond borders: capturing growth in the dynamic cross-border payments market. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
- Rathor, R. (2024, September 30). Cross-Border Payments: Challenges and Opportunities for Businesses. Finextra Research. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
- Ayade, P. (2024, May 23). The Rise of Cross-Border Digital Payments. Global Fintech Series. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
- Discover Network. How Tourists Are Paying in 2025. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
The information provided herein is sponsored by Discover® Network. It is intended for informational purposes, and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice.