Discover How Payment Processes Propel Business Growth: Latest Amex Study

Paying the Price? How 2025 Businesses Can Supercharge Growth With Smart Payments

In a world where every tick‑to‑tack of the market matters, a fresh American Express study shows that almost 8 out of 10 businesses are ready to give their payment processes a makeover. And over a third are doing it as the secret sauce for their growth plans.

What the Numbers Reveal

78% (8 in 10) say they’ll improve payments next year.
39% (almost two‑fifths) are lining it up with their growth strategy.
When payments run smoothly, 94% of decision makers feel customers stay happy.
And 89% believe that slick payments fuel business expansion.

Why Sloppy Payments Break Bonds

Let’s face it—late or sluggish payments are the most common reason companies decide to walk away from a partner. 30% of respondents admit this issue has led them to stop working with a vendor.

And a single fraud incident can shake trust big time: 79% say it dents buyer relations, 80% say it hurts ties with suppliers.

Turning Time Into Treasure

Nearly one in four (27%) feels stuck in the payment‑management maze. 28% even confess that they’d sleep better without worrying if invoices hit on time.

Automation promises a solid lift: 49% say faster payments, 34% point to fewer errors, and 25% celebrate the time they can spend on smarter stuff.

Automating: The Gaps and the Gains

Only 1 in 7 of businesses have fully automated their payment processes.
Equally, 1 in 7 have not automated at all.
Cost and security are the headline worries keeping companies from full automation.

Industry Voice

“Optimised payments are key to strong commercial relationships and overall business success,” cautions Craig Barclay, Vice President, Commercial at American Express.
He adds, “While it can feel like a daunting task to overhaul payment processes, the reality is that the time and cost to automate can be less than expected – and they pay off both short‑ and long‑term.”