For small businesses purchasing goods abroad, choosing a payment provider has become less about habit and more about finding the right tool for the job.
the PYMNTS INTELLIGENCE a report “The cross-border opportunity: How payments innovation can help SMEs go global“I found that while traditional banks remain the dominant providers of international payments, fintech companies are steadily expanding their role by combining faster digital experiences with services designed for businesses navigating global commerce. Rather than replacing banks, many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) appear to be building a broader payments toolkit as international trade becomes more common.
Among internationally active U.S. SMBs, satisfaction with payment providers remains high in nearly every category. Fintech companies stand out through a combination of strong customer ratings and increased adoption, suggesting that companies value service providers who can simplify what has traditionally been a complex process.
Key findings:
- For cross-border transactions in 2026, 36% of internationally active SMEs expect to use fintech or payment service providers, up from 30% who did in 2025.
- The proportion of SMEs using fintech payment providers who rated their experience as good was 91%, making it one of the highest rated categories in the study.
- This year, 69% of SMEs expect to use traditional banks for cross-border payments, compared to 64% who relied on them in 2025, showing that banks continue to play the leading role even as businesses expand their options.
The report also showed that companies are becoming more willing to match different service providers to different needs. Accounting platforms with payment capabilities are expected to grow from 26% to 29%, while stablecoin and cryptocurrency platforms are expected to increase from 11% to 17%. Traditional money transfer companies remain an important part of the ecosystem, although expected usage is down slightly.
Taken together, the results indicate that cross-border payments are entering a new phase. Instead of looking for one provider that can do it all, SMEs are assembling payment strategies that combine the reach of banks with the flexibility of new digital providers.
As international sourcing continues to expand, a broader mix of payment options can make it easier for small businesses to compete in global markets.
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