For small businesses buying goods overseas, choosing a payment provider is becoming less about habit and more about finding the right tool for the job.
The PYMNTS Intelligence report “The Cross-Border Opportunity: How Payments Innovation Can Help SMBs Go Global” found that while traditional banks remain the dominant provider for international payments, FinTech companies are steadily expanding their role by combining faster digital experiences with services designed for businesses navigating global trade. Rather than replacing banks, many small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) appear to be building a broader payments toolkit as international commerce becomes more common.
Among internationally active SMBs in the United States, satisfaction with payment providers remains high across nearly every category. FinTech firms stand out by pairing strong customer ratings with rising adoption, suggesting that businesses value providers that can simplify what has traditionally been a complicated process.
Key findings:
- For cross-border transactions in 2026, 36% of internationally active SMBs expect to use FinTechs or payment providers, up from 30% that used them in 2025.
- The share of SMBs using FinTech payment providers that rated their experience as good was 91%, making them one of the highest-rated categories in the study.
- This year, 69% of SMBs expect to use traditional banks for cross-border payments, compared with 64% that relied on them in 2025, showing that banks continue to play the leading role even as businesses broaden their options.
The report also showed that businesses are becoming more willing to match different providers to different needs. Accounting platforms with payment capabilities are projected to grow from 26% to 29% adoption, while stablecoin and cryptocurrency platforms are expected to increase from 11% to 17%. Traditional money transfer operators remain an important part of the ecosystem, although projected usage edged down slightly.
Taken together, the findings suggested that cross-border payments are entering a new phase. Instead of searching for a single provider that can do everything, SMBs are assembling payment strategies that combine the reach of banks with the flexibility of newer digital providers.
As international sourcing continues to expand, the broader mix of payment options could make it easier for small businesses to compete in global markets.
At PYMNTS Intelligence, we work with businesses to uncover insights that fuel intelligent, data-driven discussions on changing customer expectations, a more connected economy and the strategic shifts necessary to achieve outcomes. With rigorous research methodologies and unwavering commitment to objective quality, we offer trusted data to grow your business. As our partner, you’ll have access to our diverse team of PhDs, researchers, data analysts, number crunchers, subject matter veterans and editorial experts.