Faster payments are fundamentally changing how commercial banks and credit unions deliver value and differentiate themselves.

By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions .

Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.

This shift extends beyond mere transaction speed; it’s about aligning payment capabilities with the evolving needs of all customers, from individual consumers to large enterprises.

Notably, a strategic focus is sharpening on the business sector, with mid-sized institutions increasingly prioritizing business clients.

The demand for instant payments is particularly pronounced among smaller and mid-sized businesses, PYMNTS Intelligence and The Clearing House found in the report titled “Real-Time Readiness: How Banks Are Innovating Instant Payment Access for Businesses and Consumers.”

Financial institutions that are already real-time ready identify middle-market companies as the group with the most to gain from instant payments (46%), followed closely by small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) at 40%.

The Perks of Instant Payments

One of the most significant benefits of instant payments for business clients, as survey responses from 400 bank and credit union executives told us, is the improved payment tracking capabilities they provide.

For banks that exclusively offer real-time payments to business customers, a substantial 28% highlight enhanced payment tracking as a primary advantage. This figure is considerably higher than for banks serving consumers or both segments, emphasizing the unique value businesses derive from this feature. Instant payments offer a level of operational transparency that traditional methods cannot match, allowing businesses to monitor the exact status and location of funds in real time. This granular visibility is crucial for businesses managing their cash flow and ensuring operational efficiency.

Another critical advantage for business clients is the immediate payment confirmation that instant payments afford. Among financial institutions providing real-time payment options solely to businesses, 28% cite immediate payment confirmation as a major benefit. This significant share clearly indicates the premium that business customers place on certainty and clarity in their transactions. Knowing instantly that a payment has been received and cleared can significantly streamline a business’s operations, facilitate immediate release of goods or services, and improve reconciliation processes.

Finally, instant payments are instrumental in optimizing cash flow management and providing real-time liquidity for business clients, particularly SMBs and mid-market companies. While consumer-focused banks often cite reduced manual processing as a key benefit, business-focused banks see their instant payment services as effective in helping businesses manage their cash flow. The inherent speed and irrevocability of instant payments contribute directly to real-time liquidity, allowing businesses to access funds immediately upon receipt rather than waiting for traditional clearing cycles.

Instant payments also prove to be a powerful tool for commercial banks and credit unions to deliver exceptional value to customers and significantly differentiate themselves in a competitive market. By meeting the distinct needs of business and consumer customers, banks can strengthen customer loyalty and unlock new revenue opportunities in the rapidly evolving real-time economy.

The data clearly indicates that successful instant payment strategies are rooted in intentional, customer-specific planning. Institutions that wisely invest in the right capabilities, moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach, are best positioned to lead and thrive.