INNOVATION

Unlocking Card Programme Value with Visa BPSP

Across Europe, no two corporates are the same, with huge variations of industry demands, operating models and growth goals. But there is one universal truth that connects them all – payments can directly impact cash flow efficiency¹, business performance and budget control.

Businesses are continuing to manage complex supplier ecosystems that include vendors who do not accept card payments. This can create late payments and inefficiencies for buyers, limit working capital and liquidity flexibility, and push large volumes of B2B payments outside the card ecosystem.

While card-based payments can simplify reconciliation and improve cash flow, these benefits are often limited by suppliers’ lack of card acceptance and a broader misunderstanding of how card payments can support working capital management. Visa found that only 62% of surveyed suppliers in Europe accept cards². Separate data³ found that although just 2% of total B2B payment value is on cards, the PV market in Europe is accelerating, providing an opportunity to expand card usage.

To address this challenge, Visa Europe is launching the Business Payment Solution Provider (BPSP) programme, a structured framework that enables businesses to pay non-card-accepting suppliers using Visa Commercial Cards, while maintaining control, transparency, and compliance across the payment flow.

The BPSP programme brings together corporates, fintech payment providers, issuers and acquirers under a common Visa framework, extending the reach of card payments into areas of B2B spend that were previously difficult to access. It helps strengthen supply-chain resilience by improving working capital management, streamlining payment and data flows, and enabling on-time payments in areas of B2B spend that have historically been difficult to digitise.

What exactly is the BPSP programme?

As more of that growing payment volume becomes accessible to card programmes, issuers unlock measurable revenue growth, buyers can extend payment terms and unlock working capital or even unlock early payment discounts and create efficiency savings.

Playing a quiet but essential role in the payment process

The typical flow works as follows:

• A corporate buyer initiates payment to a supplier using a Visa Commercial Card 
• The transaction is processed via the issuer, acquirer and Visa network 
• The BPSP, acting as merchant of record, receives the card payment 
• The BPSP then pays the supplier using their preferred payment method

From the buyer’s perspective, payments are consolidated into their regular card billing cycle, while the supplier continues to receive funds in the way that suits their business. Sellers do not need to change their acceptance infrastructure to participate.

This structure allows card payments to be used for spend that would otherwise remain outside card rails, creating incremental payments and volumes while preserving a familiar supplier experience.

A clear and governed ecosystem

• BPSPs are not required to be issuers, although some may choose to offer issuing services 
• BPSPs work with an acquirer, either through a partner or, in some cases, as the acquirer themselves 
• Acquirers that support BPSPs must comply with Visa Rules, including registration and certification requirements

All BPSPs are subject to Visa Rules applicable to their role, including specific BPSP provisions covering fees, reporting obligations and change-of-acquirer notifications.

To support oversight and transparency, BPSPs are required to submit both quarterly and annual written reports.

Flexibility, control and peace of mind

This content was developed for a European audience and relates to Visa’s offerings in Europe