We’ve all heard the broad strokes about Gen Z: digital natives, payment innovators and champions of immediacy. But the real story about this generation isn’t just their tech-savviness — it’s in the questions they’re asking. As they enter the workforce, they’re bringing expectations for seamless, purpose-driven interactions into business-to-business spaces, forcing businesses to adapt to their digital-first mindset.

For Gen Z, payments go beyond speed — they reflect values, transparency and purpose. They’re rewriting the rules, pushing B2B payments to evolve technically and philosophically, fundamentally changing how businesses connect.

Gen Z looks beyond products and prices when choosing business partners — they want companies that share their values. Based on Billtrust research, about two-thirds of Gen Zers think better of brands that embrace modern payment methods. Offering innovative payment options isn’t just convenience — it’s becoming a make-or-break factor in building business relationships.

Consumer payments have already felt this shift, with Gen Z driving innovations like mobile wallets and Buy Now, Pay Later. Those same expectations are now reshaping B2B payments, demanding a similar focus on speed, transparency and values alignment. Payment platforms must reflect broader commitments to accountability and fairness. Are suppliers paid on time? Do systems offer transparency to underrepresented vendors? Are they fostering collaboration rather than exploitation in supply chains? These are no longer fringe considerations—they’re table stakes.

The message is clear: payments are no longer just transactional. They’re ethical statements. Businesses that align with these values will gain Gen Z’s trust and stand out in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Gen Z’s biggest disruption comes from their disdain for inefficiency and unnecessary intermediaries. What really sets them apart? They grew up with Venmo and PayPal — platforms that cut out the middlemen — so imagine a Gen Z decision-maker’s surprise when confronted with the endless approvals, hidden fees and frustrating delays that still dominate B2B payments. They’re questioning why these bottlenecks exist at all.

Why should a vendor in 2025 wait 30 days for payment when real-time systems could close the gap to 30 seconds? This demands eliminating archaic, siloed systems that persist through inertia.

Companies that streamline payments while maintaining rigorous controls will win this generation’s loyalty. Those clinging to ‘the way it’s always been done” will find themselves left behind.

To Gen Z, flexible payment options show you respect your partners. When you offer immediate payment to small businesses or installment plans to growing startups, you’re not just being accommodating. You are doing what’s right.

This generation is also shifting the narrative around credit and risk. They view credit not as a privilege bestowed by institutions but as a tool for empowerment. The rise of Buy Now, Pay Later signals a deeper expectation: payment flexibility as a shared responsibility between buyer and seller.

For B2B businesses, this means rethinking credit terms and financing structures. It’s no longer just about competitive rates, but crafting solutions that adapt to the financial realities of diverse partners. Companies that succeed here will optimize for empathy as much as profitability.

Gen Z thrives on data — provided it’s transparent and actionable. When it comes to payments, they’re asking: Why is this invoice delayed? What’s the real cost of these transaction fees?

This hunger for information underscores their need for trust. Payment systems that provide real-time visibility into payment status, processing times and costs are non-negotiable. But transparency alone isn’t enough. Businesses must also use data responsibly and collaboratively. Payment data serves as a tool for identifying inefficiencies, forecasting cash flow, and strengthening relationships. Companies that leverage these insights to create shared value will gain a competitive edge.

For too long, payments have been relegated to the background — a cost of doing business. But in the hands of Gen Z, payments are becoming a strategic differentiator. This generation sees payments as a test of a company’s commitment to the future.

Companies that integrate transparency into every transaction, eliminate inefficiencies that signal indifference and treat payments as opportunities to align values — not just balance sheets — will win Gen Z’s trust. They’re redefining what it means to build trust in business. Those unwilling to adapt shouldn’t be surprised when Gen Z chooses partners who will.