Glossary

Understand the key terms in the B2B payments landscape.

A
Account Reconciliation
The process of comparing your internal financial records with bank statements for accurate transactions. Fluid automates this manual task, saving you time and minimizing errors.
Average Order Value (AOV)
The average amount your B2B customers spend per order. Boost your AOV by providing flexible B2B payment options through Fluid.
Auto Debit
A convenient payment method that automatically deducts payments from your customer's bank account on a scheduled date. Fluid supports direct debit for hassle-free recurring payments.
Application Approval
The process of reviewing and approving a credit application from a B2B buyer.
B
B2B
Business-to-business, referring to commercial transactions between two businesses rather than a business and a consumer.
B2B BNPL
B2B Buy Now, Pay Later for businesses. This mode of payment allows businesses to make purchases and pay for them at a later date, often in installments.
B2B Marketplace
An online platform that connects multiple buyers and sellers in the B2B space, facilitating transactions and fostering business relationships. Fluid integrates with various B2B marketplaces.
B2B Payments
The exchange of money between businesses for goods or services. Fluid simplifies and streamlines B2B payments, making them faster, easier, and more secure.
B2B Transactions
The commercial exchanges of goods, services, or information between two businesses.
B2B Payment Methods
The various ways in which businesses can pay for their B2B purchases. Traditional methods include checks, wire transfers, and ACH payments, while modern B2B payment solutions like Fluid offer options like direct debit, SG PayNow, or debit/credit card payments.
B2B Buyers or business buyers/ B2B customers
The purchase of goods or services between businesses.
B2B E-commerce
Online platforms that facilitate the buying and selling of goods or services. Fluid can seamlessly integrate with B2B e-commerce platforms, offering enhanced payment options and streamlined checkout processes to improve the overall buying experience.
C
Cash Flow
The movement of money in and out of your business. Fluid's instant payouts ensure a healthier cash flow management for your business.
Credit Approval
The process of assessing a buyer's creditworthiness and determining whether they qualify for credit terms. Fluid offers instant credit approvals, enabling you to close deals faster.
Credit Checks
The process of evaluating a buyer's financial history and creditworthiness to determine their ability to repay debt. Fluid's advanced algorithms conduct instant credit checks to facilitate informed lending decisions.
Credit Risks
The potential for financial loss due to a buyer's inability to pay their outstanding invoices.
Credit Limit
The maximum sum of credit a buyer is allowed to have outstanding at any given time. Fluid helps you manage credit limits effectively, reducing risk and ensuring responsible lending.
Credit Terms
An agreement between a buyer and seller that enables the buyer to pay for purchases at a later date, usually within a specified timeframe.
Customer Experience
The overall impression and perception that customers have of a business, based on the entire buying or shopping experience.
Customer Base
The group of businesses that regularly purchase goods or services from a B2B company.
Cross-border payments
Also known as international payments, these are financial transactions involving the transfer of money between parties located in different countries.
Customer Loyalty
The ongoing positive relationship between a business and its customers, resulting in repeat business and brand advocacy.
D
Due Date
The date on which a payment for an invoice is due. Fluid's real-time tracking and automated reminders help ensure timely payments and reduce late fees.
Digital Payment Methods
Also referred to as electronic payments, are online payment methods transferring money between businesses, often offering faster and more secure transactions than traditional methods of payments.
E
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)
A software that connects various business processes, like accounting, inventory, and customer relationship management.
Eligibility Criteria
The specific requirements that a B2B buyer must meet to qualify for credit terms or other financing options. These may include factors such as business size, credit history, and financial stability.
F
Flexible Payment Options
The ability to offer your customers various payment methods and terms, such as credit cards, bank transfers, net terms, or installment plans. Fluid provides a range of flexible options to enhance your customers' buying experience.
Flexible Payment Terms
The ability for buyers to choose from a variety of B2B payment options, such as immediate payment, net terms (e.g., 30, 45, or 60 days), or installment plans.
Fraud Risks
The potential for financial loss due to deceptive or illegal activities, such as identity theft, phishing scams, or unauthorized transactions. Fluid employs robust security measures, including KYC checks and encryption, to mitigate fraud risks and safeguard your B2B business.
G
Growth
The expansion and development of a business. Fluid boosts B2B growth by optimizing cash flow with upfront payments, improving customer relationships by having flexible payment options and streamlining operations.
I
Instant Payments
A feature of Fluid that allows you to receive payment for your goods or services immediately, even when offering extended terms to your buyers.
Installment Plans
A payment option that allows buyers to spread the cost of a purchase over a period of time, usually with fixed payments. Fluid offers customizable installment plans to suit your customers' needs.
Invoice
A document that requests payment for goods or services provided. Fluid automates invoice generation and delivery, saving you time and effort.
K
KYC (Know Your Customer)
The process of verifying the identity of a customer to prevent financial fraud and comply with regulations. Fluid conducts KYC checks instantly during the credit approval process.
L
Late Payments
Payments that are made after the due date. Fluid reduces the risk of late payments through our B2B Buy Now, Pay Later solutions.
M
Merchant
A business that accepts payments for goods or services. Fluid helps merchants with the tools to improve cash flow and customer satisfaction.
N
Net Terms
A type of credit term that allows buyers to purchase goods or services within a specific timeframe, such as 30, 45, or 60 days.
O
OTP (One-Time Password)
A temporary password generated for a single login session or transaction to enhance security. Fluid utilizes OTP for added protection during login and critical actions.
Outstanding Invoices
Invoices that have been issued but not yet paid. Fluid provides a clear overview of outstanding invoices, helping you stay on top of your account receivables (AR).
P
Payment Gateway
A technology that securely authorizes payments between a buyer and seller. Fluid integrates with various payment gateways to facilitate online transactions.
Payment Processing
The handling and authorization of payments. Fluid streamlines B2B payment processing through our payment portal, making it faster and more efficient.
Payments Platform
A technological solution that enables businesses to process and manage payments securely and efficiently. Fluid's digital payments platform enables suppliers and buyers to manage their B2B transactions in a flash.
Payment Delays
Instances where payments from B2B buyers are received after the agreed-upon due date.
R
Real-time Tracking
Fluid's portal allows you to monitor the status of your B2B payments and invoices in real-time, providing greater visibility and control over your cash flow.
Reconciliation
The process of matching your internal financial records with bank statements to ensure accuracy. Fluid automates reconciliation, saving you time and reducing errors.
S
Seamless Connection
The ability of a platform to connect with your existing platforms or systems, such as accounting or ERP systems. Fluid seamlessly connects with your existing systems, ensuring smooth data transfer and a streamlined workflow.
Supplier
A business that provides goods or services to another business. Fluid helps suppliers get paid faster and more reliably.
T
Transaction Fees
The fees charged by payment processors for facilitating transactions. Fluid offers transparent transaction fees to help you minimize costs.
U
Underwriting
The evaluation of risk associated with lending to a borrower. Fluid's underwriting process is fast and efficient, enabling quick credit decisions.
Upfront Payments
A portion of the total payment amount that is paid immediately at the time of purchase, with the remaining balance paid later according to the agreed-upon payment terms.
V
Visibility
The ability to see and understand your financial data. Fluid provides real-time visibility into your B2B payments, helping you make informed decisions.
Virtual Card
A digital payment card that is not physically issued but can be used for online transactions.
W
Working Capital
The funds a business needs to operate day-to-day. Fluid's instant payouts can improve your working capital, helping you invest in growth opportunities.