American Express Buyer Initiated Payments is an automated web portal that lets buyers quickly and efficiently schedule payments to suppliers. It can integrate easily into your Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software without disrupting your existing Accounts Payable (AP) process.

Buyer Initiated Payments can have benefits for buyers and suppliers. For buyers, it can extend Days Payable Outstanding (DPO) by up to 58 days, offering more cash-flow flexibility to help manage business operations. It can also help streamline Accounts Payable processes by consolidating the bulk of supplier payments into one easy-to-use online platform and improve relationships with suppliers by helping ensure that they’re paid on time or early—which can also allow buyers to take advantage of early-savings discounts. For suppliers, a BIP Account can help reduce Days Sales Outstanding (DSO), which may help increase liquidity by creating more cash-on-hand.

With BIP, processing costs can be assumed by the buyer or the supplier—or shared between them.

An American Express BIP programme can help buyers save by reducing administrative costs associated with managing multiple payment platforms, helping ensure compliance with company payment policies, and creating visibility into spending. Accelerating payments to suppliers can also let you take advantage of early payment discounts and create a strong position to negotiate volume payment incentives.