American Express has added new capabilities to its Buyer Initiated Payments (BIP) offering, including a new B2B payment feature and automated invoice reporting.
The company said the updates are intended to improve the “B2B payments experience” for buyers and suppliers.
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BIP allows buyers to initiate electronic payments to suppliers as an alternative to paper checks and ACH.
The product uses American Express’ direct relationships with suppliers to support working capital flexibility for both parties.
The latest update includes BIP Connect, which links eligible BIP customers to the B2B payment network Paymode through a partnership with Bottomline.
American Express Global Commercial Services Products executive vice president Eva Reda said: “We know our business customers are looking for simple and seamless ways to pay their suppliers. That’s why we’re building on BIP’s strong foundation of payments automation and working capital flexibility with innovations that make it even stronger.
“With BIP Connect, we’re combining the strengths of American Express and Bottomline to accelerate supplier onboarding and provide seamless access to one of the largest supplier networks in the US. We’re also creating a better payments experience for buyers and suppliers by delivering capabilities that can help drive more on-time payments.”
American Express said BIP Connect will enable eligible BIP customers to connect to Paymode’s network of authenticated and verified suppliers. The company said the feature is designed to streamline supplier onboarding, improve payment efficiency and reduce risk.
Under the model, businesses can initiate payments using an existing American Express BIP account. Suppliers receive funds via Premium ACH through Paymode.
American Express also announced automated invoice reporting capabilities within BIP. The tools will support invoice matching by using data directly from suppliers’ systems. The aim is to improve visibility into invoice status and support accurate and timely payments.
In April, American Express reported a 15% jump in first-quarter 2026 net income to $2.97bn. Earnings per share (EPS) rose 18% year-on-year to $4.28.
