The accounts receivable (A/R) department may make collecting international payments look easy, but anyone who’s been involved in cross-border invoice-to-cash (I2C) knows that – behind the scenes – the reality is anything but simple. Payments arrive without remittance details, and short payments are common due to fluctuations in the currency exchange rate or unexpected fees. Even well-meaning customers may struggle to settle their invoices promptly, often because of time zone delays or misaligned communication.
Cross-border transactions are inherently complex, and businesses that rely on outdated or manual processes often face avoidable bottlenecks, higher costs, and increased risk. Below, we explore five common cross-border invoice-to-cash (I2C) mistakes, why they occur, and how to avoid them with the right technology, such as Flywire.
1. Why is manual invoicing a major risk for cross-border payments?
Why this happens
Manual invoicing—often managed through email or spreadsheets—may work for a small customer base, but it quickly becomes unsustainable as international transactions increase in scale. Each cross-border payment involves country-specific regulations, fluctuating exchange rates, and strict Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements. Tracking these manually increases the risk of errors, non-compliance, and delayed cash flow.
Manual processes also create heavy operational overhead. A/R teams spend hours reconciling mismatched records and chasing down missing remittance information, which slows down the entire invoice-to-cash cycle.
How to avoid this mistake
Automate the process. Flywire automates cross-border invoicing and cash application, removing the need for manual reconciliation. Payments are automatically matched to invoices, reducing compliance risks and freeing up accounts receivable (A/R) resources to focus on higher-value work.
2. Are high fees and long settlement times really “just the cost of doing business”?
Why this happens
Many businesses assume that high bank fees, slow settlement periods, and complex reconciliation are simply “the cost of doing business” internationally. Traditional banking relies on multiple intermediary banks, each adding fees, delays, and a lack of transparency.
This outdated infrastructure creates cash flow bottlenecks, makes it harder to forecast working capital, and frustrates customers who expect fast, digital-first payment experiences.
How to avoid this mistake
Use a payment network designed for cross-border transactions. Flywire’s global payment network reduces reliance on costly intermediaries, accelerating settlement times and lowering transaction fees. Finance teams gain real-time visibility into every payment, improving cash flow predictability and control.
3. Why does offering local payment methods and support matter?
Why this happens
Customers are far more likely to delay payment—or remit partial amounts—if they can’t use familiar local methods or if they incur unexpected foreign transaction fees. Payment questions also remain unresolved longer when support isn’t available in the customer’s language or time zone, further delaying payment.
How to avoid this mistake
Meet customers where they are. Flywire supports over 140 currencies and dozens of local payment methods, giving customers a familiar and seamless payment experience. Its multilingual support team operates across multiple time zones, resolving payment questions more quickly and improving on-time payment rates.
4. What happens if your invoice-to-cash process can’t scale as you grow globally?
Why this happens
Many I2C systems work well for domestic or small-scale cross-border payments, but break down under the complexity of global transactions. Scaling into new markets involves handling multi-currency transactions, navigating varying tax regulations, and managing high transaction volumes. Without the proper infrastructure, A/R teams often resort to manual workarounds, which can lead to errors and disruptions in cash flow.
How to avoid this mistake
Choose technology built for global growth. Flywire’s platform is designed for scalability, with built-in AML and KYC compliance, transparent fees, and integrations with ERP and accounting systems. AI-powered reconciliation (CashMatch AI) ensures accuracy, even as payment volumes increase.
5. Can automating a broken process make cross-border payments worse?
Why this happens
Yes—automating an inefficient process can amplify existing problems. Many companies rush to adopt automation without first mapping workflows, identifying bottlenecks, or understanding regional payment requirements. This leads to mismatched payment data, poor customer experiences, and compliance risks.
How to avoid this mistake
Fix the process before you automate it. Flywire helps businesses evaluate and optimize their I2C workflows before implementation. Its platform is designed to complement existing operations, ensuring a smooth transition from manual processes to a fully automated, cross-border invoice-to-cash solution.
Avoid these mistakes with Flywire's cross-border invoice-to-cash solution
Global businesses don’t have to accept delays, inefficiencies, or compliance risks as inevitable. Flywire’s cross-border invoice-to-cash solution is purpose-built to simplify payments, improve cash flow, and deliver a seamless experience for both businesses and their customers.