When evaluating an AP automation solution, many businesses are drawn to providers boasting large supplier networks—but does bigger really mean better?

Some platforms promote their supplier network as a major selling point, claiming it leads to faster payments and easier vendor onboarding. However, the reality isn’t that simple. A large supplier network does not guarantee that vendors will actually accept digital payments, nor does it mean payments are processed more efficiently.

At PaperTrl, we take a different approach—one that prioritizes real vendor engagement, faster adoption, and more payment flexibility over simply touting numbers. Here’s why a tailored, vendor-first strategy beats a massive but impersonal supplier network every time.

1. The Myth of “Plug-and-Play” Supplier Networks

Many AP automation providers present their supplier network as a ready-to-use ecosystem where vendors are already enabled and accepting digital payments. In reality, even if a vendor is technically “in the network,” it doesn’t mean they are fully onboarded or actively participating.

Here’s what businesses often find when relying on a large, pre-existing network:

  • Suppliers still require manual outreach to confirm payment preferences.
  • Many vendors still prefer checks and won’t switch without direct engagement.
  • Virtual card resistance—vendors reject cards due to processing fees.

Simply put, a large supplier network doesn’t mean instant enablement. It just means the AP provider has a database of vendors—many of whom may not even be aware they’re part of the network.

PaperTrl’s Approach: Supplier Enablement Requires More Than Just Being “In the Network

Vendor adoption is the key to a successful AP automation strategy. While some providers rely heavily on the size of their network, PaperTrl focuses on direct supplier engagement to maximize real adoption.

Our Vendor Enablement Process:

  • Proactive Outreach: We don’t assume vendors will onboard themselves—we engage them with personalized outreach campaigns.
  • Multiple Payment Options: Unlike providers that push virtual cards to maximize revenue, we let vendors choose their preferred payment method (ACH, check, or virtual card).
  • Secure Self-Service Portal: Vendors can easily update their banking details without unnecessary back-and-forth.

Instead of just saying “we have X number of vendors,” we actively help businesses convert their suppliers to digital payments faster.

2. The Hidden Costs of Virtual Cards and ACH Offerings with Withheld Fees

Many AP automation providers emphasize virtual cards and alternative ACH payment models as the best way to streamline vendor payments. While these solutions can offer benefits, they often come with hidden costs for suppliers that can create friction in vendor adoption.

Virtual Cards: Higher Fees, But Added Protections

Some providers prioritize virtual card adoption because they generate revenue through interchange fees. However, virtual cards do offer certain benefits that can justify their processing fees:

  • Buyers get credit card protections—such as fraud prevention, chargebacks, and detailed transaction tracking.
  • Vendors receive funds faster—once a virtual card is processed, the payment is typically settled within 24-48 hours.

The challenge? Many vendors still resist virtual cards.

  • Processing fees cut into their margins—suppliers may lose 2-3% of their payment.
  • Some industries don’t support card payments—especially those with thin margins.
  • Manual reconciliation headaches—virtual cards require additional processing steps.

Because of these factors, businesses often find that only a portion of their vendors will accept virtual cards, while many push back in favor of ACH or checks.

ACH with Withheld Fees: Extra Cost, No Added Benefit

A newer trend in AP automation is offering “faster ACH payments” in exchange for a processing fee. Under these models, vendors can receive ACH payments more quickly, but a portion of the payment is withheld as a fee, or they may be charged extra for “enhanced” remittance data that should already be included at no cost.

Unlike virtual cards—where the processing fees come with protections and near-instant settlement—these ACH models offer no added security or speed guarantees beyond what ACH already provides. Instead, they simply take a cut of the supplier’s payment.

The problem? Vendors are essentially paying to get paid.

  • A portion of the supplier’s revenue is taken out before they even receive payment.
  • Smaller vendors may reject these fees, forcing businesses to revert to paper checks.
  • Payment transparency is reduced when fees and withheld amounts aren’t clearly communicated.

PaperTrl’s Approach: No Hidden Fees, No Forced Payment Methods

At PaperTrl, we believe suppliers shouldn’t be forced into a payment method that cuts into their revenue. That’s why we offer:

  • True payment choice—vendors can select ACH, check, or virtual card based on their actual preference.
  • No ACH deduction fees—vendors receive their full payment amount without hidden processing costs.
  • No extra charges for remittance details—our platform provides CTX-level remittance data at no extra cost.

Businesses shouldn’t have to deal with vendors rejecting payment methods because of hidden fees. PaperTrl prioritizes transparency, flexibility, and vendor-friendly payment processes that strengthen relationships rather than create friction.

3. Payments Without Delays: No Pre-Funding, No Middleman

Another common frustration with large supplier networks is that payments aren’t actually faster—especially when pre-funding is required.

With many AP platforms, businesses must pre-fund their payments, meaning they have to move money into the system before payments are made. This can create:

  • Delays in vendor payments if funds aren’t transferred in time.
  • Cash flow constraints as businesses have to fund payments earlier than necessary.

PaperTrl’s Approach: How PaperTrl Puts You in Control

  • No pre-funding required—payments come directly from your bank when you schedule them.
  • No middleman holding funds—you maintain control over your cash flow.
  • Vendors get paid faster because there’s no waiting for funds to be released.

We believe businesses should control when and how their vendors are paid—not a third-party AP provider.

Real Enablement Beats Big Networks

If you’re evaluating an AP automation provider, don’t just look at the size of their supplier network—look at how they actually enable suppliers to get paid faster.

At PaperTrl, we focus on:

  • Real vendor adoption instead of just listing names in a database.
  • Direct supplier outreach to drive faster onboarding.
  • Flexible payment options that vendors actually want.
  • Payments directly from your bank—no delays, no pre-funding.

Bigger isn’t always better. Faster, more transparent, and more vendor-friendly wins every time.

Ready to simplify vendor payments—without unnecessary delays?

Contact us today to see how PaperTrl can transform your AP process.