As B2B (business to business) commerce continues to evolve, businesses are looking for ways to reduce operational costs while improving efficiency and visibility. One of the most impactful opportunities available today is Level 3 Processing, which allows businesses accepting B2B commercial card payments to qualify for lower interchange rates by submitting enhanced transaction data.
BAMS has become an industry leader in helping merchants optimize B2B payment acceptance through Level 2 and Level 3 Processing strategies. In this interview with Talentfoot, Dimitri Akhrin, President of BAMS, discusses how both organizations share a commitment to helping clients improve performance through expertise, education, and smarter systems.
Q1: Dimitri, Talentfoot helps organizations scale by connecting them with high performing talent and strategic leadership. How does BAMS approach B2B commercial card payments with a similar focus on optimization and long-term growth?
Dimitri Akhrin:
At BAMS, we believe growth comes from understanding and optimizing the systems that drive a business forward. In the world of B2B commercial card payments, many companies are unknowingly overpaying because they do not fully understand how interchange and transaction qualification work.
Our role is to educate merchants and help them implement payment strategies that improve efficiency and reduce costs. That includes helping businesses qualify for Level 3 Processing, which can dramatically lower interchange rates on commercial card transactions. Similar to how Talentfoot helps companies strengthen their organizations with the right executive search hiring expertise, BAMS helps merchants strengthen their financial infrastructure through smarter payment processing.
Q2: For businesses unfamiliar with Level 3 Processing, what exactly is it and why is it so valuable?
Dimitri Akhrin:
Level 3 Processing is one of the most important cost saving opportunities available in B2B payments. When businesses accept commercial or purchasing cards, they can qualify for significantly lower interchange rates by submitting enhanced transaction data along with the payment.
This data can include line-item details, invoice numbers, tax information, customer codes, and shipping data. Card brands reward merchants for providing this additional information because it increases transparency and reduces risk.
The challenge is that many merchants either do not know they qualify or do not have the systems configured properly to support Level 3 data. That is why we created educational resources that are easy to access here.
We want merchants to understand how Level 3 Processing works and how much money it can potentially save them over time.
Q3: How does BAMS help businesses optimize B2B commercial card payments beyond just lowering rates?
Dimitri Akhrin:
Lowering costs is important, but optimization goes beyond pricing. B2B-focused businesses also need visibility, efficiency, and reliable reporting.
At BAMS, we help companies structure their payment workflows around how they actually operate. That includes integrating enhanced transaction data, improving reconciliation processes, and giving businesses access to reporting tools that provide visibility into payment activity and interchange qualification.
The goal is not simply to process payments, the goal is to help merchants create a smarter payment ecosystem that supports long term operational growth.
Q4: Education seems to be a major theme for both BAMS and Talentfoot. Why is education so important in B2B payment processing?
Dimitri Akhrin:
Education creates empowerment. Many business owners and finance teams receive monthly statements filled with terminology and fees they do not fully understand. Without context, it is difficult to make informed decisions.
We spend a significant amount of time helping merchants understand the fundamentals of payment processing, especially in the context of B2B commercial card payments. Once businesses understand interchange categories, Level 3 requirements, and transaction qualification, they gain the ability to actively manage their costs instead of simply accepting them.
That aligns closely with Talentfoot’s philosophy of helping organizations succeed through expertise and strategic insight.
Q5: Looking ahead, how do you see the role of Level 3 Processing evolving within B2B payments?
Dimitri Akhrin:
I believe Level 3 Processing will continue to become increasingly important as B2B payments become more digital and data driven. Businesses are under constant pressure to improve margins and operate more efficiently, and Level 3 Processing directly supports both goals.
As more organizations modernize their payment infrastructure, the businesses that understand how to optimize commercial card transactions will have a significant competitive advantage. At BAMS, our focus is on making these solutions accessible and understandable so merchants can fully benefit from them.
Ultimately, both BAMS and Talentfoot are focused on helping organizations perform at a higher level through smarter systems, better strategy, and informed decision making.
Closing
Thank you, Dimitri, for sharing how BAMS continues to lead in Level 3 Processing and B2B commercial card payment optimization. By helping merchants understand and manage their payment infrastructure, BAMS empowers businesses to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and create stronger foundations for long term growth.
