International payments: How SMEs can gain transparency and sustainability with Keewe

In a globalized world, international payments are at the heart of the activities of European SMEs. These companies, which represent 99% of companies in the EU and contribute to 58% of GDP according to the European Commission, play a key role in international trade. But between exorbitant fees, currency volatility, and pressures to reduce their carbon footprint, the challenges are numerous. How to optimize your transfers in foreign currency while aligning your operations with sustainability goals? That's where Keewe Come into play, a platform that is revolutionizing international payment methods with transparency and ecological responsibility. Let's find out how.

Financial obstacles to international payments for SMEs

High fees that put a strain on margins

European SMEs trading internationally face significant costs when they carry out a international payment. According to a report by the European Commission (2020), bank fees for an international SEPA transfer or a swift international bank transfer can reach 2 to 4% per transaction. For a bill of €10,000, this represents 200 to 400€ in fees, a heavyweight for an SME with tight margins. These costs often include fixed fees (e.g. €3 per transaction excluding SEPA) and exchange rate margins, making the international trade payment method via traditional banks that are particularly expensive.

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Currency volatility: a major risk

La currency volatility is another major challenge. In 2025, the euro approached parity with the dollar (lowest around 1.0180 USD/EUR) in the first quarter, directly impacting SMEs exporting or importing. The Forex (foreign exchange market) is unpredictable: 60% of European SMEs suffer financial losses due to exchange rate fluctuations, according to ECB SAFE Survey (2020). Without tools like a term contract, one future contract, Or a Forward contract to lock in rates, these companies remain vulnerable.

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Slowness and lack of transparency

• Processing times : One swift international bank transfer Takes on average 2 to 5 days, according to SWIFT (2022), which is disrupting the cash flow of SMEs.

• Lack of transparency : 70% of customers say they are dissatisfied with the opacity of bank fees, according to a study by Which (2023). Exchange rate margins, often hidden, add 2 to 5% to costs, making international payment methods unforeseeable.

Carbon challenges: a growing challenge for SMEs

Carbon challenges: a growing challenge for SMEs

Each international payment has an environmental cost. According to the Carbon Trust (2019), a Transfer in foreign currency Emits approximately 20 to 50 g of CO2 per transaction, due to the energy consumed by banking systems. For an SME making thousands of transactions per year, this is in addition to an average carbon footprint of 15 tons of CO2 equivalent (Carbon Trust, 2023). These emissions, while small on an individual basis, accumulate and contribute to carbon balance global scale of the company, a crucial challenge in the face of the expectations of customers and regulators.

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Difficulties in measuring and managing environmental impact

• Lack of tools : Only 15% of European SMEs have a green finance strategy, according to the European Investment Bank (2021), which makes it difficult to measure their carbon footprint.

• Regulatory pressures : The CSRD 2025 directive requires detailed reports on the carbon balance, but 30% of SMEs cite regulatory complexity as a barrier (Carbone 4, 2024).

• Limited progress : Although 44% of French SMEs have adopted carbon reduction measures as early as 2020 (Ministry of the Economy), many lack the resources to go further.

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An urgent need for sustainable solutions

SMEs must not only reduce their emissions, but also demonstrate their ecological commitment. The carbon contribution (formerly “carbon offsetting”) is an option, but they require accessible tools to be effective. Without proactive management, SMEs risk losing market opportunities, especially from customers who are sensitive to sustainability.

Keewe: a solution for transparent and sustainable payments

Optimize your international payments with Keewe

Keewe offers an alternative to international payment methods traditional, by responding directly to the financial challenges of SMEs. Here's how:

1. Free transfers : Unlike banks that charge 2-4% per transaction, Keewe offers SEPA international transfers and excluding SEPA with no fixed costs, reducing your costs from the first payment.

2. Best FX rates : Keewe offers competitive rates on Forex, protecting you against volatility. This can save you up to 3% per transaction compared to banks.

3. Digital, fast and accessible : The platform is intuitive, accessible to all SMEs, and processes your transfers in foreign currency in 24 to 48 hours, compared to 2 to 5 days for a swift international bank transfer.

4. Human support : A dedicated team accompanies you to simplify the management of your payments, even without expertise in Forex.

5. Full transparency : With Keewe, fees and rates are clearly displayed, eliminating surprises and building confidence in your method of payment for your international trade transactions.

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Align your payments with your sustainability goals

Keewe goes beyond financial efficiency by integrating sustainability into your international payments, thanks to its service Green FX:

• Carbon footprint measurement : Green FX calculates the carbon footprint of each transaction, allowing you to better understand the carbon emissions associated with your international payments.

• Financing impact projects : A portion of Keewe's income is redirected to ecological projects, such as reforestation or renewable energies, contributing to carbon offsetting.

• Impact certificates : Keewe provides certificates proving your sustainability efforts, an asset to strengthen your image with your customers and meet the requirements of CSRD 2025.

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Why Keewe?

By combining financial performance and ecological responsibility, Keewe is transforming international payments in a strategic lever for SMEs. You reduce costs, gain speed, and align your operations with environmental expectations.

Take action with Keewe for a sustainable future

European SMEs face major challenges in their international payments : high fees (2-4%), currency volatility (60% suffer losses), delays of 2 to 5 days, and a carbon footprint difficult to master.

In addition, there are the pressures of CSRD regulations, in particular, and the need for transparency in international payment methods.

Keewe offers a complete solution: transfers in foreign currency free of charge, rates Forex competitive, a fast digital platform (24-48h), human support, and total transparency. With Green FX, you measure and reduce The carbon footprint of your payments, finance impact projects (carbon contribution, etc.), and get impact certificates to value your efforts.

Don't let FX fees and carbon challenges hold back your growth. Join SMEs that optimize their international payments while acting for the planet with Keewe! What are your biggest challenges when it comes to international payments? Share them in the comments — together, let's build a greener and more transparent business.