At Rainforest, we answer hundreds of payments questions everyday. What's an ideal take rate for a healthcare platform with $200M in annual volume? Is 75% a good attach rate? What's a realistic goal for adoption?

The reality is that most vertical SaaS platforms have no idea how their embedded payments performance compares to the industry. 

That’s exactly why we built the 2026 Vertical SaaS Embedded Payments Benchmarking Study, so platforms can stop guessing and start benchmarking. 

In this episode, Joshua Silver, Founder and CEO of Rainforest sits down with Brooke Smith, who led the study, to discuss the key findings on adoption, leadership, take rate optimization, and what the highest-performing platforms are doing differently.

They discussed:

📊 The adoption gap: 78% of platforms are targeting an adoption rate of 71% or more but only 25% of platforms are currently performing at that level

👔 Why C-suite payments leaders drive significantly better performance across all metrics

💡 How real-time performance dashboards unlock better decision-making and strategy

💰 The surprising impact of dedicated payments leadership on take rate optimization

🚀 What mature high-performers achieve: 78% median adoption and 35% of total revenue from payments

The Payments Strategy Show is brought to you by Vertex and Rainforest.

Vertex: The Vertical Software Conference

This invite-only event and community offers networking, learning, and unique insights on go-to-market, monetization, product expansion, fundraising, and M&A.

Learn more: https://www.vertexconference.com/

Get updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vertex-vertical-software-conference

Rainforest is the embedded payments purpose-built for vertical SaaS.

Grow revenue with the only payfac-as-a-service provider optimized to help you drive more payments volume at higher margins, without risk or compliance headaches.

Learn more: https://rainforestpay.com

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/rainforestpay

Fleet payments represent over 10% of total US B2B card spend, yet most fintech companies have overlooked this massive opportunity. 

For vertical SaaS platforms serving the physical economy: HVAC, construction, transportation, plumbing — understanding fleet payments is critical to building differentiated embedded fintech products. 

In this episode, Coast Founder and CEO, Daniel Simon joined host Joshua Silver, Founder and CEO of Rainforest to discuss how vertical SaaS platforms can approach embedded fintech products, why simplicity matters more than cash back, and the significance of integrating payments into core workflows rather than just bolting them on.

They discussed:

• What makes fleet payments so unique and the lessons that translate to other vertical specific payment needs
• How to build differentiated embedded fintech products by deeply understanding your vertical's workflows
• Why fraud prevention through data and controls is more valuable than reward programs
• The reason vertical SaaS platforms should partner, not build fintech on their own
• Why "giving money meaning" by integrating payments into core workflows drives stickiness 

The Payments Strategy Show is brought to you by Vertex and Rainforest.

Vertex: The Vertical Software Conference

This invite-only event and community offers networking, learning, and unique insights on go-to-market, monetization, product expansion, fundraising, and M&A.

Learn more: https://www.vertexconference.com/

Get updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vertex-vertical-software-conference

Rainforest is the embedded payments purpose-built for vertical SaaS.

Grow revenue with the only payfac-as-a-service provider optimized to help you drive more payments volume at higher margins, without risk or compliance headaches.

Learn more: https://rainforestpay.com

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/rainforestpay

Building embedded payments from the infrastructure side is one thing, but leading payments at a vertical SaaS platform is entirely different. 

The challenges shift from technology and compliance to change management, cultural alignment, and cross-functional enablement. 

In this episode, EverHealth’s Head of Payments, Savannah Krieg joined host Becky Kopplin, VP Payments at Rainforest to share lessons from both sides of the payments world, including what surprised her most about switching from infrastructure provider to platform operator, and the critical success factors that actually move the needle.

They discussed: 

• Why 90% of platforms should choose embedded payments over becoming a PayFac
• Why cultural alignment matters more than technology when launching payments
• The key metrics platforms should track: attachment, activation, TPV, take rate, and more
• How to think about payments pricing in the context of total contract value, not just take rate
• The importance of focusing on people and processes over optimizing tools and operations

The Payments Strategy Show is brought to you by Vertex and Rainforest.

Vertex: The Vertical Software Conference

This invite-only event and community offers networking, learning, and unique insights on go-to-market, monetization, product expansion, fundraising, and M&A.

Learn more: https://www.vertexconference.com/

Get updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vertex-vertical-software-conference

Rainforest is the embedded payments purpose-built for vertical SaaS.

Grow revenue with the only payfac-as-a-service provider optimized to help you drive more payments volume at higher margins, without risk or compliance headaches.

Learn more: https://rainforestpay.com

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/rainforestpay

For US-based vertical SaaS platforms, expanding into Canada can seem straightforward at the start. 

It’s English-speaking, geographically close, and a natural first international market. However, the operational reality is far more complex than most software platforms expect, particularly when it comes to payments infrastructure, compliance requirements, and regulations. 

In this episode, Pamela Draper, President of Digital Commerce Payments joined host Joshua Silver, Founder and CEO of Rainforest to break down everything platforms need to know about building payments in Canada such as navigating different payment rails, the Retail Payment Activities Act and why boots on the ground matter.

They discussed:

• Why Canada requires direct regulatory registration
• Canada's different payment rails including Interac e-Transfer, EFT, and the Real-Time Rail
• What the Retail Payment Activities Act (RPAA) means for payment service providers
• How to navigate the non-negotiable regulatory relationships and compliance requirements
• Why AI won’t replace payments, and how embedded fintech strengthens SaaS businesses

The Payments Strategy Show is brought to you by Vertex and Rainforest.

Vertex: The Vertical Software Conference

This invite-only event and community offers networking, learning, and unique insights on go-to-market, monetization, product expansion, fundraising, and M&A.

Learn more: https://www.vertexconference.com/

Get updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vertex-vertical-software-conference

Rainforest is the embedded payments purpose-built for vertical SaaS.

Grow revenue with the only payfac-as-a-service provider optimized to help you drive more payments volume at higher margins, without risk or compliance headaches.

Learn more: https://rainforestpay.com

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/rainforestpay

HSA and FSA cards represent $150 billion in consumer funds today, yet many vertical SaaS platforms serving healthcare, wellness, and fitness aren't set up to accept them. 

The challenge isn't just processing the cards; it's navigating the complex compliance requirements around eligibility, letters of medical necessity, and TPA administrator rules. 

In this episode, Truemed’s Head of GTM Partnerships, Chris Shaw joined host Aaron Steinberg, VP Revenue at Rainforest, to break down how HSA/FSA acceptance works, why compliance is the real moat, and how vertical software platforms can unlock this revenue opportunity for their merchants.

They discussed:

• What HSA/FSA accounts are and the massive untapped payments opportunity
• Why compliance is a big challenge and how the right payments partner makes it seamless
• How enabling HSA/FSA acceptance increases average order value by 30%
• The reason consumers are now starting their shopping journeys in HSA/FSA marketplaces
• Everything platforms need to know about letters of medical necessity and dual eligibility 

The Payments Strategy Show is brought to you by Vertex and Rainforest.

Vertex: The Vertical Software Conference

This invite-only event and community offers networking, learning, and unique insights on go-to-market, monetization, product expansion, fundraising, and M&A.

Learn more: https://www.vertexconference.com/

Get updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vertex-vertical-software-conference

Rainforest is the embedded payments purpose-built for vertical SaaS.

Grow revenue with the only payfac-as-a-service provider optimized to help you drive more payments volume at higher margins, without risk or compliance headaches.

Learn more: https://rainforestpay.com

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/rainforestpay

Most vertical SaaS platforms start with embedded payments, and sometimes also end there. 

However, once the payments offering is live, scaled, and optimized, platforms can grow revenue even more by expanding to lending, banking, and other fintech products.

The challenge is knowing what to build next, how to sequence products, and how to drive adoption without massive investment.

In this episode, Unit’s CEO and Co-Founder, Itai Damti joined host Joshua Silver, Founder and CEO at Rainforest to share the embedded fintech playbook for vertical SaaS platforms, including how to maximize revenue, avoid common pitfalls, and leverage the "system of action" strategy for higher adoption.

They discussed: 

• How embedded finance has evolved from early adopters to plug-and-play solutions
• Why your payment processor is not your embedded finance partner
• The "system of action" strategy that drives higher fintech adoption rates
• Why cashflow is king and how the right messaging is the key to success with SMBs
• How software platforms can launch embedded finance without building compliance teams

The Payments Strategy Show is brought to you by Vertex and Rainforest.

Vertex: The Vertical Software Conference

This invite-only event and community offers networking, learning, and unique insights on go-to-market, monetization, product expansion, fundraising, and M&A.

Learn more: https://www.vertexconference.com/

Get updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vertex-vertical-software-conference

Rainforest is the embedded payments purpose-built for vertical SaaS.

Grow revenue with the only payfac-as-a-service provider optimized to help you drive more payments volume at higher margins, without risk or compliance headaches.

Learn more: https://rainforestpay.com

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/rainforestpay

Building an embedded payments strategy that actually works requires more than just enabling checkout. It demands a clear view of what you're building, who owns the compliance and risk, and when the math actually makes sense to take on more of it.

In this episode, Dogpack’s Chief Revenue Officer, Zaiaad Khan joined host Aaron Steinberg, VP of Revenue at Rainforest, to discuss his extensive experience in payments, how he thinks about embedding payments into software platforms, and the hard-won lessons behind choosing the right PayFac model for your business. 

They discussed: 

• Payments infrastructure is the central nervous system of your business, not an afterthought
• Why vertical SaaS platforms are falling into significant payments volume without truly understanding their own cost center
• How to approach the PayFac decision – it isn't triggered by a single milestone, but by a confluence of pressures
• Key differences between different PayFac models and how to evaluate which makes sense for your business
• Why transparency about pricing and interchange is still a competitive differentiator in payments

The Payments Strategy Show is brought to you by Vertex and Rainforest.

Vertex: The Vertical Software Conference

This invite-only event and community offers networking, learning, and unique insights on go-to-market, monetization, product expansion, fundraising, and M&A.

Learn more: https://www.vertexconference.com/

Get updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vertex-vertical-software-conference

Rainforest is the embedded payments purpose-built for vertical SaaS.

Grow revenue with the only payfac-as-a-service provider optimized to help you drive more payments volume at higher margins, without risk or compliance headaches.

Learn more: https://rainforestpay.com

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/rainforestpay

For vertical SaaS platforms, offering a trusted and familiar payment experience can be the difference between checkout conversion and cart abandonment.

Rainforest and PayPal recently joined forces to launch an exciting new embedded payments integration that helps vertical software platforms capture more payments volume and leave offline methods like checks and cash behind.

PayPal Senior Vice President and Head of SMB Commercial Taira Hall joined host Joshua Silver to discuss the exciting collaboration, how platforms can leverage PayPal's ecosystem and why payments must be treated as a core workflow, not an afterthought. 

They discussed:

• Rainforest and PayPal's latest integration for platforms looking to win more volume
• Why treating payments as an afterthought leads to cart abandonment and lost revenue
• How Venmo helps service-based businesses acquire new customers through social proof
• Common mistakes platforms make in their checkout experience and how it impacts processing volume
• Why platforms need to prepare for AI agents driving customer purchases

The Payments Strategy Show is brought to you by Vertex and Rainforest.

Vertex: The Vertical Software Conference

This invite-only event and community offers networking, learning, and unique insights on go-to-market, monetization, product expansion, fundraising, and M&A.

Learn more: https://www.vertexconference.com/

Get updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vertex-vertical-software-conference

Rainforest is the embedded payments purpose-built for vertical SaaS.

Grow revenue with the only payfac-as-a-service provider optimized to help you drive more payments volume at higher margins, without risk or compliance headaches.

Learn more: https://rainforestpay.com

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/rainforestpay

Payment aggregation models come with complex legal and contractual implications that many vertical SaaS platforms overlook. 

For those platforms who are evaluating a payments provider, it's critical to avoid costly compliance missteps and ensure long-term flexibility as your business scales.

Payments attorneys Edward Marshall and Theresa Kananen joined host Joshua Silver, Founder and CEO of Rainforest to clarify payment models, explain compliance obligations, and share strategies for navigating provider contracts. 

They discussed:

• What payment aggregations really means (PayFac, merchant of record, marketplace)
• Why merchant of record status doesn't eliminate compliance responsibilities 
• How the flow of funds differentiates payment models and why it matters legally
• Exactly what to look out for when switching providers and navigating exclusivity causes
• Why evaluating a payments provider’s reputation and contractual flexibility matters 

The Payments Strategy Show is brought to you by Vertex and Rainforest.

Vertex: The Vertical Software Conference

This invite-only event and community offers networking, learning, and unique insights on go-to-market, monetization, product expansion, fundraising, and M&A.

Learn more: https://www.vertexconference.com/

Get updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vertex-vertical-software-conference

Rainforest is the embedded payments purpose-built for vertical SaaS.

Grow revenue with the only payfac-as-a-service provider optimized to help you drive more payments volume at higher margins, without risk or compliance headaches.

Learn more: https://rainforestpay.com

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/rainforestpay

Diving into a brand new market without any deep knowledge or industry research is how many kick off their entrepreneurial journeys. 

After five startups, Adam Flemming took a different approach when he founded self-storage platform Cubby – he looked before he jumped. The result? A company built on deep market research that treats payments as a core necessity and goes beyond addressing just the symptoms of customer issues. 

In this episode, Cubby’s Founder, Adam Flemming joined host Becky Kopplin to share hard-won lessons on building a successful vertical SaaS company the right way. 

They discussed: 

• Why researching the market before launching a company is critical – don't jump into the pool without knowing the depth
• The critical reason vertical SaaS leaders must treat payments as a core product feature, not an afterthought 
• How AI’s biggest value is to eliminate generic tasks so operators can focus on what differentiates their business  
• "Simple" businesses like self-storage are more complex than they appear and require sophisticated software
• Why digging deep to the root cause of customer problems is better than just providing surface-level support

The Payments Strategy Show is brought to you by Vertex and Rainforest.

Vertex: The Vertical Software Conference

This invite-only event and community offers networking, learning, and unique insights on go-to-market, monetization, product expansion, fundraising, and M&A.

Learn more: https://www.vertexconference.com/

Get updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vertex-vertical-software-conference

Rainforest is the embedded payments purpose-built for vertical SaaS.

Grow revenue with the only payfac-as-a-service provider optimized to help you drive more payments volume at higher margins, without risk or compliance headaches.

Learn more: https://rainforestpay.com

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/rainforestpay