# Help Center

Get answers to all of your questions regarding Brex

**URL Source:** https://www.brex.com/support

---


## Popular Articles

### [How Brex credit limits work](https://www.brex.com/support/brex-credit-limits)

Brex is built to be your financial platform at every stage of growth. Whether you're just getting started, entering the Commercial or Upmarket space, or leading a global Enterprise, our solutions scale with you to manage the increasing complexity of your finances. This approach helps you spend smarter and move faster, with clear insights and high limits available quickly.




## Overview

Brex is built to be your financial platform at every stage of growth. Whether you're just getting started, entering the Commercial or Upmarket space, or leading a global Enterprise, our solutions scale with you to manage the increasing complexity of your finances. This approach helps you spend smarter and move faster, with clear insights and high limits available quickly.

To provide a credit limit that meets your growing needs, our underwriting process adapts to your unique business model and financial characteristics assessing your company based on the metric that best reflects its strength — be it your cash balance or your sales and performance. The information below can help you understand your Brex credit limit.

## What determines your Brex credit limit

The credit limit for your Brex card account is determined based on either cash-based underwriting and/or revenue-based underwriting. In order to unlock higher limits, we recommend providing complete financial information.

We’ll underwrite your account based on one or a combination of the following:

- **Connected bank funds:** Available for accounts making monthly payments.
   - **Bank statements:** Available for accounts making monthly payments (If you can’t connect your bank account).
- **Brex business account funds:** Required for daily payments and available for qualified accounts making monthly payments.
- **Financial statements:** Available for accounts making monthly payments.

### Connected bank funds

Brex uses Plaid or Finicity to **securely** and **seamlessly** connect to your bank accounts so we can view account transactions and balances. Connecting your bank accounts gives us a complete picture of your financial profile, which we use to determine your credit limit. 

The best way to unlock the highest credit limit is to:

1. Securely connect all bank accounts where you hold cash (our system can see your full financial strength)
2. Maintain a strong payment history by paying your balance on time

Account and card admins can update bank connections or add new ones [from your Brex dashboard](https://dashboard.brex.com/?should-connect-bank=true/). Plaid or Finicity support many bank accounts.  
  
**Note**: If you maintain cash at multiple financial institutions that you cannot connect to Brex, providing us with statements for each account helps us give you the highest limit possible. Upload your two most recent monthly statements for additional accounts [through this secure file uploader](https://www.brex.com) or the [Financial documents](https://dashboard.brex.com/settings/financial-documents) page in your Brex dashboard.

### Bank statements

If you run into issues with connecting your bank account, we can provide a solution by accepting bank statements instead of an account connection.

Similar to connected bank underwriting, we use bank statements to access your cash balance to understand your company’s financial health and determine your limit.

We accept statements that meet these criteria:

- Statements must be official bank PDFs; no screenshots or scanned copies will be accepted.
- Two or sometimes three full months of statements are required each time a new account is introduced.

If you’d like to see instructions on how to upload bank statements, please read [this help article](https://www.brex.com).

### Financial statements

We may review financial statements including income statements and balance sheets to evaluate cash flow and growth trends.

These statements give our underwriting team a comprehensive view of your company’s financial position, including liquidity, profitability, and leverage metrics. Based on this data, we can assign a credit limit that reflects your company’s scale and financial strength.

You may submit standard financial documents, including:

- Balance sheets
- Income (profit & loss) statements
- Cash flow statements

For more information on financial statement underwriting, please read[ this help article](https://www.brex.com)

## Limits by account type

Please read the relevant section below, which will outline how your credit limit is determined for your Brex card based on your product type.



To determine limits with our monthly payments product, we consider your current cash balance, cash flow, and overall financial performance. As your cash balance, cash flow, or financial performance changes, your available limit may change accordingly.

By default, payments to settle your statements are due monthly. If you have a Brex business account in addition to a card with monthly payments, you can switch between a monthly payment cycle and a daily payment cycle.

Your autopay account can be any linked bank account, including Brex business accounts.

If your account makes monthly payments, you're eligible to redeem Brex points for a variety of options listed in[ this article.](https://www.brex.com)

For Brex cards with daily payments, limits are based on the aggregate balance of your Brex business account across your primary checking, treasury, and vault accounts.

Payments to settle your statement are due daily. If your account makes daily payments, you’re eligible to redeem your Brex points for a variety of options listed in[ this article.](https://www.brex.com)

Brex previously offered cards with net 60-day payments to certain customers. Grandfathered accounts may maintain their net 60-day statement periods, but otherwise, Brex no longer supports net 60-day payments.

For accounts that have been grandfathered into this product, your Brex card limit is directly related to your estimated revenue reported in your accounts that are connected to Brex. Your limit depends on the balances of connected bank accounts and/or bank/financial statements, as well as any connected ecommerce platforms such as Amazon or Shopify.

## Credit limit increases 

Brex continuously monitors your credit limit to provide the best possible experience. Your credit limit is designed to remain stable and predictable, provided you maintain the following:

- Strong payment history
- Ongoing financial visibility (via connected bank accounts or updated statements)

If your financial profile indicates you qualify for a higher limit, Brex will proactively reach out for an increase. To learn more about requesting limit increases, [please refer to the article here.](https://www.brex.com)

## Disclaimer

_The information you provide is used solely for credit evaluation. Brex treats this data as confidential and complies with rigorous privacy and data handling policies._ Credit limits are calculated in part by Brex’s ongoing account-specific determination of risk. These credit limits are subject to change at any time at our sole discretion in accordance with our rights outlined in the Platform Agreement.


---

### [Two-factor authentication (2FA)](https://www.brex.com/support/two-factor-authentication)

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an extra layer of security that prevents unauthorized access to your account.

## Overview

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an extra layer of security that prevents unauthorized access to your account. 2FA is achieved by either setting up SMS authentication or installing a general-purpose authenticator app on your mobile device. 2FA is required for all Brex users.  
  
**We recommend using an authenticator app (see examples below). Authenticator apps provide greater security than SMS, and can be used without a working cell network.**   
  
Brex doesn’t require installation or download of a browser extension to access your account. You should always exercise caution when installing browser extensions.



**Note:** Brex will never call you asking for your 2-Factor Authentication (2FA) code or any one-time passcode.

## How it works

When you sign in to Brex using 2FA, you’ll receive a prompt to provide a verification code in addition to your password. Brex offers two ways to receive a code:

- **[Recommended]** Authenticator app (e.g., Google Authenticator, Twilio Authy, Okta, Duo, 1Password)
- SMS text message

Please read the relevant section below to either set up 2FA for the first time or switch from one method to the other.  
  
**Note:** If you’re using SSO as your preferred sign-in option, you won’t need to complete 2FA during sign-in.

## Setup

**Note:** When setting up 2FA, step-up authentication may open a pop-up window to confirm your identity. Make sure pop-ups are allowed for the Brex dashboard, or 2FA setup may fail.

**Step 1:** Download an authenticator app.

- Google Authenticator: [iPhone](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-authenticator/id388497605?mt=8/), [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.authenticator2&hl=en/)
- Twilio Authy: [iPhone](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/twilio-authy/id494168017/), [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.authy.authy&hl=en/)
- Okta: [iPhone](https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/okta-verify/id490179405),[ Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.okta.android.auth&hl=en_US&gl=US)
- Duo Mobile: [iPhone](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/duo-mobile/id422663827https://apps.apple.com/us/app/duo-mobile/id422663827),[ Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.duosecurity.duomobile&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1)

**Step 2:** After downloading your app of choice, ensure that your device's date and time settings are configured to _Automatic_ mode. Authenticator apps generate 2FA codes using the current time on your device, so if the time is set incorrectly, the wrong code will be generated.  
  
**Step 3:** Click your company name at the top left of your dashboard and go to _Personal settings > Security and privacy._  
  
**Step 4:** Under _Personal_, find _Two-factor authentication_ and click _Change method_.  
  
**Step 5:** Choose _Authenticator app_ and click _Continue_.  
  
**Step 6:** Open your authenticator app and use it to scan the QR code, then click _Continue_.  
  
**Note:** If you can’t scan the QR code, choose manual entry on your app, and enter the code shown on the screen.  
  
**Step 7:** Enter the six-digit code from your authenticator app and click _Continue_ (the code typically expires after 30 seconds).  
  
**Step 8:** Copy or download the recovery codes and save them in a secure place, then click _Continue_.  
  
Once 2FA is enabled, it cannot be disabled. **If you ever lose your phone, you can use your recovery codes to sign in to Brex. Each recovery code can be used once.**  
  
If you do not have access to your recovery codes, you can contact your admin to receive a one-time recovery code via email.

**We strongly recommend using an authenticator app, as this provides greater security and does not require a working cell network to use. However, if you prefer to use SMS messaging, please follow these instructions.  
  
Step 1:** Click your _c_ompany name at the top left of your dashboard and go to _Settings_.  
  
**Step 2:** Under _Security and privacy_, find _Two-factor authentication_ and click _Change method_.  
  
**Step 3:** Choose _Text Message_ and click _Continue_.  
  
**Step 4:** Enter the phone number you want your code sent to and click _Continue_. This phone number will replace any existing phone number on your account and will be used for customer communications and fraud prevention moving forward.  
  
**Step 5:** Enter the six-digit code sent to your phone number and click _Continue_ (the SMS code will typically expire after three minutes).  
  
**Note:** Once 2FA is enabled, it cannot be disabled.  
  
**If you don’t receive your SMS code, your admin can generate a one-time recovery code via email.**

## Reset 2FA

If your 2FA code has stopped coming through, you or your admin can reset your 2FA method

Please contact your Brex admin to reset your 2FA.

If a member of your team is unable to access their account as their phone number has changed, admins have the ability to send a 2FA recovery code by email. To do so, please follow the steps below:  
  
**Step 1:** In your Brex dashboard, go to _Teams._  
  
**Step 2:** Click on the user who needs to have their 2FA reset.  
  
**Step 3:** Click _User actions_ > _Send 2FA recovery code_ > _Send code_.  
  
This will send an email to the address your employee has on file that includes the recovery code and instructions to reset their 2FA settings. This code will only be valid for 2 hours. To complete the 2FA reset and to ensure that their 2FA is reset moving forward, the user will need to follow the setup steps listed above.




---

### [Submitting bank statements for your credit limit](https://www.brex.com/support/bank-statement-underwriting)

Statement underwriting is an alternative way for us to underwrite your account limit if you cannot/choose not to connect your bank account. It involves downloading a statement from your bank and manually uploading it to Brex.

## Overview

Statement underwriting is an alternative way for us to underwrite your account limit if you cannot/choose not to connect your bank account. It involves downloading a statement from your bank and manually uploading it to Brex. We’ll then base your limit off of the account balance reflected in the statement.  
  
We allow accounts to move to statement underwriting on a case-by-case basis, often for scenarios such as these:

- Your bank is not supported by Brex.
- You're having persistent issues connecting your bank to Brex.
- You prefer not to connect your bank to Brex.

You can also move to statement underwriting temporarily If you're having issues connecting your bank.

## Statements we can accept

Before making the switch to statement underwriting, you’ll want to make sure that your bank issues statements in a format that we can accept. In order to be used for underwriting purposes, these statements should be:

- **Complete**: Statements with missing pages will not be accepted.
- **Unaltered**: No redacted info and markups such as highlighting or commenting.
- **In PDF format**: Screenshots, spreadsheets, scanned copies, or activity reports will only be considered in exceptional cases.
- **From business accounts only:** Personal bank accounts will not be accepted.
- **From domestic bank accounts only** and with funds denominated in USD.

Outside of standard bank statements, we also accept these formats:

- Consolidated statements (i.e. one single PDF that contains multiple accounts):
   - These will be accepted as long as each account satisfies our general guidelines.
- Certificates of deposits:
   - These are also accepted as long as their maturity is <1 year old.

## Getting started

If you qualify for a move to statement underwriting, our support team will need to set it up for you. Please reach out with the following documents, depending on your company type:



**Note:** The minimum cash balance requirements and/or monthly sales requirements will also increase with this alternative option.

## Submitting statements

Once you're approved for this alternative, we’ll email your Account and Card admins when we require them to upload statements. Once you receive a notification, you can take action by either tapping the notification directly or going to your dashboard to upload documents.

**Step 1:** Click your name in the top left of the dashboard and select _Statements and documents_

**Step 2:** Select Bank Statements on the left pane > Add documents.

**Step 3:** Click Upload documents to follow the prompts to upload new documents.

Moving forward, you’ll use this same page in your dashboard to upload the most recent month’s statements. Please make sure to upload statements at the requested cadence. Since we base your limit on your company’s cash balance, we cannot maintain your credit limit if we don’t receive the required statements for an extended period of time.

If you’re unable to connect your bank to your Brex account, we may instead ask you to manually submit statements.  
  
You can upload your most recent statements at any time by clicking your name in the top right corner of your dashboard > _Statements and documents._   
  
**Note:** If this is your first time uploading statements for this bank account, you’ll be asked to upload the 2 most recent bank statements for your bank account(s).  
  
Moving forward, please continue uploading your statements to your dashboard in this location when requested. We’ll also send reminder emails to account or card admins with secure upload links.


---

### [Brex travel car bookings](https://www.brex.com/support/brex-travel-car-bookings)

After enabling Brex travel on your account, all employees with access to travel spend limits will have the ability to book a trip.

## Booking a trip

After enabling Brex travel on your account, all employees with access to travel spend limits will be able to book a trip.

  If provisioned by an account or card admin, employees may also use their employee card limit.  
  
Depending on the settings put in place by your admin, you might be able to use a personal card for bookings and request reimbursement later. Otherwise, the card assigned to your limit will be used as a payment method.  
  
**Note:** Per our Platform Agreement, Brex travel can only be used for business-related travel.  
  
You cannot book Black car service or premium transportation—such as limousines, professional chauffeurs, etc.—using Brex travel.

### Rental cars

**Step 1:** In your Brex dashboard or mobile app, click _Trips_ >  _Add new trip_ (if there is no existing trip) or _Add booking_ (if there is an existing trip). Go to the _Cars_ tab_.._  
  
**Step 2:** If you want to book for a guest (an individual who isn’t a member of your Brex account), change _Booking for myself_ to _Book for a guest_ using the dropdown arrow.  
  
**Step 3:** Go to the _Cars_ tab and fill in the trip details, such as location and dates.  
  
**Step 4:** Select your limit under the _Book with_ dropdown menu and click _Search._  
  
**Note:** If there is no travel spend limit listed, click _Request a spend limit_. Once your request is approved, you can use that spend limit to book travel.  
  
**Step 5:** Search by places, cities, and more. Fill in the required fields. Checking the box _Return to the same location_ will make the dropoff location the same as the pickup location.  
  
**Step 6:** Click _Select_ on the car you want. Review your booking details including the car’s cancellation policy and loyalty. If you choose to book on behalf of a guest traveler, fill out their information here.  
  
**Note:** The payment method entered at checkout is used only to secure the booking. Actual payment will be taken at the time of pickup. Depending on the settings put in place by your admin, you might be able to use a personal card and request reimbursement later. Otherwise, the card assigned to your limit will be used as a payment method.  
  
**Step 7:** Select _Reserve_ to confirm your car booking.  
  
Once your car is booked, you can add a flight and/or hotel to your trip by clicking _Add another reservation to the trip._  
  
**Disclaimer:** _Rental agencies require that the primary driver of the rented vehicle present a physical credit card for payment that matches the driver's name as it appears on their license. Therefore, car rentals cannot be paid with a credit card at the time of booking and drivers should plan to present their credit card, issued in their name, to the rental agency at pickup. Rental agencies will typically place a hold on the card for the cost of the rental, plus any insurance. Contact your rental agency to find out about any additional costs.  
  
If you choose to book a rental car with a personal card, we recommend using a personal credit card instead of a personal debit card. If you book with a debit card, a hold could be placed on your card or it could be denied based on the rules of the rental agency. If you do book with a debit card, please ensure that you review the terms and conditions as well as confirm that the funds linked to your debit card can cover the entire booking._

Brex does not provide rental car insurance. If you pay for a rental with an eligible Brex Mastercard, you may be eligible for Mastercard’s MasterRental Insurance Coverage. This coverage is offered and administered solely by Mastercard, not Brex. For full eligibility requirements, exclusions, and claim instructions, see [Mastercard’s MasterRental Insurance Coverage](https://www.brex.com).

### Rideshares

Brex offers connections with the popular rideshare apps Lyft and Uber within our mobile app. These connections enable you to quickly request rides alongside viewing your trip details.  
  
**Step 1:** In your Brex mobile app, select _Trips_. On your day of travel, find and select your current trip.  
  
**Step 2:** Select either Uber or Lyft for your ride. Once your preferred application is selected, the rideshare app will open, where you can view ride details and request a ride.

## Comparing Prices

To compare prices, you can filter by the car rental company that you would like to compare.  
  
Select the same pickup and drop off time. Wait until checkout, at which point prices will be updated, to compare.

## Viewing booked trip details

You can view upcoming and past trips you’ve booked in your Brex dashboard or app. Outside of your own personal trips, managers can also view trips they manage as a spend limit owner in the dashboard, while account, card, travel admins, and any other users with the [specific product capability](https://www.brex.com) can view all booked trips across your organization.

You can view your upcoming and past travel arrangements in your dashboard under your _Trips_ tab. Use the filters at the top of the page to help you find a specific trip. If you’re an account, card, travel admin, spend limit manager, or a user with the [specific product capability](https://www.brex.com), you’ll have additional search options such as trips by user.  
  
When you find the trip you’re looking for, click on it for additional details.  
  
Account, card, travel admins, and any other users with the [specific product capability](https://www.brex.com) can view reports by clicking _Reports_ from within the _Travel_ tab, then click _Travel_. This includes information about booked travel spend, and policy compliance.

You can view your travel arrangements in your Brex app by tapping _Trips_ at the bottom right of your screen. Tap between _Upcoming, Drafts, Past,_ and _All_ to view trips in different statuses.

## Travel policy rules and management

Your policy is a set of rules that a manager, account admin, card admin, or travel admin can set for booking travel with Brex.  
  
 Policy admins can set up spending rules that flag travel-related merchant and category expenses (such as car rental) for review if they’re over a certain amount.  
  
 Admins and any other users with the [specific product capability](https://www.brex.com) can customize rules.

### Specify maximum spend

_Specify maximum spend_ under the car rental policy allows account, card, and travel admins to set the average daily rate, including taxes and fees, that will trigger a review. Maximum spend rules can be configured by toggling the _Specify maximum spend_ button on.  
  
Example: Car rentals costing more than $100 a day will require the expense to be reviewed.

### Specific vehicle classes

Set the type of car rental that, when booked, will trigger the expense to be reviewed. _Car class_ can be used to define a travel policy. Car classes include economy, mini, compact, mid-size, standard, premium, luxury, sport, pickup, and many more. You can also exclude allowed car class rules.  
  
Example: Car rentals in which the car class is not one of "economy," "standard," "mini," "compact,” or "mid-size" will require the expense to be reviewed.

## Manage policy

**Step 1:** Create a policy.  
  
**Step 2:** Under _Add categories_, click _Car rental_ > _Customize_.  
  
**Step 3:** (Optional) Select the _Booking policy enforcement_

- **None:** There will be no users on the booking approval chain.
- **Notification:** Users in the approval chain will be notified of out-of-policy bookings. They will be able to cancel those bookings if needed.
- **Approval:** Users in the approval chain will be asked to review out-of-policy bookings. If not approved, the booking will be automatically canceled after a few hours.

**Step 4:** (Optional) Toggle _specify maximum spend_ and enter the dollar amount.  
  
**Step 5:** (Optional) Toggle _specify vehicle class_ and choose whether you’d prefer a compact, standard, convertible, economy, full size, luxury, mid size, mini, or minivan.  
  
**Step 6:** (Optional) Toggle _maximum spend limit outside of Brex travel_ and enter the dollar amount of expenses equal or above the amount you entered to require review.  
  
**Step 7:** (Optional) Toggle _specify by merchant_ and enter the merchant name in the dropdown. Choose between _Allow_ or _Review_ under the smaller dropdown. Under _What about all other merchants?_ select either _Review_ to require review for all other spending, or _Allow_ to allow spending with other merchants in this category.  
  
**Step 8:** (Optional) To add a note, enter in your note in under 250 characters or less.  
  
**Step 9:** Click _Update & review_ > _Next_ > _Save_**.**

## Modifying trips

### Change rental cars

If you need to make a change to your rental car reservation, cancel your existing booking and make a new one.   
  
**Note:** Changes can no longer be made through Brex once you have picked up the rental car. If you need to make a change to the reservation after pickup date/time, please contact the rental car provider directly.

## Canceling your trip

**Note**: You cannot transfer your booked arrangements to another person.  
  
Most rental car reservations are not paid until pickup and, unless otherwise stated, can be canceled prior to pickup without penalty within your Brex app or dashboard.  
  
If you need to cancel your rental car booking on or after the pickup date and time, please contact the rental car provider directly.  
  
If you can't cancel your rental car on your own, or if you’d like help from a travel agent, please contact Brex travel support.


---

### [Brex Community](https://www.brex.com/support/brex-community)

Brex Community is a platform where all Brex users can connect in one digital space. It was built to foster customer connections and provide a space for customers to share feedback with Brex. Your engagement will help us identify areas of improvement and ensure that the platform is a valuable resource for customers like you.

## Overview

Brex Community is a platform where all Brex users can connect in one digital space. It was built to foster customer connections and provide a space for customers to share feedback with Brex. Your engagement will help us identify areas of improvement and ensure that the platform is a valuable resource for customers like you.

## Register for Brex Community

Any active user on a Brex account can join the Brex Community by following these steps:  
  
**Step 1:** Go to [Brex Community](https://community.brex.com/register) and click _Register_ in the top right.  
  
**Step 2:** Fill out the registration form using the email address associated with your Brex account.  
  
**Step 3:** Once you complete the registration form, your community profile will be confirmed within one business day.

## Using community support

Our [support forum](https://community.brex.com/category/support/discussions/support-forum) is a great place to find tips for using Brex, and our [community](http://community.brex.com) can be a helpful resource for answering questions.  
  
**Note:** When participating in the Brex Community, please remember to communicate kindly and respectfully.

## Community discussions

The Brex Community discussion forum is a space where you can connect with other Brex customers. By participating in the community, you can seek answers to your questions or offer up your own experiences, insights, and solutions. If you want to go a step further, consider joining [Brex Blazers](https://www.brex.com), our customer advocate program.

## Posting

### Creating a new post

Before you post, you can use the search feature to see if your question has already been asked and answered. If you do find an existing post about your question, feel free to share your own experience to help other community members.  
  
If you can’t find any existing threads about your topic, you can create a new post by following these steps:  
  
**Step 1:** Draft a clear and concise title that summarizes your issue or question.  
  
**Step 2:** Provide detailed information in the body of your post. Include relevant context, steps you've taken, and any error messages.  
  
**Step 3:** Use [our recommended formatting](https://community.brex.com/kb/using-the-community/contributing-to-the-community/4) to enhance readability. Bullet points, numbered lists, and code formatting can be helpful.  
  
**Step 4:** Respond promptly to any follow-up questions or requests for clarification from other users or moderators

### Using @ mentions

The community supports two types of @mention capabilities — **user mentions** and **content mentions** — that let you tag other community members and community content within a post.

You can use a content mention to link specific posts within the body of a message. This lets you embed a link to other community content quickly.  
  
**Step 1:** Type the @ symbol and any keywords in the subject or body of the message you want to link to. You can enter multiple words, so long as all words are in the subject and/or body.  
  
**Step 2:** As you type, search results appear in the pop-up. Click on the entry you want to tag.

![HC - Brex Community 01](https://brand.brex.com/transform/8dce8f29-cc7a-4f87-9207-821b3816ebb0/HC-Brex-Community-01)

**Step 3:** When you select an item in the list, the post’s subject is highlighted with a hyperlink in the body of your message.  
  
**Note:** When content is mentioned in posts, authors are sent email notifications.

User mentions let you call out specific users in your post and invite them to join the conversation. Here is how to @mention a user within a post:  
  
**Step 1:** After you click _Reply_, type the “@” symbol followed by their username.  
  
For example, to mention the admin, type “@admin.”  
  
**Step 2:** A pop-up menu appears with matching names as you type. You can continue typing the name or select a name from the list.  
  
**Step 3:** If successfully entered, the mentioned username will be written in blue text.

![HC - Brex Community 02](https://brand.brex.com/transform/edc3a65e-b0f8-403d-b917-4f6898b8be4c/HC-Brex-Community-02)

**Note:** When users are mentioned in posts, they receive an email notification.

### Tags and labels

Be sure to tag your post with relevant labels. This helps others locate your post and ensures it's seen by those who can help.  
  
If you can’t find a relevant tag, you can use the [suggestion box](https://community.brex.com/category/suggest/ideas/suggestion-box) to let us know and we may be able to make it available in the future.

### Monitoring replies and notifications

By [enabling notifications](https://community.brex.com/kb/using-the-community/follows--notifications/6), you’ll receive updates when someone replies to your posts or relevant discussions.  
  
To make sure you don’t miss anything, you’ll want to regularly check your inbox for private messages or updates on your threads.

### Closing the loop

Once your issue is resolved, it’s helpful to update your post and include the resolution in case others have similar issues.  
  
If any community members tried to help, we encourage you to acknowledge them. A positive community encourages collaboration!

### Reporting issues and feedback

You can report any issues with the support forum either from within the forum or by sending the community moderator a message. If you have suggestions for improvement, let us know in the [suggestion box](https://community.brex.com/category/suggest/ideas/suggestion-box). Constructive feedback helps the community platform evolve and meet everyone’s needs.

## Making suggestions

We strongly encourage you to use the Brex Community [suggestion box](https://community.brex.com/category/suggest/ideas/suggestion-box) to submit your ideas, feedback, and suggestions for improving our products, features, and community. Your input is invaluable!  
  
When submitting your suggestion, please use the same guidelines as you would when posting in the Brex community. This includes checking to see if a similar suggestion already exists and tagging your suggestion with relevant labels. Please be specific about your idea and why it will enhance the product experience.  
  
You can also read suggestions from other community members and provide constructive feedback. If you find an idea interesting, you can express this using the voting feature.


---

### [Manage budgets and spend limits](https://www.brex.com/support/manage-budgets-and-spend-limits)

Step-by-step guide to creating and managing budgets, sub-budgets, and spend limits on Brex. Set spending controls, edit/move or archive limits, and handle spend requests and limit-increase approvals.

## Overview

We offer two tools for spend management: budgets and spend limits. 

- **Budgets** can help customers plan for their company’s future spending. Each budget can contain sub-budgets and/or spend limits. 
- **Spend limits** contain controls like a policy and a limit on how much employees can spend. Employees can spend from spend limits via card or reimbursement.

![HC - Bill Pay & Expense Policies](https://brand.brex.com/transform/a4e98671-e01a-4cbd-b895-3ed5d4d81e76/HC-Bill-Pay-Expense-Policies)

## Creating a budget



**Step 1:** In your dashboard, go to _Budgets_ and click _Create budget at_ the top right.  
  
**Step 2**: Add your budget’s details, including a name, amount (optional), currency, frequency, and owners.

**Step 3:** Click _Create._

## Creating a sub-budget



**Step 1:** In your dashboard, go to _Budgets_ and select the budget you want to set up a sub-budget under.  
  
**Step 2**: Click _Create sub-budget._  
  
**Step 3:** Add your budget’s details, including a name, amount (optional), currency, frequency, and owners.  
  
**Step 4:** Click _Create._

## Creating a spend limit

Account, card admins, and any other users with the [specific product capability](https://www.brex.com) can create new spend limits for both themselves and other users within the dashboard.

**Step 1:** In your dashboard, go to _Cards and limits_ and click _Create spend limit_.

![HC - Bill Pay & Expense Policies](https://brand.brex.com/transform/bc9a56cc-bde7-478f-9f02-ea1dc73a901f/HC-Bill-Pay-Expense-Policies)

**Step 2:** Fill out the following fields, including:

- Should there be one shared limit or individual limits per user?
   - _Single spend limit:_ A single limit shared by one or more users with a total amount to spend.
   - _Group of spend limits:_ A group of spend limits for multiple users, allowing each user to get their own individual limit of the same or different amount.
- _Name_
- _Add description (optional)_
- _Policy Rules:_ Your default policy section will always apply.
   - _Choose additional rules to apply (optional)_
- _Who can spend?_
   - _Search users & groups by_ attributes _like cost center, department, entity, location, manager direct reports, and users._ Add an employee here to allow them to spend.
- How much can users spend?
   - (Optional) If you’ve already selected _Individual limit per user_, set a different amount for certain users.
   - (Optional) Add limit flexibility (optional)
   - How much can users exceed this limit?
      - Choose whether you want to let users spend beyond the assigned amount of the spend limit. If you enable flexibility, over-limit expenses are automatically sent for review in your _Tasks_.
- How often should this limit reset?
   - Choose from the following limit reset options:
      - _Does not repeat:_ Your spend limit will only be active between the specific start and end dates you set.
      - _Weekly_: Your spend limit will reset every Monday on a weekly basis.
      - _Monthly_: Your spend limit will reset on the first day of each month.
      - _Quarterly_: Your spend limit will reset on the first day of each calendar quarter.
      - _Annually_: Your spend limit will reset on the first day of each calendar year.

**Step 3:** You can toggle on any of the following for additional controls:

- Permissions
   - _Allow limit increase requests_: If you want to allow spend limit spenders to submit requests for higher limits.
   - _Approval chain for limit increase requests:_ Select the request type to customize the approval chain.
- Spend method
   - _Allow virtual card spending only:_ Prevent users from using physical employee cards or via reimbursements. Good for card-on-file payments, like subscriptions and other recurring purchases.
   - _Auto-create virtual cards_: Automatically create a virtual card for all invited, current and future users of this spend limit who have card access.
   - _Auto-transfer users’ virtual cards if removed from limit_: If a user is removed from this limit, we’ll automatically transfer any cards with previous online spend to their manager or another active limit manager. The transferred card can only be used with previous online merchants, all other merchants or in-person transactions will be declined.
- Spend controls
   - _Restrict Merchants and categories:_ Any expense made with the restricted merchant or categories will automatically decline.
      - **Note**: This will take precedence over any merchant settings on the policy level. To ensure merchant restrictions set on the policy-level take effect, remove any restrictions in your spend limit.
      -  To learn more about setting merchant blocks on a policy level, see [this help article](https://www.brex.com).
   - _Set a maximum amount per transaction:_ If you want to set a limit per transaction to be automatically declined_._
- Accounting overrides
   - _Select_ _entity: N_ew card transactions will be assigned to this entity and billed with it. Learn more on managing spend with multiple entities [here.](https://www.brex.com)

**Step 4:** Click _Continue._ You’ll see a preview screen to click _Create_ and a note confirming that the spend limit was created successfully.

If you are looking to change the monthly limit on an existing employee card, go to _Cards and Limits_, click the employee card, and select _Edit card_ or _Change limit_ from the details panel. This option is only visible to card or account admins and only appears for employee cards that already have a card-level limit assigned. If you want to set a separate policy-based limit for a group or individual rather than changing a card's built-in monthly cap, use the _Create spend limit_ steps above instead. Learn more in[ this help article.](https://www.brex.com)

**Step 1:** In your dashboard, go to _Cards and Limits_ and click _Create spend limit_.

![HC - Bill Pay & Expense Policies](https://brand.brex.com/transform/bc9a56cc-bde7-478f-9f02-ea1dc73a901f/HC-Bill-Pay-Expense-Policies)

**Step 2**: Add your spend limit’s details, including:

- Should there be one shared limit or individual limits per user?
   - _Single spend limit:_ A single limit shared by one or more users with a total amount to spend.
   - _Group of spend limits:_ A group of spend limits for multiple users, allowing each user to get their own individual limit of the same or different amount.
- Name
   - Add description (optional)
- _Policy Rules:_ Your default policy section will always apply.
   - _Choose additional rules to apply (optional)_
- Which budget should this limit go under? (optional)
- Who can spend?
   - Search users & groups by attributes like cost center, department, entity, location, manager direct reports, and users. If this spend limit is meant for other users, add spenders_._
   - Add condition (optional)
      - **Note**: When you select a group attribute such as a department or entity, you can choose how to manage member access. To automate these updates, use the _Automatically add users who join this group_ and _Automatically remove users who leave this group_ toggles.
- Automatically add/remove users who join these groups(optional)
- How much can users spend?
   - (Optional) If you already selected _Individual limit per user,_ set a different amount for certain users.
- Can users exceed this limit?
   - Choose whether you want to let users spend beyond the assigned amount of the spend limit and, if so, whether you want over-limit expenses sent to you for approval.
- Add limit flexibility (optional)
   - How much can users exceed this limit?
- How often should this limit reset?
   - Choose from the following limit reset options:
      - _Does not repeat:_ Your spend limit will only be active between the specific start and end dates you set.
      - _Weekly_: Your spend limit will reset every Monday on a weekly basis.
      - _Monthly_: Your spend limit will reset on the first day of each month.
      - _Quarterly_: Your spend limit will reset on the first day of each calendar quarter.
      - _Annually_: Your spend limit will reset on the first day of each calendar year.
   - Add start and end date (optional)
      - The spend limit's start date determines the true start of when expenses can be submitted and counted toward that limit. Setting a start date in the past will create limits that cover past time periods. Because expenses count toward the limit based on their transaction date, this allows your employees to submit reimbursements for past transactions. For details on how the transaction date and start date affect spend, see the _Understanding purchase and start dates for your spend limit_ section below.

![HC - Limit Groups 01](https://brand.brex.com/transform/55a4ee12-99e0-43f3-a58f-51218899139b/HC-Limit-Groups-01)

**Step 3:** If you want additional controls in place, you can toggle the following:

- Permissions
   - Who can manage this limit's expenses and users?
   - _Allow users to see limit amount_: Show limit to all users and allow increase requests
      - On: Everyone with access to the limit can view this limit amount and request an increase.
      - Off: Only the spend limit owner and members, admins, and bookkeepers can view the limit amount.  
   
Note: A user must be able to see a limit to request an increase.
   - _Allow limit increase requests_: If you want to allow users to submit requests for higher limits.
   - _Allow expense visibility_: If you want users to see each others expenses, or if users should be restricted to seeing only their own expenses.
   - _Roll over unused funds_ (only visible if limit resets)_:_ By toggling this on, a team member’s unused funds will roll over to the next spend limit period. For example, if your $100 spend limit recurs monthly, and you only use $85, rolling over those funds will give you a spend limit of $115 next month. For details on how the purchase date and start date affect spend, see the _Understanding purchase and start dates for your spend limit_ section below.
      - _Clear rollover funds:_ You can choose when (if at all) accumulated rolled-over funds clear and the spend limit reverts back to its standard limit.
- Spend method
   - _Allow virtual card spending only:_ Prevent users from using physical employee cards or via reimbursements. Good for card-on-file payments, like subscriptions and other recurring purchases.
   - _Auto-create virtual cards_: Automatically create a virtual card for all invited, current, and future users of this spend limit who have card access.
   - _Auto-transfer users’ virtual cards if removed from limits_: If a user is removed from this limit, we’ll automatically transfer any cards with previous online spend to their manager or another active limit manager.
- Spend controls
   - _Restrict merchants or categories_: Specify where or what users can spend funds on. Any expense made with the restricted merchant or categories will automatically decline.
      - **Note**: This will take precedence over any merchant settings on the policy level. To ensure merchant restrictions set on the policy-level take effect, remove any restrictions in your spend limit.
      -  To learn more about setting merchant blocks on a policy level, see [this help article](https://www.brex.com).
   - _Set a maximum amount per transaction:_ If you want to set a limit per transaction to be automatically declined_._
- Access (only visible if user groups are selected)
   - _Delay limit access until next budget period_: New users will be able to spend at the start of the next limit recurrence.
   - _Restrict limit access to future users only:_ Only users who join Brex after the selected date will get access to this spend limit.
   - _Expire limit set number of days after user access_: This limit will expire a set number of days after a user gets access.
      - Note**:** You can edit this setting later on if the spend limit and parent budget do not have a set end date. To edit, follow the steps in the next section.
- Accounting overrides_:_
   - Select the _Entity, Department, Location,_ and _Cost center_ that you want to override. Learn more on managing spend with multiple entities [here.](https://www.brex.com)

**Step 4:** Click _Continue._  
  
A popup window will appear asking if you’d like to _Undo_ the spend limit creation. You’ll have six seconds to click this option in case you need to adjust the spend limit for any reason.  
  
You can edit most of your spend limit information later on after the spend limit’s creation. The only exception to this is your spend limit’s currency, which cannot be changed after creation.

Admins can also toggle on or off the ability to issue and use employee card limits on a company-level by navigating to _Company Settings > Expenses > Cards > Employee card limits_. Learn more in [this help article](https://www.brex.com).

![YouTube Video](https://youtu.be/KwvVZjdEcCc?si=fNGqYJYYjqn77ivi)

## Understanding purchase and start dates for your spend limit

When a transaction or reimbursement is applied to a spend limit, two dates determine how we calculate your unused spend limit amount: the purchase date and the spend limit's start date.

The purchase date is the date the expense actually occurred, and it determines which month a transaction or reimbursement counts toward your spend limit balances. The date a reimbursement or expense was submitted has no effect. For example, a reimbursement for an expense dated in May counts toward May’s limit, even if it is submitted in June. This ensures expenses count toward the spend limit period when the transaction occurred, rather than when the paperwork is submitted.

The spend limit's start date determines the true start of when expenses can be submitted and counted toward that limit. This is separate from the date the limit was created. Any expense with a purchase date on or after the start date can be submitted and applied to the spend limit.

**Note:** To review when a reimbursement was submitted, you can add and filter by _Submitted date_ as from your transactions view by following the steps in [this help article](https://www.brex.com).

If you have set up automatic rollover of unused funds into the next spend limit period, the rollover will begin during the month the spend limit was created, not the month the limit started. The start date controls when expenses count toward the limit, while the created date controls when rollovers begin.

## Delaying spend limit access for newly added users

When an employee is added to a spend limit individually, the spend limit's start date always applies to them. This means an employee hired in October and added to a spend limit with a May start date could submit reimbursements dating back to May. To have new users spend only from when they're added, use the _Delay limit access until next budget period_ setting.

This setting is available when you assign a spend limit through a user group. Users added to the group receive the limit automatically, but access begins with the next budget cycle. This applies to both new hires and existing employees moved into the group. Learn more about user groups in [this help article.](https://www.brex.com)

**Note**: This setting can't be combined with a specified start date. To use it on an existing limit, set an end date on your current limit at month's end, then create a new limit with this setting enabled.

**Step 1:** Under _Teams_ > _Fields Library > User fields_, set up user groups relevant for your team by following the steps in [this help article](https://www.brex.com). Click _Add Value_ and select _Save_.

**Step 2:** Once set up, assign the relevant user to the user field by navigating to _Team_, selecting the user, and choosing the appropriate value from the user field dropdown.

**Step 3:** Navigate to _Cards & Limits > Spend Limits,_ and select the spend limit you'd like to update.

**Step 4:** Click _Edit_ in the top-right corner. Under _Who can spend?_, add the _User field_. Ensure that the start date is cleared under _When can users spend?_.

**Step 5:** Navigate to _Additional Controls._ At the bottom of the detail pane, click _Access_ and enable the _Delay limit access until next budget period_, allowing new users to be able to spend at the start of the next limit recurrence.

New users added to the department will now receive spend access based on when they're added, rather than the limit's original creation date. This applies to card spend and reimbursement expenses.

## Editing a budget/spend limit

You can edit your budget/spend limit at any time after you’ve created it. Most details can be updated, but some features, such as the currency, are permanent.

### Single budget/spend limit

**Step 1:** In your dashboard, depending on what you wish to edit, go to either the Budgets or Cards and Limits and click the budget/spend limit you want to update. You may need to click the arrow to expand the budget/spend limit group to find it.

**Step 2:** Click _Edit_.

**Step 3:** Make your updates. You can edit the name, add employees to who can spend, the amount, recurrence, etc. Click _Continue_. Review on the next page and click _Update_.

**Note:** When you edit your budget/spend limit’s recurrence, all approved and pending limit increases will be canceled.

### Multiple budget/spend limits



**Step 1:** In your dashboard, click the checkmark to the left of any budget/spend limits you want to edit.

**Step 2:** Click an action at the bottom of the screen (_Move, Edit limit, Add users, or Archive_). To update other budget/spend limit details such as ownership, you can edit each budget/spend limit individually.

**Step 3:** Depending on what details you’re updating, click either _Save_ or _Add_ when your edits are complete.

## Changing limit amount

Account admins, card admins, and any other users with the [specific product capability](https://www.brex.com) can change a spend limit's amount via _Change limit amount_ across the dashboard. After you save, the screen refreshes to show the new amount right away.

**Step 1:** In your dashboard, go to _Cards and Limits > Spend limits._

**Step 2:** Click the three dots next to the spend limit you want to update and select _Change limit amount._ You can also open the spend limit and select _Change limit amount_ from its detail view, find the associated card in _Wallet_ and select _Change limit amount_ from the card action, or go to _Team_, and select the team member and the associated spend limit.

**Step 3:** In the drawer, enter the new limit amount. You can set it higher or lower than the current amount.

**Step 4:** Click _Save_. The updated amount appears on the screen immediately.

**Step 1:** In your dashboard, go to _Cards and Limits > Spend limits_.

**Step 2:** Select the checkmark next to each spend limit you want to update, then click _Change limit amount_ at the bottom of the screen.

**Step 3:** Enter the new amount and click _Save_. Bulk changes may take a moment to complete.

If your spend limit recurs, you can raise its amount until a date you choose, after which it reverts to the original amount. While a temporary increase is active, it applies to all periods — past, current, and future — so expenses dated before the start date still use the higher limit.

**Step 1:** Go to _Cards and Limits > Spend limits_.

**Step 2:** Click the three dots next to the spend limit and select _Change limit amount_.

**Step 3:** Select _Temporary Increase._

**Step 4**: Enter the amount to add to the current limit. The drawer shows the resulting temporary limit.

**Step 5:** Choose the end date and reason for the increase.

**Step 6:** Click _Save_.

## Moving a budget/spend limit



Controllers have the ability to reassign a given sub-budget/spend limit’s top-level budget from their dashboard on the _Budgets_ or _Cards and Limits_ page or from the _All budget details page_/_All spend limit details_ page.  
  
You can promote a sub-budget to a budget by selecting _All budgets_ when moving a budget.  
  
**Note:** Budget/spend limits can only be reassigned if limits, limit currency, restrictions, and policy rules are aligned. For example, you wouldn’t be able to move a spend limit that allows transactions at a gas station into a spend limit that restricts purchases that fall into the _Gas & Fuel_ category. Spend limits that are automatically distributed can not be moved.

### Single budget/spend limit or budget 

**Step 1:** In your dashboard, navigate to either the _Budgets_ section or the _Cards and Limits_ section, depending on what you want to edit. Select the specific budget or spend limit you want to move.

**Step 2:** Click the three dots in the top right, and select _Change parent budget._

**Step 3:** Select the new budget/spend limit you’d like to assign.

**Step 4:** Click _Confirm._

### Multiple budget/spend limits or budget 

**Step 1:** In your dashboard, to make edits, navigate to either Budgets or Cards and Limits. Select the checkmark next to any budget or spend limit you want to move.

**Step 2:** Click the three dots in the top right, and select _Change parent budget._

**Step 3:** Choose your new budget/spend limit and click _Confirm._

## View budget/spend limit

### History

**Step 1:** In your dashboard, go to _Budgets_ or _Cards and limits_ and click the specific budget or spend limit you want to review. You may need to expand a group to find it.

**Step 2:** Click the three dots in the top right, then select _View history_.

**Note:** _View history_ is available for active spend limits. For expired or archived spend limits, reopen the limit first to view its full history. If the limit was permanently deleted, its history is no longer available.

## Delete or archive a budget/spend limit

Budget or spend limit managers, account admins, card admins, and any other users with the [specific product capability](https://www.brex.com) can archive and delete spend limits from their dashboard. Affected budgets and spend limits will have differentiated visibility in the dashboard and they will not accept more card transactions. Budget and spend limit managers and spenders will receive notifications when a budget/spend limit is deleted or archived.

**Note:** Employees can only delete a child spend limit/budget if they own the parent spend limit/budget. Archiving a spend limit doesn't delete its virtual cards. If you reopen the spend limit, its cards can be used again, as long as the spend limit is active and eligible for spend.

**Step 1:** In your dashboard, select either _Budgets_ or _Cards and Limits_ based on your needs. Find the budget or spend limit you want to remove, then click on it to delete or archive.  
  
**Step 2:** Click the three dots in the top right, and select _Archive spend limit._  
  
**Note:** If there aren’t any expenses on the spend limit, you can checkmark the box to _Permanently delete this spend limit_, instead.  
  
You can reopen an archived budget/spend limit by clicking on the tile for the specific budget/spend limit, and choosing _Reopen._ Clarify the specifics in the popup window and click _Reopen budget/Reopen spend limit_. Deleted budget/spend limits cannot be restored.

**Step 1:** In your dashboard, go to _Budgets_ or _Cards and Limits_ and click the checkmark to the left of any budget/spend limits you want to delete or archive.  
  
**Step 2:** Click _Archive budget/Archive spend limit_ at the bottom of the screen.  
  
**Step 3a:** If you want to permanently remove the budget/spend limits from your dashboard, check the box for _Permanently delete this budget/Permanently delete this spend limit_. Then click _Delete [#] budget/Delete [#] spend limit(s)_ to confirm.  
  
**Step 3b:** Leave the box unchecked if you want the budget/spend limit to still appear in your dashboard with an _Archived_ status. Then click _Archive [#] budget/spend limit(s)_ to confirm.

## Spend requests

**Step 1:** At the top right of the _Wallet_ page, navigate to _Request spend._

**Step 2:** Select _Limit increase_ or for new spend, select the type of spend you wish to make.

**Step 3:** Add the details and click _Submit_.

**Step 1:** Tap _Wallet_ at the bottom of your screen.

**Step 2:** Select _Request new spend._

**Step 3:** Add the details and tap _Continue > Submit request._

## Spend limit increase requests

**Step 1:** Navigate to the relevant spend limit in your Brex dashboard or mobile app.

**Step 2:** Select the limit you wish to increase and click _Request limit increase._

**Step 3:** Add the details and tap _Continue > Submit request._

**Note:** If you can’t find _Request limit increase_, check in with your spend limit manager. They may need to toggle on the ability for spenders to request a limit increase.  
  
 You can indicate if you want the limit increase to be temporary (until the end of a specific spend limit period) or permanent (applies to the current period and all future periods).

**Step 4:** You’ll receive a confirmation email that your request was submitted. You can view the outstanding request and the approval progress in _Tasks > Spend requests_. You can also withdraw the request at any time prior to final approval.

**Step 5:** If the limit increase was approved, you'll receive an email and see the updated limit in your Brex account. In your app, you may also receive a push notification. If the limit increase was declined, you will receive an email notifying you of the decline.

**Note**: As a spend limit manager, account admin, card admin, or any other user with the specific product capability, you can toggle whether spenders should or should not be able to request a limit increase on a spend limit. To toggle this setting, click _Edit spend limit_ and find the toggle titled _Allow members to request limit increases._

## Approve spend requests

When an employee files a request for a new spend or an increase in the amount to an existing spend limit, approvers can review all requests and approve or deny them.

**Step 1:** Go to _Tasks_ > _Spend request_ and click the request to view its request details.

**Step 2:** At the bottom of the request pane, choose either _Edit_, _Deny,_ or _Approve_.

**Note:** A popup window will appear asking if you’d like to undo the approval/denial. You’ll have six seconds to click this option if you need to adjust the spend limit for any reason. As an account or card admin, you can always manually edit the limit of the spend limit.

### Set approval chain of spend limit increase requests

Admins can designate the chain of employees who approve spend limit increase requests by following these steps:

**Step 1:** In your dashboard, go to _Cards and Limits_, select the spend limit you want to update, click Edit, and then go to _Additional controls_.

**Step 2:** Under Permissions click _Approval chain for limit increase requests._