The 5 best business credit cards for employees in your company

1. Streamlined expense management

Employee credit cards reduce the need to issue reimbursements for business-related expenses. Instead of paying out-of-pocket and waiting for repayment, employees simply charge expenses directly to the company card. This not only improves employee satisfaction but also accelerates the expense reporting process.

A modern corporate card can simplify expense tracking through digital integration with accounting software. Card transactions are automatically categorized and logged, eliminating manual data entry and reducing errors. Real-time transaction alerts and mobile apps allow for immediate expense logging, ensuring up-to-date financial records.

Further, company credit cards for employees will consolidate your statements. Rather than dealing with countless individual expense reports every month, finance teams can review a single, comprehensive statement for all employee spending. This holistic view makes it easier to enforce budgets, analyze spending patterns, and identify cost-saving opportunities across the organization.

2. Earning rewards and benefits

Employee credit cards aren't just tools for expense management; they're powerful vehicles for earning valuable rewards on company spending. By centralizing employee purchases on a single card program, businesses can rapidly accumulate points, miles, or cash back on expenses they would incur anyway.

Many business credit cards offer rewards multipliers on common expenses like office supplies, travel, or digital advertising. Beyond points and cash back, these cards often come with additional benefits like travel insurance, purchase protection, extended warranties on business equipment, or even access to airport lounges. Some cards even offer statement credits as well as partner perks, such as discounts on accounting software subscriptions and AWS credits. Brex’s rewards program allows you to redeem points for value-added services like executive coaching, team offsites, and billboard advertising.

This strategic approach can generate meaningful value for your business. By choosing the right employee credit card program, you’ll transform necessary expenses into opportunities for savings and added value, effectively reducing overall operational costs.

3. Enhanced control and monitoring

The cool thing about a modern employee credit card is that it offers unprecedented control and oversight of company spending. You can set individual spend limits tailored to each employee's role and responsibilities, ensuring expenses align with budgetary guidelines.

Real-time monitoring capabilities ensure finance teams can track purchases as they happen, providing a clear picture of where company dollars are going. Many card programs offer customizable alerts, notifying managers when an employee approaches or exceeds their spending limit, or when purchases are made in specific categories.

Advanced card programs like Brex even allow you to set vendor- and category-specific restrictions, which block transactions related to casinos, alcohol, or other areas. This granular control helps prevent expense policy violations before they occur.

Another good way to improve control is to use a virtual business credit card from your provider. These uniquely generated digital card numbers are nice for making secure online payments. They provide all the utility of physical corporate cards but with enhanced security, control, and real-time tracking capabilities for any spending need, from travel to invoice payments to operational purchases.

Additionally, detailed reporting features enable businesses to analyze spending patterns, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions about budget allocation. For example, if you’re nearing your limit related to one promising program, you can quickly identify and reallocate available funds from another budget to keep the momentum going.

And with cards integrated right into an expense management solution, you’ll streamline the entire process from purchase to reconciliation. Such control and monitoring not only reduces the risk of fraud and misuse but also promotes a culture of financial responsibility throughout the organization.

4. Improved accountability and compliance

How do you get people to thoughtfully spend on behalf of the company? When companies issue credit cards to employees, each transaction is intrinsically linked to a specific employee, creating a clear audit trail of spending. This makes it easier for finance teams to track expenses and hold individuals responsible for their purchasing decisions.

Such transparency helps foster a culture of financial responsibility — your employees are more likely to adhere to spending guidelines when they know their transactions are easily traceable. This visibility also simplifies how quickly you can identify and address any misuse or policy violations.

Additionally, customizable policies and pre-approved spend limits help ensure they don’t have to make too many decisions about spending at all. When you embed your guidelines directly into the card, it will automatically flag or describe transactions that fall outside that policy. This proactive approach ensures consistent compliance with company policies across all levels of the organization.

By combining clear accountability with automated policy enforcement, employee cards become powerful tools for building a culture of financial discipline.

5. Simplified tax preparation

Accounting and tax preparation get so much easier when you have a consolidated employee credit card program. You’ll also get organized statements and detailed transaction records, offering a comprehensive view of business expenditures. Being organized simplifies the data collection process for tax filings, saving valuable time for accountants and finance teams.

Moreover, when you keep your business expenses on dedicated cards, there’s no mistaking whether those charges are for personal or professional spending. This minimizes the risk of personal expenses inadvertently being included in business tax records and reduces the potential for errors (and costly penalties) in tax reporting.

Additionally, many card programs integrate seamlessly with accounting software, allowing for the automatic categorization of expenses. The Brex business credit card, for instance, integrates NetSuite, Sage Intacct, QuickBooks, and a host of other popular accounting tools. These integrations will expedite the preparation of financial statements and can help ensure you can claim the most accurate tax deductions.

1. The Brex Business Credit Card

The Brex Business Credit Card caters to companies of all sizes, from fresh startups to established global enterprises. It’s a useful card for businesses looking to improve their cash management and automate their expense workflows. Partly because Brex takes a fresh approach to credit approval. Brex underwriting takes into account the company's financial health and growth potential instead of the founder's personal credit score. This can mean higher credit limits — and more spending power.

Brex also offers so much more than just a smart corporate credit card. Their platform includes solutions for startup banking, managing expenses, paying bills, booking travel, and reimbursements. The best part — companies can start with a Brex card and add more of these financial features as they grow. This allows you to expand your Brex footprint as your needs evolve.

• Annual fee: $0

• APR: N/A (Brex offers a charge card, with the balance due in full each month.)

• Foreign transaction fee: $0

• Minimum credit score requirement: No personal credit check required

• Typical spending limit range: Up to 10-20x higher than traditional cards, based on cash balance and revenue

Key benefits

• Up to 20x higher credit limits: Brex looks at your company's financial health to set credit limits. This approach often results in limits 10-20 times higher than traditional card providers. Your limit can grow as your business does, too.

• You don’t need a personal guarantee: Unlike many corporate cards, Brex cards don’t require a personal guarantee. So you're not putting your personal assets on the line when using the Brex card for your business.

• Rewards to build your business: Earn extra points on common business expenses like travel, dining, and software subscriptions — up to 7 times the base rate. You can flexibly redeem your points for cash back, statement credits, travel, or even unique options like Times Square billboard advertising or team retreats.

• $180,000 in partner perks: Get access to over $180,000 worth of discounts and credits from providers you use every day: AWS, UPS, Experian, Gusto, QuickBooks, Slack, and more.

• Support for multiple currencies: Brex cards can be issued in more than 20 currencies, and you can make local currency payments in over 50 countries. And with acceptance in over 210 countries, Brex is the card of choice for businesses operating internationally.

• A vast integration ecosystem: Brex connects with thousands of popular software platforms, including accounting, ERP, and HRIS solutions like QuickBooks, NetSuite, and Workday. This helps keep your financial data accurate and up-to-date. Additionally, integrations with productivity tools like Slack make Brex even more powerful.

“Brex has been a tremendous time saver when it comes to reconciliation and expense management, especially since Brex’s direct integration with NetSuite allows us to manage all entity spend in one dashboard.” — Ty Barton, Accounting ManagerSignifyd

Drawbacks

• Difficult approval for businesses with inconsistent cash flow

• Orgs looking for cash back may find Brex’s expansive rewards program complex

• No personal credit building

The Brex Business Credit Card will benefit growing companies, often with professional investment, as well as those looking to obtain high credit limits, earn valuable rewards, and bring their card and expense management processes onto a single AI-powered platform. And as one of the best business credit cards with EIN only that doesn’t require a personal guarantee, Brex helps protect your personal credit while building your business's credit.

2. Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card

A great card for small businesses, Chase's Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card provides cash back on all purchases. While there’s no annual fee, Ink Business Unlimited tacks on a 3% foreign transaction fee and offers lower-than-average spending limits.

• Annual fee: $0

• APR: Up to 24.49%

• Foreign transaction fee: 3%

• Variable minimum credit score requirement: 670+

• Typical spending limit range: $3,000 to $25,000

Key benefits:

• No annual fee

• 1.5% cash back

• Online account management

Drawbacks:

• Requires a personal guarantee

• Difficult approval process

• No expense management tools

• No bonus rewards categories

With simple cash back on all purchases and a lower credit score requirement, the Chase Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card is great for freelancers and sole proprietors. The personal guarantee, basic expense management, lack of accounting integrations, and lower spending limits make it less suitable for larger, high-growth businesses.

3. Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card

Frequent business travelers loyal to Delta will love the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card, which offers a host of travel perks and the ability to earn Delta miles quickly. The card comes at a cost—a $650 annual fee—but lower-revenue businesses that prefer to fly Delta will appreciate the free checked bags, priority boarding, and complimentary airport lounge access.

• Annual fee: $650

• APR: 20.99%-29.99% variable APR

• Foreign transaction fee: N/A

• Variable minimum credit score requirement: 750+

• Typical spending limit range: $1,000-$15,000

Key benefits:

• 3x miles on Delta purchases

• Delta Sky Club® Access

• Companion certificates

• Up to $10 monthly rideshare credit

Drawbacks:

• High annual fee

• Earn just 1x miles per dollar before spending $150,000

• Delta SkyMiles worth just ~$0.01/mile

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card is best suited for Delta-loyal businesses that want to maximize travel benefits. Its high $650 annual fee and limited rewards structure make it less appealing for companies with significant non-Delta expenses, and the card's basic expense tracking tools fall short of more sophisticated options like Brex.

4. The American Express Blue Business Cash Card

American Express offers a variety of business credit cards, and Blue Business Cash is another offering with a straightforward cash-back program, a simple rewards structure, and no annual fee. AmEx allows you to add up to 99 employee cards, making it attractive for smaller businesses with moderate expenses.v

• Annual fee: $0

• APR: 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers; up to 26.49% variable APR after the first 12 months

• Foreign transaction fee: 2.7% of each transaction

• Variable minimum credit score requirement: Typically 700+

• Typical spending limit range: $1,000 to $40,000

Key benefits:

• No annual fee

• Simple cash back rewards

• Introductory APR period
  

Drawbacks:

• High FX fees

• No AmEx travel perks

• No Membership Rewards® points

• Basic expense tracking

The American Express Blue Business Cash Card’s 2% cash back on the first $50,000 spent annually (then 1% thereafter) suits small, local businesses with limited expenses but likely won’t satisfy global companies with higher spending. Scaling businesses will find better value in Amex alternatives offering uncapped rewards and advanced expense management features.

5. Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® Credit Card

Just as its name implies, this Bank of America card allows businesses to customize their preferred cash back categories, such as gas stations, office supply stores, and travel. They can even change their preferred category every month. It’s a solid rewards card, but rapidly growing companies will find its lower spending limits and FX fees less appealing.

• Annual fee: $0

• APR: Up to 28.49%

• Foreign transaction fee: 3%

• Variable minimum credit score requirement: Generally 750+

• Typical spending limit range: $3,000-$5,000

Key benefits:

• No annual fee

• Up to 3% cash back, capped at $1,000

• Signup bonuses for new customers

Drawbacks:

• Difficult to get approved

• Earning limits on bonus categories

• High APR and FX fees

• Complex rewards structure

Small, local businesses that already use Bank of America will benefit from the Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard. Significant BoA balances help accelerate rewards, but high-spending businesses, companies with international operations, and organizations needing high credit limits have better alternatives like Brex.

So how do you ultimately decide which business credit card is right for your employees? Here are a few things to consider.

Employee experience

They are employee cards, right? So they need to be easy to use for employees. Look for cards that offer intuitive, user-friendly mobile apps and interfaces, making it effortless for your team to manage expenses on the go. The ideal card will also integrate with your existing expense reporting software, so they can skip doing manual expense reports. Real-time tracking of spending limits will help employees to make informed decisions.

Equally important is the quality of customer service from the card issuer. Opt for a provider offering 24/7 support through multiple channels, ensuring your employees can get help when they need it. A dedicated business support line can be invaluable, especially when dealing with time-sensitive matters like lost cards or urgent purchases.

Company policies

Consider how a card enforces company policies to maintain financial control and foster responsible spending. Look for a card that can set appropriate spending limits tailored to each employee's job or team, which prevents unauthorized or excessive expenditures and helps you stick to your budget. Also, a card with efficient, automated approval processes will streamline some of the tedious processes your managers and finance team face. The ideal business credit card should offer flexible tools to easily adjust these limits and streamline approval workflows, adapting to your company's evolving needs.

Rewards programs

Rewards aren’t everything in a card program, but the right rewards program combined can help boost your company's bottom line. Whether it's cash back, points for flexible redemptions, or travel perks for frequent road warriors, the key is aligning rewards with your spending patterns and business goals. Look for cards offering higher earning rates in your top expense categories to rapidly accumulate substantial rewards.

However, don't overlook redemption flexibility — the ability to transfer points to various partners or redeem for multiple options can dramatically increase their value. When comparing cards, consider both earning potential and redemption value to maximize your return on everyday business spending. Brex cards offer a 7x multiplier on rideshares like Uber and Lyft, 3x on restaurants, and 2x on software.

“We're an all-remote company. And over the past few years, we’ve used our Brex rewards to pay for our offsite. It's such a critical event for our employees, their morale, and retention that there’s so much ROI from being together for a week.” — Katy Carrigan, CEO, Goody

Fees

While a business credit card with no annual fee is attractive, savvy founders and finance teams understand the true cost of a card lies in its complete fee structure. Foreign transaction fees, for example, can quickly erode profits for companies with international operations, while hefty balance transfer or late payment fees might offset any rewards earned.

To make an informed decision, thoroughly review each card's terms and conditions, paying close attention to fees that will impact your business. Compare these potential costs against the card's benefits and rewards to determine its real value. Remember, the ideal card minimizes unnecessary expenses while maximizing benefits, effectively turning your credit card into a financial lever rather than a potential liability.

Creditworthiness requirements

Most card issuers set minimum credit score thresholds, acting as gatekeepers to their financial products. Before applying, you’ll want to research and compare these requirements across different cards, ensuring you target options aligned with your business credit score. For instance, some cards like Brex take into account your business revenue and growth potential and don’t require a personal guarantee. You’ll increase your approval chances but also preserve your personal credit score from unnecessary hard inquiries. You might be able to evaluate certain startup business credit cards with no credit check.

While the application process is typically streamlined through online platforms, approval timelines can vary. Some issuers offer instant decisions, while others may take several business days.

Your company will reap a number of business credit card benefits as long as the card program is managed responsibly. Here are six tips to better manage your employee card program.

1. Establish clear policies and guidelines

Start by setting specific spending limits for different expense categories, and tailoring each by role or department. For instance, sales teams might have higher limits for client entertainment, while administrative staff may have lower limits focused on office supplies.

You’ll also want to define eligible expenses in detail, so there’s no ambiguity. Create a comprehensive list of approved purchases — travel bookings, office supplies, software subscriptions — and build these into your policies. Clearly outline prohibited expenses, too, such as alcohol, personal items, or cash advances.

Then, implement an approval process, especially for high-value or unusual transactions. This could involve a tiered approval process where transactions above certain thresholds require sign-off from higher management levels. Consider implementing pre-approval requirements for specific categories of spending.

And finally, regularly review these policies to ensure they remain relevant as your business evolves, and communicate any changes clearly and promptly.

2. Provide comprehensive training

Most people know how to use a credit card, but do they know how to use the company’s credit card? Training is key to responsible card usage. Develop a thorough onboarding process for new cardholders and explain acceptable expenses, spending limits, and security measures. Focus on your specific policies and procedures and use real-world scenarios to illustrate proper card usage and potential pitfalls. Provide clear guidelines on expense reports as well as required documentation and deadlines. It will also be helpful to teach your employees to recognize common fraud tactics and phishing attempts.

Regular refresher courses will keep all cardholders up-to-date on policy changes and best practices. To accommodate different learning styles, consider mixing in-person sessions, online modules, and quick reference guides.

3. Implement robust monitoring and review processes

To maintain control over business credit card usage, establish a regular schedule for reviewing employee spending activity. This could involve daily checks for high-risk categories or large transactions, coupled with weekly or monthly reviews of overall spending patterns. Automated tools like Brex will flag potential policy violations or unusual spending patterns in real time. You can also set up alerts for transactions that exceed predetermined thresholds or fall into specific merchant categories.

You’ll also want to establish a clear process for addressing business credit card policy violations or suspicious activity. This should include steps for investigation, documentation, and appropriate disciplinary actions if necessary.

It will also be beneficial to regularly analyze spending data to identify trends and potential areas for cost savings. Look for opportunities to negotiate better rates with top vendors or to consolidate purchases for better terms.

4. Choose the right credit card provider

Who you partner with for a business credit card can significantly impact your business's financial management. Some of the main considerations when thinking about obtaining business credit cards for employees:

• Fees: While a low annual fee is attractive, it shouldn't be the sole deciding factor. Analyze interest rates, and weigh foreign transaction fees if your company operates internationally.

• Rewards: Consider whether you prefer cash back, travel miles, or flexible points, and look for a card rewards program that offers the most valuable redemption options.

• Credit limits: Some providers offer dynamic spending limits that adjust based on your company's cash flow and credit profile.

• Integration capabilities: The best card will integrate with your existing accounting and expense management software to streamline processes and reduce manual work.

• Additional perks: Things like travel insurance, extended warranties, or access to airport lounges can provide significant value for certain businesses.

You’ll also want a robust online platform and mobile app for easy account management and real-time transaction monitoring, as well as great customer support, particularly for urgent issues like lost cards or suspected fraud.

“With Brex, we were able to leave all our other card platforms behind. And pulling data from one platform instead of five really simplified the month end in a large way.” — Mark Topping, Group Finance Manager, Ooni

5. Utilize spend management software

To get the most value from your business credit card program, choose a card that includes spend management software. These tools streamline expense reporting, reduce manual work, and provide valuable spending insights. They’ll also integrate right into your accounting software to help you achieve accounting automation.

Look for features like automated expense categorization and policy enforcement, and prioritize mobile capabilities for on-the-go receipt capture and expense submission, which will improve accuracy and speed up reimbursements. Such solutions typically provide analytics into spending patterns, which help identify cost-saving opportunities and inform supplier negotiations. They’ll provide customizable reporting for different stakeholders, and consider solutions offering virtual card capabilities for enhanced security and control.

By fully utilizing spend management software, you'll improve your expense processes, reduce manual work, and elevate your financial operations.

6. Encourage responsible card usage

Issuing individual employees their own corporate cards indicates a certain level of trust, but you’ll want to continue to nurture a culture of responsible credit card usage. Some ways to encourage responsible card use:

• Develop a rewards and recognition program for employees who consistently demonstrate responsible card usage, which could include additional perks or even financial incentives.

• Provide personalized reports that show employee spending patterns. Use this as an opportunity for constructive discussions about areas of improvement or to commend exemplary behavior.

• Establish clear guidelines for card misuse, but focus on education and prevention rather than punishment. When issues arise, use them as learning opportunities to improve processes.

• Solicit feedback from cardholders about the credit card program. Is it easy to use? Are the policies clear? Use their insights to refine and enhance the overall user experience. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among cardholders.

Responsible usage ultimately benefits the company but also reflects positively on the employee's professional reputation. Be sure to emphasize this culture of financial responsibility at every opportunity.

Managing employee expenses can be cumbersome with multiple card programs, card sharing, and spreadsheet-based tracking. None of these prevent overspending or provide clear visibility into employees' spending. Issuing corporate credit cards for employees, however, can streamline expense tracking, enhance control over spending, and potentially earn valuable rewards.

Brex was the first to offer a startup business credit card and has only improved the card capabilities for businesses of all sizes and stages. The Brex Business Credit Card offers a comprehensive card solution that will help you regain control of your employee expenses. Brex stands out for its high limits, global capabilities, and integrated financial tools that automate your expense and accounting processes. With customizable spending limits to prevent overspending, real-time expense tracking, and advanced reporting capabilities, Brex provides unparalleled visibility and control over your company's finances.

The platform's seamless integration with popular accounting software and its user-friendly interface streamline operations, saving time and resources. For businesses seeking a holistic approach to financial management, Brex offers a compelling solution that evolves with your company's needs.

Apply for a business credit card today and transform how you manage your business finances and spending.