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This is What You Need to Know About Business Charge Cards

By Joe

Business charge cards

So, you’re thinking about whether or not you might need a business charge card. Well, you’ve landed in the right place. Here, we’ll explore what it is, why you might need one, and see a list of charge cards that offer the best business features and perks. You’ll also find answers to some of the most common questions I hear. 

This is what’s in store. 

  • What is a Business Charge Card?
    • Business Charge Card vs Credit Card
    • Are Charge Cards Good for Business?
  • Best Business Charge Cards for Startups
    • 1. Amex Business Gold Card
    • 2. Brex Corporate Card
    • 3. Bill Spend & Expense (Divvy) Card
    • 4. Ramp Corporate Card
    • 5. The PEX Card
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Conclusion

Now, let’s get to it!

What is a Business Charge Card? 

A business charge card, also known as a corporate card, is a payment card issued to a business rather than an individual. Here’s what you need to know:

  • It’s used for business-related expenses like travel, supplies, or client entertainment.
  • Unlike credit cards, you’re typically required to pay off the balance in full each month.
  • Many business charge cards offer perks like rewards programs, expense management tools, and employee spending controls.
  • They can help track expenses, simplify accounting, and provide businesses with financial flexibility.
  • Businesses of various sizes, from small startups to large corporations, use these cards.

Overall, a business charge card can be a handy tool to manage business expenses and cash flow.

You might also like: 7 Best Cash Back Corporate Credit Cards to Explore

Business Charge Card vs Credit Card

Here’s a comparison between a business charge card and a business credit card.

Business Charge CardBusiness Credit Card
Typically, you’re required to pay off the balance in full each month.Since you’re expected to pay in full, there are usually no interest charges.Often used for business expenses where immediate payment is expected.Some charge cards have no pre-set spending limits.Annual fees can be higher than credit cards, but often come with premium benefits.Many offer rewards programs and perks tailored to business needs.Often equipped with tools for expense tracking and management.You can carry a balance from month to month, with interest charges applied to the outstanding balance.Typically has a pre-set spending limit based on creditworthiness.If you carry a balance, interest charges will apply to the remaining amount.Annual fees vary depending on the card, and may be lower than charge cards.Offer rewards programs similar to personal credit cards, often with options for cash back, points, or travel rewards.Some credit cards offer expense tracking tools, but they’re not typically as robust as charge cards.

In essence, a business charge card requires full payment each month with potentially higher annual fees but often comes with premium benefits. Meanwhile, a business credit card offers more flexibility with revolving payment terms and typically lower annual fees, but may incur interest charges if you carry a balance. 

You might also like: Corporate vs Business Credit Card: What’s the Difference? 

Are Charge Cards Good for Business? 

Charge cards can be beneficial for businesses, but whether they’re a good fit depends on various factors. So, why do people use a charge card? 

Here’s how they can be useful:

  • With the requirement to pay off the balance in full each month, charge cards promote responsible spending habits and help prevent debt accumulation—This can lead to better expense management and financial discipline within your business.
  • Since charge cards dictate that you pay the balance in full, there are typically no interest charges—This can save money in the long run compared to credit cards where interest can accrue on carried balances.
  • Many charge cards offer rewards programs tailored to business needs, such as:
    • Cash back on business-related purchases
    • Travel rewards
    • Discounts on business services. 

These perks can provide additional value to your business.

  • Charge cards often come with robust expense tracking and management tools, helping you keep better track of business spending, categorize expenses, and simplify accounting processes.

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to think about:

  • Charge cards may come with higher annual fees compared to credit cards, especially those that offer premium benefits and rewards programs. Depending on your spending habits and the value derived from these perks, the annual fee may or may not justify the expense.
  • While charge cards are widely accepted, there may be instances where certain vendors or suppliers do not accept them—This can pose challenges if you rely heavily on vendors who prefer credit cards or other forms of payment.
  • Since charge cards require paying the balance in full each month, they may pose cash flow constraints if you have irregular income or seasonal fluctuations. But, you can mitigate this with proper budgeting and cash flow management.

So, charge cards can be useful for businesses that prioritize responsible spending, value expense management tools, and can afford the higher annual fees. However, carefully consider your specific needs, spending habits, and cash flow requirements before you decide if a charge card is the right fit.

You might also like: How to Convert Credit Cards into Cash 

Best Business Charge Cards for Startups

When it comes to choosing the best business charge card for startups, several options offer benefits tailored to the needs of new businesses. Here are some top recommendations.

These cards offer a range of benefits suited to the needs of startups, including rewards, expense management tools, flexible payment options, and tailored perks. Consider your business’s spending patterns, priorities, and eligibility criteria when choosing the best option.

1. Amex Business Gold Card

american express business charge cards

The American Express Business Gold Card offers valuable rewards, earning Membership Rewards points on eligible purchases, with 4X points in two select categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle (up to $150,000 in combined purchases per year). 

It features a generous welcome offer in the form of bonus points after meeting spending requirements. The card provides access to tools like Vendor Pay and ReceiptMatch to simplify expense tracking and management. 

And, it includes a flexible payment option to carry a balance for eligible charges with interest charges—essentially turning it into a credit card for qualified business operations if that’s what you need.

2. Brex Corporate Card 

Business charge cards no credit check

The Brex corporate card offers a range of advantages tailored to meet new business’ needs. One notable feature is that it doesn’t require a personal guarantee, making it ideal for startups without an established credit history or the need for a security deposit. 

Moreover, you can earn points on all purchases, with bonus points available in categories like travel and restaurants. The card comes with intuitive expense management tools, including an easy-to-use dashboard for tracking expenses and gaining real-time visibility into spending. 

And, you can enjoy additional benefits such as discounts and credits on various business services, including AWS, Google Ads, and more.

Recommended: Brex Card Review: Is This Corporate Card Offer Too Good to be True? 

3. Bill Spend & Expense (Divvy) Card

Business charge cards no personal guarantee

The Divvy Spend & Expense card – formerly “Divvy” – offers several benefits tailored to businesses. Firstly, it boasts no annual fee, making it a cost-effective option if you want to manage expenses without incurring additional charges. As a charge card, it also eliminates interest charges, which provides further financial flexibility. 

The card comes equipped with robust expense management features, including real-time expense tracking and budgeting tools. You can easily categorize spending, which enables better expense control and analysis. Plus, the card rewards users with points or cash back on all purchases, with bonus rewards available in select categories. 

Lastly, the Divvy card simplifies the reimbursement process for employees’ out-of-pocket expenses, which makes it convenient for both employers and staff.

Recommended: BILL Spend & Expense Card Review (Formerly Divvy Credit Card) 

4. Ramp Corporate Card

Best charge cards

The Ramp Card offers innovative solutions for businesses seeking better cash flow options. 

Positioned as a top choice among alternative corporate cards for startups, Ramp stands out for its: 

  • Rewards program
  • Expense management tools
  • Accessibility

With features like unlimited staff cards and smart spending limits, Ramp empowers you with complete control over business expenses—It eliminates various fees and offers a generous 1.5% cash back on spending. 

Qualification is straightforward, with no credit checks or founder guarantees required. Compared to other marketplace offers, Ramp offers competitive benefits, which makes it a compelling offer with minimal downsides.

Recommended: Ramp Credit Card Review: Is This the Corporate Card for Your Business? 

5. The PEX Card

What is the best charge card?

The PEX Card offers a comprehensive corporate expense management solution. With features like prepaid and dynamic credit cards, you can efficiently manage employee spending, vendor payments, and fund distribution. 

The platform provides a range of benefits, including 1% cash back on eligible purchases, a user-friendly app for real-time monitoring and authorization, and seamless integrations with accounting systems. 

You can distribute both physical and virtual cards, set customizable rules and spending limits, and streamline grant fund distribution for nonprofits. Despite its strengths, consider your specific needs and compare alternatives before you make a decision.

Recommended: The PEX Card: Is it the Best Corporate Card for Your Business? 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the point of a charge card? 

Charge cards offer a payment method where users pay the full balance each billing cycle to manage expenses while you avoid interest charges and promote responsible spending.

Why would a business issue a charge card to their customers? 

Businesses issue charge cards to facilitate transactions while ensuring prompt payment, which can reduce the risk of outstanding debt for both parties.

What is the difference between a charge card and a debit card? 

Charge cards require full payment each billing cycle and function like a short-term loan, while debit cards immediately deduct purchases from the cardholder’s bank account without the option to carry a balance.

Conclusion 

Business charge cards offer a unique payment solution for companies, promote responsible spending habits, and provide valuable expense management tools—While they require full payment each month and some may come with higher annual fees compared to credit cards, their benefits, including rewards programs and robust expense tracking, can outweigh these considerations. 

However, carefully evaluate your company’s needs and financial situation before deciding if a business charge card is the right fit. 

Do you want to learn how to obtain up to $100K in business credit in as few as 30 days? Join Business Credit Workshop today!

Meet the Emburse Card: An Inclusive Cash Back Corporate Card 

By Joe

Emburse Card

The Emburse card, aka Emburse Spend Card, is a cashback corporate card offered by a business expense management platform. If you use the platform or if you are on the hunt for a corporate card, you may have come across the name. Now, you’re probably wondering if this is a good offer for you. 

I’m here to help you decide – let’s explore the Emburse card offer, look at the cash back and other features, and see if it’s what you need. In the meantime, I’ll point you to various other offers you might like as well.  

Here’s what’s in store: 

  • What is an Emburse Card?
    • Emburse Company Overview
  • What Benefits Does Emburse Offer?
    • 1. Low-Risk Free Demo
    • 2. Corporate Cash Back (1%)
    • 3. Virtual & Physical Card Flexibility
    • 4. Real-Time Spend Management & Customizable Rules
    • 5. Mobile Receipt Capture & Permissions
    • 6. Detailed Insights & Reporting
    • 7. Tons of Integrations
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Conclusion

Let’s take the plunge! 

What is an Emburse Card? 

Emburse card login

The Emburse card is a smart and flexible solution for companies (of all sizes) to handle their spending – It comes in virtual and physical forms, making it easy for employees to buy things they need. 

What’s cool is that it has some built-in rules to keep spending in check, so you don’t have to worry about staff going over their budgets. Trusted by companies worldwide, the Emburse card doesn’t just help with transactions; it also makes keeping track of expenses super easy.

You can use it with Apple Pay for quick and safe payments. And, the card does a bunch of other helpful things too. For example, it can capture receipts on your phone, set different permissions for users, automatically sort expenses into categories, and protect against fraud. 

Plus, through a partnership with Wise, Emburse offers reimbursements on international transfers. Overall, it’s a handy tool for different parts of a company, like the human resources and finance teams.

And here’s a cool bonus – for every dollar you spend, you get 1% back! So, it’s not just a card; it’s a whole system that makes spending money smarter and more rewarding.

Recommended: 7 Best Cash Back Corporate Credit Cards to Explore 

Emburse Company Overview

Emburse Inc. is Los Angeles based, but was originally formed in Delaware. Delaware’s Division of Corporations website is a bit of a challenge to navigate, but I was able to see a merger on file (with Chrome River in 2019). The business’ first verified California business registration and the oldest online record of emburse.com are in 2015. 

I found out that Emburse went through Y Combinator in 2015, and – according to Crunchbase – they were founded in 2014. So, the company has been around for about a decade now. This is plenty of time to establish trust in the marketplace. 

Originally, Emburse’s core offer was prepaid business spend cards with the edge that expense tracking would integrate between multiple software and tools. Since then, they’ve grown to encompass a complete expense management platform. The features have been amplified with multiple travel-related tech acquisitions and feature additions.

So, how big is Emburse? As of 2022 and according to multiple sources, Emburse employs around 1,000 people – they’re a large company. Still, they are privately-held (no sock ticker here), so not as massive as some of the other names you see in the corporate financial world like JP Morgan and 

Emburse Inc. is about as legit as it gets, but –according to Glassdoor – their employees aren’t necessarily thrilled to work for them. 

Emburse spend reddit

On the other hand, over half of their users are pretty satisfied with the platform and features. 

Emburse spend Reddit

From a potential user standpoint, I wouldn’t say I see any major red flags, and that Emburse seems to be a solid offer – no scam signals here. 

You might also like: Y Combinator: Fast Track to Success or Waste of Time? 

What Benefits Does Emburse Offer? 

I want to focus on the Emburse cards and Emburse Spend, but these offers are so closely tied to the overall offer, that I need to point out some of the expense management platform features (this is where you’ll get the most benefit). 

So, let’s dive in and look at what you can expect with Emburse. 

You might also like: The PEX Card: Is it the Best Corporate Card for Your Business?

1. Low-Risk Free Demo 

Emburse extends a low-risk free trial, requiring users to go through sales onboarding for a guided introduction to the platform. While online sign-up isn’t an option (this is very typical with corporate expense management), the sales is designed to provide a firsthand experience of Emburse’s features…while weeding out the users it’s definitely a bad fit for. 

You might also like: Amazon Business Prime Credit Card: Full Review +How to Get One 

2. Corporate Cash Back (1%)

Emburse credit card

Emburse offers a flat 1% cashback on all spending, providing a corporate benefit for users. This cashback incentive serves as a potential saving mechanism for businesses, offering a financial perk for routine expenditures. The structure of the cashback program is straightforward, aligning with a practical, results-oriented financial management.

Recommended: Full Shopify Credit Review: Are the Cashback Rewards Legit? 

3. Virtual & Physical Card Flexibility

Emburse virtual card

Emburse provides flexibility with both virtual and physical card options, catering to different transaction preferences. This versatility allows users to adapt their payment methods based on the nature of their transactions, which contributes to a pragmatic approach to expense management.

You might also like: 6 Best Fintech Credit Cards to Apply for (Consumer & Business) 

4. Real-Time Spend Management & Customizable Rules

Emburse card app

Emburse emphasizes real-time visibility into team spending, aiming to facilitate better budget management. The platform positions itself as a tool for instant tracking of transactions, aligning with a need for efficiency in expense monitoring.

The pre-loaded spending rules on Emburse cards are highlighted as a feature, allowing users to customize parameters to match company policies. This customization capability is presented as a practical solution for businesses seeking tailored spending controls.

Recommended: Expensify Card Review: A Detailed Expense Tracking Analysis 

5. Mobile Receipt Capture & Permissions

how to use Emburse card

Emburse offers mobile receipt capture and reminders as a means to simplify expense tracking. This feature is portrayed as a pragmatic tool, eliminating the need for manual organization and introducing a user-friendly approach to managing receipts.

Recognizing the varying needs for control, Emburse introduces role-based permissions and approval flows. This customization option is a practical means to maintain order in the expense management process.

You might also like: Gusto Review: Let’s Really Evaluate This Famed Payroll Platform 

6. Detailed Insights & Reporting

Emburse corporate card

Emburse promotes real-time insights and reports on spending patterns as a tool for informed decision-making. The feature is positioned as a data-driven approach to optimize budgets and enhance spending strategy.

Recommended: Everything You Need to Know About a DUNS Number – & Why You Should Care 

7. Tons of Integrations

Emburse Spend card integrations

Emburse highlights seamless integrations with various tools, emphasizing compatibility with existing workflows. The extensive list of integrations, including popular platforms like Netsuite, Slack, and QuickBooks, is objectively presented as a practical aspect of Emburse’s adaptability to diverse business environments. 

You might also like: A Complete Torpago Business Credit Card Review 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the restrictions on the Emburse card?

The restrictions on the Emburse card can be customized by the account administrator. These restrictions may include spending limits, merchant category restrictions, and other parameters to align with your company’s spending policies.

Is Emburse a credit card?

No, Emburse offers both virtual and physical prepaid cards. It is not a traditional credit card. The prepaid nature of the card helps control and manage expenses in real-time, eliminating the need for reimbursement.

Does Emburse have an app?

Yes, the Emburse Spend app is available in the  iOS App Store and Google Play. The app is user-friendly and provides convenient access to manage expenses, view transactions, and more.

Will QuickBooks work with the Emburse prepaid card?

While compatibility may depend on specific features or versions of QuickBooks, Emburse prepaid cards are designed to work with various accounting systems, and they do have a Quickbooks integration. It’s recommended to check with Emburse support or QuickBooks for the most accurate information on integration and compatibility.

How do I add an Emburse card to Apple Pay?

To add your Emburse card to Apple Pay, open the Apple Wallet app, tap the “+” button to add a new card, and follow the prompts to input your Emburse card details. Once added, you can use Apple Pay for secure and convenient transactions.

How do I check the balance on my Emburse card?

To check the balance on your Emburse card, log in to the Emburse online portal or mobile app – Your balance info should be readily available in your account dashboard.

Conclusion 

Emburse has an interesting offer, as far as corporate spend management and cards goes. Is it the best? I really can’t say – the best corporate credit card for your business will depend on your needs, your company revenue, and your spending habits. 

The bottom line is that this is a legit offer that has grown rapidly since its inception. If you’re looking for an expense management platform with staff cards and spend limits, check it out. 

Keep in mind, the Emburse card isn’t a business credit card – it’s a corporate card, which is more like a buy now pay later (BNPL) arrangement. 

For credit cards, financing, and other cash flow boosters, you’ll want to look into business credit – you may find our business credit checklist helpful.

Ready to learn how to obtain up to $100K in business credit in as few as 30 days? Join Business Credit Workshop today!

7 Best Cash Back Corporate Credit Cards to Explore in 2024

By Joe

best cash back corporate credit cards

It wasn’t that long ago that it seemed completely revolutionary to offer corporate cards and expense management solutions for free. Traditionally, setups like this came with hefty annual fees, and the main benefit was expense tracking. With the absurdly quick technology evolution of recent years, the corporate cards entering the market have started to deliver impressive discounts and rewards.

But, what are the best cash back corporate credit cards on the market? 

While there are surely some newbies that I don’t know about, I’ve explored most of the major options, selected my favorite, and even listened to my colleagues’ and business credit coaching students’ experience with many corporate card offers. Here, I lay out the corporate cards that I like the most.      

This is what’s in store: 

  • What is a Cash Back Corporate Credit Card?
  • The Best Cash Back Corporate Credit Cards
    • 1. Bill Spend & Expense
    • 2. Stripe Corporate
    • 3. Brex
    • 4. Ramp
    • 5. Expensify
    • 6. Shopify Credit
    • 7. Emburse Spend
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Final Thoughts: Which Corporate Card Should You Choose?

Now, let’s dig in! 

What is a Cash Back Corporate Credit Card? 

A cash back corporate credit card is a type of spending/expense management card specifically designed for businesses – this kind of card allows companies to earn a percentage of their spending back in the form of cash rebates or rewards. 

Corporate cards are not, by definition, credit cards. The key differences are that credit cards carry a revolving balance while corporate cards are paid in full daily, weekly, or monthly. 

The cash back on a corporate card typically comes as a percentage of the total purchases made using the card and is usually credited to the account or provided as a check or statement credit. Not all corporate cards offer cash back. 

best cash back business credit cards reddit

Cash back corporate cards come with benefits, including: 

  • Cash back rewards
  • Categories and bonuses
  • Various redemption options
  • Expense tracking
  • Employee cards 

As you explore your options, it’s a good idea to carefully review the terms and conditions of any offer, including interest rates, fees, and any limitations on rewards. The benefits of a particular card will depend on your business spending patterns and financial needs.

Recommended: Corporate vs Business Credit Card: What’s the Difference? 

The Best Cash Back Corporate Credit Cards

Now, let’s explore some of the best cash back corporate cards currently on the market. We’ll look at the qualification requirements, perks and cash back rewards, and the 

You might also like: 6 Best Fintech Credit Cards to Apply for (Consumer & Business) 

1. Bill Spend & Expense 

Best cash back corporate credit cards no annual fee

To qualify for a Bill Spend & Expense card (formerly Divvy), you need at least $20,000 in an active U.S. bank account, a “good” to “very good” credit score, and your business must be based in the United States. Revenue and time in business requirements vary among applicants.

Bill’s cash back rewards are structured into three tiers based on payment frequency. 

Weekly rewards include: 

  • 7X on restaurants
  • 5X on hotels
  • 2X on recurring software subscriptions
  • 1.5X on everything else 

Semi-monthly rewards offer: 

  • 4X on restaurants
  • 3X on hotels
  • 1.75X on recurring software subscriptions
  • 1X on everything else 

Monthly rewards comprise: 

  • 2X on restaurants
  • 2X on hotels
  • 1.5X on recurring software subscriptions
  • 1X on everything else 

These points can be redeemed for Divvy travel, gift cards, a statement credit, or cash back – And, exclusive partner discounts further enhance the reward program.

A standout feature of Divvy is its unique credit limit determination; the system analyzes your business’s cash flow and offers a credit limit of approximately 30% of your monthly revenue. Initial lower limits may increase with consistent on-time payments. 

Recommended: In-Depth Divvy (BILL) Credit Card Review: Read This Before You Apply 

2. Stripe Corporate

Best cash back corporate credit cards for startups

To qualify for the Stripe Corporate Card, you must be an existing Stripe Payments user and maintain a high volume of sales processed through the payment gateway. You can request an invitation on the company website if you already use Stripe for business.

The Stripe Corporate Card offers a compelling cashback program. Cardholders pay 0% interest and zero fees, including late fees, annual fees, and foreign transaction fees. 

With $5,000 in spending, you can access $50,000 in free transactions on the platform. Additionally, cardholders earn 2% cash back on spending in their top two categories, automatically credited to their monthly bill.

The Stripe Corporate Card runs on an invitation-only model. YOu can upload your logo to create a branded credit card within minutes. The card is available in both virtual and physical forms, with virtual cards accessible instantly and physical cards arriving within a few days. 

Moreover, Stripe Issuing enables users to originate their own credit cards to offer to customers, providing a unique customization option.

Recommended:  Have You Heard About the Free Stripe Corporate Card Cashback Benefits? 

3. Brex

5% cash back business credit card

To qualify for the Brex Card, you must have a US-based business with an Employer Identification Number (EIN), a business bank account, and verify your identity through government-issued ID photos. While the specific financial criteria are not explicitly stated, anecdotal evidence suggests maintaining $50,000 to $100,000 in the bank at all times may increase your odds of qualifying.

The Brex Card offers an impressive cash back rewards program, making it a lucrative choice for tech, life sciences, and eCommerce businesses. Cardholders can earn up to 30,000 introductory bonus points by linking their Brex credit card account to Brex Cash and spending $3,000 in the first three months. 

The rewards structure includes: 

  • 8X points on rideshare apps
  • 5X points with Brex travel partners
  • 4X on dining at restaurants
  • 3X on recurring software subscriptions (Brex Cash)
  • 1X on all other expenses

The Brex Card requires no personal guarantee and no annual fees, interest, or other costs. This is particularly advantageous for businesses in tech, life sciences, and eCommerce, as it allows them to access credit without relying on personal credit scores.

Additionally, the built-in, real-time expense tracking tools streamline financial management, and the card provides exclusive partner perks with companies like AWS, Slack, and Google Ads, potentially offering up to $150,000 in savings.

Recommended: Brex Card Review: Is This Corporate Card Offer Too Good to be True? 

4. Ramp

highest cash back business credit card

Ramp Corporate Credit Card eligibility is not explicitly detailed, but the application process involves no credit checks or founder guarantees. While transparency is limited, factors such as the number of employees, average monthly card spending, and maintaining over $250,000 in the business account seem to influence underwriting decisions.

Ramp offers a compelling rewards program, featuring unlimited staff cards with customizable spending limits. The card stands out by providing 1.5% cash back on all spending, without imposing foreign transaction fees, late fees, interest fees, annual fees, or costs per card. 

This straightforward cash back structure allows businesses to earn rewards across various spending categories, making it a versatile choice.

Businesses can issue unlimited staff cards, each with individual spending limits. The card’s algorithm actively identifies potential savings opportunities, such as duplicate subscriptions or lower pricing plans with software vendors.

Plus, Ramp distinguishes itself by offering $175,000 in partner rewards (competitive with Brex). Cardholders can leverage exclusive offers from Ramp’s partners, potentially saving substantial amounts on services and subscriptions. 

Recommended: Ramp Credit Card Review: Is This the Corporate Card for Your Business? 

5. Expensify

3% cash back business credit card

While specific qualification criteria for the Expensify Card are not advertised, you’ll definitely need an active Expensify account to access the card. Users interested in obtaining the card should initiate the request within the Expensify platform. The application process typically involves navigating through account settings or the designated card management section.

The Expensify Card offers a straightforward cash back rewards structure, providing users with the opportunity to earn up to 2% cash back on their purchases. 

This rewards system comprises two components:

  • 1% cash back on every swipe
  • Additional 1% cash back for monthly spending above $250,000

This cash back feature allows businesses to accumulate tangible benefits as they manage and optimize their expenses, providing financial incentives for their spending activities.

One notable feature of the Expensify Card is its seamless integration with the Expensify app, which enables real-time transaction syncing. This integration ensures that transactions made with the Expensify Card are immediately and reliably imported into the Expensify app. 

Recommended: Expensify Card Review: A Detailed Expense Tracking Analysis 

6. Shopify Credit

unlimited 2% cash back business credit card

Shopify Credit offers a straightforward application process with eligibility based on eCommerce performance rather than credit scores. Only sellers on the Shopify platform can use this card. 

And, to qualify, merchants typically need:

  1. A Shopify Payments account with a single owner
  2. A bank account connected to the Shopify Payments account
  3. A valid United States Social Security number
  4. A business located in the United States or Puerto Rico

Shopify may extend offers to eligible merchants, and decisions are often made within minutes.

Shopify Credit provides cashback rewards as a notable feature of its offering. Users can earn rewards customized to their business spending in three approved categories:

  • 3% cash back on top spending category
  • 1% cash back on other two categories

It’s important to note that to qualify for cashback rewards, users must use the Shopify Credit card for spending with Shopify’s partners in the specified categories, including marketing and advertising, shipping and fulfillment, and wholesale.

Shopify Credit has a fee-free structure, which ensures that merchants can manage their business finances without incurring additional charges (as long as they keep paying responsibly). The card comes with no annual fees, no foreign transaction fees, and no setup fees. This transparent fee structure aligns with Shopify Credit’s focus on simplicity and aims to keep more money in the business.

Recommended: Full Shopify Credit Review: Are the Cashback Rewards Legit? 

7. Emburse Spend

Can you get cashback on a business card?

Emburse Spend offers a versatile spend management solution suitable for businesses of different sizes. To leverage Emburse Spend, businesses need to use the accounting platform or some aspect of it. The platform is priced according to company size and features enabled. You’ll need to reach out to Emburse for a quote. 

Emburse Spend offers a flat, 1% cashback on eligible purchases. This straightforward cashback structure provides businesses with a consistent reward on their spending.

A standout feature of Emburse Spend is its automated reconciliation process. By capturing expense details at the point of transaction for immediate reconciliation, businesses can streamline their accounting processes – This not only reduces the burden on accounting teams and employees but also ensures expense management accuracy and efficiency. 

Recommended: Meet the Emburse Card: An Inclusive Cash Back Corporate Card

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a corporate card hurt your credit score?

In most cases, corporate cards are not reported to personal credit bureaus, so your personal credit score is not directly impacted by corporate card usage or payment behavior. But, some corporate cards may require a personal guarantee, which would mean the business owner is personally liable and late payments would be reported. 

Do corporate cards get cash back?

Corporate cards may offer rewards, but cash back is rare. Rewards on traditional corporate cards often come in the form of travel perks, expense management tools, or points for business-related expenses. But, cards like those listed here are diamonds in the rough, 

Are cash back cards worth it?

The worth of a cash back card depends on your spending habits and preferences. If you frequently make business-related purchases, a cash back card can provide tangible benefits, putting money back into your business with each transaction.

What are the disadvantages of cash back credit cards?

Disadvantages of cash back credit cards may include high-interest rates if balances are not paid in full, potential annual fees, and limitations on cash back categories. It’s crucial to weigh the benefits against the associated costs and understand the difference between business credit and corporate cards. 

What is the best cash back card for business?

Determining the best cash back card for business depends on individual preferences, spending patterns, and industry. For example, I would recommend different credit cards for truckers vs landlords. And, my favorite general corporate cash back card is the Bill Spend & Expense card. 

Can I get a credit card with an EIN?

Yes, you can apply for a business credit card using your Employer Identification Number (EIN). Business credit cards help separate personal and business expenses, and the application process typically considers the business’s creditworthiness rather than personal credit history. It’s rare, but you can get credit cards with just an EIN. 

Final Thoughts: Which Corporate Card Should You Choose? 

If you’re selling with Shopify or Stripe, look into their branded cards. If you already use Emburse (or you’re in the market for new accounting software, you may want to check out Emburse Spend (though all of these corporate cards come with varying expense management features) . If your revenue is high or you’re looking for savings on tech spend, look into Brex. 

I don’t like to play favorites, but my favorite cashback corporate credit card overall is Bill Spend & Expense. The bottom line, though, is that the best card for you is going to depend on what you can qualify for, how you spend, and what features you need and want – I like all of these cards for different business scenarios. 

Are you ready to learn how to obtain up to $100K in business credit in as 30 days? Join Business Credit Workshop today!

Expensify Card Review: A Detailed Expense Tracking Analysis 

By Joe

Expensify Card

Expensify is a leading business expense management app with a (fairly new) corporate card offer for small businesses. And, as you know, finding the right corporate card is super important. In this review, I’ll touch on the Expensify app, then dive deep into the Expensify Card offer. 

You can explore its features, benefits, and I’ll point you to a couple other corporate card offers you might want to compare.

Here’s what’s in store: 

  • What is Expensify?
    • Expensify Company Overview
    • What is the Expensify Card?
  • Expensify Corporate Card Features & Benefits
    • 1. Benefit From Up to 2% Cashback Rewards
    • 2. Cash in on Exclusive Partner Discounts
    • 3. Get Streamlined Expense Reporting
    • 4. Leverage Travel Benefits
    • 5. Set Smart Limits on Spending
    • 6. Take Advantage of Virtual Cards
    • 7. Integrate With the Expensify App
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Conclusion

Now, let’s scrolll!

What is Expensify? 

Expensify, at its core, is an expense management tool designed to simplify the intricate process of handling business expenditures. Its standout feature is the automated receipt tracking, allowing users to effortlessly scan receipts via the mobile app (which reduces manual data entry). 

The platform also encompasses: 

  • Expense reports
  • Simplified approval workflows
  • Travel benefits
  • Receipt scanning 
  • Cost control measures
  • Staff reimbursements

Another distinctive feature of Expensify is its seamless integration between the Expensify Card and the app, facilitating real-time transaction syncing. This real-time connection enhances the overall efficiency of expense tracking and reporting. 

Now, I always turn to Reddit for external opinions. This time, Redditors gave the app mixed reviews, but overall decent. 

If you’re asking, “How much does Expensify cost?” you’ll be surprised – Most plans are free for up to 25 swipes per month, which gives you the chance to try it out and see if it’s right for you before you commit. After that, you’ll supposedly pay anywhere from $0 to $9 per month, depending on the plan you choose. 

However, once you’re in the app, you’ll see that pricing can be a bit higher (though still affordable, and more in alignment with what I would expect to pay).

Overall, I’d say that, collectively, these features form a robust expense management solution for businesses of varying sizes and needs.

 Recommended: 7 Best Cash Back Corporate Cards to Explore

Expensify Company Overview

Originally founded in 2008 by Davit Barrett, Expensify Inc. has become a prominent player in the expense management landscape. It’s a publicly-traded, for-profit company with a commitment to simplifying financial processes.

Barrett has served as the CEO of Expensify Inc. since 2009 – previously, he worked as an Engineering Manager at both Red Swoosh and Akamai. 

According to Glassdoor (as of December 2023, anyway), employees would recommend Expensify to a friend and tend to approve of the CEO – This speaks volumes. 

In all, I would say Expensify appears to be run by trustworthy leadership and that it’s a legit company. . 

What is the Expensify Card? 

The Expensify Card – released in 2019 – is a corporate credit card (so, technically not a credit card), designed to automate and simplify expense tracking. It serves as a central component of Expensify’s expense management solution. 

Recommended: Corporate vs Business Credit Card: What’s the Difference? 

★ With this card, you have the option to settle-up on your balance daily or monthly – the choice is yours. Since it’s a corporate card, it must be paid in full. 

When employees use the Expensify Card, the associated transactions are automatically imported and accounted for within the Expensify app. This seamless integration enhances the overall user experience and efficiency in managing expenses. 

The Expensify card is equipped with features such as Smart Limits, offering businesses control over employee spending, and real-time compliance checks through the Rogue Agent Detection system to ensure adherence to company policies and mitigate the risk of fraud.

The card also comes with perks, including: 

  • Cash back rewards of up to 2% 
  • Exclusive travel benefits
  • Access to higher credit limits without the need for a credit check. 

With its automated features, real-time syncing, and additional benefits, the Expensify Card aims to streamline expense management and provide businesses with a practical and efficient tool for handling financial transactions.

You might also like: In-Depth Divvy (BILL) Credit Card Review: Read This Before You Apply 

Expensify Corporate Card Features & Benefits

Corporate finance becomes more streamlined and advantageous when you take advantage of all of the features of your financial tools. Expensify and the Expensify Card offer an integrated solution, purpose-built to cater to evolving business needs — Let’s take a look at the card features and benefits.

You might also like: Business Credit Workshop’s Official Business Credit Building Checklist 

1. Benefit From Up to 2% Cashback Rewards

Expensify provides you with cashback rewards on every purchase made with your corporate card. The straightforward rewards structure offers 1% cash back on every swipe and an additional 1% for substantial monthly spending exceeding $250,000 across all Expensify Cards company-wide. 

This cashback feature can  provide tangible benefits as you spend, manage, and optimize your business expenses – For every $1,000 you spend, you can earn up to $20 (it may not seem like much, but it can add up fast). 

2. Cash in on Exclusive Partner Discounts

Distinguishing itself through strategic partnerships, the Expensify Card unlocks exclusive perks and discounts from industry-leading partners. As a cardholder, you gain access to a variety of benefits, which can potentially result in substantial savings of up to $75,000. 

This cashback structure positions the Expensify Corporate Card as not just a financial tool but a strategic asset for you, seeking cost-effective solutions through collaborative partnerships.

You might also like: Brex Card Review: Is This Corporate Card Offer Too Good to be True? 

3. Get Streamlined Expense Reporting

Your Expensify Card goes beyond transactional benefits by offering streamlined expense reporting. The platform allows for seamless expense tracking and reporting, reducing the administrative burden on your finance teams. With an intuitive interface, you can efficiently manage and reconcile expenses, improving your overall financial efficiency.

4. Leverage Travel Benefits

Enhance your business trips with travel benefits, including Expensify Concierge, which includes: 

  • Travel bookings
  • Free medical advisory
  • Emergency transport if needed

They offer a more comprehensive travel support system than I expected, which I think the company’s commitment to providing a holistic solution for businesses.

You might also like: Marriott Bonvoy Business Credit Card Review & Comparison 

5. Set Smart Limits on Spending

Your Expensify Corporate Card empowers you with Smart Limits, a nuanced approach to financial control. Tailor spending thresholds for your employees, ensuring financial responsibility and providing flexibility to set limits based on individual roles or departments. 

Smart Limits promote conservative financial practices, which contribute to a more controlled and efficient expense management process.

6. Take Advantage of Virtual Cards

Expensify’s Virtual cards provide an additional layer of convenience, allowing for secure online transactions without the need for a physical card. Not only that, but you can generate new cards if/when you need them. 

Virtual cards give you financial leeway while maintaining prudent spending practices.

You might also like: 6 Best Fintech Credit Cards to Apply for (Consumer & Business) 

7. Integrate With the Expensify App & More

Expensify’s commitment to a seamless user experience is evident in the integration between the Expensify Corporate Card and the Expensify app. This integration ensures immediate and reliable syncing of your transactions, providing you with real-time insights into your financial activities. 

Then, you can integrate Expensify with your other software tools, including accounting, finance, ERP, travel, and tax, providing seamless data transfer and collaboration between platforms.

The user-friendly experience ensures that you can efficiently track and report expenses without the delays associated with manual data entry.

You might also like: Gusto Review: Let’s Really Evaluate This Famed Payroll Platform 

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Expensify card do? 

The Expensify Card is a corporate card designed to automate expense tracking. It offers features like Smart Limits, real-time compliance checks, and automatic daily or monthly settlement. Users can gain up to 2% cash back on purchases, and the card seamlessly integrates with the Expensify app for efficient expense management.

How do you request an Expensify card? 

You can initiate the request within the Expensify platform, typically through the account settings or the designated card management section. The platform guides you through the application process for a quick and hassle-free experience.

How do you pay your Expensify card? 

Payment for the Expensify card is conveniently handled through automatic daily or monthly settlement (your choice). The card balance is automatically paid in full each day or each month from the connected business bank account.

Is Expensify any good? 

Expensify is widely regarded as a reliable expense management solution — Its features, including real-time compliance, receipt tracking, and the Expensify card’s benefits, contribute to its positive reputation. Many users like its user-friendly interface and seamless integration capabilities.

Is the Expensify card free? 

Yes, the Expensify card comes free with an Expensify account. It has no additional fees, no interest charges, and no commitment. Expensify users can leverage the card’s features and benefits at no extra cost.

Conclusion 

In sum, the Expensify Card presents a compelling solution for businesses seeking efficient expense management. Its automation features, cash back rewards, and integration capabilities make it a strong contender in the corporate card landscape.

However, I need to note that Expensify does not report on-time payments to credit bureaus at this time. There are comparable corporate cards you can get that actually help you build business credit, which has the potential to transform your life. 

Are you ready to obtain up to $100K in business credit in as few as 30 days? Join Business Credit Workshop today! 

Corporate vs Business Credit Card: What’s the Difference? 

By Joe

Corporate vs Business Credit Card

I regularly review business credit cards and corporate card offers on this blog, and I often need to clear up the difference when I’m describing a corporate card offer. Here, I decided to create a resource that explains the differences between corporate vs business credit cards to refer readers and coaching students to. 

I’ll explain the differences in a way that’s super easy to understand, and point you to some relevant content so that you can learn more about specific card offers. And, I’ll answer the questions that I hear most often from my coaching students. 

This is what’s in store: 

  • The Difference Between Corporate Cards & Business Credit Cards
  • The Advantages of a Corporate Card
    • Can a Small Business Get a Corporate Credit Card?
  • The Advantages of a Business Credit Card
    • Is Your Business Card a Corporate Card?
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Final Thoughts

Let’s go! 

The Difference Between Corporate Cards & Business Credit Cards

Right out the gate, there is one core difference between corporate cards and business credit cards. What is the difference between a corporate card and a business credit card?

While both are used by businesses to improve cash flow, and may come with a line of credit to improve cash flow, the key distinction is in the payment terms: 

  • Business credit cards have a revolving credit line, so you can carry a balance each month and make a minimum payment if you choose. 
  • Corporate cards must be paid in full each billing cycle, whether that be every 30 days (net 30), 60 days (net 60), or a different time frame. 

At first glance, it may seem like an easy choice if you’re deciding which card to apply for. Who wants the obligation to pay off your balance when you could have the freedom to pay it off over time? 

…Right?

Well, it’s not that simple — Corporate cards are not inferior to business credit cards by any means. Let’s look closer. 

You might also like: 41 Companies That Help Build Business Credit [Beyond Net 30 Vendors] 

The Advantages of a Corporate Card

The point of a corporate credit card is to streamline financial transactions and manage expenses effectively. Rather than relying on personal credit cards for work-related costs, companies often issue corporate credit cards to employees. 

This not only provides a level of convenience by eliminating the need for individuals to front their own money but also facilitates a smoother expense tracking system. A corporate card typically comes equipped with features that helps businesses: 

  • Monitor and manage budgets
  • Ensure a transparent expense record 
  • Simplify reimbursements
  • Separate personal and business expenses
  • Get accurate financial reporting, taxation, and accounting

Furthermore, companies can implement access controls by setting spending limits and specifying where the card can be used, thereby ensuring that expenditures align with approved purposes. 

Business Credit card vs corporate credit card

In essence, a corporate credit card serves as a financial tool to enhance the efficiency of business operations, providing both convenience for employees and effective financial management for the company.

Plus, many corporate cards come with added perks like savings on software costs or ad spend. And, many of the newer corporate cards are completely free because of partnerships. So, obtaining one of these cards is like having a membership that offers exclusive access to discounts within a niche business network.  

You might also like: Have You Heard About the Free Stripe Corporate Card Cashback Benefits? 

Can a Small Business Get a Corporate Credit Card? 

Pros and cons of corporate credit cards

There is a widely-believed myth that corporate cards are for enterprises and credit cards are for small businesses. The truth is that small businesses can, absolutely, obtain corporate cards. 

Corporate cards are typically issued based on business income, not necessarily credit scores. So, if your small business meets the revenue requirements, and you want the card, you might as well apply. 

Many corporate cards require at least $4 millions in annual revenue, but some of the newer corporate cards will accept you with as little as $5K per month. 

You might also like: In-Depth Divvy (BILL) Credit Card Review: Read This Before You Apply 

The Advantages of a Business Credit Card

A business credit card is a line of credit crafted to meet the unique needs of a business. It functions similarly to a personal credit card but is tailored to streamline financial management for companies. 

The primary objective is to offer businesses a convenient and efficient way to: 

  • Make purchases
  • Cover expenses 
  • Maintain financial control
  • Free-up your personal credit
  • Get access to substantial lines of credit

Like its corporate counterpart, a business credit card usually provides features such as detailed expense tracking and a streamlined reimbursement process, which contribute to effective financial oversight. 

And, some business credit cards offer the ability to issue additional cards to employees with preset spending limits. 

The inclusion of rewards and incentives, specifically designed for business-related expenses, adds another layer of appeal. Moreover, responsible use of a business credit card contributes to building the credit profile of the business itself, separate from the personal credit of the business owner.

In a nutshell, a business credit card is a tailored financial tool that enhances the efficiency of business operations by simplifying expense management and providing flexibility in financial transactions.

You might also like: This is How to Leverage Business Credit to Transform Your Life 

Is Your Business Card a Corporate Card? 

Small business credit vs corporate card

As a business owner, if your credit card is in your company’s name, features detailed expense tracking, and you pay the balance in full each billing cycle, it’s likely a corporate card. However, if it’s in your personal or business name, issued by a bank, and involves revolving reimbursement, it’s probably a business credit card. 

Keep in mind, if payments are due in full each billing cycle, it might be a secured business credit card – For clarification, check your card issuer’s information or contact customer service.

You might also like: The Ultimate Tillful Review (+New Secured Credit Offer for Businesses) 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a corporate card hurt your credit score? 

No, a corporate credit card typically doesn’t impact your personal credit score. Since it’s usually issued in the company’s name and is the responsibility of the business for repayment, your personal credit history remains separate. However, if you do not pay as agreed, and the card comes with a personal guarantee, this could have a negative impact on your score.

Who is eligible for a corporate credit card? 

Businesses that meet the revenue requirements, which may be as high as $4 million per year, are eligible for corporate card accounts. The businesses can then implement their own eligibility requirements and spending limits for staff and employees. 

Can I use my corporate credit card for personal use? 

Using a corporate credit card for personal expenses is generally discouraged. Corporate cards are intended for business-related transactions. Mixing personal and business expenses can complicate accounting. And, it’s super important to follow company policies regarding card usage.

Who pays for the corporate credit card? 

The company is responsible for paying the expenses incurred on a corporate credit card. Corporate cards are issued by the company to streamline business-related transactions, and the company covers the costs directly.

What's a good credit card for a small business? 

There are several options for small business credit cards. Popular choices include the Chase Ink Business Preferred and several options from Bank of America. Some of my favorites are from small community banks and credit unions. The best card depends on your business’s specific needs, such as rewards, expense management features, and credit limits. See the best credit cards for entrepreneurs. 

Final Thoughts

So, corporate cards and business credit cards are a bit different. Business credit cards let you carry a balance, but corporate cards need full payment each month. 

Corporate cards are awesome—they make business money matters smooth, help track expenses, and even come with cool perks. And, small businesses, not just big ones, can get corporate cards. 

Business credit cards are cool too—they’re like personal cards but for your business. They’re handy for buying stuff, covering expenses, and earning rewards. 

Check out different cards based on what your business needs. Got questions? We’ve got answers, from credit scores to who foots the bill. Whether you go corporate or stick with business, there’s a card for every business owner’s wallet.

Want to learn how to obtain up to $100K in business credit in as few as 30 days? Join Business Credit Workshop today!

Should You Open a Citibank Commercial Card Account?… It Depends! 

By Joe

Citibank commercial card

Citibank commercial cards are some of the best-known traditional spending management cards used by businesses in the U.S. — they’ve been around for ages and currently service over 6 million cardholders. But, with so many options, how can you be sure Citibank’s offer is right for you? 

Here, we’ll explore the corporate card offer in full, including details about features, eligibility, benefits, and fees. Then, we’ll find out which businesses might get the most out of an account. 

This is what’s in store: 

  • What is a Commercial Card Account?
    • What is the difference between individual and commercial credit?
  • Citi Company Overview
  • Types of Citibank Commercial Cards
    • 1. Corporate Card (T&E)
    • 2. Central Travel Account
    • 3. Purchasing Card
    • 4. Meeting Card
    • 5. One Card™
    • 6. Project Card
  • Citibank Commercial Card Benefits & Rewards
    • i. Earn points on most spending
    • ii. Virtual Cards
    • iii. Worldwide Payment Acceptance
    • iv. CitiManager™  App Overview
  • Who is Eligible for Commercial Card Accounts?
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Final Takeaway

Let’s do this thing!

What is a Commercial Card Account? 

Before we examine Citibank’s commercial card offer, let’s define a commercial card — it is not the same as a business credit card, though in some ways they are the same. 

Commercial card accounts are also known as corporate cards. This type of account enables companies to offer cards to staff members and contractors to make purchases on behalf of the business. 

A business might want a commercial card account to keep track of internal spending and/or to increase cash flow to maintain or grow operations. Unlike credit cards, corporate cards typically require that the balance is paid in full each billing cycle (with net 30 terms in place of revolving terms). 

Recommended: Bank of America Corporate Cards: A Complete, Uncut Review 

What is the difference between individual and commercial credit? 

In the simplest terms, commercial credit is extended to a business entity while individual or “consumer” credit is extended to a person. With commercial credit, the lender uses the business’ employer identification number (EIN) as an identification number, while consumer credit is extended via the individual’s social security number (SSN) or individual tax identification number (ITIN).

Sidenote: In the U.S., SSNs are dispensed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) whilst EINs and ITINs are assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).   

This might go without saying, but another difference between the two is that commercial credit should not be used for personal expenses. Meanwhile, individual credit can be used for personal and business or work-related expenses. 

You might also like: What’s the Best Payment Processor for a Small Business? Really

Citi Company Overview

Citi, aka Citi Group, the company that funds Citibank commercial cards, is a late-stage, for-profit company based in New York. The company has been around since 1812 under various names and has nearly 180K employees on LinkedIn, so this is a trustworthy financial service provider. 

Citi offers traditional banking and wealth management services: Checking and savings accounts, credit cards, term loans, mortgages, and investing.   

Types of Citibank Commercial Cards

Citibank offers six different types of commercial cards for businesses: Corporate Cards (T&E), Central Travel Accounts, Purchasing Cards, Meeting Cards, “One” Cards, and Project Cards. Citi also offers virtual cards. 

All Citi Commercial accounts are individually billed in full within 25 days of the invoice date and are the liability of the company, not the individual cardholder.

Keep in mind that these cards can be used in tandem. So, you might consider more than one of the options below. Let’s take a look at what each has to offer and who will get the most from each of them.  

1. Corporate Card (T&E)

Citimanager corporate card

Citibank’s Corporate Card is designed to help businesses capture travel and expense related spending — think airfare, transit, hotels, restaurant, and taxi or rideshare costs. This card helps to streamline administrative costs via the company’s expense management system. Citibank advertises the Corporate Card as a solution with “flexible parameters” meaning the spending is not strictly limited as compared to a Central Travel Account.  

This card is a good fit for businesses with employees that spend on business-related travel, dining, and transportation. It is not well-suited for a business that needs to keep track of other types of spending, nor contractor or freelancer spending made on behalf of the company. 

2. Central Travel Account

Citi commercial cards payment

A Central Travel Account with Citibank provides businesses the opportunity to manage and monitor non-employee spending made through travel management companies. The key benefit is centralized account data reporting — essentially, this type of account is great for tracking and controlling travel-related expenses. 

The Central Travel Account is best suited for companies with freelancers, contractors, and recruits that will travel on behalf of the company, but don’t have a Corporate Card assigned to them. This card is not a good fit for non-travel expenses or employee T&E spending. 

3. Purchasing Card

Citibank commercial card review

Purchasing Cards from Citibank are traditional, plastic cards that can be assigned to employees or internal departments for a broad range of business spending. While they can be used to purchase almost any goods or services, the admin panel provides businesses with control over policy compliance to ensure that employees can’t overspend or use their cards for personal expenses. An account like this can help a company eliminate staff purchase orders and invoice processing. 

Citibank’s Purchasing Cards are appropriate for businesses with employees who need to make a broad range of purchases (replenish inventory, order services or repairs, pay contractors, etc.). For spending in specific categories like travel or event planning, a Corporate Card or Meeting Card might be a better fit. 

4. Meeting Card

Citibank commercial meeting card

That brings us to Citibank’s Meeting Cards — these cards are designed to provide businesses with transparency into the total cost for event planning, including in-person, hybrid, and virtual meetings or seminars. This gives companies the opportunity for more control over spending, compliance, and supplier negotiations. Meeting Card accounts are integrated with Cvent, a leading meeting and event (M&E) platform.  

A Meeting Card is perfectly suited for businesses with event planners or managers who book meetings on behalf of the company and need to pay for goods and services to organize these meetings. On the other hand, it’s not great for any other type of spending. 

5. One Card™ 

Citi business credit card reward points

One Card is Citibank’s way of combining the features of their Purchase and Corporate cards into one user account. So, it’s good for employees with travel-related and miscellaneous spending needs. Rather than give a staff member two cards for various spending, you can use One Card. Then, track and manage spending with admin controls. 

Citibank’s One Card is great for companies who would like to provide employees with cards that can be used for a broad range of spending: T&E plus general business expenses. Now, this is not a good card for contractors, freelancers, or event managers. 

6. Project Card

Citibank commercial card customer care

The Project Card by Citi is a card designed with an expiration date and exact spending limit in mind. These cards provide a more conventional solution to temporary projects than a virtual card. Project Cards are physical, plastic cards that can be given to cardholders discreetly.   

As the name suggests, Citi’s Project card is best for North America-based companies that hire consultants, freelancers, and contractors to complete business projects and want a temporary spending solution with total control over limitations on spending (time and money). This card isn’t awesome for long-term projects with flexible budgets.   

Citibank Commercial Card Benefits & Rewards

You’re in it to track and manage company spending — This section is where you’ll learn whether Citi’s corporate card offer is right for you or if you should look elsewhere for a solution. 

i. Earn points on most spending

For every dollar spent on anything other than excluded spending (transaction fees, etc.), Citibank commercial cardholders earn one point. Points become available within 35 days from the time they are earned and can only be redeemed by the account holder. 

The rewards program for Citibank commercial accounts is managed at thankyou.com.  

Citibank commercial cards benefits

Points can be redeemed toward shopping, gift cards, travel booking, or as cash rewards. 

  • Shopping: Shop with participating merchants like 1-800Flowers, Best Buy, Amazon, PayPal, Walmart, or CVS to redeem. Points can also be put toward fuel purchases at select gas stations including BP, Amoco, and Shell.  
  • Gift Cards: With Citibank reward points, you can purchase gift cards from 175+ major retailers like Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Fandango. 
  • Cash Rewards: As with most card reward programs, you can use your Citi points as a statement credit, direct deposit, or request a check by mail. 
  • Travel: When you plan your next trip, check your Citi points balance, since you may be able to redeem your earnings toward flights, cruises, hotels, cars, or deals. Thank You™ points can also be transferred to select travel rewards programs.  

As far as points redemption toward shopping or gift cards, I think some of the newer corporate card offers have an edge — Citi provides deals on consumer offers while the more new-age cards are more business-focused. 

For example, Brex offers rewards toward spending with AWS and provides deals on products that will help you grow your business — Discounts on billboard advertising and executive coaching might be more exciting for a lot of business owners than a $10 Amazon gift card. 

It’s not that business owners don’t appreciate consumer offers (plus, everyone has someone they need to buy a gift for). I just think it’s worth pointing out that some of the newer corporate account offers have more innovative, and possibly more relevant, benefits and rewards. 

ii. Virtual Cards

Citibank business credit card pre approval

While virtual cards originally made some of the breakout corporate card offers stand out, it’s now pretty standard with today’s commercial accounts (which doesn’t mean it’s not a great benefit).  

Virtual cards offer business owners the chance to instantaneously create throwaway cards for one-time, probationary, or temporary use. With a Citi commercial card account, you can integrate virtual card accounts into your system to create, modify, or cancel payments and set spending limits in real-time. 

While the software and subscription companies probably frown on this practice, I’ve seen people use virtual cards as a way to get into a free trial without a lot of risks. Once the card expires, so does the trial. So, they can be used to eliminate the need to monitor trial sign-ups, which is especially helpful for startups and fast-growing companies that are changing up their operations frequently.  

iii. Worldwide Payment Acceptance

The ability to spend across the globe is super important for many businesses, especially when considering which travel management solutions to go with. Citibank’s corporate cards are accepted by over 54 million merchants in 66 currency markets across more than 100 countries. 

Citibank corporate cards are accepted by most airlines, car rental agencies, restaurants, and major lodging establishments. So, with this card, you won’t have to worry a lot about whether or not usual travel expenses can be paid with your card. 

While I haven’t had this problem yet, getting turned down when using a newer corporate card like Brex or Divvy is a potential issue. This is not a typical problem with conventional competitors like Bank of America or Chase. 

iv. CitiManager™  App Overview

Citimanager corporate card

You can access CitiManager as an admin or a cardholder, to take advantage of card features, track and report on spending, and manage preferences. 

Here’s the gist of what the app provides: 

  • Cardholders: Access your account from anywhere at any time of day. Check your card or account balance and spending limit. View statements from the past six months. And, see recent transactions. 
  • Administrators: View card pins, activate new cards, and pay bills. Post and view comments to communicate with other admins. See transaction and invoice details and display dual currencies. 

I have not used the app myself, so I can’t speak to the validity of these claims, but I feel like they’re worth a mention: 

The CitiManager app may not have some basic, expected features like travel notifications, and some users complain that it’s glitchy — in fact, some app users on the iOS platform recommend accountholders stick with the basic Citibank app, which has been around longer. Still, it maintains a 4.8/5-star rating, which isn’t bad. 

Who is Eligible for Commercial Card Accounts? 

Citi only offers commercial card products to existing Institutional Clients Group (ICG) or Commercial Bank (CCB) clients. If you are not an existing ICG or CCB client, Citi won’t pursue an inquiry for any of the above commercial cards. 

CCB and ICG provide commercial banking solutions for companies with $10 million annual revenue and up. Their solutions include capital markets advising, commercial banking, securities services, and card and loan issuer platforms. 

If you aren’t eligible for either of the above, another corporate card offer is probably a better fit. If you are eligible, and you like this offer, you should reach out to a Citi sales representative to find out which options are best for you. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a commercial credit account?

A commercial credit account is a “pay-as-you-go” business spend management account with a credit limit. In most cases, these accounts are paid in full each billing cycle — they don’t typically offer revolving terms like business credit cards. 

Does Citi verify income?

Yes. If you apply for a loan, line of credit, or corporate account with Citibank, they will verify your income. This goes for personal and business accounts. 

What FICO score does Citibank use?

Citi uses Experian to inquire into consumer credit applications. For business accounts, they use Experian Business.

Does Citi business check personal credit?

Yes, when you apply for a business credit card with Citibank, they will check your personal credit. In most cases, this does not apply to standalone corporate card accounts. 

What credit score do you need for a Citibank business credit card?

You will need a personal FICO score of 700 or higher to qualify for a Citi business credit card. This does not apply to standalone corporate card accounts. 

Is a Citi business credit card easy to get?

No, qualifying for a Citibank business credit card requires both excellent personal and business credit.  

Final Takeaway

Above, you have a summary of Citi’s commercial card account offer. In a nutshell, the offer may help you monitor and control organization-wide spending within your business. If you like what you see, reach out to a Citi sales rep today, and open an account. 

As for those who don’t yet meet the revenue requirements for this offer, there might be hope for you yet. You may qualify for a Citi business credit card. Plus, plenty of other lenders offer spend management accounts for mid-sized companies — Bank of America is one direct competitor worth looking into. 

And, you should check out the more innovative offers from Stripe, Amazon, Brex, Ramp, and Divvy before you make a final decision. 

If you want to learn how to obtain up to $100K in business credit in as few as 30 days, join Business Credit Workshop today.

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