Quantcast

Weighing expense management platforms versus reward-focused credit cards for businesses

Weighing expense management platforms versus reward-focused credit cards for businesses
Research
Webp brian
Brian Kelly, Founder | The Points Guy

Many business owners face a decision between prioritizing expense management systems and maximizing credit card rewards for their companies. While many individuals focus on earning the most from personal credit cards, they often take a different approach when managing company expenses, even though business spending is usually much higher.

Platforms such as Ramp, Rippling, and Brex offer businesses both expense management tools and corporate credit cards. These platforms highlight features like centralized control over expenses, customizable spending rules, card issuance options, and APIs to connect with existing accounting software for streamlined bookkeeping.

Rippling provides up to 1.75% cash back on its credit card purchases, while Brex offers a points system that is more valuable when redeemed for travel but generally less lucrative than traditional corporate cards. In contrast, some standard business credit cards offer at least 2% cash back. Certain cards can provide even higher returns; for example, the Capital One Venture X Business card gives 10 miles per dollar spent on hotels and car rentals booked through its travel portal—a benefit that can be especially significant for companies with substantial travel expenses.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The decision often comes down to how much control over spending a business requires. Some accounting platforms already automate many expense processes and allow integration with corporate credit cards. For organizations needing strict or highly customized policies—such as adjusting airline fare allowances during peak periods—an all-in-one platform may be preferable.

However, companies should weigh these controls against potential lost rewards. A hybrid strategy that combines efficient accounting software with high-earning rewards credit cards may provide both adequate oversight and valuable benefits.

"Some businesses absolutely need rigorous expense management, but in many cases, they leave money on the table by going all-in on and foregoing valuable rewards that can be earned from popular business credit cards. A hybrid strategy is usually a better bet."

Business owners are encouraged to review the overall advantages of each option before choosing an expense management platform over maximizing available rewards programs.

"They can be helpful if you have a lot of employees who travel and dine on the company's dime. However, it's harder to justify having spending controls in other categories (such as shipping or advertising) when you could be leaving considerable rewards on the table."

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Delta Air Lines will introduce new in-flight menu options created by celebrity chef José Andrés starting November 4.

Oct 25, 2025

The Blue Sky partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue launched today, allowing members of both airlines’ loyalty programs to earn and redeem points across the two carriers.

Oct 25, 2025

Air Canada is set to expand its presence at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) by introducing four new nonstop routes to the United States in 2026.

Oct 25, 2025

United Airlines has announced it will add 10 new destinations from its Chicago O'Hare International Airport hub starting next year.

Oct 25, 2025

The partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue, known as Blue Sky, has officially launched.

Oct 25, 2025

American Airlines will introduce its new Airbus A321XLR aircraft on December 18, marking the first time a U.S. airline operates this model.

Oct 25, 2025