Make managing your team's spending needs a breeze, with our checklist of the must-have features of your business’s corporate card platform.
Looking for the most effective method of controlling company costs? A flexible spend management solution with corporate cards should be your go-to. Instantly issuing cards and managing your company's spending in real-time is just the start though. Ultimately, you should be looking for a solution that offers convenience, control, and perks, all tailored to meet the unique needs of your organization. The end goal? To save time - and money.
SMBs Spend 120 Working Days Per Year on Admin Tasks and Bookkeeping
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Imagine the time that could be saved by using an efficient card and spend management platform! With a plethora of options available in the market, here’s a guide to choosing the right solution for your business.
Flexible Spending Controls.
One of the key features to seek in a corporate card is the ability to set spending controls. Look for cards that allow you to establish individual spending limits for employees, track expenses in real time, and customize spending categories. This level of control helps prevent overspending, ensures compliance with company policies, and streamlines the expense management process.
Integration with Expense Management Systems.
Seamless integration with expense management systems is essential for efficient tracking, reporting, and reconciliation of corporate expenses. Opt for cards that offer compatibility with popular accounting software or provide dedicated expense management platforms. This integration minimizes manual data entry, enhances accuracy, and saves valuable time for finance teams.
Robust Security Features.
Protecting sensitive financial information and preventing fraudulent transactions are paramount concerns for businesses. Look for corporate cards equipped with advanced security features such as EMV chip technology, tokenization, and real-time fraud monitoring. Additionally, cards that offer liability protection and immediate card replacement in case of loss or theft provide added peace of mind for businesses. FDIC membership and the insurance that is offered on accounts are non-negotiable when choosing a card provider.
Rewards and Benefits Program.
Many corporate cards offer rewards and benefits tailored to business needs, such as travel rewards, and discounts on business services. Evaluate the rewards structure and determine whether it aligns with your company's spending patterns and priorities – beware of complex rewards programs that require your business to build points before they can be redeemed. Not only do they complicate business spending, but they add another layer of admin that most businesses can do without. Additionally, consider added perks like discounted car hire, airport lounge access, and concierge services, which can add value for frequent business travelers.
Global Acceptance and Currency Options.
For businesses with international operations or frequent travel – and in 2024, that’s most of us - it's crucial to choose a corporate card with global acceptance and support for multiple currencies. Ensure that the card is widely accepted by merchants worldwide, for example, Visa or Mastercard, and offers competitive foreign transaction fees to avoid additional costs associated with currency conversion. This may require reading the fine print, as many providers offer low FX rates that are capped at a certain transaction value - negating most of the savings.
Dedicated Customer Support.
Responsive and knowledgeable customer support is essential, especially when dealing with financial matters. Select a card issuer known for excellent customer service, with dedicated support channels for corporate cardholders – ideally, 24/7 and with multi-lingual options. This ensures timely assistance for inquiries, account management, and resolution of any issues that may arise.
Transparent Fee Structure.
Before finalizing a corporate card, carefully review the fee structure to understand all associated costs. Look for cards with transparent fee disclosures, and no hidden charges. Pay attention to fees for late payments, foreign transactions, and additional cardholders to assess the overall cost-effectiveness of the card. The ability to issue unlimited cards is a plus point for businesses as they grow and expand their workforce.
Customizable Reporting and Analytics.
Data is everything. Access to comprehensive reporting tools and analytics empowers businesses to gain insights into spending patterns, identify cost-saving opportunities, and make informed financial decisions. Seek corporate cards that offer customizable reporting dashboards, expense categorization options, and downloadable transaction data for in-depth analysis.
Selecting the right corporate card requires a thorough evaluation of features, benefits, and costs to meet the unique needs of your business. Ultimately, the best option is one that optimizes expense management, enhances financial control, and drives business success.