Efficient expense management is essential for UK businesses to maintain financial health and optimise operations. In 2025, digital tools and corporate cards are more advanced than ever, offering robust solutions for tracking and controlling business expenses. Below is a detailed guide to the top 10 best employee expense cards and apps UK businesses should consider for expense tracking this year.
Whether you’re looking for prepaid expense cards, detailed expense analytics and reporting, or the best mobile apps for employee expense tracking, read on for the best solutions.
| Feature | Soldo | Pleo | Revolut Business | Brex | Spendesk | Monzo Business | Tide Expense Cards | Curve | Expensify | Zoho Expense |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | From £21/month (ex. VAT) | From £6/user/month | Free to £100/month | Custom | Custom | Free to £5/month | £5/card/month | Free to £14.99/month | Free to $9/user/month | Free to $8/user/month |
| Free Trial | 30 days | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | 14 days |
| Cards Offered | Prepaid (physical & virtual) | Prepaid (physical & virtual) | Physical & virtual | Corporate credit cards | Prepaid (physical & virtual) | Debit cards (physical & virtual) | Physical cards | Consolidated card | N/A | N/A |
| Spending Limits | Customisable per card | Customisable per user | Customisable per user | Custom | Customisable per card | Basic (Lite) or Customisable (Pro) | Customisable per card | Plan-specific | Yes | Yes |
| Receipt Capture | Yes, via mobile app | Yes, via mobile app | Yes, real-time | Yes | Yes | Yes, via app | Yes, via app | No | Yes, via app | Yes, via app |
| Expense Categorisation | Automatic | AI-based | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Manual | Automatic | Automatic |
| Accounting Integration | Xero, QuickBooks, Sage | Xero, QuickBooks | Xero, QuickBooks | NetSuite, Expensify | Xero, QuickBooks | Xero, FreeAgent | Xero, FreeAgent | None | QuickBooks, NetSuite | Zoho Books, others |
| Approval Workflow | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Real-Time Tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Additional Perks | Advanced reporting tools | AI insights dashboards | Multi-currency support | Cashback & rewards | Supplier invoice management | Integrated banking tools | Low-cost small business solution | Consolidated card for all accounts | Mileage tracking | Policy compliance tracking |
| Ideal For | SMEs with multiple employees | Start-ups & SMEs | International businesses | Start-ups & fast-growing companies | Medium-sized businesses | Freelancers & small businesses | Cost-conscious small businesses | Businesses managing multiple cards | Medium to large enterprises | Zoho ecosystem users |
| Strengths | Granular controls, extensive reporting | Automation, flexibility | Global transactions, cost-efficient | Rewards, scalability | Comprehensive spend management | Affordable, user-friendly | Budget-friendly, simple interface | Combines cards, simple tracking | AI-powered insights, easy tracking | Full-feature integration |
| Weaknesses | Physical cards cost extra | Expensive for small teams | Limited advanced features | Not widely available in the UK yet | Custom pricing complexity | Limited for larger organisations | Limited scalability | Limited categorisation | Lacks physical card support | Heavily tied to Zoho ecosystem |
Key takeaways
- Best for SMEs: Soldo, Pleo, and Tide offer scalable solutions with detailed controls.
- Best for international businesses: Revolut Business stands out for its multi-currency functionality.
- Most advanced features: Spendesk and Brex provide comprehensive expense management, suitable for medium to large companies.
- Budget-friendly options: Monzo Business and Tide Expense Cards are cost-effective for smaller operations.
- Integrated solutions: Zoho Expense is ideal for businesses already using Zoho products.
1. Soldo
Soldo offers a powerful combination of prepaid business cards and an intuitive app, enabling businesses to manage expenses in real time. This tool is particularly popular among SMEs with multiple employees needing clear expense boundaries.
Key Features:
- Assign prepaid cards to individuals, teams, or departments, each with tailored spending limits and budgets.
- The app allows instant notifications for every transaction, ensuring transparency.
- Receipt capture can be done directly through the mobile app, saving time on manual reconciliation.
- Offers seamless integrations with leading accounting software such as Xero, QuickBooks, and Sage.
- Provides granular reporting features that allow businesses to track spending trends and identify cost-saving opportunities.
Ideal For: Growing businesses that require robust control over employee spending without adding administrative complexity.
Pricing Plans:
- Standard: £21 per month (excluding VAT), includes up to 20 cards.
- Plus: £33 per month (excluding VAT), offers additional features.
- Enterprise: Custom pricing for large organisations.
Additional Costs:
- Physical cards: £5 per card.
- Virtual cards: £1 per card.
- Cash withdrawals: 1% fee (minimum £2).
Free Trial: 30-day free trial available.
2. Pleo
Pleo is a smart solution combining company cards with a cutting-edge app to automate expense tracking. Its customisable features make it an excellent choice for businesses that value efficiency and transparency.
Key Features:
- Offers both virtual and physical company cards that can be issued quickly to employees, contractors, or departments.
- Automatically categorises expenses using AI, reducing manual entry and errors.
- Features a user-friendly mobile app where employees can upload receipts on the go, allowing managers to approve or decline expenses effortlessly.
- Integrates with popular accounting platforms, ensuring streamlined financial reporting.
- Insights dashboards help track spending patterns and adherence to budgets.
Ideal For: SMEs and start-ups looking to automate and simplify expense management without losing control.
Pricing Plans:
- Starter: Free for up to 3 users; additional users at £10 per user per month.
- Essential: £6 per user per month, includes additional features.
- Advanced: £10 per user per month, offers comprehensive features.
Additional Costs:
- ATM withdrawals: £4 per withdrawal.
Free Trial: Available.
3. Revolut Business
Revolut Business goes beyond expense tracking, offering a holistic platform for managing business finances, including international transactions and team budgets.
Key Features:
- Provides virtual and physical cards for employees, each with specific spending controls and analytics.
- Supports over 30 currencies, making it ideal for businesses with global operations or suppliers.
- Tracks expenses in real time, categorising transactions and flagging unusual spending behaviour.
- Expense reports can be generated instantly, reducing time spent on end-of-month reconciliations.
- Additional tools like currency exchange, invoice management, and payroll integration make this a versatile platform.
Ideal For: Businesses managing international transactions or operating with a remote, distributed workforce.
Pricing Plans:
- Free: Basic features with limited allowances.
- Grow: £25 per month, suitable for growing businesses.
- Scale: £100 per month, for larger operations.
- Enterprise: Custom pricing for large organisations.
Additional Costs:
- International payments: Fees vary based on the plan and transaction.
4. Brex
Although primarily a US-based solution, Brex has expanded to support UK businesses, offering corporate credit cards with a focus on rewards and automation.
Key Features:
- Offers credit cards with no personal guarantees required, removing risks to business owners.
- Tracks and categorises expenses automatically, aligning with accounting standards.
- Provides valuable perks such as cashback and discounts on partner services like travel and software subscriptions.
- Advanced integration capabilities with tools like NetSuite, QuickBooks, and Expensify ensure smooth workflows.
- Centralised dashboards allow administrators to manage budgets and oversee spending across departments.
Ideal For: Start-ups and fast-scaling businesses prioritising rewards and financial efficiency.
Pricing:
- Brex offers tailored pricing based on business needs.
- Interested businesses should contact Brex directly for a customised quote.
5. Spendesk
Spendesk delivers an all-in-one solution for managing company spending, from prepaid cards to invoice management and expense reporting. It simplifies the approval process while providing transparency.
Key Features:
- Issue individual prepaid cards to employees or teams, each tailored with specific limits and permissions.
- Automates expense approvals, saving time for finance teams and managers.
- Tracks every transaction in real time, providing detailed reporting at both granular and aggregate levels.
- Includes functionality for managing supplier invoices alongside traditional expense tracking.
- Offers expense policies that can be customised to align with internal controls.
Ideal For: Medium-sized businesses needing comprehensive spend management tools.
Pricing:
- Spendesk provides custom pricing based on the size and requirements of the business.
- Businesses are encouraged to contact Spendesk for a personalised quote.
6. Monzo Business
Monzo Business provides a simple yet effective way for small businesses to track and manage expenses alongside their banking needs. With features designed for entrepreneurs, Monzo is both affordable and user-friendly.
Key Features:
- Automated categorisation of expenses, helping business owners save time on bookkeeping.
- A built-in receipt capture feature allows users to attach images of receipts to transactions directly.
- Real-time notifications for every card transaction ensure complete visibility.
- Offers savings pots and budget tracking to help businesses allocate resources effectively.
- Integrates with accounting tools such as FreeAgent and Xero for smooth financial reporting.
Ideal For: Freelancers and small business owners looking for an integrated banking and expense solution.
Pricing Plans:
- Lite: Free, includes basic banking features.
- Pro: £5 per month, offers advanced features including integrated accounting and multi-user access.
Additional Costs:
- Cash deposits: £1 fee per deposit.
- International transfers: Fees apply via Wise integration.
7. Tide Expense Cards
Tide provides businesses with expense cards and a powerful app to simplify expense tracking. Its cost-effective solutions are tailored for small enterprises and start-ups.
Key Features:
- Issue multiple expense cards for employees with predefined spending limits.
- Automatically syncs with accounting software to eliminate manual data entry.
- Notifications remind users to upload receipts after transactions, promoting compliance.
- Users can categorise expenses and generate reports directly within the app.
- Cost-efficient pricing makes it accessible for businesses with limited budgets.
Ideal For: Small businesses seeking affordable and effective expense tools.
Pricing:
- £5 plus VAT per card per month.
Additional Costs:
- Transactions: 20p per top-up and transfer out.
- ATM withdrawals: £1 per withdrawal.
8. Curve
Curve combines all your business debit and credit cards into a single card, streamlining expense tracking and reducing admin work.
Key Features:
- Consolidates multiple cards, allowing users to track all expenses through one app.
- Offers real-time notifications and categorisation of expenses.
- The “Go Back in Time” feature lets users reassign transactions to a different card retroactively.
- Includes insights into spending patterns and trends, aiding financial planning.
- Compatible with accounting software for seamless integration.
Ideal For: Businesses juggling multiple cards or managing complex spending arrangements.
Pricing Plans:
- Free: Basic features with limited benefits.
- Curve X: £5.99 per month, includes additional features.
- Curve Pro: £9.99 per month, offers premium features.
- Curve Pro+: £17.99 per month, includes all features and benefits.
Additional Costs:
- Foreign exchange fees: Applicable on weekends and for amounts exceeding plan limits.
9. Expensify
Expensify is a powerful app designed to automate and simplify expense reporting for businesses of all sizes. Its user-friendly interface makes it a favourite among employees and finance teams alike.
Key Features:
- SmartScan technology captures and categorises receipts with a single photo.
- Integrates with travel booking systems, enabling automatic expense tracking for business trips.
- Features mileage tracking, making it ideal for businesses with on-the-road teams.
- Provides real-time expense approval workflows, reducing delays in reimbursement.
- Detailed reporting tools offer insights into spending trends, helping businesses make informed decisions.
Ideal For: Medium to large enterprises requiring detailed and automated expense tracking.
Pricing Plans:
- Free: For individuals tracking personal expenses.
- Collect: $5 per user per month, for expense approvals.
- Control: $9 per user per month, includes advanced policy controls.
Additional Costs:
- Custom pricing available for large enterprises.
10. Zoho Expense
Zoho Expense is part of the larger Zoho suite, offering advanced expense management features tailored for businesses already using Zoho tools or seeking an all-in-one solution.
Key Features:
- Automatically tracks and categorises expenses from receipts, credit cards, and bank feeds.
- Includes mileage tracking, expense policies, and compliance checks to ensure accurate reporting.
- Customisable reports and analytics provide deep insights into spending habits and areas for improvement.
- Supports multi-currency tracking, making it ideal for global businesses.
- Integrates seamlessly with other Zoho tools, such as Zoho Books and Zoho CRM.
Ideal For: Businesses already in the Zoho ecosystem or looking for an all-in-one management solution.
Pricing Plans:
- Free: Up to 3 users with basic features.
- Premium: £4 per user per month, includes advanced features.
- Enterprise: £6.40 per user per month, offers comprehensive features.
- Free Trial: 14-day free trial available.
How to choose the best option
When deciding on an expense management solution for your business, consider the following:
- Company size: Tailor your choice based on the number of employees and volume of transactions.
- Budget: Ensure the pricing fits within your financial constraints while delivering essential features.
- Integration needs: Look for tools that align with your existing accounting, payroll, or CRM systems.
- Complexity of needs: Opt for tools that suit the level of control and oversight your business requires.
By leveraging the tools outlined above, UK businesses can optimise expense tracking, improve accuracy, and save valuable time. Choose the right tool to transform your expense management process and focus on what matters most—growing your business.
FAQ about expense cards
Expense cards are prepaid, debit, or credit cards issued to employees or teams within a business. These cards allow businesses to set spending limits, track expenses in real-time, and automate the expense reporting process. They typically integrate with mobile apps or software for seamless expense management.
Yes, expense cards are highly suitable for small businesses as they provide an efficient way to control spending without requiring complex accounting systems. Many providers offer scalable plans specifically tailored for small business budgets.
Expense cards often include features like receipt capture, spending categorisation, and policy enforcement, ensuring transactions comply with company financial policies. This helps businesses maintain accurate records for audits and tax purposes.
Some expense card providers, such as Revolut Business, support multi-currency transactions, making them ideal for businesses dealing with international clients or suppliers. These cards often include competitive exchange rates and reduced fees for cross-border payments.
Virtual expense cards are digital-only cards generated through an app or software. They can be used for online transactions and subscriptions, offering the same controls as physical cards. Virtual cards are highly secure as they can be easily deactivated or regenerated if compromised.
Expense cards often sync automatically with accounting platforms like Xero, QuickBooks, or Sage. This integration eliminates manual data entry, enabling real-time expense tracking and streamlined financial reporting.
Expense cards can be cost-effective, especially when compared to traditional expense management methods. They save time on reconciliation, reduce administrative overheads, and minimise errors in reporting. Many providers offer affordable pricing plans suitable for businesses of all sizes.
Yes, expense cards enhance security by allowing businesses to set spending limits, restrict usage to certain categories, and monitor transactions in real time. These features reduce the risk of misuse and provide an extra layer of fraud prevention.
Not necessarily. Some businesses issue expense cards to specific teams or departments rather than individuals. Providers often allow customisation of card limits and permissions to suit different roles within the company.
Most providers allow businesses to freeze or cancel lost or stolen expense cards immediately via their app or online platform. This ensures that no unauthorised transactions can take place, protecting company funds.