Are you a small business owner? If you are, we know that you have lots on your plate. From strategic decision-making to managing employees, there are many responsibilities that you hold. If you struggle to control and manage your business expenditure, you can simplify things with a corporate credit card.
What is there to know about corporate credit cards? Corporate credit cards are cards that business owners issue to their employees to pay for any business-related expenditure. These cards serve as a great way to track regular business expenses. Corporate credit cards operate in the same way as personal credit cards.
Why should businesses use corporate credit cards?
1. You can get perks and rewards for your business account
Personal credit cards usually come with lots of perks. Well, it is no different for corporate credit cards. Corporate credit cards offer cash rebates, discounts on air travel, dining discounts and more. For example, perks such as dining discounts come in handy when you have to meet clients regularly. Even though some work is needed to maintain a corporate credit card, the benefits of a corporate credit card outweigh the costs.
2. You will save time and improve operational efficiency
Do you find it a hassle to reimburse your employees for any business claims? Reimbursement is a tedious process that takes up time and effort as you have to reconcile transactions manually. A corporate credit card allows employees to charge authorised business expenses directly.
For the employer, corporate credit cards help to facilitate expense management. Moreover, employees benefit as they need not fork out their own money beforehand. They also do not need to seek reimbursement afterwards.
3. You can increase the transparency and visibility of your business accounts
Corporate Credit Cards: The Anti-Cheating Super Squad
Say goodbye to the receipt shuffle. When you switch to a corporate credit card, every swipe gets logged—no paper, no gaps, no mismatched stationery.
What’s the scoop?
- No fake receipts. When the card ellipses the document trail, impersonating expenses is almost impossible.
- Monthly magic. Your issuer’s statement is like a ledger made by a wizard—accurate, complete, no missing pages.
- Instant info. Need to double‑check that questionable trip? Just pull up the transaction data quick‑save style.
Why it matters
By knocking out the “cheat-why-not” option, corporate cards boost both honesty and oversight. When employees can’t game the system, companies can focus on actual spending and fund management.
Bottom line
Corporate credit cards bring clear, transparent budgeting into the playbook—ensuring that every dollar is accounted for, no hidden tricks, and that managers can track transactions without having to hunt through piles of paperwork.
Common business expenditure incurred by companies
1. Business travel expenditure
Business travel is part and parcel of operations in today’s world. If business travel is frequent, corporate credit cards are ideal. Corporate credit cards have rewards schemes such as frequent flyer programs and hotel loyalty rewards.
In addition, many corporate credit cards offer exclusive benefits such as access to airport lounges, comprehensive travel insurance and travel emergency services. Furthermore, some card issuers also waive foreign fee transactions, which helps your business save on additional charges.
Keep Your Cash Flow in Check with a Smart Expense Tracker
Ever felt like your business finances are a chaotic whirlwind? Worry no more—there’s a tech-savvy way to keep everything tidy and on track. Introducing the business expense tracker app – your new best friend for real‑time money monitoring and effortless categorisation.
Why a Tracker Makes Your Life Easier
- Live Updates: Know instantly how your company’s spending stacks up.
- Easy Filing: Categorise everything, from office coffee to overseas travel.
- Less Paperwork: Save time and say goodbye to tedious spreadsheets.
- Smart Receipts: Snap a photo and let the app do the rest.
Top Picks to Try Out
Here are a few hand‑picked options that will help you streamline your expense tracking:
- BizXpenseTracker (BXT) – Perfect for startups and small teams.
- Concur Mobile – A robust choice for larger enterprises.
- Everlance – Ideal for freelancers needing quick, on‑the‑go tracking.
How to Get Started
Installing any of these apps is a breeze. Once you’ve got it on your phone, capture receipts, set up categories, and let the smart algorithms do the heavy lifting. Soon you’ll see your expenses neatly organized, and you’ll finally have the clarity you need to make smarter business decisions.
So, don’t let chaos rule your finances. Grab an app, get organized, and keep your business expenses as clean as a fresh new spreadsheet!
2. Ad spend on social media platforms
Did you know that global ad spend expenditure is projected to reach US$177 billion (S$240 billion) in 2022? In today’s world, social media connects businesses to consumers. Hence, companies need to leverage social media to drive sales. One way is through online advertisements.
If multiple ads are run throughout the week, it can be a hassle for social media managers to make claims at the end of the month if they paid for these advertisements using their own credit card. However, using a corporate credit card allows social media managers to charge adspend directly to the card. Not only does it make life easier for these managers, but it also makes it easier for the employer to track ad spend costs.
3. Day-to-day operational expenditure
Most businesses rent office space to conduct their business operations. There are different costs associated with renting an office space. If your lease agreement does not include utilities, you will have to bear the cost of utility expenses — such as water and electricity bills.
Moreover, telecommunication is required for a business to function. Hence, you will also incur phone and internet costs. These costs associated with running a company helps ensure that your business functions smoothly.
4. Software as a Service (SaaS) subscription expenses
Also known as “on-demand software”, Software as a Service (SaaS) is a way for businesses to access applications over the internet through cloud-based apps. With a corporate credit card, you can earn cashback on SaaS spend.
Unleash Your Business Potential with SaaS Savings
Picture this: You’re juggling multiple subscriptions, each pulling at your budget. Then you discover that the Aspire corporate card offers a refreshing 1% cashback on every SaaS purchase. The extra cash line quickly opens new avenues—whether it’s expanding your team, boosting client projects, or simply streamlining daily operations.
Why SaaS is the Smart Choice
- Email Marketing: MailChimp lets you send sleek campaigns without sealing your office with a server rack.
- Design Tools: Canva turns even a basic spreadsheet into a brand-boosting masterpiece.
- Accounting Made Easy: QuickBooks keeps your invoices neat and your taxes smoother than a jazz solo.
On-Demand Software: The Business Ally You Didn’t Know You Needed
Think of on-demand software as the power‑up you’d find in a video game. It’s plug-and-play, mobile-friendly, and requires no hardware upgrades. From project management to customer relationship systems, you can load the features you need, drop them when you don’t, and keep your cash curve up.
When to Switch?
Like good coffee, the right SaaS solution is all about timing:
- If your team grows faster than your legacy tools can keep up.
- When you’re looking to integrate different departments (e.g., sales, marketing, support) into a single platform.
- If your current spend isn’t giving a return on investment (ROI).
With the cashback boost from Aspire, you can experiment freely without fear of burning your budget. Restart, refresh, or remix—your business, your rules.
Corporate credit cards in Singapore
1. American Express Singapore Airlines business card: Best for business travellers
Up to 8.5 KrisFlyer pts per $1 on SIA and SilkAir flights
Promotions: $300 statement credit upon $5,000 spend in first three months. Valid until March 31, 2022.
First year fee waiver worth $299. Valid until March 31, 2022.
Fees, rewards & perks
Annual fee: $299, waived for first year
Supplementary card fee: $99 (1st 2 free)
8.5 KrisFlyer points (worth 8.1 per cent cashback) per $1 spend on SIA and SilkAir flights
1.8 KrisFlyer points (worth 1.7 per cent cashback) per $1 general spend
Complimentary night’s stay and up to 50 per cent dining discounts with Accor Plus across Asia-Pacific
Two free lounge visits/year for cardholder and a guest
Accelerated KrisFlyer Elite Gold Status with $15,000 spend on Singapore Airlines Group within first year of Card Membership
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Programme and rental car privileges
Free travel inconvenience and accident insurance
Extended payment terms: up to 51 interest-free days from transaction date
Zero per cent interest instalment plans across six, 12 or 24 months via Pay Small
American Express Singapore Airlines business card is an exceptional option. Every $1 spent on SIA and SilkAir flights earns 8.5 HighFlyer points (worth 8.1 per cent cashback), while all other spend earns 1.8 HighFlyer points (worth 1.7 per cent cashback). Points go into your business’s SIA account and can be redeemed for tickets on SIA and SilkAir, Scoot vouchers and more.
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You can pay for such tickets with a mix of cash and earned points, which means you won’t have to save up for a points-only purchase. Still, HF points don’t expire for three years anyway, allowing businesses to accrue rewards during off-seasons and redeem them for future trips. Currently, one HF point is equivalent to one KrisFlyer point.
For businesses that conduct a great deal of overseas travel, is an exceptional option. Every $1 spent on SIA and SilkAir flights earns 8.5 HighFlyer points (worth 8.1 per cent cashback), while all other spend earns 1.8 HighFlyer points (worth 1.7 per cent cashback). Points go into your business’s SIA account and can be redeemed for tickets on SIA and SilkAir, Scoot vouchers and more.
You can pay for such tickets with a mix of cash and earned points, which means you won’t have to save up for a points-only purchase. Still, HF points don’t expire for three years anyway, allowing businesses to accrue rewards during off-seasons and redeem them for future trips. Currently, one HF point is equivalent to one KrisFlyer point.
Amex SIA business card’s luxury travel perks also add significant value as well as convenience and comfort to your business trips. Each cardholder enjoys two free lounge visits per year for themselves and a guest, plus free travel insurance, complimentary night’s stay with Accor Plus across Asia-Pacific, and Hertz rental car privileges.
With $15k+ spend on SIA brands within the first year, a registered corporate traveller can also be upgraded to KrisFlyer Elite Gold status. Finally, account holders can immediately benefit from the card’s new first-year fee waiver and updated sign-on bonuses, which include hotel staycation opportunities in light of the current pandemic.
Finally, Amex SIA business card helps out SMEs year-round with its extended payment terms, offering up to 51 interest-free days from the transaction date (21 days from the statement date) and a zero per cent interest instalment plan via Amex Pay Small.
This allows businesses with irregular cash flow to continue operating without added costs. Overall, Amex SIA business card is one of the best options on the market for companies that conduct a substantial amount of business overseas.
2. DBS Visa Platinum business card: Best for business cashback
Why the DBS Visa Platinum Business Card is a Goldmine for Small Businesses
First month = 5% cashback bonanza! The card starts with a 0.4% base rate, but the welcome promo can pump that up to 5% in the first month. That’s a happy dance for your cash flow.
What the card actually gives you
- Annual fee – $192.6, but you get a full free first year. That’s like getting a brand‑new car without the monthly payments.
- Cashback – 0.4% on every swipe. Pile up a few cards for that 5% boost in month one.
- Bill‑pay perks – Earn extra rewards when paying recurring bills such as Starhub, M1, and SP Services. With a quick reminder, you’re already winning.
- Travel accident insurance – Up to $1 million per cardholder. “Traveling by horse is safe. Flying? Let’s keep the insurance tidy.”
- Employee misuse coverage – Up to $1.65 million per company, $25 000 per cardholder. Think of it as a safety net for those accidental “oops” moments.
- Customisable credit limits – Tailor the card’s borrowing power to fit each employee’s real‑world needs.
Why this card beats other SME options
We’ve all seen the line‑up of small‑business cards, but the DBS Visa Platinum pulls ahead because that $192.6 fee is more than $100 cheaper than rivals offering higher rates. It combines high cashback with low annual costs, so the math works even if your office supplies budget is tight.
Get it on top of your DBS corporate account
If you already have a DBS corporate account, adding the Visa Platinum is a no‑step drop. Keep the card ties tight, enjoy the perks, and let the mystery of the glowing 5% headline turn into real dollars on your statement.
3. Aspire debit card: Best for cashback on ad spend and SaaS
Why the Aspire Corporate Card is a Game‑Changer for Tech Start‑Ups
Picture this: you’re a startup founder, juggling huge marketing budgets, streaming the world’s best SaaS tools, and looking for a card that does something useful rather than just charging you a fee each month. The Aspire Corporate Card is that card — a slick, no‑annual‑fee debit alternative that pays you back on the very things you spend most on.
Cash‑Back That Actually Matters
- Up to 1% back on online marketing: Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, and Microsoft Ads.
- Up to 1% back on SaaS subscriptions: Google Workspace, QuickBooks, Shopify, Zoom, Slack, and many more.
- If you spend less than $5,000 a month, you’ll still get 0.25% back — a sweet consolation prize.
Sweet Talk: A $50,000 Perk Pool
Goal is to keep your team smiling while you grow. With Aspire, you have access to a curated list of partners that offer discounts and exclusive deals worth $50,000 — think discounted Slack plans, premium job boards, and more. Perfect for companies that lean heavily on web‑based platforms.
Low Foreign Transaction Fees
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<liTurned into a real value: Aspire charges just 0.50% for foreign currency transactions.
- Compared to some competitors that flop up to 3.25%, this is like comparing a bicycle to a spaceship.
No Hidden Fees, Just Straight Cash
One of the cards that truly feel like the friend you actually want in the startup world: no annual fee. That means your money stays where it belongs – in your growth budget.
Bottom Line: A Smart Choice for Your Tech Startup
In short, when you need a debit card that’s as eager to help you grow as you are, the Aspire Corporate Card delivers. It rewards you on the most essential spend categories and gives you perks that keep teams motivated. If you’re a founder who loves Stack‑style tools and a big marketing spend, stop to think: You’re getting a card that does real work for you.
4. UOB Platinum business card: Best for operational needs such as utilities
Extensive discounts on utilities, logistics and other essential business services
Fees, rewards & perks
Annual fee: $180.0, waived for first year
0.30 per cent cashback on general spend
UOB Smart$ Rebate and UOB Commercial Privileges Programmes
MasterCard Easy Savings
Free travel accident insurance, up to $1 million per cardholder
UOB Platinum business card, which offers one of the most comprehensive sets of business privileges on the market. The card comes with several distinct benefits programmes. The first, UOB Commercial Privileges, provides exclusive offers on all types of spend, from utilities and tech services to logistics. UOB Smart$ Rebates, another programme, offers up to 10 per cent rebate with select insurance, petrol and other types of merchants.
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Finally, with MasterCard Easy Savings programme, cardholders’ spend on select business services (including Microsoft, Apple, Logitech and more) earns a five per cent rebate, which is automatically credited to the account. When combined with the card’s flat 0.30 per cent rebate on all spend, it’s easy to maximise savings with UOB Platinum business card.
Businesses looking for corporate perks and discounts with key vendors should definitely consider, which offers one of the most comprehensive sets of business privileges on the market. The card comes with several distinct benefits programmes.
The first, UOB Commercial Privileges, provides exclusive offers on all types of spend, from utilities and tech services to logistics. UOB Smart$ Rebates, another programme, offers up to 10 per cent rebate with select insurance, petrol and other types of merchants.
Finally, with MasterCard Easy Savings programme, cardholders’ spend on select business services (including Microsoft, Apple, Logitech and more) earns a five per cent rebate, which is automatically credited to the account. When combined with the card’s flat 0.30 per cent rebate on all spend, it’s easy to maximise savings with UOB Platinum business card.
Beyond supplier discounts, cardholders also enjoy free travel accident insurance. While there is a $180 annual fee, it’s rather moderate compared to the general market and is also waived the first year. If your business has a UOB business account, the UOB Platinum business card is a great add-on for your day-to-day operating expenses.
Manage business accounts with a corporate credit card today
Ultimately, a corporate credit card would help to streamline your day-to-day operations. However, it is important that you set up a company expense policy for your employees to follow. These rules and guidelines will ensure that employees do not misuse the card.
Card limits and responsibilities should also be explicitly laid out — such as only charging business expenses to the card and keeping to the budget set by the finance team. With the benefits that a corporate credit card can bring to your organisation, you should apply for one today.
READ ALSO: Best credit cards for paying insurance premiums in Singapore 2022
This article was first published in ValueChampion.
Credit/Debit cardsLocal BusinessBusinessSmall BusinessEmployers/Employees
