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The best purchasing cards—also known as procurement cards, procards, or p-cards—are designed to fit your business’s budget and purchasing habits. When selecting a p-card, prioritize those that simplify your procurement process and offer robust protection against unauthorized charges. Options include charge cards, debit cards, and prepaid cards, many of which feature advanced management tools to enhance efficiency.
Here are our top eight choices for the best p-cards for business:
- Ramp Card: Overall best purchasing card with straightforward rewards
- The Plum Card® From American Express: Best for early payment discount or extra days to pay
- Rippling Spend Corporate Card: Best for all-in-one management of employee spending, expenses, and payroll
- Emburse Spend Card: Best for earning 1% cash back on all purchases
- One Card from Capital One®: Best for flexible expense management and rewards redemption
- American Express® Corporate Purchasing Card: Best for businesses with substantial expenses
- Citi® Purchasing Card: Best for custom analysis and payment optimization strategy
- JP Morgan Purchasing Card: Best for building long-term value
Looking for robust expense management Business Cards? Check out Ramp Today |
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Overview of the Best P-cards
Best For | Annual Fee | Best Feature | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Ramp Credit Card | Overall best purchasing card with straightforward rewards | $0 | Offers up to 1.5% cash back on all eligible purchases | |
 The Plum Card® From American Express | Early payment discount or extra days to pay | $250 | Offers up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases when you pay within 10 days of your statement closing date or up to 60 days to pay without interest | |
 Rippling Spend Corporate Card | All-in-one management of employee spending, expenses, and payroll | $8 per month | Link employee spending directly to roles, departments, and payroll | |
 Emburse Spend Card | Earning 1% cash back on all purchases | $0 | Can be loaded up to a maximum of $100,000 | |
 One Card from Capital One® | Flexible expense management and rewards redemption | Undisclosed | Lets you earn cash back or points on your everyday expenses | |
 American Express® Corporate Purchasing Card | Businesses with substantial expenses | $0 | Offers four ways to use the card to help optimize spending | |
 Citi Purchasing Card | Custom analysis and payment optimization strategy | None—but there may be customized costs for each business | Provides access to CitiManager Portal—allowing authorized users to manage and review account statements | |
 JP Morgan Purchasing Card | Building long-term value | Undisclosed | Has a dedicated team to help analyze data and assess your program’s past performance and evolving needs |
Ramp Card: Overall Best for Straightforward Rewards Program
Ramp Credit Card
BEST FOR:
Those who are using Ramp as their main financial management tool
- Up to 1.5% cash back on purchases, regardless of spending categories
Pros
- Offers rewards for cardholders
- Does not charge additional fees
- Integrates with accounting software, such as QuickBooks and Xero
Cons
- Requires paying balances in full each month
- Is unavailable to sole proprietors and unincorporated businesses
- Travel and emergency assistance services: Call the Benefit Administrator at (800) 397-9010 if you are in the United States or (303) 967-1093 if you are outside of the US if you need emergency assistance.
- Purchase security: Receive a maximum of $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per cardholder in cases of theft or damage to purchases made with your card.
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: When using this card for renting a car, you can be reimbursed for damages caused by theft or collision up to the Actual Cash Value of most rented cars. Note that rental periods of 31 consecutive days are covered.
- Extended warranty protection: Extend warranties for eligible purchases made with your covered account and/or rewards programs associated with your account.
- Up to 1.5% cash back on purchases, regardless of spending categories
Pros
- Offers rewards for cardholders
- Does not charge additional fees
- Integrates with accounting software, such as QuickBooks and Xero
Cons
- Requires paying balances in full each month
- Is unavailable to sole proprietors and unincorporated businesses
- Travel and emergency assistance services: Call the Benefit Administrator at (800) 397-9010 if you are in the United States or (303) 967-1093 if you are outside of the US if you need emergency assistance.
- Purchase security: Receive a maximum of $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per cardholder in cases of theft or damage to purchases made with your card.
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: When using this card for renting a car, you can be reimbursed for damages caused by theft or collision up to the Actual Cash Value of most rented cars. Note that rental periods of 31 consecutive days are covered.
- Extended warranty protection: Extend warranties for eligible purchases made with your covered account and/or rewards programs associated with your account.
Why We Like It
Ramp card is our top choice for purchasing cards, offering fixed-rate cash back without the hassle of tracking spending categories. It features a robust expense management system and a suite of practical tools. With $0 annual, setup, or replacement fees, it also provides credit limits up to 20 times higher than traditional business credit cards.
Its seamless platform includes advanced financial management tools and integrates with leading accounting software, like QuickBooks, NetSuite, Xero, and Sage Intacct. These are why it’s also our top-recommended corporate card.
Other Benefits
- Up to 1.5% cash back on purchases, regardless of spending categories.
- More than $350,000 in partner rewards—including discounts from Gusto, QuickBooks, Accelerate Tax, UPS, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Rippling, among others.
- 10% to 50% exclusive partner discounts, including Gusto, QuickBooks, Accelerate Tax, UPS, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Rippling.
- Get unlimited virtual and physical corporate cards at no additional costs.
- Set spending controls on every card, block certain merchants, and monitor expenses in real time using Ramp’s seamless platform.
- Capture receipts and upload them instantly to the platform.
The Plum Card® From American Express: Best for Early Payment Discount or Extra Days to Pay
The Plum Card® from American Express
BEST FOR:
Accessing early pay discounts or 60 days of no interest
- Paying early pays off: earn an unlimited 1.5% Early Pay Discount on eligible charges paid within 10 days of your statement closing date and see the discount applied to your next statement when you pay at the least the Minimum Payment Due by the Payment Due Date.
- Take up to 60 days to pay with no interest†, when you pay your minimum due by the Payment Due Date.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.†
- Terms Apply. Learn More.
Pros
- No preset spending limit
- Doesn‘t charge foreign transaction fees
- Offers early pay discount
Cons
- Balance is due either monthly or every 60 days
- No 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Cash advance & balance transfers aren’t allowed
- Car rental loss and damage insurance: You can be covered for damage to or theft of a rented vehicle in a covered territory when using this card to pay for the entire rental. You have to decline the collision damage waiver offered by the rental company.
- Extended warranty: Terms of the original manufacturer’s warranty can be extended up to one additional year.
- Purchase protection: Protect eligible purchases for up to 90 days from the covered purchase date if they are stolen or accidentally damaged. The coverage is limited to up to $1,000 per occurrence, and up to $50,000 per card member, per calendar year.
- Global Assist® hotline: Available for 24/7 emergency assistance and coordination service―including medical and legal referrals, emergency cash wires, and missing luggage assistance.
(Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.)
- Paying early pays off: earn an unlimited 1.5% Early Pay Discount on eligible charges paid within 10 days of your statement closing date and see the discount applied to your next statement when you pay at the least the Minimum Payment Due by the Payment Due Date.
- Take up to 60 days to pay with no interest†, when you pay your minimum due by the Payment Due Date.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.†
- Terms Apply. Learn More.
Pros
- No preset spending limit
- Doesn‘t charge foreign transaction fees
- Offers early pay discount
Cons
- Balance is due either monthly or every 60 days
- No 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Cash advance & balance transfers aren’t allowed
- Car rental loss and damage insurance: You can be covered for damage to or theft of a rented vehicle in a covered territory when using this card to pay for the entire rental. You have to decline the collision damage waiver offered by the rental company.
- Extended warranty: Terms of the original manufacturer’s warranty can be extended up to one additional year.
- Purchase protection: Protect eligible purchases for up to 90 days from the covered purchase date if they are stolen or accidentally damaged. The coverage is limited to up to $1,000 per occurrence, and up to $50,000 per card member, per calendar year.
- Global Assist® hotline: Available for 24/7 emergency assistance and coordination service―including medical and legal referrals, emergency cash wires, and missing luggage assistance.
(Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.)
Why We Like It
The Plum Card® from American Express stands out for its flexibility, making it ideal for businesses that value early payment discounts or need extra time to pay. With no preset spending limit, the card adjusts to your business needs, making it suitable for managing fluctuating expenses. Additionally, it provides an extended payment period of up to 60 days with no interest, as long as you pay the minimum due.
While it does come with a $250 annual fee, the savings potential and payment flexibility make it a smart choice for businesses prioritizing cash flow management.
Other Benefits
- 1.5% early pay discounts when balances are paid within 10 days of the statement closing date.
- Enjoy cash flow flexibility by selecting the most convenient billing cycle for your business.
- Get employee cards at no additional costs, integrate with QuickBooks, receive year-end summaries, and pay your business bills conveniently using Vendor Pay by BILL (formerly Bill.com).
- $0 foreign transaction fees on international purchases without the extra costs.
- Use expense management tools to manage finances for real-time tracking.
- Prepare taxes easily with year-end summaries that provide detailed expense reports.
- Streamline accounting with seamless integration to software like QuickBooks.
- Access 24/7 global assistance for travel and emergency support worldwide.
Rippling Spend Corporate Card: Best for All-in-one Management of Employee Spending, Expenses, and Payroll
Rippling Spend Corporate CardBEST FOR: All-in-one management of employee spending, expenses, and payrol | |
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Spending Limit | Load Limit |
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Costs | |
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Why We Like It
Rippling Spend corporate card is an excellent choice for companies already using Rippling’s ecosystem, as it eliminates the need for third-party integrations while enhancing overall efficiency. This card stands out for its unique ability to sync directly with Rippling’s all-in-one platform, simplifying the process of tracking employee expenses and reimbursements. With $0 annual or setup fees, the card provides a cost-effective solution while delivering customizable spending controls and real-time transaction monitoring.
It does not offer traditional rewards like cash back or points. Instead, its value lies in its seamless integration with advanced tools for tracking and controlling expenses efficiently.
Other Benefits
- Offers a free trial of its Spend Management software to explore its features.
- Streamline client billing and monitor spending in real time, with bills automatically routed to approvers based on employee data.
- Issue unlimited virtual and physical employee cards at no additional cost.
- Automate policies by creating and enforcing role-based or group rules, fully integrated with Rippling’s HR software.
- Manage bills, expenses, reimbursements, and card issuance efficiently on a single platform.
- Connect Rippling Spend with Rippling’s HCM Human Capital Management for seamless onboarding, automated policy controls, and real-time expense tracking. You can read our review of Rippling for additional information.
Emburse Spend Card: Best for Earning 1% Cash Back on All Purchases
Emburse Spend CardBEST FOR: Earning unlimited cash back rewards | |
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Spending Limit | Load Limit |
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Costs | |
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Why We Like It
The Emburse Spend Card, a prepaid card issued by Celtic Bank (Member FDIC), is a great choice for businesses, offering fixed-rate cash back on all purchases without tracking categories. It features real-time transaction tracking, customizable controls, and seamless integration with expense management platforms. With $0 annual or transaction fees, it allows unlimited virtual and physical employee cards, making it an efficient and flexible tool for streamlining business expenses.
Fees are free for businesses with under 100 employees, with custom pricing for larger organizations, and a 30-day free trial is available to explore its features.
Other Benefits
- Earn unlimited 1% cash back on every purchase, helping your business maximize rewards effortlessly.
- Easily issue virtual and physical cards for employees to streamline expense management.
- Set customizable spending limits and enforce expense policies to maintain control and compliance.
- Automate expense tracking seamlessly with accrual accounting synchronization.
- Integrate effortlessly with accounting platforms like QuickBooks Online and Xero for streamlined financial management.
One Card from Capital One®: Best for Flexible Expense Management and Rewards Redemption
 One Card from Capital One®BEST FOR: Those who want flexible expense management and rewards redemption | |
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Costs | Terms |
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Qualifications | Features |
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Why We Like It
The One Card from Capital One® excels in flexible expense management and rewards redemption, making it an ideal choice for businesses of all sizes. It offers robust spending controls, real-time transaction tracking, and integration with leading accounting software. Additionally, the card features a flexible rewards program, allowing businesses to redeem rewards for travel, cash back, or statement credits, tailoring benefits to their needs.
With no preset spending limit, the One Card adapts to your business’s evolving needs, providing greater purchasing power. Its streamlined platform simplifies expense reporting, empowering teams to stay on top of spending while maximizing rewards.
Other Benefits
- Offers flexible spending controls such as setting spending limits, defining purchase categories, and restricting vendor usage to maintain control over expenses.
- Real-time expense tracking to monitor transactions as they occur, ensuring transparency and reducing the risk of overspending.
- Access detailed reports to analyze spending patterns and identify cost-saving opportunities.
- Connect with accounting and ERP systems like QuickBooks, NetSuite, and Xero for efficient expense management.
- Issue unlimited cards for employees at no extra cost, enabling secure and convenient transactions.
- Redeem points or cash back based on your business needs, offering flexibility in reward utilization.
- Enjoy robust security features, including real-time alerts and liability protection for unauthorized transactions.
- Benefit from personalized assistance and account management tailored to your business needs.
- No hidden fees, ensuring businesses can focus on growth without worrying about unexpected charges.
American Express® Corporate Purchasing Card: Best for Businesses With Substantial Expenses
American Express® Corporate Purchasing CardBEST FOR: Those with substantial expenses | |
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Costs | Terms |
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Qualifications | Features |
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Why We Like It
The American Express® Corporate Purchasing Card is designed for businesses with significant expenses, providing robust spending controls and tailored solutions for large-scale procurement. It simplifies expense management through detailed reporting, real-time tracking, and customizable spending limits. Flexible payment terms, including extended billing cycles or pay-over-time options, adapt to your cash flow needs. With seamless integration into accounting platforms and trusted American Express® support, it’s ideal for organizations managing high-volume expenses efficiently.
On top of that, you can use the card in various ways, including:
- Individual Card: For traditional end-user buyers
- Supplier Card: To pay designated suppliers
- Department Card: For employees within a department
- Accounts Payable Card: To pay for approved invoices
Other Benefits
- Access comprehensive expense reports to track and manage high-volume spending effectively.
- Customize spending controls by assigning limits and designating suppliers or specific expenses for each card.
- Gain insights with its Program Optimization reports to track spending trends, spot compliance issues, and identify consolidation opportunities.
- Connect with accounting platforms like QuickBooks, SAP, and Oracle to streamline financial management.
- Centralize spending and reconciliation for improved cash-flow visibility and efficiency.
- Benefit from fraud detection, liability protection, and advanced security protocols to safeguard transactions.
- Personalized support from a dedicated account manager to optimize card usage and resolve issues.
Citi® Purchasing Card: Best for Custom Analysis & Payment Optimization Strategy
Citi® Purchasing CardBEST FOR: Those who need custom analysis and payment optimization strategy | |
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Costs | Terms |
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Qualifications | Features |
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Why We Like It
The Citi® Purchasing Card is an excellent choice for businesses seeking to streamline procurement processes and enhance payment efficiency. It offers robust expense management tools, customizable spending controls, and seamless integration with accounting systems, enabling organizations to optimize cash flow and improve operational efficiency. With global acceptance and dedicated support, it caters to the complex purchasing needs of large enterprises.
Other Benefits
- Simplifies purchasing processes, reducing the need for traditional purchase orders and invoices.
- Allows setting specific spending limits and merchant category restrictions to maintain budgetary control.
- Integrates with existing financial systems for efficient expense tracking and reconciliation.
- Provides detailed spending reports to analyze purchasing patterns and identify cost-saving opportunities.
- Offers personalized support to assist with program implementation and ongoing management.
- Includes advanced security features to detect and prevent unauthorized transactions.
JP Morgan Purchasing Card: Best for Building Long-term Value
One Card from Capital One®BEST FOR: Building long-term value | |
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Costs | Terms |
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Qualifications | Features |
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Why We Like It
The JP Morgan Purchasing Card is ideal for businesses seeking long-term value through efficient procurement and expense management. It offers advanced spending analysis tools, fraud protection, customizable controls, and seamless accounting integration. With global acceptance and dedicated support, it’s perfect for optimizing operations and driving sustainable growth.
Other Benefits
- Earn rebates Specific rebate details for the JP Morgan Purchasing Card are not publicly disclosed on their website. on qualified spending to increase cash flow.
- Track spending in real time and set controls for allowed purchases.
- Integrate with financial systems for streamlined payables and informed decisions.
- Use contactless P-cards compatible with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay for secure payments.
- Reduce fraud exposure with built-in end-to-end controls.
- Improve supplier payments and optimize days payable outstanding.
- Set spending controls and enforce policies across locations and departments.
- Receive training for program administrators to optimize card use.
When to Consider a Purchasing Card Alternative
Purchasing cards are versatile tools, but certain situations may call for alternative solutions:
- High-cost or one-time purchases: For large, one-time expenses like equipment or real estate, business loans or lines of credit might offer better terms and flexibility. Read our guides on the best small business loans or best lines of credit for some options.
- Recurring payments: If your business handles frequent recurring expenses, such as subscriptions or utilities, automated payment systems or corporate credit cards with specific rewards may be more efficient. See our list of the best corporate cards for our recommendations.
- Vendor limitations: Not all vendors accept purchasing cards, so consider alternatives like ACH transfers, checks, or wire payments for suppliers who don’t.
- Extended payment terms: If your business requires extended payment cycles, a business credit card with flexible repayment options may be more suitable. Our roundup of the best small business credit cards can help you find one that suits your needs.
- Travel and entertainment expenses: For expenses like travel, meals, or entertainment, corporate credit cards that offer travel rewards or perks might be a better fit. For options, check out our top-recommended business cards for travel.
- Need for detailed rewards: If your business prioritizes earning rewards in specific categories, a business credit card tailored to those categories may provide greater value. Explore our detailed guide on the best business credit cards for cash back rewards to find the perfect card that maximizes your savings and boosts your bottom line.
How We Selected the Best Purchasing Cards
When selecting the best purchasing cards, we considered various factors, such as cost, terms, qualifications, and control. We also looked at access to reporting and analytics and the convenience of their online account management system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The key difference lies in how the terms are structured. Small business credit cards allow you to carry a balance and charge interest (APR), while purchasing cards are typically either charge cards (requiring full payment each month) or prepaid/debit cards (requiring preloaded funds). Both are used for business expenses, but purchasing cards are specifically designed to streamline business-to-business (B2B) transactions.
For a detailed comparison, check out our comprehensive guide on small business credit cards vs purchasing cards.
You can use purchasing cards when creating a purchase order, check request, or petty cash that needs to be processed with any vendor that accepts credit cards. You can benefit from using purchasing cards due to their convenience and lower transaction costs and by using them as an alternative to petty cash.
When deciding which purchasing card is best for your business, consider the following:
- Payment terms: Do you want to pay your balance after each month, or do you want your purchase transactions to be directly deducted from your account balance? This can help you decide which card to use—either a corporate charge card or a prepaid purchasing card.
- Rewards: If your company prefers to earn rewards on purchases, select a card that offers rewards in the form of cash back, points, or rebates.
- Software: All purchasing cards come with business tools and reporting software that make it easier for your company to track and reconcile transactions. Choose one with software that integrates with your accounting system and allows you to set the controls that you want.
Bottom Line
The best purchasing cards (p-cards) offer businesses streamlined expense management, customizable spending controls, and tools to optimize procurement processes. Whether you need a charge card, prepaid card, or one with robust reporting features, choosing the right P-card can enhance efficiency and control over your business expenses.