Credit card for work expenses

[flara]

I've recently started a new job, which involves quite a bit of travel. In my previous role the company would buy train tickets, hire cars etc for you - however in my new role I'm expected to pay myself and claim it back. Not a problem in itself as expenses are reimbursed quickly, however i find it makes it so much harder to keep track of my personal spending each month, and what I'm due to be reimbursed etc. as they like you to submit your expenses once a month, rather than as and when.
Therefore, I'm looking at getting a credit card to buy train tickets etc, then pay off in full each month.
There seems to be so much choice out there and I've not had a credit card in years, so I'm here hoping for some recommendations/things to look out for or consider. Many thanks!

Normally everyone would say hunt for 0% but for work expenses go for rewards. I only use mines for work and it’s paid off as soon as expenses payment is made. My work likes me to submit weekly and they pay before the following weekend.

I use a card that gives 1% cash back in Amazon vouchers. I think I spend lots less than you as only local travel but I still average 1k a month so get £120 in Amazon vouchers.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BH98211K/?ref=BAPRN001&plattr=BAPRN001

My second tip is photograph your receipts on the work phone as and when you get them for smaller purchases. I submit electronically and it’s really easy to forget coffees and sandwiches that fall within the expense policy. I just work my way through the photo reel for the week.

I would get an Amex for the points

We use Amex for points and have a bs k up card as not everywhere takes Amex, it’s getting better though. We get airport lounge access and we used the points recently to have a free hotel break.

I use the Amex card that gives BA points for my work expenses. I use the points to get money off my holidays and, if you are a high spender, you can receive a free companion voucher once a year.

I use a Virgin credit card that gives points for air travel on Virgin.

You should be clearing each month so the rate is not relevant so look for a reward based which matches your travel. If you are staying in hotels become a business member, same for hire companies.

NB make sure your expense policy says that rewards are a perk to you and do not belong to the job. If it is not there get a letter confirming from HR.

Plus if they delay a payment they pick up all the bank charges (boss not approved in reasonable time, approved but not paid etc) thats for big purchase made across billing periods too.

Can your work policy matching your payments on the card? Ie can they split their bank transaction?

If you are still filing manual use Lovelysummerdays suggeston to open a folder called work reciepts on your phone.
If electronic put the icon on the front page od your phone and make recording part of the buying process.
Buy a wallet that travels with you currency (UK or Not) and 'work' credit card and reciepts get stored.

Once back "in the office" your first pre coffee task is to fill up your claim and leave it pending.

If possible your claim should be paid outside payroll. (I had someone who had to prove that the repayment was not salary).
And/or directly to the credit card account.

Work backwards to pick your cr card due date.
Purchase day > Claim in> approval > sent to pay > hits bank > Cr card due

If reimbursed quickly, you don't need to be looking at low interest cards, long interest free periods, etc.

Best to look for one that has good cash back or points or similar so that you can benefit from the spending.

You want without without an annual fee.

Also consider if there will ever be any foreign spending on overseas business trips - some cards are better than others with Forex fees etc.

Halifax clarity credit card do a range of cash back offers such as x% off some operator's train tickets, y% off food at certain restaurants, etc.

I believe Sainsbury credit card gives you nectar points.

We used to do this. It makes it so much easier. Just be. Careful to pay it off each month. You can set direct debits up to do this.

taxguru made a good point about fx but that is a cost to the business not you.

You want without without an annual fee.

Same here that is a business cost that the company would have to pay if they gave you a personal company card.

You are giving them a line of credit from personal ability to borrow.

Ie bank thinks you are good to pay back (stress test) Mtg and car and holiday loan and CC etc to 900,000

800,000 Mtg
60,000 car
10,000 CC etc
10,000 work CC
20,000 available credit

So your kitchen reno drops from 30k to 20k

I have a sainsburys card for the nectar points which I then use for my personal spending like flights etc