Comparison
Stripe Issuing vs Brex
A side-by-side look at Stripe Issuing and Brex — pricing, regions, integrations, pros and cons. Use the recommender if you'd rather have an AI pick for you.
Stripe Issuing
Programmable cards via API.
Stripe Issuing lets platforms issue physical and virtual cards via API — used by fintechs, marketplaces and embedded finance products.
Brex
The corporate card built for startups and scale-ups.
Brex pairs a charge card with bill pay, travel and global expense tools — designed for venture-backed companies that need fast underwriting based on cash balance, not credit history.
Side-by-side
| Spec | Stripe Issuing | Brex |
|---|---|---|
| Tagline | Programmable cards via API. | The corporate card built for startups and scale-ups. |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, USA | San Francisco, USA |
| Founded | 2018 | 2017 |
| Regions | US, EU, UK, Global | US |
| Card type | Visa programmable | Charge card |
| Pricing | Per-card and interchange revenue share. | Free base plan; Brex Premium $12/user/mo; Enterprise custom. |
| Rewards | — | Up to 7x points on rideshare, 4x on travel, 3x on dining. |
| Best for | Fintechs, Platforms, Marketplaces | VC-backed startups, Tech companies, Scale-ups |
| Integrations | Stripe APIs | NetSuite, QuickBooks, Xero, Sage Intacct |
Stripe Issuing: pros & cons
- Best-in-class API
- You build the product on top
Brex: pros & cons
- Strong limits for startups with runway
- Excellent NetSuite integration
- Great UX
- US-only issuance
- Pulled SMB segment in 2022
- Premium tier is paid