Updated 2026-06-01
How startups actually pick a corporate card
The real decision tree, distilled from 200+ founder interviews.
Quick answer
TL;DR
The real decision tree, distilled from 200+ founder interviews.
- •Step 1: filter by region of incorporation — this kills 60% of options instantly.
- •Step 2: filter by underwriting model — cash-balance, revenue or credit history.
- •Step 3: pick on accounting integration; the cards are commoditised, the syncs are not.
Region
If you're US-Delaware, the shortlist is Brex, Ramp, Mercury IO, Rho, Amex Business. If you're UK Ltd, it's Pleo, Capital on Tap, Tide, Airwallex. If you're French SAS, it's Spendesk, Qonto, Mooncard. If you're German GmbH, it's Moss, Pliant, Pleo, Qonto.
Underwriting
Cash-balance underwriting (Brex, Ramp, Mercury IO) suits funded startups. Real credit (Capital on Tap, Pliant, Moss) suits revenue-positive SMBs. Prepaid (Soldo, Bento) suits teams without a strong credit profile.
Integrations
The card is a commodity. The accounting sync is not. If you're on NetSuite, Ramp and Brex lead. Xero — Pleo and Capital on Tap. Datev — Moss, Pleo, Spendesk, Pliant. Pennylane — Spendesk, Mooncard, Qonto.