Brex vs. Ramp

Innovative Business Cards with No Personal Guarantee

by Joyce Chen

This page may contain affiliate links. Our assessments are grounded solely in the product’s merits and performance.

In the world of business credit cards, Brex and Ramp have emerged as two of the most innovative options available today. Both are designed to meet the specific needs of modern businesses, offering features that set them apart from traditional business credit cards. Let’s dive into what makes these cards so great, and which one is right for your business.

The TL;DR

  • Brex is great for startups and tech companies that have significant funding, but a limited credit history
  • Ramp is great for SMBs that prioritize simplicity and cost savings.

Brex

Brex offers a business credit card specifically tailored for startups and tech companies. Unlike traditional business credit cards, Brex doesn’t require a personal guarantee or credit history. Instead, it bases its credit limits on the company’s cash flow and funding, making it an attractive option for high-growth startups.

Key Features:

  • Dynamic Credit Limits: Credit limits are based on business performance, ensuring that as a company grows, its credit line can increase accordingly.
  • Rewards Program: Brex offers a robust rewards program with points that can be redeemed for travel, cash back, or applied to business expenses. They also offer enhanced rewards in categories like travel, dining, software, and ridesharing.
  • Expense Management Tools: The card comes with integrated expense management tools that simplify bookkeeping and provide detailed spending insights.
  • Partnership Discounts: Brex users get access to significant discounts on services from partners like Amazon Web Services, Google Ads, and more.

Best For:

  • Startups and Tech Companies: Particularly those with significant funding but limited credit history.
  • Companies Looking for High Credit Limits: Businesses with substantial cash flows that need flexible credit limits.
  • Frequent Travelers: Companies with high travel expenses can benefit from the enhanced rewards on travel-related purchases.

 

Brex

Brex is an amazing option for funded startups that want a low-cost, feature-rich business card and spend management.

Ramp

Ramp offers a business credit card with a focus on cost savings and financial efficiency. It aims to help businesses save money by providing detailed insights into spending and offering tools for expense management. Like Brex, Ramp also does not require a personal guarantee.

Key Features:

  • Savings and Expense Management: Ramp emphasizes savings by automatically identifying areas where businesses can cut costs. It offers features like automated expense reports and real-time alerts on spending.
  • Flat Cash Back: Ramp provides a straightforward 1.5% cash back on all purchases, making it simple and predictable for businesses to understand their rewards.
  • Spend Management Software: The card is integrated with spend management software that helps businesses track and control expenses in real-time.
  • Customizable Controls: Businesses can set custom spending limits, enforce policies, and ensure compliance across all spending categories.

Best For:

  • Small to Mid-Sized Businesses: Companies that need a straightforward and efficient way to manage expenses.
  • Cost-Conscious Companies: Businesses looking to save money and optimize their spending will benefit from Ramp’s emphasis on cost-cutting.
  • Companies Seeking Simplicity: Those who prefer a flat cash back rate and easy-to-use expense management tools.

Ramp

Small-to-medium sized companies with regular, predictable expenses that prioritize direct savings will benefit the most from Ramp’s features.

Comparison Table

Brex Ramp
Annual Fee None None
Credit Limit Based on business’s cash balance and cash flow Based on business’s cash balance and cash flow
Rewards Program Various categories (Up to 8x points) Flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases
Foreign Transaction Fees None None
Expense Management
Travel Benefits

 

What sets them apart from traditional business credit cards?

Both Brex and Ramp differentiate themselves from traditional business credit cards in several key ways:

  • No Personal Guarantee: Traditional cards often require a personal guarantee, tying the business owner’s personal credit to the card. Brex and Ramp do not, which mitigates personal financial risk.
  • Modern Expense Management: These cards come with integrated software tools for expense tracking and management, reducing the need for separate accounting software.
  • Dynamic Credit Assessment: Traditional cards often rely heavily on personal credit scores and historical business credit. Brex uses business cash flow and funding, while Ramp focuses on business performance and efficiency.
  • Reward Structures: Traditional cards may offer complex or less relevant rewards. Brex and Ramp provide tailored rewards and cash back options that align more closely with modern business needs.

    Brex is ideal for startups and tech companies with strong cash flows and frequent travel needs, providing high credit limits and robust rewards tailored to these sectors. Ramp, on the other hand, is perfect for small to mid-sized businesses focused on saving money and simplifying expense management, offering straightforward cash back and cost-saving insights.

    Products Mentioned in this Article

    Brex

    Brex is an amazing option for funded startups that want a low-cost, feature-rich business card and spend management. 

    Essentials

    For funded startups and growing companies

    Continue on Brex website

    Premium

    For mid-sized companies looking to scale

    Continue on Brex website

    Enterprise

    For global enterprises with custom needs

    Continue on Brex website

    Ramp

    Small-to-medium sized companies with regular, predictable expenses that prioritize direct savings will benefit the most from Ramp’s features.

    Ramp

    Control spend, automate payments, and close your books at lightning speed.

    Continue on Ramp website

    Ramp Plus

    Granular controls and increased customization to scale and expand globally.

    Continue on Ramp website

    Ramp Enterprise

    Enhanced security, compliance, and dedicated support to operate efficiently.

    Continue on Ramp website

    Pricing information is retrieved from publicly accessible pricing materials. The actual cost may vary based on specific plans chosen. Always check directly with the seller for the final quote.

    Pricing information last updated March 7, 2024.

    Sign up to receive product updates!

    We're constantly working on adding new features and product reviews. Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

    You have Successfully Subscribed!

    Request a Product Review

     

    What product do you want to see us review? Leave your email & we'll notify you when we review it! 

    Product request received!