Corporate expense management | Airwallex vs Brex & Ramp

Your business is scaling fast. You're expanding into new markets, onboarding more employees, and watching expenses multiply across departments. Yet you're still managing it all through disconnected systems, manual approvals, and spreadsheets that never quite reconcile. Sound familiar?

Many Canadian businesses still rely on spreadsheets or basic tools to manage expenses, creating delays, inefficiencies, and limited oversight ¹. The corporate expense management landscape has evolved dramatically, with modern platforms offering everything from automated approvals to real-time spend visibility. But choosing the right solution means understanding how different platforms align with your specific growth trajectory and global ambitions.

Let's explore how Airwallex stacks up against popular alternatives like Brex, Ramp, and Concur – and why businesses operating internationally are choosing our unified approach to expense management.

The evolution of corporate expense management

The shift from manual expense tracking to intelligent spend management represents more than just technological progress – it's a fundamental reimagining of financial operations. According to recent industry data, Ramp claims that 98% of its clients reduced costs by more than $100,000 in the first year through algorithmic insights that reduce wasteful spending ².

Modern expense management platforms combine corporate cards, expense tracking, bill payments, and financial reporting into unified solutions. Ramp provides corporate cards, expense management, bill payments, accounting, procurement, and travel into one unified solution ³. Similarly, Brex positions itself as an all-in-one finance solution, aiming to replace traditional banking tools with a modern, software-first approach ³.

But here's where things get interesting for scaling companies: not all platforms handle international complexity equally. While domestic-focused solutions excel at US operations, businesses expanding globally need deeper capabilities around multi-currency management, cross-border payments, and international compliance.

Comparing the major players: features that matter

Corporate cards and rewards structures

The corporate card landscape has become increasingly competitive, with each platform taking a distinct approach to rewards and incentives. Ramp offers a straightforward 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no category restrictions ³. This simplicity appeals to companies that want predictable returns without managing complex reward categories.

Brex takes a different path with its tiered points system: 7× points on rideshare, 4× points on Brex travel, 3× points on restaurants, 2× points on software, and 1× points on everything else ³. This structure benefits companies with concentrated spending in specific categories but requires strategic planning to maximize value.

Airwallex approaches rewards through a global lens. Our multi-currency corporate cards eliminate foreign transaction fees while providing competitive cashback on international spending ⁴. For businesses operating across borders, the savings from avoiding FX markups often exceed traditional cashback programs.

Expense tracking and automation capabilities

Automation has become the cornerstone of modern expense management. Ramp requires minimal input from employees for expense reporting, as the platform offers automated expense categorization and receipt matching using AI ³. The platform also provides real-time alerts that automatically flag transactions violating company policies.

Brex utilizes AI to categorize expenses automatically and generate reports, with instant notifications for transactions ³. Both platforms support receipt capture through mobile apps and email, with automatic matching to transactions.

Airwallex takes automation further by integrating expense management with global payment infrastructure. Our platform automates approvals, tracks card spend, and speeds up reimbursements across multiple currencies ¹. This unified approach eliminates the reconciliation headaches that plague businesses using separate systems for domestic and international expenses.

Integration ecosystems and compatibility

Seamless integration with existing financial systems determines how quickly teams can adopt new expense management tools. Ramp has strong integration capabilities with platforms like NetSuite, QuickBooks, Xero, Sage Intacct, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and Rippling ³.

Brex offers a wide variety of integration capabilities, including major accounting platforms such as QuickBooks, NetSuite, Xero, and ERPs like SAP, plus integrations with Slack, Expensify, and Gusto ³. These extensive integration options help businesses maintain their existing workflows while upgrading expense management capabilities.

Airwallex's integration strategy focuses on global scalability. We've partnered with payments orchestration platform Yuno, enabling access to more than 1,000 payment methods across over 195 countries ⁵. Our platform also integrates with Amazon and PayPal, allowing businesses to collect and pay in local currencies seamlessly.

The international advantage: why global matters

Multi-currency capabilities and FX optimization

For businesses operating internationally, foreign exchange management can make or break profitability. In fiscal year 2024, Airwallex's Singapore revenue rose 153% year-on-year, while transaction volume climbed 159% ⁵. This growth reflects increasing demand for sophisticated multi-currency solutions.

While Ramp supports international reimbursements in over 70 countries and 40 currencies ³, and Brex enables sending money to vendors worldwide in multiple currencies, neither platform offers the depth of global financial infrastructure that internationally-focused businesses require.

Airwallex helps SMEs improve cash flow by accelerating fund transfers, optimising FX rates and simplifying account management ⁵. Businesses can open local currency accounts online across markets with no monthly fees or telegraphic transfer charges, creating a truly borderless expense management experience.

Compliance and global licensing

Operating across borders requires more than just multi-currency support – it demands proper regulatory compliance and licensing. Airwallex holds more than 60 licences globally, including in Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, mainland China, and Japan ⁵.

This extensive regulatory coverage provides peace of mind for businesses expanding internationally. Compare this to platforms like Ramp, which has geographic restrictions to US corporations, LLCs, and LPs only ², or Brex's US-focused operations with limited international capabilities.

Cost structures and hidden fees

Transparent pricing models

Understanding the true cost of expense management platforms requires looking beyond headline features. Ramp has no annual, setup, and foreign transaction fees ³, making it attractive for domestic US operations. However, Ramp's limitations include high cash requirements with a $25K minimum ².

Brex offers many free tools, but international transfers and certain premium features may incur fees ³. The platform's challenges include restrictive eligibility and limited SMB acceptance, potentially excluding smaller or newer businesses from accessing its services.

Airwallex's pricing structure reflects our global focus. We offer transparent FX rates and eliminate hidden fees on international transactions ⁶. For businesses with international operations, the savings from better FX rates and eliminated wire transfer fees often offset any platform costs.

Credit limits and underwriting approaches

Access to credit remains crucial for growing businesses. Ramp determines credit limits by evaluating factors such as cash balances in linked bank accounts, industry type, and other financial indicators, with limits adjusting dynamically as company finances change ³. Neither Ramp nor Brex requires a personal guarantee.

Brex sets credit limits based on company financial health, primarily analyzing cash flow and bank account activity ³. The platform offers both daily and monthly repayment options with multi-currency support for global operations.

Airwallex takes a holistic approach to credit, considering both domestic and international cash flows. Our global account infrastructure allows businesses to leverage their entire financial position, not just domestic bank balances, when determining credit limits.

Advanced features for scaling businesses

AI-powered spend intelligence

Artificial intelligence has transformed expense management from reactive reporting to proactive optimization. Ramp has AI tools that provide alerts for duplicate subscriptions, unused software licenses, or overpriced vendors ³. According to a late-2023 analysis, Ramp achieved $30 billion in annualized total payments volume, growing 209% year-over-year ².

Brex offers analytics and insights to identify cost-saving opportunities within company spending ³. However, Brex doesn't match Ramp's level of proactive controls and AI-powered prevention insights, potentially missing optimization opportunities.

Airwallex combines AI-driven insights with global spending patterns. Our platform identifies not just duplicate subscriptions but also opportunities to optimize international vendor payments, consolidate multi-currency transactions, and reduce FX exposure ⁷.

Vendor management and accounts payable

Managing vendor relationships efficiently becomes increasingly complex as businesses scale. Ramp supports invoice processing and vendor payments via ACH, check, and card, with smart routing and approval workflows ³. The platform has a centralized system for managing vendor approvals and contracts.

Brex provides an automated accounts payable solution allowing vendor payments via ACH, check, or wire, with approval workflows ³. Both platforms support custom approval chains based on department, amount, or purpose.

Airwallex extends vendor management capabilities globally. Our automated accounts payable management works across borders and currencies, eliminating the complexity of international vendor payments ¹. This unified approach means finance teams can manage all vendors through a single platform, regardless of location.

User experience and platform ratings

Customer satisfaction metrics

Platform ratings provide valuable insights into real-world user experiences. Ramp has a rating of 4.8/5 stars on G2 based on 2,098 reviews, and 4.9/5 on Capterra based on 204 reviews ². These high ratings reflect strong user satisfaction with the platform's automation capabilities and cost-saving features.

Brex has a rating of 4.7/5 stars on G2 based on 1,431 reviews ². Users appreciate the platform's startup-friendly approach and comprehensive feature set.

For comparison, enterprise solution Concur Expense has a composite score of 8.2 based on 218 reviews, with 83% of users likely to recommend the platform ⁸. These ratings suggest that modern platforms like Ramp and Brex are matching or exceeding traditional enterprise solutions in user satisfaction.

Support and implementation considerations

The quality of customer support can determine implementation success. Ramp's limitations include limited support with email-only customer service ². This constraint may challenge businesses requiring hands-on assistance during implementation or complex troubleshooting.

Brex offers more comprehensive support options, though specific details vary by plan tier. The platform's focus on startups and scaling businesses means support teams understand the unique challenges of rapid growth.

Airwallex provides dedicated support for international implementations. Our teams understand the complexities of multi-currency operations, cross-border compliance, and global expansion challenges ⁹. This expertise proves invaluable when setting up expense management across multiple countries.

Making the right choice for your business

Evaluating your specific needs

Choosing an expense management platform requires honest assessment of your current operations and future ambitions. Ramp targets more mature businesses with substantial revenues and cash reserves, while Brex targets up-and-coming startups or high-growth businesses ².

Consider these key factors when evaluating platforms:

Domestic vs. International Operations: If your business operates primarily within the US, platforms like Ramp or Brex may provide sufficient capabilities. For international operations, Airwallex's global infrastructure offers clear advantages.

Company Size and Structure: Ramp's advanced features are better suited for companies with formal finance departments ³. Brex supports complex workflows and department-level budgets as companies grow. Airwallex scales from startups to enterprises, with features that adapt to your growth stage.

Integration Requirements: All major platforms offer extensive integrations, but consider which specific systems you need to connect. Airwallex's focus on global payment methods and international platforms may better serve businesses with diverse tech stacks.

Reward Priorities: If maximizing cashback is paramount, evaluate your spending patterns against each platform's reward structure. Remember to factor in foreign transaction fees and FX rates for international spending.

The total cost of ownership

Looking beyond subscription fees reveals the true cost of expense management. About 96% of Singapore SMEs surveyed by Airwallex have adopted or plan to adopt fintech solutions, with 91% trusting fintechs to manage their financial operations ⁵. This trust reflects the tangible value modern platforms deliver.

Consider these often-overlooked costs:

Time Savings: Automated expense reporting and approval workflows free up hours of administrative work. Calculate the value of time saved across your organization.

Error Reduction: Manual expense management introduces errors that cost money and time to correct. Automated systems virtually eliminate these issues.

Compliance Risk: International operations without proper expense management expose businesses to compliance risks. The cost of non-compliance far exceeds platform fees.

Opportunity Cost: Delayed reimbursements and slow vendor payments can damage relationships and miss early payment discounts. Fast, automated processes preserve these opportunities.

The Airwallex difference: built for global growth

While Ramp and Brex excel at US-focused expense management, Airwallex stands apart through our integrated global financial infrastructure. We're not just an expense management platform – we're a complete financial operations solution for internationally ambitious businesses.

Our unified platform combines multi-currency accounts, global payments, corporate cards, and expense management into a seamless experience ¹. This integration eliminates the friction points that slow down growing businesses.

Real businesses are already seeing the impact. McLaren Racing modernized cross-border payments with Airwallex, while RYSE transformed complex cross-border finances into streamlined, cost-saving, and efficient global operations ⁹. These success stories demonstrate the power of unified global expense management.

Looking ahead: the future of expense management

The expense management landscape continues evolving rapidly. The digital payment market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 13.5% from 2024 to 2033 ¹⁰. This growth drives continuous innovation in expense management capabilities.

Emerging trends shaping the industry include:

Embedded Finance: Expense management increasingly integrates with other business operations, from procurement to payroll.

Real-time Analytics: Instant spend insights enable proactive financial decisions rather than reactive reporting.

Sustainability Tracking: Businesses increasingly want to monitor and reduce the environmental impact of their spending.

Regulatory Evolution: Changing international regulations require platforms to continuously adapt their compliance capabilities.

Airwallex remains at the forefront of these trends. Our recent acquisition of CTIN Pay, a regulated payment service firm in Vietnam, demonstrates our commitment to expanding global capabilities ⁵.

Conclusion: choosing your path forward

Selecting an expense management platform represents a strategic decision about your company's financial future. While Ramp offers powerful automation and straightforward cashback, and Brex provides startup-friendly features with flexible rewards, Airwallex delivers something unique: a truly global expense management solution.

For businesses with international ambitions, the choice becomes clear. Our unified platform eliminates the complexity of managing expenses across borders, currencies, and regulations. We provide the infrastructure to scale globally without the traditional friction points that slow growth.

The question isn't whether you need modern expense management – it's which platform aligns with your growth trajectory. If your vision extends beyond domestic borders, if you're tired of juggling multiple systems for different markets, if you want expense management that scales with your ambitions, then it's time to explore what Airwallex can do for your business.

Ready to transform your expense management? Discover how Airwallex's global platform can streamline your financial operations and accelerate your international growth. Visit ¹¹ to learn more and schedule a demo with our team.

FAQ

What makes Airwallex different from Brex and Ramp for expense management?

Airwallex offers a unified global financial platform that integrates payments, foreign exchange, multi-currency accounts, treasury and expense management in one solution. Unlike Brex and Ramp which focus primarily on corporate cards and domestic markets, Airwallex specializes in international expansion with multi-currency capabilities and global compliance features that help businesses manage expenses across multiple countries seamlessly.

How do the rewards and cashback programs compare between these platforms?

Ramp offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no annual fees or personal guarantee required, while Brex provides a points-based rewards system that supports international use. Airwallex focuses less on traditional cashback rewards and more on providing value through competitive foreign exchange rates, reduced international transaction fees, and comprehensive expense management tools for global operations.

What is expense management software and why do businesses need it?

Expense management software automates the process of tracking, approving, and reimbursing business expenses, replacing manual spreadsheets and paper receipts. Modern solutions like Airwallex provide real-time visibility into spending, automated policy enforcement, seamless integration with accounting systems, and multi-currency support for international businesses, significantly reducing administrative overhead and improving financial control.

Which platform is better for international businesses with multi-currency needs?

Airwallex is specifically designed for international businesses, offering native multi-currency accounts, competitive FX rates, and global compliance features. While Brex supports international use, it's primarily focused on the US market. Ramp is mainly domestic-focused. Airwallex's 153% revenue growth in Singapore and 159% transaction volume increase in FY2024 demonstrates its strength in supporting international expansion.

How do user ratings compare between Ramp, Brex, and expense management solutions?

Based on user reviews, Ramp has strong ratings with 4.8/5 stars on G2 from 2,098 reviews and 4.9/5 on Capterra from 204 reviews. Brex maintains 4.7/5 stars on G2 from 1,431 reviews. Traditional solutions like Concur Expense have a composite score of 8.2 based on 218 reviews, showing that newer fintech solutions are gaining favor for their user experience and modern features.

What should businesses consider when comparing corporate business cards and expense platforms?

When comparing corporate business cards and expense platforms, businesses should evaluate factors like international capabilities, integration with existing accounting systems, expense policy automation, real-time reporting, multi-currency support, and total cost of ownership. Companies expanding globally should prioritize platforms like Airwallex that offer comprehensive financial operations beyond just card services, including treasury management and international payment capabilities.

Citations

1. https://www.airwallex.com/ca/blog/expense-management-software-tools

2. https://www.payem.co/blog/ramp-vs-brex-the-ultimate-corporate-credit-cards-comparison-for-2025

3. https://fitsmallbusiness.com/brex-vs-ramp/

4. https://www.airwallex.com/ca/blog/compare-corporate-business-cards

5. https://www.theasianbanker.com/updates-and-articles/airwallex-supports-sme-growth-with-scalable-financial-solutions

6. https://www.airwallex.com/ca/blog/simplify-company-expense-process

7. https://www.airwallex.com/ca/blog/spend-management-what-is-it

8. https://www.softwarereviews.com/categories/expense-management/compare/concur-expense-vs-workday-spend-management

9. https://www.airwallex.com/ca/blog/track-business-expenses

10. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/05/28/3089198/0/en/Digital-Payment-Industry-Report-2025-Market-to-Hit-32-07-Trillion-by-2033-Government-Initiatives-Propel-Global-Shift-to-Cashless-Transactions.html

11. https://www.airwallex.com