Ramp vs. Divvy: A Comprehensive Comparison for Startups

If you're in the market for an expense management solution and contemplating between Divvy (now known as BILL Spend & Expense) and Ramp, it's essential to weigh your options carefully. Each offers commendable features. However, discerning which one best suits your needs requires a thorough evaluation. Allow us to guide you through the decision-making process to determine the ideal solution for your business.

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At their core, both Ramp and Divvy provide virtual and physical corporate cards with reward programs, comprehensive spend management tools, and a fee-free structure. They also platforms offer card controls, enabling budget management, spend tracking capabilities, and seamless employee card administration, with the flexibility to add or deactivate cards swiftly. Furthermore, when integrated with Quickbooks Online, both platforms facilitate automatic reconciliation of financial records, streamlining accounting processes for enhanced efficiency.

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The primary goal of this article is to offer an in-depth analysis of the two solutions, tailored specifically for startups. As new businesses navigate the complexities of financial management, having the right tools can make a significant difference. This article will break down the key aspects of each platform, providing insights into how they can support startups in managing expenses effectively.

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Why you should choose the right Corporate Card Solution

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Choosing the right corporate card solution is more than just a financial decision; it impacts various facets of a startup’s operations. Here’s why making the right choice is crucial:

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1. Operational Efficiency: The right solution can automate many time-consuming tasks, such as expense tracking, reporting, and receipt matching, freeing up valuable time for your team to focus on core business activities.

2. Expense Management: Effective expense management tools help control spending, enforce budgets, and prevent unauthorized transactions, ensuring that the company's financial resources are used wisely.

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3. Financial Control: With real-time insights and robust reporting features, startups can maintain better control over their finances, making data-driven decisions that support growth and sustainability.

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4. Scalability: As startups grow, their financial needs become more complex. A corporate card solution that scales with the business ensures continuous support without needing to switch platforms frequently.

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5. Compliance and Security: Ensuring that financial transactions are secure and compliant with relevant regulations is paramount. The right solution offers built-in compliance features and robust security measures to protect the company's financial data.

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Ramp

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Ramp was founded in March 2019 by Eric Glyman and Karim Atiyeh, who previously founded the online deals company Paribus, which was acquired by Capital One. The modern corporate card and spend management solution quickly gained attention due to its unique approach to managing corporate expenses and its ability to help businesses automate and optimize their spending.

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It was designed to optimize business expenses through automation and intelligent insights. Its combination of a fee-free card, cash-back rewards, and robust financial management tools makes it an attractive choice for businesses looking to streamline their financial operations and achieve cost savings.

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Core Features

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1. Corporate Card: Ramp offers both physical and virtual corporate cards with no fees, providing 1.5% cashback on all purchases. The platform integrates with accounting software such as QuickBooks, Xero, and others to ensure seamless financial management.

2. Expense Management: Ramp features automated receipt matching and expense categorization, offering real-time visibility into spending with custom reporting tools. It integrates with major accounting and ERP systems for streamlined expense reporting.

3. Vendor Management: It allows tracking of vendor-specific spending and optimizes vendor relationships, providing insights into potential savings opportunities.

4. Bill Payment: Simplifies bill payments with a centralized platform, supporting scheduled payments and tracking payment status.

5. Savings Insights: Ramp analyzes company spending to identify potential savings and offers actionable insights and recommendations to reduce costs.

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6. Automation: Ramp includes custom rules for expense approvals and policies, as well as automatic reconciliation and categorization to minimize manual work.

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Latest Developments

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As of 2024, some of the latest developments on the platform include enhanced AI-driven analytics for more accurate expense tracking and forecasting, as well as AI-powered recommendations for cost-saving measures. Ramp has been expanding its services to international markets, enabling global businesses to leverage its platform. Additionally, there is a continuous addition of new integrations with various financial tools and services to provide a more seamless experience for users. Enhanced security measures, including two-factor authentication and AI-based fraud detection, have also been implemented to protect user data and transactions.

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Competition & Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

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Ramp’s unique selling proposition (USP) lies in its comprehensive approach to spend management combined with powerful automation tools. It not only offers a fee-free corporate card with cashback benefits but also integrates robust financial software capabilities. The platform’s focus on helping businesses save money and optimize expenses sets it apart from traditional corporate card providers. Competing with other corporate card providers and spend management platforms like Brex, Airbase, and Divvy, among others, Ramp's focus on automation, savings, and a user-friendly interface helps it maintain a strong position in the market.

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Divvy

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Divvy was founded in 2016 by Blake Murray and Alex Bean, with the mission to modernize and streamline expense management for companies of all sizes. Since then, it has grown rapidly due to its innovative approach to managing corporate expenses and its ability to provide real-time insights into spending.

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Core Features

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1. Corporate Card: Divvy provides both physical and virtual corporate cards, offering rewards and cashback on purchases while integrating seamlessly with accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero for comprehensive financial management.

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2. Expense Management: Divvy features automated receipt capture and expense categorization, providing real-time visibility into spending with detailed reporting tools. It integrates seamlessly with major accounting systems for streamlined expense reporting.

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3. Budgeting and Controls: Divvy allows setting budgets at the team or project level, enforces spending controls with real-time tracking and alerts, and offers customizable spending policies and approval workflows.

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4. Bill Payment: It provides a centralized platform for managing bill payments, supporting the scheduling of payments, and tracking their status.

5. Spend Insights: It analyzes company spending to provide insights and identify potential savings, offering recommendations for cost optimization.

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6. Automation: It automates expense approvals and policy enforcement, while also providing automatic reconciliation and categorization to minimize manual work.

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Unique Selling Proposition (USP) & Latest Developments

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Divvy’s unique selling proposition (USP) lies in its integrated approach to expense management and budgeting combined with real-time visibility and control. It offers both corporate cards and a comprehensive expense management platform, which helps businesses manage and optimize their spending effectively. The focus on budgeting and control features, along with robust automation, distinguishes Divvy from traditional corporate card providers.

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Recently, Divvy has added advanced AI features for better expense tracking, forecasting, and AI-powered recommendations for cost-saving measures and budget optimization. Its global expansion efforts enable businesses worldwide to benefit from its platform, supported by ongoing additions of new integrations with various financial tools and services to enhance the user experience. Enhanced security measures, such as two-factor authentication and AI-based fraud detection, ensure the highest level of security and trust for user data and transactions. 

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Feature-by-Feature Comparison

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• Expense management: Divvy emphasizes detailed expense tracking with a mobile app for receipt capture, while Ramp focuses on automated receipt matching and deeper analytics to optimize spending.
• Corporate cards: Both Divvy and Ramp issue physical and virtual cards with customizable spend controls. However, the ease of control and specific features may vary, with Ramp often highlighting simplicity and efficiency in their card management.
• Integrations: Both platforms connect with major accounting software like QuickBooks and NetSuite. Divvy also integrates with HR and travel management tools, whereas Ramp offers broader API access for custom integrations alongside its existing connections.
• Bill payments: Divvy integrates this functionality directly into its platform, while Ramp places a strong emphasis on automating the process to enhance efficiency.
• Rewards and cashback: Divvy offers a rewards program where points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or statement credits, catering to businesses looking for flexible rewards. In contrast, Ramp simplifies its offering with a flat cashback rate on all purchases, which can be more straightforward for businesses focused on direct financial returns.
• Budgeting and forecasting: Divvy provides robust tools allowing budgets to be set at various organizational levels with real-time tracking against these budgets. Ramp, on the other hand, combines its budgeting tools with insights and recommendations aimed at optimizing and reducing costs.
• Compliance and security: Divvy implements data encryption, PCI compliance, and robust user access controls, while Ramp offers multi-factor authentication, data encryption, and SOC 2 compliance, both ensuring strong security measures.
• Target audience: Divvy is primarily small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), whereas Ramp targets both SMBs and larger enterprises, reflecting its broader focus on efficiency and cost optimization for a wider range of businesses.

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Pricing Comparison

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Ramp 

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• No Fees Policy: Ramp has a transparent and straightforward pricing model. There are no subscription fees, setup fees, or annual fees, making it an attractive option for businesses looking to minimize overhead costs.
• Credit Card Terms: It provides corporate cards with competitive terms, focusing on offering credit without the typical fees associated with corporate credit cards. This can include favorable credit limits and repayment terms that are beneficial for businesses managing cash flow.
• Rewards Structure: Ramp offers a flat cashback rate on all purchases. This simple and predictable reward structure is easy to understand and manage, providing consistent value without the need to track different spending categories or reward tiers.

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Startups using Ramp benefit from a platform that emphasizes cost savings and efficiency. With no fees, automated expense management, and a straightforward cashback program, startups can optimize their spending without worrying about hidden costs. Ramp's AI-driven insights and automation tools also help startups identify cost-saving opportunities and streamline financial processes, which can be particularly valuable for businesses with limited resources.

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With Ramp's no-fee policy, there are typically no hidden costs or unexpected fees. However, businesses should still review the terms and conditions to ensure they fully understand any potential charges related to specific services or use cases, such as late payment fees or international transaction fees.

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Divvy

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• No Annual Fees: Divvy similarly operates without charging annual fees for its platform. Businesses can access Divvy's tools and services without upfront or ongoing subscription costs.
• Transaction Fees (if any): While Divvy primarily generates revenue from interchange fees on card transactions, it’s important for businesses to confirm if there are any specific transaction fees or additional costs associated with certain types of transactions.
• Rewards Structure: It offers a points-based rewards program. Users earn points on purchases that can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. This rewards structure provides flexibility for businesses that prefer different types of rewards beyond cashback.

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Startups using Divvy gain access to robust budgeting tools, detailed expense tracking, and a rewards program that can be tailored to their needs. Divvy's mobile app and real-time reporting make it easy for startups to manage expenses on the go, and the ability to set granular spending controls helps maintain budget discipline. The flexibility of the rewards program allows startups to choose rewards that best align with their business needs, whether that's travel perks, gift cards, or direct financial benefits through statement credits.

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While Divvy also promotes a no-fee structure, you should verify if there are any transaction fees associated with certain types of purchases or if there are costs for additional services. As with any financial platform, understanding the fine print can help avoid surprises and ensure that the chosen solution remains cost-effective.

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What makes them different?

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The primary distinctions between Ramp and Divvy lie in their reward structures, foreign transaction fees, and eligibility requirements. Ramp offers a straightforward cash-back system, whereas BILL features custom rewards earning categories. In terms of foreign transaction fees, Ramp imposes none, while BILL does. Moreover, eligibility criteria differ significantly; Ramp requires a more substantial financial threshold of $75k cash reserves, while BILL's requirement is lower at $20k, and it accepts sole proprietors as well.

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In general, Ramp proves to be a more cost-effective option compared to BILL. However, for certain businesses, BILL Spend & Expense can be utilized without incurring fees, provided they refrain from engaging in international transactions and manage to avoid late fees.

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Integration and Scalability

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Ramp

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• Accounting Software: Ramp integrates seamlessly with major accounting platforms such as QuickBooks, Xero, Sage Intacct, and NetSuite. This integration allows for automatic syncing of transaction data, simplifying the reconciliation process and ensuring accurate financial records.
• HR and Payroll Systems: Connects with various HR and payroll systems, making it easier to manage employee expenses and streamline payroll processes. Integrations with tools like Gusto and BambooHR help in maintaining accurate and timely expense reimbursements.
• API Access: Offers API access, enabling businesses to create custom integrations tailored to their specific needs. This flexibility is crucial for companies with unique workflows or specialized tools that require bespoke solutions.
• Travel Management Tools: Ramp integrates with travel management systems, allowing businesses to streamline travel expense reporting and ensure compliance with company travel policies.

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Divvy

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• Accounting Software: Divvy integrates with popular accounting software like QuickBooks, NetSuite, and Xero, allowing for automatic import and export of transaction data. This integration streamlines the accounting workflow and ensures accuracy in financial reporting.
• HR and Payroll Systems: Its integrations with HR and payroll systems facilitate the management of employee expenses and reimbursements. By connecting with platforms like Zenefits and Gusto, Divvy ensures seamless data flow between expense management and payroll processing.
• Travel Management Tools: It integrates with travel management systems, making it easier to track and manage travel expenses. These integrations help ensure that all travel-related costs are captured and reconciled accurately.
• APIs and Custom Integrations: It offers API access for businesses that require custom integrations. This flexibility allows companies to tailor the platform to their specific needs, integrating with proprietary systems or other third-party tools.

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Scalability for Growing Businesses

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Both Divvy and Ramp offer robust scalability features designed to support growing businesses, though they approach it in slightly different ways.

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Divvy includes comprehensive budgeting tools that scale with an organization, enabling the creation and management of multiple budgets across different departments and projects. This ensures that financial planning remains effective as the business expands. Divvy’s highly customizable spend controls can be easily adjusted to accommodate an increasing number of employees and transaction volumes, maintaining robust financial oversight. 

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The platform simplifies user onboarding and management with role-based access controls, facilitating the addition of new users and permission adjustments as the organization grows. Divvy also provides advanced reporting features that offer detailed insights into spending patterns and budget adherence, helping larger organizations maintain financial visibility and control. Additionally, Divvy supports multi-entity organizations by offering a consolidated view of expenses across different business units, which is crucial for companies with complex structures or undergoing rapid expansion.

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Ramp, on the other hand, focuses on flexible spending controls that scale with business growth. As companies expand, Ramp allows for easy adjustments to spend controls and card limits, ensuring robust financial oversight. The platform includes tools for managing users and roles, simplifying the onboarding of new employees, and permission adjustments. Ramp’s advanced analytics and reporting capabilities grow with the business, providing deeper insights and more comprehensive reports as transaction volumes increase. This helps larger organizations identify trends, manage budgets, and make data-driven financial decisions. Ramp can also handle the complexities of multi-entity organizations, offering a unified view of expenses across different business units or subsidiaries. This feature is essential for companies expanding into new markets or acquiring other businesses, ensuring cohesive and efficient financial management.

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Pros and Cons per User Experience 

Ramp and Divvy are each with unique strengths and areas for improvement. Ramp is praised for its ease of use and intuitive design, though some users report a challenging initial setup and occasional issues with the mobile app. Its customer support is highly regarded for responsiveness and helpfulness.

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Divvy also features a user-friendly interface and comprehensive spend management tools. However, users sometimes encounter technical glitches and find the expense approval process cumbersome. While Divvy's customer support is generally praised, there are occasional delays during peak times.

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These aspects form the basis for the detailed pros and cons of each platform.

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Ramp

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Pros:

1. Ease of Use: Users often highlight Ramp's user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate and manage expenses. One reviewer on Capterra mentioned, "Ramp has a very intuitive interface that makes it easy for our team to manage expenses efficiently."
2. Automation: Ramp's automation features, such as receipt matching and automatic categorization, save users time and reduce manual entry errors. A user on Trustpilot stated, "The automation features are a game-changer, significantly reducing the time we spend on expense management."
3. Expense Management: The platform provides robust tools for expense tracking, budgeting, and reporting, which are praised for their comprehensiveness. Another Capterra review noted, "The expense management tools are very comprehensive and have greatly improved our financial oversight."
4. Real-Time Insights: Users appreciate the real-time visibility into spending, helping businesses monitor their financial health more effectively. One user commented, "Real-time insights into our spending have been invaluable for keeping our budget on track."
5. Customer Support: Many reviews commend Ramp’s responsive and helpful customer support team. A reviewer on Trustpilot said, "Customer support is top-notch. They are always quick to respond and very helpful."
6. No Fees: Ramp does not charge fees for using their platform, which is a significant advantage for cost-conscious businesses. A user review on Capterra emphasized, "The fact that Ramp doesn't charge any fees is a huge plus for us."

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Cons:

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1. Learning Curve: Some users find the initial setup and learning curve challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with similar platforms. A Capterra review mentioned, "The initial setup was a bit challenging, but once we got the hang of it, it was smooth sailing."
2. Integration Issues: A few reviews mention difficulties integrating Ramp with existing accounting software or other business tools. One user on Trustpilot said, "We had some trouble integrating Ramp with our current accounting software."
3. Limited Features: Some users feel that Ramp lacks advanced features offered by competitors, particularly in areas like travel management. A Capterra reviewer noted, "Ramp could use more features, especially for travel expense management."
4. Mobile App: Feedback on the mobile app is mixed, with some users experiencing issues or finding it less functional compared to the desktop version. A user commented, "The mobile app needs improvement. It’s not as functional as the desktop version."

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Divvy

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Pros:

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1. Comprehensive Spend Management: Users appreciate Divvy's all-in-one platform for managing company expenses, including budgeting, tracking, and reporting. A Trustpilot reviewer mentioned, "Divvy provides a comprehensive solution for our expense management needs."
2. Credit Line: Divvy offers a credit line, which is beneficial for businesses needing flexible payment options. A Capterra user highlighted, "The credit line feature is very helpful for managing our cash flow."
3. User-Friendly Interface: Reviews often mention the intuitive design and ease of use of both the web and mobile applications. One reviewer said, "Divvy’s interface is very user-friendly and easy to navigate."
4. Real-Time Expense Tracking: The ability to track expenses in real-time is frequently highlighted as a significant advantage. A Trustpilot user noted, "Real-time tracking of expenses is a great feature that helps us stay on top of our finances."
5. Customer Support: Divvy’s customer support is generally praised for being responsive and helpful. One user commented, "Customer support is fantastic. They are always quick to assist with any issues."
6. Rewards Program: Divvy's rewards program, which offers cashback and other incentives, is appreciated by many users. A Capterra review mentioned, "The rewards program is a nice bonus that adds value to our use of Divvy."

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Cons:

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1. Integration Limitations: Similar to Ramp, some users report issues with integrating Divvy with other accounting and business software. One reviewer on Trustpilot stated, "Integration with our existing software has been a bit challenging."
2. Approval Process: The approval process for expenses can be cumbersome and time-consuming according to some reviews. A Capterra user mentioned, "The approval process can be slow and cumbersome at times."
3. Technical Glitches: Users occasionally experience technical issues and bugs within the platform, affecting usability. One user noted, "We have encountered some technical glitches that have affected our experience."
4. Customer Service: While generally positive, some users have reported delays or unhelpful responses from customer service during high-demand periods. A reviewer commented, "Customer service is usually good, but there have been times when responses were delayed."
5. Learning Curve: New users may find the platform complex initially, requiring time to learn and adapt to its features. A user review noted, "There is a bit of a learning curve with Divvy, but it's worth it once you get the hang of it."

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Best Option for Your Business

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Ramp and Divvy both cater to businesses seeking corporate cards with minimal fees, useful integrations, robust features, and attractive rewards. If you're struggling to decide between using them, here are some pointers to consider:

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For Ramp:

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1. If your business frequently engages in international transactions and aims to steer clear of foreign transaction fees, Ramp presents an advantageous choice. Moreover, if your company operates as a corporation and upholds substantial cash reserves amounting to at least $75,000, Ramp's eligibility criteria align well with your financial standing. 
2. For those who value simplicity in rewards, Ramp offers a straightforward cashback plan devoid of the complexities associated with purchase categories or repayment terms.

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Your business can capitalize on Ramp's extensive network of partner discounts, enhancing cost-saving opportunities. Furthermore, Ramp caters to those seeking a corporate credit card without the necessity of undergoing a personal credit check, streamlining the application process for eligible entities.

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For Divvy:

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1. If your business's spending habits align closely with Divvy earning categories, then it’s a compelling option. Additionally, if you're willing to maintain a frequent payment schedule to unlock potentially higher rewards, its rewards program may prove advantageous. 
2. It's worth noting that Divvy doesn't offer rewards in the first year, so if you're comfortable with a waiting period, this may not be a deterrent. 
3. If you prioritize telephone support and value flexible eligibility requirements, including support for sole proprietors and lower cash reserve requirements, Divvy offers a suitable solution. 
4. If you possess strong personal and business credit and are comfortable with a soft credit check during the application process, Divvy’s application requirements may align well with your profile. 
5. Lastly, if you prefer the flexibility of carrying a balance with payment terms ranging from 1 to 3 months, BILL provides this option to accommodate varying financial circumstances.

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While Ramp may be preferable for businesses with substantial international transactions and simple cashback preferences, Divvy may appeal to those with aligned spending habits, a tolerance for frequent balance payments, and flexible eligibility criteria. 

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Conclusion

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Ramp and Divvy are strong contenders in the expense management space, each offering unique advantages and addressing specific business needs. 

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• Ramp focuses on flexibility with features like API access, robust analytics, and multi-entity support, making it ideal for companies requiring customizable solutions and in-depth financial insights. Ramp's automation features and no-fee structure add significant value, especially for startups and businesses looking to minimize costs.

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• Divvy provides a comprehensive solution with corporate cards, budgeting tools, and detailed spending controls, ensuring effective financial management as organizations grow. Its advanced reporting capabilities and flexible rewards program make it attractive for businesses seeking detailed financial oversight and incentive structures.

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• Both platforms integrate seamlessly with various business tools and are designed to scale alongside growing businesses. However, they do face common challenges such as integration issues, initial learning curves, and occasional technical problems. Ultimately, the choice between Ramp and Divvy will depend on specific integration needs, scalability requirements, and preferences for either Ramp's straightforward cashback model or Divvy's flexible rewards program.

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• While Ramp excels with its automation features and fee-free structure, Divvy stands out with its comprehensive spend management capabilities and rewards program. Despite their strengths, both platforms face challenges, including integration issues and occasional technical glitches. 

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• Businesses should consider their specific needs and preferences when choosing between these two robust expense management solutions. You can visit Ramp’s and Divvy’s Official Websites for more information and demos.

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FAQs

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1. Is there a mobile app for Ramp and DIvvy?

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Answer: Yes, Both platforms offer a mobile app that allows users to manage expenses on the go, though some users have reported that it is less functional compared to the desktop version.

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2. What is the quality of Ramp's customer support?

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Answer: Ramp's customer support is highly regarded for its quick response times and effectiveness in resolving issues.

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3. Is Ramp secure and does it protect user data?

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Answer: Yes, Ramp takes security seriously and employs various measures to protect user data, including encryption and regular security audits. Ramp adheres to strict data privacy standards and complies with relevant regulations to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of user data.

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4. How does Divvy's budgeting tool work?

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Answer: Divvy’s budgeting tool allows businesses to create, manage, and monitor budgets in real-time, helping to control spending and ensure financial discipline.

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5. Does Ramp conduct a personal credit check during the application process?

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Answer: No, Ramp does not pull personal credit when applying for a corporate card. You also won't need to provide a personal guarantee. Ramp assesses credit limits primarily based on your company's cash balance, among other factors. Unlike some other corporate card providers, Ramp focuses primarily on the financial health of the business rather than the individual credit history of the applicant. Therefore, applying for a Ramp corporate card does not impact the applicant's credit score. This approach streamlines the application process and makes Ramp an attractive option for businesses seeking a corporate card without affecting personal credit profiles.

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6. Does Ramp Card report to credit bureaus?

Answer: Yes, Ramp Card reports to credit bureaus. Ramp understands the importance of building and maintaining credit for businesses and individuals. This helps businesses establish a positive credit history, which can be beneficial for future financing and credit opportunities. 

7. What credit score is required to qualify for a Divvy card?

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Answer: Divvy offers flexible eligibility criteria, and there is no specific credit score requirement disclosed by the company. However, having a strong personal and business credit history is generally beneficial when applying for a corporate card. While DIvvy may consider credit scores as part of its application review process, it also evaluates other factors such as income, cash reserves, and business performance. Additionally, Divvy supports sole proprietors and has lower cash reserve requirements compared to some other corporate card providers, making it accessible to a broader range of businesses. It's recommended to review its eligibility requirements and contact the support team for specific inquiries regarding credit scores and application criteria.

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