In 2025, one of the biggest challenges businesses face is managing expenses efficiently while keeping pace with changing financial technologies. The UAE payment market is expected to reach USD 265.10 billion by 2030, reflecting the rapid growth of digital payments and the increasing need for modern financial solutions.
That’s why expense management and corporate card solutions have become more important than ever. They help businesses maintain control, ensure compliance, and drive greater financial efficiency.
In this blog, you will explore the nine best expense management and corporate card solutions for your business.
Key Takeaways:
- UAE businesses need smarter, automated expense management systems to handle growing corporate spending and stay compliant with VAT regulations.
- Key features to consider include real-time expense tracking, customisable corporate card controls, AI-powered automation, and integration with accounting tools like QuickBooks and Xero.
- AI-driven solutions reduce manual tasks like receipt verification and expense categorisation, saving time and minimising errors.
- Corporate card solutions with smart controls help manage spending, prevent unauthorised purchases, and offer benefits like cashback and fraud protection.
- Leading platforms such as Alaan cater to different business needs, ensuring smooth spend management and VAT compliance in the UAE.
Why UAE Businesses Need Smarter Expense Management?
In the UAE, businesses are under growing pressure to manage expenses efficiently while ensuring compliance with local regulations. As the economy expands and companies scale up, traditional expense tracking methods, like manual processes and paper records, quickly become outdated.
To stay competitive and compliant, businesses need smarter, automated expense management solutions. This is because of the following reasons:
The Rising Complexity of Corporate Spending
As companies grow, the number of transactions and the complexity of managing expenses increase as well. Industries such as real estate, retail, logistics, and healthcare deal with a wide range of costs, from procurement and travel to project-based spending.
Without a simplified system, handling these expenses manually can feel overwhelming and often leads to mistakes and inefficiencies.
Manual Processes Take Up Valuable Time
Finance teams often spend hours reconciling receipts, entering data into accounting systems, and ensuring every expense is correctly categorised. These manual tasks slow down decision-making and take attention away from strategic financial planning.
Smart expense management systems automate functions like receipt verification, expense categorisation, and data syncing. This frees up teams to focus on activities that add greater value to the business.
Ensuring VAT Compliance
The UAE’s VAT framework comes with strict rules for documentation and reporting, and failing to comply can result in penalties. Automated expense management makes compliance easier by capturing VAT details directly from receipts and ensuring they meet Federal Tax Authority (FTA) standards.
Also Read: Filing and Making VAT Payments in the UAE
Better Visibility and Control Over Spending
One of the biggest challenges with traditional methods is getting a clear view of where money is going. Smart expense management systems give finance teams real-time visibility into every transaction. This makes it easier to monitor spending, stick to budgets, and control cash flow more effectively.
Once you understand why smarter expense management is necessary, it's helpful to look at the features that make these solutions truly effective.
Key Features to Look for in Expense Management and Corporate Card Solutions
Today, companies need modern expense management and corporate card solutions that bring together automation, compliance, and control. Choosing the right platform means looking at features that ensure smooth integration, real-time visibility, and ease of use.
Below are the key features to consider when evaluating expense management and corporate card solutions.
1. Real-Time Expense Tracking
Businesses need instant access to financial data to make smarter decisions and keep spending under control. A solution with real-time visibility lets finance teams monitor expenses as they happen, track department-wise spending, and prevent overspending before it occurs.
2. Corporate Cards with Smart Controls
Corporate cards are essential for handling business expenses, but the right solution should offer advanced controls, such as:
- Custom Spend Limits: Set individual caps to keep spending aligned with budgets.
- Vendor Restrictions: Restrict card use to specific merchants or categories, reducing unauthorised purchases.
- Instant Freezing & Blocking: Quickly disable cards through the dashboard in case of security issues or employee exits.
- Cashback Benefits: Some providers also offer cashback on eligible transactions, adding extra value.
3. AI-Powered Automation
Manual reporting and reconciliation are tedious and error-prone. AI-powered automation simplifies the process by handling:
- Receipt Verification: Automatically matching receipts to transactions for accuracy.
- Expense Categorisation: Sorting expenses based on historical patterns for smoother reporting.
- Duplicate Detection: Identifying duplicate receipts or claims to prevent errors and fraud.
4. Customisable Approval Workflows
Every business has its own expense approval process. A flexible solution allows workflows to be tailored to your company’s hierarchy, ensuring expenses are reviewed and approved by the right managers. This helps enforce policies and keeps approvals aligned with business rules.
5. Accounting Integration
Integrating expense management with accounting tools like QuickBooks, NetSuite, or Xero is a must. The right solution should:
- Sync Data Automatically: Keep records accurate and up to date.
- Simplify VAT Compliance: Extract and record VAT details for smooth tax filings.
- Automate Reconciliation: Reduce manual work during month-end closing while minimising errors.
6. Smart Spend Insights
AI-driven insights help businesses get more value from their data by showing:
- Spending Patterns: Spot trends and opportunities for cost savings.
- Vendor Analysis: See which vendors are used most often to negotiate better deals.
- Budget Tracking: Compare actual versus planned spend in real time to stay on target.
7. Security and Compliance
Financial data is sensitive, so security is non-negotiable. Look for solutions that provide:
- Data Encryption: Secure storage and transmission of financial information.
- ISO Certifications: Assurance that the platform meets global compliance standards.
- Fraud Prevention: Features like instant card blocking and transaction monitoring.
- VAT Compliance: Automated receipt validation aligned with authorities such as the UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA).
8. Mobile Accessibility
A mobile-friendly platform is essential in today’s work environment. Employees and finance teams should be able to track expenses, upload receipts, approve transactions, and manage corporate cards from anywhere with an easy-to-use mobile app.
9. Scalability
As your business expands, your expense management solution should grow with it. If you are adding new team members, scaling approval workflows, or integrating new tools, the platform should adapt to your future needs without disruptions.
10. User-Friendly Interface
Finally, the best solutions are intuitive. A clean and easy-to-use interface encourages employees to use the system consistently, which helps maintain accurate data. A user-friendly experience makes submitting expenses, tracking spending, and managing budgets simple for everyone involved.
Once the key features are clear, it’s easier to identify the top solutions in 2025 that deliver on those requirements.
Top Expense Management and Corporate Card Solutions in 2025
Modern expense management and corporate card solutions simplify the process of managing company expenses while maintaining accurate financial records. Below is a comparison of the top 9 expense management and corporate card solutions, showing their key features, pros and cons, and pricing details.
1. Alaan
Alaan is a UAE-based fintech that brings corporate cards, expense management, and AI-driven automation together on a single platform. It reduces administrative costs, simplifies approval workflows, and ensures VAT compliance, all within a single system.
The platform's intuitive interface makes it easy for businesses to scale spend management as they grow. It provides smooth oversight across different teams and locations.
With a strong focus on the Middle East, Alaan is tailored to meet the region’s financial and compliance requirements, ensuring expense tracking stays aligned with local regulations.
Key Features
- Unlimited Corporate Cards: Issue as many physical and virtual cards as needed, with customisable spend limits and approval workflows to keep expenses in check.
- AI-Powered Automation: Uses OCR technology to match receipts automatically, ensuring accuracy and cutting out manual entry.
- Granular Spend Controls: Set individual card limits, block certain merchant categories, and define approval processes for stronger policy compliance.
- Smooth Integration: Connects with QuickBooks Online, Xero, Oracle NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Odoo, SAP, and Zoho Books for real-time syncing and accurate financial reporting.
- Up to 2% Cashback: Earns cashback on international transactions, helping businesses save on overseas spending.
- Real-Time Insights: Gives instant visibility into expenses, making it easier to track spending patterns and make informed financial decisions.
- No Setup Fees: Quick and easy onboarding with no upfront costs, keeping it simple and affordable to get started.
Pros
- Supports branch- and subsidiary-level spend tracking, making it easier to manage different teams and locations.
- Employees can capture and upload receipts via WhatsApp, reducing friction in expense reporting.
- No monthly fees and clear, transparent pricing make it a budget-friendly option.
- Backed by PCI DSS Level 1 Certification, ensuring high standards of data protection and secure transactions.
Cons
- Availability is currently restricted to businesses within the Middle East.
- Still relatively new compared to long-established competitors.
Pricing
- Starter plan: AED 0/month
- Premium plan: Book a demo
- Enterprise plan: Custom pricing
2. Ramp
Ramp is a US-based spend management platform that combines corporate cards, expense tracking, and bill payments into one solution. It’s known for its intuitive interface and free plan, allowing businesses to manage expenses smoothly and automate policies across departments.
Key Features
- Unlimited Virtual Cards: Issue unlimited virtual cards for different departments and expense categories, giving tailored spending limits.
- Automated Receipt Matching: Automatically captures and categorises receipts, making expense reconciliation faster.
- Real-Time Spend Insights: Offers live visibility into business spending, helping track and analyse expenses on the go.
- Custom Expense Policies: Let you set customisable policies for each department or employee to ensure compliance and manage costs.
- Easy Integration: Works with popular accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero for smooth bookkeeping.
Pros
- Upload receipts via email or mobile app, and Ramp automatically matches them to transactions.
- Assign unlimited virtual cards to employees or spending categories.
- Offers a detailed view of spending trends to optimise budgets and control overspending.
Cons
- Transactions are in USD, so international spending incurs foreign exchange fees.
- Does not handle VAT, making it less suitable for regions with VAT regulations.
Pricing
- Free plan: AED 0 per month
- Plus plan: AED 55.09 per month
- Enterprise plan: Custom pricing
3. Brex
Brex is a spend management platform that offers corporate cards. It’s built to scale for startups and enterprises, providing solutions for global businesses. Brex offers features, like cross-border payments, that make it suitable for companies expanding internationally.
Key Features
- High-Limit Corporate Cards: Issue cards with high limits to support large-scale spending.
- Multi-Currency Support: Handles transactions in over 40 currencies, suitable for international businesses.
- AI-Powered Expense Automation: Automates receipt generation and expense categorisation, reducing manual work.
- Integrated Travel Management: Employees can book flights and hotels directly on the platform, with policy enforcement built in.
- Advanced Spend Controls: Set department-specific budgets, stipends, and spending limits for better oversight.
Pros
- Simplifies travel booking and policy enforcement in one place.
- Ideal for businesses with significant purchasing needs.
- Has a simple and user-friendly interface
Cons
- Higher-tier plans can be expensive, especially if some features are unused.
- Does not issue cards in AED, limiting its appeal for UAE businesses.
Pricing
- Essentials plan: AED 0 per month
- Premium plan: AED 44.07 per month
- Enterprise plan: Custom pricing
4. Pleo
Pleo provides smart corporate cards that are aimed at simplifying expense management. It allows companies to track and control employee spending easily. Its mobile app ensures employees can capture receipts on the go, reducing paperwork and improving compliance.
Key Features
- Physical & Virtual Cards: Offers both physical and virtual cards with individual spending controls.
- Receipt Matching: Employees capture receipts instantly, and Pleo matches them to transactions automatically.
- Multi-Level Approval: Supports approval workflows for departments or expense types.
- Expense Reporting: Automates expense report creation and integrates with accounting software.
Pros
- Immediate visibility into spending ensures accountability.
- Intuitive platform with a mobile app for on-the-go expense management.
- Works with multiple currencies for businesses with international operations.
Cons
- Available only in 16 European countries.
- Does not manage VAT.
Pricing
- Starter plan: AED 47.39 per month
- Essential plan: AED 194.55 per month
- Advanced plan: AED 443.97 per month
- Beyond plan: AED 892.93 per month
5. Payhawk
Payhawk combines corporate cards, expense management, and procurement into one solution. It’s ideal for businesses needing global spend tracking and reporting. The platform supports multi-entity management, making it especially useful for companies operating across different countries.
Key Features
- Multi-Currency Cards: Supports transactions in 50+ currencies for international operations.
- AI-Powered Receipt Scanning: Automates receipt capture, categorisation, and invoice processing.
- Accounts Payable Integration: Manages vendor payments and employee reimbursements on the platform.
- Advanced Reporting: Provides detailed spend analysis and real-time analytics.
Pros
- Combines cards, expense reporting, and procurement in one system.
- Supports multiple currencies, suitable for international operations.
- AI automation reduces manual work and improves accuracy.
Cons
- Full integration may require support, which can be challenging for smaller companies.
- No AED cards or UAE-specific VAT compliance.
Pricing
Personalised pricing plans
6. Zoho Expense
Zoho Expense is a cloud-based tool that automates expense reporting and approval workflows. It doesn’t offer corporate cards, but it works well with traditional bank cards for tracking business spending.
Key Features
- OCR for Receipt Scanning: Converts scanned receipts into expense entries.
- Travel & Expense Management: Simplifies travel bookings and expense reporting from start to reimbursement.
- Multi-Level Approval Workflows: Automates approvals to ensure policy compliance.
- Integration with Accounting Software: Works with QuickBooks, Xero, and Zoho Books.
Pros
- Available in 150+ countries, including the UAE, with multi-currency support.
- Free plan and low-cost options for small businesses.
- Saves time by automatically creating and submitting reports.
Cons
- Relies on third-party cards, so some manual input may be needed.
- Lacks AI-driven automation offered by newer platforms.
Pricing
- Free plan: AED 0
- Standard plan: AED 11
- Premium plan: AED 22
- Custom plan: Personalised pricing
7. SAP Concur
SAP Concur is a global leader in travel and expense management, combining travel booking, expense reporting, and invoice processing. Large enterprises use it to maintain compliance and control across operations worldwide.
Key Features
- Integrated Travel & Expense Management: Combines bookings, reporting, and invoicing in one platform.
- Multi-Currency & Tax Compliance: Supports VAT and multiple currencies.
- Expense Reporting: Employees can submit and approve expenses through a mobile app.
- Extensive Integration: Works with ERP systems like SAP for financial reporting.
Pros
- Employees can capture receipts and submit expenses directly from their phones.
- Full suite for travel, expenses, and invoice management.
- Handles multi-currency transactions and VAT compliance.
Cons
- High subscription fees and per-report costs make it less suitable for small businesses.
- The user interface can feel clunky, affecting adoption.
Pricing
Custom pricing plans.
8. ADCB Corporate Cards
ADCB offers a business credit card that provides rewards, travel perks, and insurance benefits. It’s ideal for companies seeking a simple credit card without advanced spend management features.
Key Features
- Rewards Programme: Earn points on local and international spending.
- Basic Expense Tracking: Online portal for tracking transactions and generating reports.
- Visa/Mastercard Credit Cards: Offers a revolving credit line and is used globally wherever Visa/Mastercard is accepted.
Pros
- Offers purchase protection, extended warranty, and corporate liability waiver insurance.
- Earn points on business-related spending.
- Travel insurance, lounge access, and concierge services.
Cons
- No real-time spend management or approval workflows.
- High Fees: Annual fees and interest on revolving credit can be expensive.
Pricing
Custom pricing plans.
9. FAB Corporate Cards
FAB offers a business credit card with rewards, including travel benefits and service discounts. It gives financial flexibility but lacks modern spend management automation. The card also provides competitive foreign exchange rates and detailed monthly statements for tracking expenses.
Key Features
- Revolving Credit Line: Provides a credit facility for business needs.
- Rewards Programme: Discounts on services and travel perks.
- Basic Tracking: Online portal to monitor transactions.
Pros
- Manage cash flow with revolving credit.
- Earn points on spending, including travel benefits.
- Strong fraud protection.
Cons
- No integrated expense management or automation.
- Lacks accounting software integration and advanced reporting.
Pricing
Personalised pricing plans.
Comparison of Top Expense Management and Corporate Card Solutions
Below is a comparison of the top expense management and corporate card solutions for your business.
Also Read: Corporate Prepaid Expense Cards for Businesses
Simplify Expense Management with Alaan’s Corporate Cards and Spend Platform
As businesses in the UAE expand, managing expenses often becomes more complicated. Keeping track of spending, setting budgets, and staying compliant can quickly turn into a challenge.
At Alaan, we make it easier with corporate cards designed for UAE businesses and a digital spend platform that brings reporting, compliance, and control together in one place. Here’s how Alaan simplifies expense management:
- Instant Card Issuance and Budget Control: Issue unlimited physical and virtual cards for employees, teams, or projects. Each card can be assigned custom budgets and spending limits, ensuring expenses stay within set boundaries while keeping everything aligned with company policies.
- Real-Time Expense Tracking: Every transaction is automatically recorded and categorised in the Alaan platform. AI-powered automation matches receipts to transactions, cutting down manual work and improving accuracy for VAT reporting and audits.
- Built-In Compliance and Accounting Integration: Expense data and receipts sync directly with UAE-compliant accounting software. This ensures VAT documentation is accurate, records are audit-ready, and compliance with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) remains smooth.
- Smooth Digital Payments: Alaan cards connect with digital wallets like Google Pay and Apple Pay, enabling instant online payments and contactless transactions.
- Cashback and Cost Savings: Businesses can earn up to 2% cashback on eligible transactions. These savings go straight back into the business, reducing costs while supporting growth.
- Enhanced Security and Fraud Protection: Cards can be instantly frozen, and fraud alerts are triggered in real-time. This makes it easier to prevent unauthorised transactions and keep spending safe, all while adhering to company policy.
Schedule a demo to learn more.
Wrapping Up
Expense management and corporate card solutions have become essential for businesses in 2025, providing greater control, efficiency, and compliance. By bringing modern technology into your financial operations, you can simplify processes, minimise fraud risks, and ensure VAT compliance with ease.
At Alaan, we understand the challenges businesses face in this changing environment. That’s why we offer an all-in-one solution that combines corporate cards with powerful expense management features.
Book a quick demo and see how Alaan’s advanced expense management and corporate card solutions can help your business stay ahead in 2025.
FAQs
1. What makes Alaan different from other corporate card solutions?
Alaan is designed specifically for businesses in the UAE. It offers unlimited corporate cards with flexible spend controls and AI-powered automation. Alaan also offers smooth integration with popular accounting tools, along with a strong focus on VAT compliance.
2. Does Alaan offer real-time visibility into expenses?
Yes, Alaan gives businesses real-time insights into spending, so you can see expenses as they happen. This helps make smarter financial decisions and maintain better control over cash flow.
3. How do corporate card solutions help with VAT compliance in the UAE?
Corporate card solutions automatically capture VAT details from receipts and generate VAT-compliant reports according to UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA) standards. This automation simplifies VAT filing and ensures your business stays compliant.
4. How can businesses manage travel expenses effectively?
Businesses can automate approval workflows, track travel spending, and manage reimbursements efficiently by integrating travel and expense management systems. This makes it easier to control travel budgets, reduce discrepancies, and simplify reporting.
5. What role do corporate cards play in expense management?
Corporate cards give businesses better control over employee spending by allowing limits to be set and tracked in real time. When integrated with expense management software, they automate transaction tracking, simplify expense reporting, and improve overall financial control.
