6 Best Brex Alternatives for 2026

Most finance teams realize Brex has become a constraint rather than a solution when basic platform requirements start forcing tradeoffs they shouldn't have to make. Maybe you're watching cash sit idle to maintain credit access. Or you're building workarounds for accounting integrations that should work natively. Or you're getting crickets from support when you need help during month-end close. This guide covers why operators are searching for Brex alternatives, which platforms solve these specific problems, and how to choose the right one for your company stage.

Why explore alternatives to Brex

Brex's capabilities and constraints clarify what you actually need from a spend management platform.

What Brex offers

Brex is a venture-backed corporate spend management platform that consolidates corporate credit cards, expense tracking, bill pay, and travel booking into a unified system with dynamic credit limits based on cash balances.

The platform provides dynamic credit limits that adjust based on cash balances in linked accounts, but typically requires maintaining substantial minimum balances. This creates barriers if you're deploying cash into operations or running a seasonal business with fluctuating balances.

Brex also includes automated expense management, integrated vendor payment management, and native travel booking. While it integrates with leading accounting platforms like QuickBooks, NetSuite, Xero, and Sage Intacct, you may have to set up manual integrations if you use other systems.

Common limitations companies encounter

Cash balance requirements come up most frequently in conversations with operators. Brex typically requires substantial minimum cash balances to maintain credit availability. If you're deploying cash into growth rather than keeping it idle, or if you're running a seasonal business with fluctuating balances, this creates genuine constraints.

Integration limitations create friction for many finance teams. If you're using accounting platforms like FreshBooks or other systems, you might face manual data entry or custom API development. Some teams encounter challenges with customer support during setup and implementation, though experiences vary.

The 6 best Brex alternatives for 2026

We've evaluated dozens of corporate spend platforms and narrowed the field to six that consistently solve the specific problems Brex creates. Each platform excels in different scenarios, from Ramp's AI-powered cost reduction to Airwallex's multi-currency capabilities for global operations.

Your best alternative depends on three factors: whether you need cost reduction automation or accessible entry requirements, whether banking simplicity matters more than complex workflows, and whether international operations or multi-entity structures drive your requirements.

1. Ramp: AI-Powered Cost Reduction with Accessible Approval Requirements

Ramp centers on automated cost reduction through AI-powered analysis. The system focuses on helping you identify waste and reduce unnecessary spending rather than simply tracking expenses.

Ramp's core capabilities deliver several features that differentiate it from traditional spend management tools:

• AI-powered savings insights: The system automatically identifies wasteful spending patterns and suggests specific cost reduction opportunities, helping you reduce expenses without manual analysis.
• Automated receipt matching: Your employees can forward receipts via email or SMS, and Ramp matches them to transactions automatically, removing manual data entry.
• Integrated accounts payable: Built-in vendor payment automation with auto-batched payments removes the need for separate AP tools while maintaining proper approval workflows.

These capabilities work together to create a platform that reduces costs rather than just tracking them.

Why choose Ramp over Brex

Ramp's business model differs fundamentally from traditional card companies: the platform profits by helping you spend less rather than encouraging increased spending. Unlike Brex's variable minimums that often run higher and depend on company size and funding status, Ramp's fixed $25,000 approval threshold provides predictability for smaller companies and doesn't require ongoing balance maintenance after approval. Once approved, you're not forced to keep cash idle to maintain credit access.

When not to choose Ramp

If you have significant international operations requiring multi-currency card capabilities, you should look at Airwallex instead, which we cover below. Ramp also isn't a full banking platform: if you need full business banking rather than spend management, Mercury offers simpler deployment.

Pricing

Ramp offers a free plan with unlimited cards, smart controls, automated expense management, and vendor management at no monthly cost. The Plus plan costs $15 per user per month (with a 20% discount if billed annually), adding features like procure-to-pay automation, global support, and advanced workflow builders. Enterprise pricing is custom and requires annual commitment.

2. BILL Spend & Expense: Accessible AP Automation

BILL Spend & Expense (formerly Divvy) offers accessible corporate cards with standard qualification requirements including a soft credit check, verification of sufficient bank balance, and financial health review.

BILL's accessibility approach delivers several key advantages if you don't meet higher cash balance requirements:

• Lower-barrier corporate cards: Reduced revenue requirements, lower cash minimums, and flexible credit checks make it accessible to bootstrapped companies more readily than some competitors.
• Real-time budget controls: Set spending limits by department or team with automated alerts, so your teams know immediately when someone approaches their threshold without slowing down approvals.
• AP automation focus: BILL's vendor payment workflows help automate accounts payable processes for small to mid-sized finance teams through integrated approval systems.

These features make enterprise-grade spend management accessible regardless of your company funding status.

Why choose BILL over Brex

We recommend BILL when accessibility drives your adoption decisions. If you're bootstrapped and don't meet higher cash balance requirements, you can often start using BILL more readily. The platform reduces gatekeeping based on revenue, cash balances, or investor backing compared to some competitors. If accounts payable automation is your primary pain point, BILL's vendor payment workflows help automate AP processes for small to mid-sized finance teams.

When not to choose BILL

If you're looking for advanced AI-powered cost reduction features, Ramp offers more sophisticated automation. For companies with significant international operations, Airwallex provides stronger multi-currency capabilities.

Pricing

BILL Spend & Expense is completely free with no annual fees or minimum balance requirements. The platform makes money from interchange fees paid by merchants, making it the most accessible enterprise-grade solution for bootstrapped companies and early-stage businesses.

3. Mercury: Simplified Banking for Early-Stage Companies

Mercury offers straightforward banking for companies that don't need full spend management complexity. The platform takes a banking-first approach rather than focusing primarily on expense workflows.

Mercury's banking-first approach provides several core capabilities for early-stage companies:

• Zero-fee business banking: No monthly fees, no minimum opening deposit, and low-cost banking options make banking accessible if you're managing tight budgets in your early stages.
• Enhanced FDIC insurance: Extended coverage through partner bank sweep networks offers additional security if you're holding significant cash balances beyond standard FDIC coverage.
• Integrated corporate cards: The Mercury IO Mastercard carries no annual fees and is available to eligible Mercury business banking customers, making it a convenient addition to the banking relationship.

Why choose Mercury over Brex

We suggest Mercury when speed and simplicity matter more than feature breadth. If you need basic business banking and corporate cards without full spend management workflows, Mercury delivers zero-fee accounts and rapid deployment.

When not to choose Mercury

If you need sophisticated expense management, automated AP workflows, or advanced reporting capabilities, Ramp or BILL provide more comprehensive spend management features. Mercury works best for early-stage companies with straightforward banking needs.

Pricing

Mercury offers zero-fee business banking with no monthly fees, no minimum opening deposit, and no overdraft fees. The Mercury IO Mastercard carries no annual card fees. If you need advanced features like enriched NetSuite automations, enhanced invoicing capabilities, or expense reimbursements for more than 5 active users per month, paid plans start at $35 per month (with a 15% discount for annual billing).

4. Airwallex: Multi-Currency Operations for Global Businesses

Airwallex built its platform specifically for cross-border operations. If you have substantial international spending, Airwallex's multi-currency capabilities address challenges that domestic-focused platforms can't solve effectively.

Airwallex's global capabilities deliver several advantages for international operations:

• Multi-currency capabilities: Hold and pay in multiple currencies with local currency cards available across major markets, removing the constant conversion friction your global teams face.
• Transparent FX pricing: Lower margins on currency conversions compared to typical spreads at traditional banks means your international spending goes further.
• Global account infrastructure: Open local accounts in major markets so your company can receive payments like a domestic business, reducing transfer fees and conversion costs for customers.

Why choose Airwallex over Brex

If you have significant international spending, Airwallex offers distinct advantages over Brex in multi-currency operations. The platform provides transparent FX margins that are considerably lower than typical traditional bank spreads and native multi-currency corporate card capabilities.

When not to choose Airwallex

If your operations are primarily domestic, Ramp or BILL offer more competitive pricing and stronger automation features. Airwallex makes sense when international transactions represent a material portion of your spending.

Pricing

Airwallex charges $0 monthly subscription for its core business account on the Explore plan. The platform typically includes 1 free card, with additional cards charged at a regional fee (usually $10-$15 per month per card, varying by region). Monthly subscription fees may be waived if you maintain a minimum balance of $10,000 across all currency wallets or make monthly deposits of at least $5,000. The Grow plan starts at $99-$149 per month depending on your region, while the Accelerate plan ranges from $499-$999 per month.

5. Navan: Integrated Travel and Expense Management

Navan (formerly TripActions) integrates travel management directly into expense workflows. If your teams travel frequently for business, Navan's specialized approach addresses friction that general-purpose spend platforms create.

Navan's travel-focused platform provides several specialized capabilities for organizations with significant travel needs:

• Integrated travel booking: Combined with corporate cards and expense management automation creates a unified workflow for travel-heavy organizations.
• Travel policy enforcement: Real-time tracking and policy compliance ensures your employees book within guidelines while maintaining approval speed.
• AI-powered features: Unified travel and expense management in a single platform reduces administrative overhead for frequent business travelers.

Why choose Navan over Brex

We recommend Navan when your teams need a platform built around the travel-plus-expense use case. If you have significant travel needs, Navan's specialized travel workflows and AI recommendations provide integrated functionality that can justify choosing a purpose-built solution over general-purpose spend management tools.

When not to choose Navan

If travel isn't a significant part of your spending, you'll pay for features you don't need. Ramp or BILL offer more cost-effective solutions for companies without substantial travel requirements.

Pricing

Navan's Business plan is free for companies with up to 200-300 employees for travel management features. Navan Expense is free for the first 5 monthly expense users, then $15 per user per month for additional users. If your company has more than 300 employees or needs enterprise features, you'll need to request custom pricing for the Navan Enterprise plan.

6. Payhawk: Enterprise-Grade Multi-Entity Management

Payhawk targets mid-market complexity with enterprise-grade capabilities. If you're managing multiple legal entities or complex organizational structures, Payhawk's architecture addresses challenges that simpler platforms can't handle.

Payhawk's enterprise focus delivers several capabilities for complex organizations:

• Both credit and debit card options: Flexibility based on department needs and cash flow preferences allows different parts of your organization to use appropriate payment methods.
• ERP integration: Connections to NetSuite, Sage Intacct, and other enterprise ERPs ensure seamless data flow into your existing financial systems.
• Multi-entity management: Handle multiple legal entities, currencies, and accounting systems from one dashboard, simplifying complex organizational structures.

Why choose Payhawk over Brex

Payhawk offers both credit and debit cards with extensive ERP integration and multi-entity management capabilities designed for complex mid-market deployments. The platform works well for multinational businesses seeking unified spend management for expenses and accounts payable. The flat-rate pricing model matters more as your headcount grows, with pricing typically quoted based on plan and company size.

When not to choose Payhawk

If you're under 150 employees with straightforward operations, Payhawk's enterprise features and pricing might be more than you need. BILL or Ramp offer more cost-effective solutions for smaller companies without multi-entity complexity.

Pricing

Payhawk uses custom pricing based on your selected plan, number of admin and accountant seats, cards issued, and transaction volume. Pricing typically starts at several hundred dollars per month with a flat-rate model that includes unlimited employee seats. The Cards & Expenses plan or Bill Payments plan generally starts around $599 per month, while the Procure to Pay plan starts around $899 per month, though final pricing is quoted based on your company size and specific needs.

How to choose the best Brex alternative

We recommend matching company profiles to the right platform rather than focusing on feature checklists. You might choose the "best" platform based on capabilities lists only to realize it doesn't fit your actual operations.

The best Brex alternative depends on three factors: your company's funding stage and cash position, the depth of accounting integrations you require, and whether international operations represent a material portion of your spending.

Company size and funding requirements

If you're at 50-150 employees and bootstrapped: BILL Spend & Expense reduces gatekeeping compared to some competitors, with lower cash and revenue requirements for approval than platforms with higher thresholds.

If you're at 50-150 employees and venture-backed: Ramp offers the best combination of automation depth and cost savings. The free plan includes unlimited cards, smart controls, automated expense management, and vendor management with no subscription cost.

If you're at 150-500 employees with complex needs: Ramp scales effectively to this range for full spend management. Payhawk offers custom quote-based pricing if you have significant procurement workflows or multi-entity complexity.

Feature priorities

If expense management automation is your main concern, both Ramp and BILL deliver strong capabilities. Ramp emphasizes AI-powered cost reduction and waste identification. If you're travel-heavy, you should evaluate Navan for its integrated travel booking and policy enforcement. If you have significant international spend, consider Airwallex for its multi-currency capabilities and transparent cost structure.

Integration requirements

Brex's integrations include QuickBooks, NetSuite, Expensify, Sage Intacct, and Xero, providing options if you're using several major accounting platforms. If you're running Xero, Sage, FreshBooks, or other accounting systems, note that leading Brex alternatives including Ramp offer native support for multiple platforms.

Implementation capacity

Banking-first solutions like Mercury typically offer quick setup. Ramp's AP automation typically deploys in under 2 weeks for most teams, while full spend management implementations with complex ERP integrations can take up to 4 weeks.

Total cost considerations

Subscription fees matter less than you'd expect. Ramp, BILL Spend & Expense, and Mercury all offer genuine $0 tiers funded by interchange fees.

The real costs appear in requirements and usage. Ramp requires $25,000 for initial approval with no ongoing minimums. Brex's requirements run higher and continue after approval. For international operations, Airwallex's FX margins run considerably lower than traditional banks. Paid tiers range from Ramp Plus at $15 per user monthly to Payhawk starting around $599 monthly for enterprise features.

Finding the best Brex alternative

Most companies in the 50-500 employee range will find Ramp delivers the strongest combination of automation depth and cost savings, with AI-powered waste identification, documented 503% ROI, and free pricing for qualifying companies.

For simpler needs, Mercury makes sense when you prioritize banking simplicity over spend management complexity, particularly during early stages when basic banking and card functionality meet your current needs. If you're bootstrapped and accounts payable automation is your primary pain point, BILL provides strong AP workflows with lower approval barriers and completely free pricing.

For specialized requirements, Navan fits companies with significant travel needs where integrated booking justifies the platform's travel-first approach. If you have significant international operations where foreign exchange costs create material budget impact, Airwallex offers stronger multi-currency capabilities with transparent FX pricing that's more favorable than traditional bank spreads.

Frequently asked questions

What's the biggest difference between Ramp and Brex?

Ramp's business model centers on reducing your costs through AI-powered savings identification rather than encouraging increased spending. On approval requirements, Ramp typically requires at least $25,000 in a business bank account for card approval with no ongoing balance requirements after that. Brex's minimum cash requirements are variable and often higher depending on your company size and funding, and these balance requirements typically continue to maintain credit access.

Can you switch from Brex to an alternative without disrupting operations?

Modern platforms like Ramp typically implement in under 2 weeks with proper planning. Key practices include ensuring fund transfers are complete before deactivating old cards, cleaning historical data before migration, and conducting employee training prior to go-live.

Do free platforms like Ramp and BILL have hidden costs?

The free tiers are genuinely free with no subscription costs. These platforms make money from interchange fees paid by merchants, which you don't see directly. The catch is qualification requirements at some platforms and potential FX margins on international transactions.

Should you choose a banking platform like Mercury or a spend management platform like Ramp?

This depends on whether you need full spend management or primarily want better banking. Mercury works well for early-stage companies that don't yet need sophisticated expense workflows. Ramp and BILL offer integrated cards, expense management, and AP automation but require more implementation time.