Can My Company Require Me to Put Business Travel on My Own Credit Card?

By Michael Ferguson

As an employee of a company, there may be times when you’re asked to put business-related travel on your own credit card. While this may seem intimidating and like a lot of responsibility, there are some benefits to consider. Understanding the risks and rewards associated with such an arrangement can help you decide if it’s right for you and your employer.

The Benefits
Putting business travel on your own credit card offers several advantages to both you and your employer. One of the main benefits is that it will save the company money by taking advantage of any points or rewards programs offered by your credit card issuer.

Additionally, this eliminates the need for the company to set up a corporate travel account or manage reimbursements for expenses like airline tickets and hotel stays. Another potential benefit is that it allows you to build up your personal credit score if you make timely payments on any purchases related to business travel.

The Risks
Of course, there are also risks associated with putting business travel on your own credit card. For one thing, if the company doesn’t reimburse you in a timely manner, then you may be stuck with a large amount of debt that could negatively impact your credit score or financial well-being.

Additionally, it’s important to understand any fees or interest rates associated with your credit card as these can add up quickly if not managed properly. Finally, some companies may require employees to carry certain types of cards in order to take advantage of discounts or other perks associated with business travel.

Conclusion
Whether or not your company can require you to put business travel on your own credit card depends largely on the policies they have in place. It’s important to weigh both the risks and rewards before agreeing to such an arrangement so that you understand what is expected of you and how it could potentially impact your personal finances. Ultimately, if done correctly, putting business travel on a personal credit card can be beneficial for both employees and employers alike.