Do You Earn Rewards on Business Expenses You Get Reimbursed For?
This guide explains how it works and what to check first.
Why the rewards are yours
When you charge a reimbursable business expense to your personal rewards card, you earn points or cash back on it just like any purchase, and when your employer reimburses the cost, you get the money back while keeping the rewards. Effectively you are earning rewards on spending that nets out to zero for you, which is why frequent business travelers who float and get reimbursed can rack up rewards quickly.
Use it for category bonuses and bonuses
This is especially powerful with category bonuses, reimbursable travel, dining, or supplies on a card that bonuses those areas earns an elevated rate. And a stretch of large reimbursable spending is a natural way to hit a welcome bonus minimum, since you will be paid back for the spending anyway, following the tactics in how to meet minimum spend.
What to check first
The one requirement is policy. Some employers require you to use a company card and will not reimburse personal-card spending, or have expense rules about it, so confirm before relying on this. Keep clean records so reimbursement is smooth, pay your statement in full so you are not floating expenses at interest, and make sure reimbursement arrives before the bill is due. Done right, it is a clean and sizable source of rewards.
- Rewards on reimbursed expenses are yours to keep.
- You earn on spending your employer pays back.
- It is one of the most efficient ways to earn.
- Confirm your company allows a personal card.
- Large reimbursable spending can meet a welcome bonus.
Frequently asked questions
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