Managing business subscription costs using a business credit card

When it comes to recurring business subscriptions, Netflix probably isn’t on the list, but CRMs, task management software and a list of other essentials almost certainly are. From software licenses to industry tools, subscription costs quickly add up. But with the right credit card strategy, those unavoidable expenses can deliver genuine benefits back into your business.

Why subscription costs matter to your business

Subscriptions have become part and parcel of running a modern business. Your essential tools – accounting software, project management platforms or communications systems – all come with regular monthly costs that need managing.

The challenge isn’t always the amount itself, but keeping track of everything. Around 66% of businesses have subscriptions they don’t use. Often these forgotten services just keep charging month after month without anyone noticing.

How a business credit card help with subscription management

Business credit cards usually come to mind for sorting cash flow, making one-off purchases or earning rewards. But they’re actually helpful for managing your subscriptions too. Here’s how.

Creating visibility and control

Unlike regular personal cards, business credit cards are specifically designed with company spending in mind. They let you centralise all your subscriptions into one clear view, even across multiple employees. Instead of charges getting lost in personal statements or scattered across various accounts, your recurring business costs are easy to track and manage.

Having everything organised in one dedicated place means you’ll see what’s being spent each month. It becomes simple to identify subscriptions your business no longer needs or spot services that overlap so every pound spent genuinely supports your company.

Managing monthly subscription costs smoothly

Subscription bills typically come out of your account every month, often all at once. Using a business credit card gives you a built-in interest-free period between when your subscription payments leave your account and when the card payment is due. The extra time can make a big difference if your income varies month-to-month or if you experience seasonal dips.

With added flexibility, your subscriptions keep running without disruption, even if your cash flow temporarily slows.

Strategic approaches to subscription spending

Managing subscription costs is about what you pay for, but it goes beyond that. You also need to be on top of when and how you pay.

Think about your business rhythm when scheduling payments. 

• Try to align subscription renewal dates with your stronger revenue periods. 
• Space out major costs where possible rather than having everything hit your account simultaneously.
• Consider where annual payments might work better than monthly ones.

Many services offer substantial discounts for yearly commitments, which can make sense for tools you use constantly, as long as your cash flow supports it.

Most importantly, keep reviewing your approach. What works well today might need adjusting as your business evolves. A quick review every quarter helps ensure your system continues serving your current needs.

Monitoring and optimising your subscription spending

Getting real value from your subscriptions means staying engaged with what you’re paying for.

Set aside time to assess which services are genuinely earning their keep. You don’t necessarily need to cancel subscriptions entirely. Instead, adjust them to better match your actual usage. Many businesses pay for premium tiers they rarely use fully, or subscribe for more employees than actually need access.

Also keep an eye out for bundled services. Vendors often offer discounts if you use multiple products together. And stay aware of renewal dates. Automatic renewals are convenient, but they can stop you from renegotiating or reconsidering if you still need everything you’re paying for.

A proactive approach often pulls the curtain back and reveals substantial savings without sacrificing any tools your business truly benefits from.

Making the most of subscription value with Funding Circle’s Cashback business credit card

Funding Circle’s Cashback business credit card brings something different to the table when it comes to managing subscription expenses.

It rewards you with 2% cashback for the first 6 months (up to £2,000) and 1% uncapped cashback afterwards. That means your essential subscription expenses actually generate rewards for your business. With no monthly fees and up to 42 days interest-free credit, you also gain valuable control over your cash flow.

The card can work particularly well for business spending on digital services and subscriptions. Track transactions in real-time through our dedicated app and avoid annual fees, all while getting the most value from necessary expenses that would come out of your account anyway.

Using your card for eligible business expenses and paying the balance in full each month helps you avoid interest charges while building a positive credit history.

Turning necessary costs into business advantages

The subscription model isn’t going anywhere. If anything, more business tools are moving in this direction. Rather than seeing recurring costs as just another expense, the right approach can turn them into opportunities.

Centralising subscriptions on a rewards-generating card like our Cashback business credit card gives you better visibility and control, plus tangible returns on spending that would happen regardless. Every software renewal or cloud storage payment becomes a chance to earn rewards for your business. 

Start by taking stock of your current subscriptions and identifying which ones deliver real value. Then consider how a business credit card with the right rewards structure could transform these necessary expenses into opportunities for your business.

Making your monthly subscriptions work smarter

With thoughtful planning and the right tools, your subscription costs can work harder for you. A strategy built around a rewarding business credit card doesn’t just organise your expenses but transforms every necessary subscription into an opportunity.

While we want to help as much as we can, the information found here is provided solely for informational purposes and should not be considered financial or legal advice. To the extent permitted by law, Funding Circle does not accept any liability for any loss or damage which may arise directly or indirectly from the use of, or reliance on, the information contained here. If you have any questions, please speak to your professional adviser or seek independent legal advice.