<<UPDATE>>

53 Comments

1. AnonymousSeptember 21,2022 at 3:05PM UTC

   You're not opening a personal line of credit. While a soft credit check will be performed, the line of credit will be in the organization 's name.

2. AnonymousSeptember 21,2022 at 4:14PM UTC

   Agree, the rules should be different. To be safe, you might contact the credit repair company and see if they consider this a new line of credit. Also, make sure that you really understand the company's reimbursement policy.

   Find out who the person is that processes the person that processes the reimbursement paperwork. Ask them what dates during the month you should submit your approved expense report and if there is a specific way they prefer for the information to be formatted beyond whatever template the company uses. Not only will you find out the information that you need to ensure you get reimbursed as fast as possible, they will also appreciate that you are asking them which can and will benefit you in the future if you are in a situation when you are submitting an expense report slightly late.

   You should also look at the terms of the corporate card. My company uses Amex which requires you to pay your entire balance by the last day of the month. However, the company is terrible about reimbursing in time (only processes reimbursements 2x a month, and you get the check mailed to you a week later), so people with the card end up having to front the money themselves, or just receive fees. The company does reimburse for the fees (if it's determined it's their fault), but the whole thing is a headache. Since it can take up to 3 weeks to get reimbursed, I find it easier to pay with one of my personal cards (already open) for most things, and only use the corporate card for items that are above my credit limit or close to it.

   Unless you are required to use the corporate card for all expenses, you shouldn't have to tell them about the credit repair company (though they might know since they probably did a background check). You could simply state that you prefer to use one of your personal cards. If a corporate card is required, and the credit repair company says that you can't use it, then you will need to have the conversation with your boss.

   There is no need to be embarrassed or ashamed, you had a problem and found a solution that works for you. Not only did you show problem solving and critical thinking skills in doing so, but it's also a temporary situation. Your boss should be able to help come up with a solution that works for the amount of time that you are involved in the credit repair program.

   Congratulations on the new job and good luck!!! :)

3. AnonymousSeptember 22,2022 at 12:35PM UTC

   This was a wonderfully detailed response. You are so generous with your insights. Thanks. (Your experience is vastly different than mine; my expenses were always reimbursed in a timely fashion.) Great info here.

4. AnonymousSeptember 21,2022 at 3:51PM UTC

   The soft credit check on a corp card is to validate your identity and not your credit rating. Mine did not show up as an inquiry at all. I did have to 'unfreeze' my accounts at Experian/Equifax/TransUnion for the verification. Call your credit repair organization to verify. They should know how common it is for employers to insist we only use a corp credit card.

5. AnonymousSeptember 21,2022 at 4:41PM UTC

   I believe the card will be under the company with you has the card user ir holder.

   I would bite the bullet and let them know your situation and let them advise you. There may not be an issue.

6. B HicksSeptember 21,2022 at 6:02PM UTC

   You should not have to apply for a corporate card.
   You are typically added on as an Authorized user of sorts.

7. AnonymousSeptember 21,2022 at 6:48PM UTC

   This is not true in all cases. Most large organizations require the associate to apply even if it a corporate credit card

8. Vanda LeeSeptember 25,2022 at 8:16PM UTC

   Not necessarily true.

9. MarciaSeptember 21,2022 at 6:33PM UTC

   If it is a company card and they have already approved you for hire - there is no application. It is not your debt, it is the company's debt. If you are concerned, call your debt consolidation people and ask, but you should be fine. YOU are not opening a new account.

10. AnonymousSeptember 21,2022 at 6:47PM UTC

    Yes most large organizations require the associate to apply event for a corporate card

11. Vanda LeeSeptember 25,2022 at 8:16PM UTC

    Not necessarily true. I've had 3 corp. cards. None were attached to my credit, only the company's. No credit check etc ..I was only required to follow expense policies of company. Ex: expenses over due past 60 days you got your card suspended.

12. MK - UKSeptember 22,2022 at 12:06PM UTC

    Be upfront with the employer and explain that you have had a temporary blip in your credit history. Although it is their account the financial institutions still have a duty to check but it will probably be ok.

13. AnonymousSeptember 22,2022 at 12:13PM UTC

    I have held a corporate credit card for various companies for close to 20 years.

    The card is always in your name and you have to apply for the card. I believe you will be approved regardless it’s just that you are ultimately responsible to ensure that it gets paid (via expense account management )

14. AnonymousSeptember 22,2022 at 12:24PM UTC

    I have had several corporate cards and they were never attached to my personal credit profile, nor was a credit report ever run on me to have the card. My name was on the card , but the credit was the company’s so this should be a non issue. I would let the credit repair company know, but honestly I’ve never heard of a corporate card being linked to or ever hitting anyones personal credit.

15. AnonymousSeptember 22,2022 at 12:30PM UTC

    The credit card will NOT be in your personal credit stream (unless you are working for a highly unusual company). It may be in your name, but it may not necessarily contribute positively OR negatively to your credit history. The debt and activity will be on your employer's history, and it is ultimately their responsibility. You could have called the credit repair company? If they are on the up and up, they would have told you that, I think. So, I would just apply (after confirming what I just said with the credit repair company). I often use the free, public, credit monitoring services? Credit Karma, Experian (free version), Credit Sesame, etc. And I love that the credit issuers (Amex, Discover, Visa from various banks, etc.) also have inbuilt credit monitoring and alerts. Hopefully you will avail yourself of those, too, soon? Very admiring that you tackled your credit issues; with discipline, this (too) shall improve. Best of luck! --- PS - I have also found that NerdWallet is a great application, and you can use a version of that, free, as well!

16. AnonymousSeptember 22,2022 at 12:46PM UTC

    This is not necessarily true. I have a corporate card for the company I work for and it is in my name, on my credit report. The company pays for the authorized charges on my behalf but I am ultimately responsible for any debt accrued on it. I can also say I do not work for a "highly unusual" company.

17. Michelle S.September 22,2022 at 1:21PM UTC

    Same thing happened to my cousin! She took a little bit of a credit hit when they closed it after she left the company but it really helped her credit overall. But I can’t imagine if a business got behind paying its expenses…

18. Shelly EdwardsSeptember 22,2022 at 1:38PM UTC

    In my experience, Visa and Mastercard corporate cards are tied to the company credit, not an employee's personal credit. You are just given a card with your name on it, but it goes back to the company's credit. Amex Business on the other hand is tied to the employee's credit. The overall account approval is based on the compant credit, but the individual cards are based on the employee's credit and ultimately the employee's responsibility to pay the balance. At a former company, we had cards through Amex and then moved away from them for that reason. It's nice for the business because it's less risk for them if an employee charges up the card, but a lot more hassle for the employee.

19. AnonymousSeptember 22,2022 at 12:40PM UTC

    I’ve been expected to expense and then put in a request for reimbursement. At one point I spoke to the CFO and said I’m not in a position to use my credit cards for business expenses. He worked with me so I didn’t have to lay out the money. I didn’t get a corporate card though which would have really helped.

20. CosmosMomSeptember 22,2022 at 12:45PM UTC

    my corporate cards were always in the business name and never tied to my credit. you can ask HR if it’s a company card not tied to your credit, if they say yes, nothing to worry about. If they say no, explain to the credit repair company and find out what they will allow. Also, if a corporate card requires you to take out your own personal credit card for corporate usage, I would personally be alarmed.

21. Michelle S.September 22,2022 at 1:20PM UTC

    It’s crazy because my cousin actually had a business credit card for several years and it would have limits of 150 K and they would get up to 75K on balance as a business and it sure was on her credit. I couldn’t believe it either! Because then when it went off she took a major hit.

22. amazing7September 22,2022 at 12:48PM UTC

    The company will sometimes open the card with you as a user if your credit is not good enough for the type of card they're offering (Amex Business) or a situation like yours.

23. Melissa MilliganSeptember 22,2022 at 1:40PM UTC

    Yeah that’s what I thought too I hope they do that. I can’t believe they’re asking her to open one under her own name. The company should be doing that

24. BrendaSeptember 22,2022 at 12:55PM UTC

    believe me you are not the first person with credit issues they've had to deal with. you'd be surprised the number of people in the same boat. dont be embarrassed, it happens and the folks administering the travel cards have seen it all

25. Shelby CSeptember 22,2022 at 1:11PM UTC

    I would check with the credit company to see if it is a rule or requirement first. This isn't a 'normal' credit account.

    If you do need to speak with HR, you are not the first person to have this issue - especially in the wake of the pandemic. You may be one of the first to have an action plan, so they should see the value in that. You shouldn't ever be ashamed of self-improvement.

    Due to unforeseeable circumstances, a lack of savings, housing insecurity, job loss, living paycheck to paycheck, and a lot of other factors I know a lot of others that are in similar situations. Poverty is expensive! Please give yourself some grace.

26. Michelle S.September 22,2022 at 1:18PM UTC

    In a world of awful and entitled responses, this was a beautiful reply. Your kindness does not go unnoticed. Thank you for that!

27. Michelle S.September 22,2022 at 1:19PM UTC

    And poverty really is expensive! That’s the best way I’ve ever heard it articulated..

28. Crystal HowellSeptember 22,2022 at 1:18PM UTC

    I would ask the credit repair company for exception if any, and ask HR would that effect my credit or ask if there is a reimbursement policy, or what is the process once I apply?

29. Jodie WinterSeptember 22,2022 at 1:55PM UTC

    The credit is extended to the company not to you personally. I would contact the credit repair company and confirm that you will have an inquiry and that it is for employment purposes, which they will approve of. As for the company, I would not say anything unless it comes back as declined.

    You are not alone, don't stress!

30. GirlBossanova934974September 22,2022 at 2:38PM UTC

    In 3 plus decades of work, I have never heard of a corporate credit card being issued to the employee.
    The corporate credit credit belongs to the company, not you. You are an authorized user, nothing else, nothing more. All the bills etc run up on the card belong to the company and are not your personal responsibility. I wouldn't worry about your personal credit history when it comes to this corporate credit card.

31. AnonymousSeptember 22,2022 at 5:28PM UTC

    this is not always the case and depends on the company card policy. For mine, while it is a corporate card, I am responsible for all charges on the card, reconciling the account and ensuring the expense reports are completed timely for company payment to account. I am responsible for late fees if I fail to process timely. There's also a clause that I can be responsible for fraudulent charges, if I'm not monitoring and reporting fraudulent activity promptly.

32. AnonymousSeptember 22,2022 at 2:41PM UTC

    I would be cautious and ask questions about the card. Who pays the balance? If you have to pay the balance, how does their expense reimbursement work (especially, how fast is the turn-around on expense checks.) Who (company or you) is reported to the credit bureaus? Does your credit score impact whether or not they will issue you a card? Is being accepted for the card a condition of employment? I know that some employers will run a credit check on you, especially if you have a large expense account, sell high-end merchandise to high-end customers, or handle a significant amount of cash. They can deny employment if your credit score is too low. Like others have posted, I would also talk to the credit repair company and see if they have any additional words of wisdom.

33. Terri TowleSeptember 22,2022 at 3:19PM UTC

    I have a corporate card and it did not require a credit check on my end. It is a card held by the company that has my name on it. You should be okay.

34. AnonymousSeptember 22,2022 at 3:20PM UTC

    Be honest, because they will probably run a routine credid check. And tell them. Trust me, you are NOT the first person who has had credit problems. I had a company credit card and horrible credit. The credit card company wasn't worried because I wasn't personally responsible for the card, the company guaranteed it. So there was no issue. A few years ago I changed positions and they ran a credit check, which I thought would be fine. Then I got a message to call them. I sweated bullets. She said that there was no problem, but did I know I was in collections for an old $50 doctor bill (that I didn't even know about).

35. Erin PettSeptember 22,2022 at 3:30PM UTC

    Personally, I would contact the credit repair company first.
    Typically orporate credit cards are the liability of the corporate and do not appear on your credit reports. You should not be violating anything with the credit repair company. Plus this is going to be fairly common for them, so it would be weird if they didn't have a process in place for exceptions such as this.

    If they have a problem, *then* i would go to the company. The company already knows of your credit history from the background check, so no need to discuss with them unless there is a problem getting the card.

36. AnonymousSeptember 22,2022 at 4:49PM UTC

    a credit check is not normally part of the pre-hire background check, unless the job specifically requires it. Also, what I've seen in the past is that both the employee and the Company are liable for payment on the corporate card. It can be a real gotcha if the company doesn't pay the bills timely.

37. MER MorganSeptember 22,2022 at 3:36PM UTC

    If this is truly a corporate card, they would already be approved to just Add you on as a user and have a card in your name. I just did this with my husband, added him as an authorized user, card send, done deal.

38. AnonymousSeptember 24,2022 at 6:10PM UTC

    Not necessarily true. Many large organizations will require you to complete an application for a corporate credit card. A soft check of your credit is done but the credit card is solely in the organization's name.

39. Cortney SpencerSeptember 22,2022 at 4:52PM UTC

    I have had many corporate cards over the years. It's run on their credit, not yours. they should just be asking for your contact info. NONE I have had a corporate card at three different companies and NONE required my personal credit or personal application.

40. AnonymousSeptember 22,2022 at 6:12PM UTC

    Shouldn’t affect your credit. They put your social on there in case you put personal things on there and don’t pay

41. AnonymousSeptember 22,2022 at 6:27PM UTC

    I work in finance. One thing, before even offer me the job, my credit score and finance situation is crucial. They need to know that I am able to handle my own life w/ no potential finance risks…

42. Melissa VerdoniSeptember 22,2022 at 7:06PM UTC

    it has nothing to do with your credit, it belongs to the company , your name is just on it , thats all. it s their credit.

43. AnonymousSeptember 22,2022 at 7:38PM UTC

    My corporate cards were based on my credit, but that was up front in the process. I think the idea to contact the credit repair company and ask is a good one. They could have a process for this.

    Finally I have had credit issues on and off in my life. Every company has some business process to help you with travel expenses without a company card or any credit card. Some people don't want credit cards. You can look into this, ask your manager.

44. AnonymousSeptember 22,2022 at 10:43PM UTC

    My company card was handled by my company and they never rN my credit. They have hundreds if employees and we are issued our card after Onboarding.

    My company doesn't base the card on a personal credit check.

    I would wait until and if the issue comes up. I sincerely doubt it will.

45. JJSeptember 23,2022 at 12:23AM UTC

    I feel your stress but unless it is a banking or financial position or you have criminal levels of debt you should be ok!
    Regular poor person past due bills (like I had as a single mom) should not be an issue.

46. AnonymousSeptember 24,2022 at 12:21PM UTC

    You are responsible and it's your credit.
    I worked for a very corporate company for over 20 years. i know of a few people who were declined due to bad credit - and the workaround was for them to use their own credit car or another way of paying (good luck, hotel checkin will hold a LOT of money against your debit if you use that) the botton line is that is inconvenient for them to not have that automated feed to your expense system so they can easily check the validity of the expenses you put in. plus the company and credit card company get kickbacks for the business.

    The credit card i got after joining was in my name and i was personally responsible for it. when my employer failed to pay one of my expenses properly, it affected my credit and both the company and the credit card company told me that this is My responsibility because it is in my name (even though the company i worked for was listed under my name). I personally had to pay the late fee.

    Fill it out, get rejected and work on an alternative way to charge your travel.

47. AnonymousOctober 4,2022 at 4:43PM UTC

    I have worked in corporate America for a long time as well…the cards that are issued are issued in your name but held by the company. Not sure why you had to deal with that but it’s not common practice I. The companies I have worked for. I also have had anywhere from $6-15K limit.

48. AnonymousOctober 4,2022 at 5:17PM UTC

    It's a bit of both. The CC is held by the company, in your name as an authorized user - BUT you do sign a thing that says you are responsible for the charges. This is generally thought of as a way to encourage you to file expense reports on time (e.g. if you file your expense report late so your company doesn't pay the CC bill on time, then YOU have to pay the CC the late charge).

    Delinquencies will affect your credit (marginally) just like delinquencies would affect your credit if you were the authorized user on a spouse, parent, etc.'s card. I've noticed credit reporting agencies are inconsistent on how they treat this.

49. AnonymousSeptember 24,2022 at 12:59PM UTC

    Have someone else pay for your travel. That’s what I always did when I had team members who had bad or no credit. It’s temp and shouldn’t be that big of a deal.

50. Vanda LeeSeptember 24,2022 at 3:45PM UTC

    Both of my corporate cards were on their account. My credit was never checked. The cards were issued to me by the company.

51. Valerie RiegerSeptember 26,2022 at 1:15PM UTC

    Typically, the card is issued on the company account. You're more of an authorized user.

52. AnonymousSeptember 27,2022 at 12:48PM UTC

    1 - can you contact the credit repair company and explain the situation?

    2 - call the corporate card company directly and ask if this impacts your credit in any way. If they’re not pulling your credit, it’s a moot point.

53. AnonymousSeptember 27,2022 at 2:31PM UTC

    Corporate Credit cards are issued on behalf of the company and you are an authorized signer. I work for a large financial institution and worked in the Corporate/Purchasing card area of the bank.