Starting a new job is exciting, especially when it comes with business travel, client dinners, and work-related expenses. If you’ve been issued a corporate card, you have a unique opportunity to maximize rewards while keeping your finances in check. Here are five smart things every new graduate should do when working, spending, and traveling for work with a corporate card.
1. Use a Personal Card That Earns More Than 1x Per Dollar on Everyday Spending
Even with a corporate card, you’ll still have personal expenses. Instead of using a basic card that earns just 1 point per dollar on purchases, choose one that rewards you generously for the things you spend on most—like dining, entertainment, gas, or streaming services. Cards like the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card (Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases), American Express® Gold Card (4x on dining and groceries, 3x on airfare and 1x on everything else), Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (3x on dining, streaming and online groceries and 2x on travel and 1x on all other purchases) can make a big difference over time.
Reach out to talk about which card/s make the most sense for you.
2. If You Pay Rent, Consider the Bilt Mastercard®
Many young professionals are renting, and one of the best-kept secrets in the credit card world is the Bilt Mastercard®—the only card that lets you earn points on rent without a transaction fee.
- Earn 1x points on rent (up to 100,000 points per year)
- Earn 3x points on dining, 2x on travel, and 1x on everything else
- Transfer points to travel partners like United Airlines, Hyatt, and Bonvoy
- No annual fee
If you’re paying rent every month, you might as well be earning points toward travel or cashback!
Reach out to me to discuss whether the Bilt card makes sense for you. If you are paying rent, it sure does!
3. Ask If You Can Keep the Points on Your Corporate Card
Some companies allow employees to keep the points earned on their corporate cards, while others do not—or may charge a fee for this benefit. If your job requires a lot of spending on flights, hotels, and meals, the ability to retain these points could be incredibly valuable.
- Check your company’s policy on whether you can keep the points.
- Weigh the cost if your company charges a fee to retain points—depending on how much you spend, it may still be worth it.
- If allowed, use a card that earns strong travel rewards, like an American Express Corporate Card or Chase Corporate Card, to maximize your potential redemptions.
4. Enroll in Uber for Business Rewards
If you’re taking Ubers for work, make sure you’re signed up for Uber for Business Rewards to earn additional perks.
- Connect your Uber account to Uber for Business and earn Uber Cash for your eligible business rides and Uber Eats orders.
- American Express Corporate Green Card holders get 3% Uber Cash on rides and Uber Eats when using their corporate card.
- Uber Cash can be used for personal rides and meals, so you’re getting something back for the trips you’re already taking for work.
My 23-year-old recently went on his first business trip and used Uber to get to the airport, earning 3% back with his corporate card. He also relaxed in the airport lounge before his flight—another great perk for frequent business travelers. And with that…
5. Consider a Card with Lounge Access If Traveling for Work Frequently
If your job requires frequent travel, having access to airport lounges can make a huge difference in comfort and convenience. Lounge access provides free food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and a quiet space to work or relax before your flight. Some of the best credit cards for lounge access include:
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card – Access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass Lounges
- Chase Sapphire Reserve – Priority Pass membership
- The Platinum Card® from American Express – Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass, Delta Sky Club (when flying Delta)
If you’ll be traveling regularly for work, a card with lounge access can turn airport time into a more enjoyable and productive experience.
Reach out to me to discuss any of these premium cards that come with lounge access.
Final Thoughts
Your first job comes with many learning opportunities—including how to make the most of your financial tools. By choosing the right personal card, leveraging corporate card benefits, and earning rewards on rent and work-related expenses, you can set yourself up for smarter spending and future travel perks. Start maximizing your rewards today!
The Points Mom’s Got IT!
Related posts:
Be Smart-Enroll With STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) Before Your Next Trip Abroad
6 Smart Shopping Tips to Maximize Rewards and Save Big This Holiday Season
Flying to Italy on Points: A Smart Redemption for a Special Trip
A Literal No-Brainer: Why The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card Make Earning Rewards Effortless
