Barespend vs Expensify: an Expensify alternative that doesn’t push you to switch cards
Expensify is a popular expense report app, and its best pricing is tied to moving your spend onto the Expensify Card. Barespend works the same way whatever card you use, and matches receipts to transactions so nobody has to build an expense report.
The short answer
Barespend works the same whatever card you use, from $5 per active member a month, and matches receipts to transactions instead of building expense reports. Expensify is an expense report app whose lowest Control pricing depends on using the Expensify Card. Choose Expensify if you want to move spend onto its card; choose Barespend if you want to keep your existing cards.
Barespend vs Expensify at a glance
| Feature | Barespend | Expensify |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | Small and growing businesses | Individuals through larger companies |
| Pricing model | From $5 per active member a month billed annually, or $6 month to month, same price whatever card you use | Collect: $5 per member a month. Control: $18 per member a month on an annual plan or $36 pay-per-use, discounted when you use the Expensify Card |
| Your existing cards | Works with any business card or bank account, no discount games | Works with existing cards, but the lowest Control pricing depends on Expensify Card usage |
| Getting receipts in | Email, text or upload on the web | SmartScan in the mobile app, plus email |
| Expense reports | Not needed: receipts are matched to transactions automatically | Expenses are grouped into reports that are submitted and approved |
| Expense coding | Coded to your chart of accounts automatically | Categories and rules set by admins |
| Accounting integrations | QuickBooks Online, Xero, Sage Intacct, plus file export for other systems | QuickBooks Online and Xero on Collect; Sage Intacct, NetSuite and more on Control |
| Corporate card | Not required, bring your own | Expensify Card offered and encouraged |
Expensify details from Expensify’s public help center and pricing information, October 2026. Check expensify.com for current pricing. Last reviewed: October 2026.
Why teams choose Barespend over Expensify
Keep the cards you already have
Your credit lines, rewards and banking relationships stay put. Barespend’s price doesn’t change based on which card you use.
Receipts without reports
Instead of asking people to build and submit reports, Barespend matches each receipt to its transaction as it arrives.
Coded for your books
Expenses arrive coded to your chart of accounts, ready to sync to QuickBooks Online, Xero or Sage Intacct.
“Our previous expense management software was archaic and lacked the tools we needed to get receipts in and reconciled to our books in a timely manner. We couldn’t find a solution that met our requirements until Barespend. Simple, intuitive, and easy to use for the entire company. Our biggest pain points solved!”
Expensify may be the better fit if
- You’re happy to move company spend onto the Expensify Card
- Your main need is reimbursing out-of-pocket employee expenses through reports
Barespend is the better fit if
- You want to keep your existing business cards
- You’d rather match receipts to transactions than manage expense reports
- You use QuickBooks Online, Xero or Sage Intacct
Barespend vs Expensify: common questions
Is Barespend cheaper than Expensify?
Barespend starts at $5 per active member per month on an annual plan, whatever card you use. Expensify’s Control plan is $18 per member a month on an annual plan, and its lowest prices depend on using the Expensify Card.
Do I need a new corporate card to use Barespend?
No. Barespend works with the business cards and bank accounts you already have.
Can I move from Expensify to Barespend?
Yes. Connect your cards and accounting system, point your team to Barespend for receipts, and you’re set.