How to tell your boss you can’t travel because you’re broke?
Posted by coffee_ape@reddit | sysadmin | View on Reddit | 474 comments
Other than telling him exactly this. I’ve been laid off since November 1st and I just got hired at this new place at the end of December.
Of course, I started late into the payroll period so my 1st check got delayed a few weeks (they’re bimonthly, not biweekly). Like the majority of Americans, I’m literally 1 paycheck away from missing my due payments dates. I had to use my CC to pay for groceries while I waited for my unemployment checks to come (which I’m entitled to, but they never did, thank you DeSantis!).
I’m just about to receive my first paycheck and my boss asks me if I can travel next week out of state for a set up. I said yes without really thinking. They will reimburse me, but I’m not sure when that money will come. I’m more concern and focused on making sure my mortgage is covered, my bills are paid for, and there’s food in the fridge for my wife and cats. My brain is telling me to secure all of that first and foremost.
Ticket, 5 day hotel stay, car rental, food…I can’t afford it right now. Not at all. I’m stressing out.
Is there a professional way to tell my boss this? Has anyone else had this issue before have any insight?
_Ice_Bear@reddit
I see you have it figured out. Just want to say I was once in this situation, travelling for work, but I JUST managed to cover the cost myself. Then the management decided we had to stay a few days longer and I had no way to pay the hotel. I solved my issue by spending my last $10 in a casino and winning $500, which was enough to cover things. Not recommended, but it saved me having to talk to my boss about it...
crunchomalley@reddit
I worked for a small business duo that had 9 companies with over 7,500 employees. No company card and no upfront payment on any travel costs. The companies spanned diagonally from Nashville, TN all the way NE to Pittsburgh, PA so there was lots of travel.
The owner loved to hold my expense checks sometimes for two months or longer. I finally had enough and during a planning meeting for a 6-hour drive I informed them that my “loans” to the company had ran out of funding. With a wife and three kids I refused to continue paying company expenses when I could not count in timely reimbursement. It was revealed to all district and regional management that day that all my travel for the past 10 weeks to their locations for hardware and software upgrades had come from my pocket. I had a large check in hand the next morning and a written promise that I would be paid monthly. The “owner” was furious she couldn’t hold my money as long as she wanted anymore and draw interest on it while I was paying interest in it. A right c**t.
Happy to say I left that job behind a full 15 years ago and where I work now does right by their employees.
Available-Leg-1421@reddit
They should be making the itinerary for you (Flight, hotel, car). You should only need to purchase and be reimbursed for your meals and gas used.
Iseult11@reddit
I hear you, but this goes both ways. I wouldn't want the accountant sticking me in the middle seat on Spirit/Frontier airlines.
Iseult11@reddit
I wouldn't take on travel for work if I had to pay costs upfront. It is risky to charge it to yourself and hope you get reimbursed for everything correctly. Accounting departments argue about employee expenses all the time. What are you going to do if they deem what you purchased unacceptable?
cbass377@reddit
I would explain that spending that much money before receiving my first paycheck would cause an undue hardship on my family. Then ask that the company pay for the big ticket items (plane, car rental, hotel). If you sense any hesitation, offer to pick up the travel meals, incidentals, and hotel security deposit on your personal card. If they can't / won't, I would decline until you get a few paychecks in the bank.
Also I would get another credit card just to use for company business if they expect you to use a personal cad and reimburse you. It is important to keep that separation. When you lose a receipt, you may need to send them a copy of the statement with the line item highlighted.
Plus, get some kind of reward card, that allows you to use the dollars you spend for the company to benefit you. Don't get an Amazon credit card, they do strange things with the balance and the due dates. Maybe use your Costco or Sam's card so the money you spend can pay for your membership fees. Also choose one with Travel Benefits like Travel and Emergency services. A good concierge service can help you get a room at a hotel when your flight gets cancelled. It could mean the difference between a good nights sleep and a hot breakfast, or sleeping on the terminal floor and a starbucks cookie.
Good luck on your new job. Keep us posted Coffee_Ape.
bwoodcock@reddit
I literally had to say "I don't have a credit card, so if you want me to travel I'll have to have a corporate card." before an employer figured out I wasn't going to play those games. I got a corporate card a couple of weeks later, just as training ended. It's hard to do sometimes but we've got to set our boundaries.
CaptainZhon@reddit
I had this situation come up. I have a very low limit CC, and my airline ticket and hotel was booked on someone else’s card.
HotNastySpeed77@reddit
What kind of a 3rd world hellhole do you work in? Employees should never have to pay for travel out of pocket.
This situation should be totally understandable to the new "boss." They should be apologizing profusely for even asking you to travel on those terms.
Even if you had the cash on hand, would you really be OK giving your employer this interest-free loan of your travel expenses?
Smart_Dumb@reddit
Anybody who travels for work enough generally knows about the advantages of booking your own travel with your own card and getting reimbursed. It's generally seen as a perk now. Between the credit card points you earn and the status you gain at various hotel / airline / car rental chains, it can be very worth it.
HotNastySpeed77@reddit
I would agree that using personal funds should be optional, but OP is saying it's required. Very different.
Smart_Dumb@reddit
He isn't saying it's required. He is saying they all book their own travel, but OP never asked for a different option.
I've seen this happen before. A client hired a new help desk tech for a local location and wanted him to fly out to the main site for a week to meet the team. I was assigned to the local site as the local resource (I work for an MSP), so I was working with the new hire, showing him the ropes, and he would take over support of the site.
At first, the client expected the new hire to pay for his own travel and get reimbursed. The new hire asked me what he should do...he was pretty stressed out. The new tech didn't even have a credit card in his name! Once he explained the situation, they had the finance department book it all for him. You just gotta ask!
descender2k@reddit
But it isn't for most people in most jobs... so who cares.
coffee_ape@reddit (OP)
AMERICA! FUCK YEAH!
dembadger@reddit
Ask for an advance, its usually not a problem and fairly standard practice for new hires. Especially with you only being paid every 2 months, which is kinda weird.
WithAnAitchDammit@reddit
It’s twice a month not every two months.
Twice a month vs every two weeks is what they were trying to convey.
dembadger@reddit
Oh i see, fortnightly. I was thrown there and thought it was a bit harsh having a new starter have to wait that long.
WithAnAitchDammit@reddit
Yeah, it took me a minute, too. They technically said it wrong, bimonthly is every two months.
Unable-Entrance3110@reddit
I was once in a very similar situation, minus the travel. I had just started an MSP job after searching for months. I had no money whatsoever and no credit cards to fall back on. I was living on dollar store food (beans and rice mostly).
The first few weeks of work, I had to pretend that I just normally ate food from home / already ate while my coworkers bought fancy food for lunch. I was really embarrassed about letting people know my financial state.
That wait for the first check was probably the longest and most grueling span of my life.
Fresh_Dog4602@reddit
well, perhaps you could ask your company to prepay the hotel and such.
ptj66@reddit
I mean at least here in Europe there is no way I am going to pay anything on a business trip besides meals. Our accountant would get really upset.
Is this a thing in the US to charge back the money from your company if you are at a smaller company?
FlyingBishop@reddit
In the US this is a pretty desirable perk. As long as you're paying your credit card bills on time you can use cashback cards and get a cut, without a dime of your money actually being spent. For example there's an Amex that has a $95/year fee but gives 3% cash back at gas stations and 6% at supermarkets. So assuming you use to to buy all your groceries at $500/month you're already getting ~$100, and then any gas you expense for company travel you get 3% on top of that.
https://card.americanexpress.com/d/blue-cash-preferred-credit-card/
JimTheJerseyGuy@reddit
This. My last place was a smallish company but one that had two good perks for travel. The first was “charge it all in your own card” and the second was basically next day reimbursement from our accounting dept.
I didn’t have to travel often but the points I got for charging all those items was considerable and quite useful.
jurassic_pork@reddit
You can often negotiate those annual fees as well.
I have a card with an annual fee that I told them I don't want to pay - if they want my business they'll get rid of it, they put a note on my file and they reimburse the fee.
doopdoopderp@reddit
Totally a thing, you buy the stuff and submit an expense report. Any legit company if you couldn't afford it your boss would put it on his company card or something like that and they'd have to do the expense report. If you can afford it though, and there is no reason to expect the company to not reimburse on time, it's best to use your own credit card if you want all those credit card rewards points for free instead of the company getting them.
Fresh_Dog4602@reddit
most of those times those reimbursements do take a few weeks tho or when the next paycheck lands
fireandbass@reddit
The standard is 2 weeks max from the submittal date. That gives you time to pay it back without accruing interest. This is what I've done for 4 years now. It's pretty sweet actually, I charge 2-3k per month for flights, hotels, rental cars and the points and CC cash back are mine to keep.
ccosby@reddit
Yep, where I am we get paid twice a month but expenses are paid weekly. Everywhere I’ve seen expenses are paid at least every two weeks.
COMplex_@reddit
I worked for a hospital system that regularly took 4-8months for travel reimbursement. Wanted to murder my boss constantly.
planetary_funk_alert@reddit
No, he's looking at it from the immediate term point of view of not having the money or credit to front it
GhostDan@reddit
Be sure if they do that to call the hotel and let them know that someone is prepaying a room for someone else. If you show up to most major hotels with a different name from the person who paid and it's not a pre-paid room they aren't going to let you check in. In addition they will still have you swipe a card for 'incidentals' which usually includes a hold.
nostalia-nse7@reddit
Depends on size of company. Many small businesses will do this reimbursement in Canada for sure. This is where employees run it through a personal CC with benefits, and builds their airline loyalty points / benefits, and skim the 2% cash backs personally.
HotMoosePants@reddit
Sometimes. Most companies will give you a company credit card if you travel for these types of expenses.
pfak@reddit
Every company I've worked at, including Fortune 500 has had me pay on personal card and then be reimbursed. This is in Canada. Sometimes they'll prepay the hotel, but not always.
Radiant_Fondant_4097@reddit
Granted I have one but not used it yet we have the same deal here, you can get a Corp card linked to a personal account you pay for, then the company will reimburse the expense.
Standard advice my colleagues do is just get your own credit card and file the expenses, sounds really weird but that's how it goes.
ghjm@reddit
I've been doing this since the 80s. It's gone back and forth between company and personal cards many times.
Back in the day, it was common to have a "company card" that really was a company card - meaning, you never saw a bill, the company just paid it. Maybe your boss got a report of what you'd charged and would argue with you if you had a 5 martini lunch too often. This kind of system was ripe for abuse and fell out of favor as a result.
Today, a "company card" is typically a card in your name, where you sign an agreement to be responsible for payment, but that the company issues based on its own credit rating. Essentially, the company is co-signing a card for you. You then use this card to pay for your travel, submit an expense report, and the expense report payment goes directly to the card. If you don't get the report submitted on time, or your expenses get denied, then you're on the hook to pay them.
There's no particular advantage to using this kind of "company card" vs. your own personal card, unless you have bad credit and can't get enough of a credit limit. And if you use your own card, you can pick a rewards or cash-back card that gives you points on your corporate purchases. Some people turn this into quite a significant little side business.
Some companies just allow this, but others have established policies that you must use the company card, and set it up so that the company benefits from all the accumulated reward points. In companies that don't mandate the use of company cards, most people don't bother with them and just use their own card.
(This is all in the US; experiences in other countries may vary tremendously.)
cc81@reddit
This is how it works for me in Sweden at a large company.
I must use the company card for my expenses but I will be the one that pays it off and of course gets reimbursed. (before I need to pay it off unless I'm lazy)
Turbulent-Falcon-918@reddit
I think that’s the way we do it , kind of similar but slightly different to goveent travel cards you get in the army though we actually see ours lol
JazzlikeSurround6612@reddit
Yep exactly how it works in my company. That's why I declined a company card and use my own rewards card. The C-Levels are doing OK they don't need my rewards to give free trips for friends and family...
dalonehunter@reddit
Yeah, where I work, it works exactly the way you described it. Most people don't use the company card since either way you pay it off and then you lose out on all the points. Now if it worked the way it used to work I might be more inclined to use it but I can definitely see people abusing it. Even with the current system people try to abuse the reimbursement haha.
OMGItsCheezWTF@reddit
In the UK it's the norm for you to pay upfront and claim expenses. But I usually err on the side of getting the company to pay for things up front.
My current employer is slightly different in that they are large enough to run their own corporate travel company who get preferred rates etc and so we use them for travel and it's cross-charged internally.
TechGoat@reddit
To be fair, I'm not in the OP's financial situation... but I prefer it that way. I want those sweet credit card points on my own cards. I know they'll pay me back eventually.
But yeah, if you're more paycheck to paycheck, unfortunately, and your company doesn't dole out a CC to you, then that's a very tight spot.
I wonder if they could issue the OP a credit card with a reasonable max limit on it? Like, OP could have an estimate of the 5 day hotel stay and car rental and food, and ask for a limit equal to that. He'd still be keeping his receipts of course. And if it ends up being slightly over, hopefully he'd be okay putting that remainder on his personal card.
CantFindaPS5@reddit
I love charging the work hotels and travel fare to my Chase reserve card. My job pretty much funded half my vacations.
ofnuts@reddit
Until you break the rental car.
Tymanthius@reddit
you put the full coverage insurance on the rental car, get the points, and get reimbursed for the cost.
dalonehunter@reddit
My company requires we get full coverage for all rentals, so no issue there for me at least. Plus a few extra points for the CC paying that coverage.
GhostDan@reddit
Yea I was going to say it's been standard, depending on the company, to either have full coverage or for the company to have it's own rental insurance that covers them for all rentals.
TechBitch@reddit
We pay out of our own pockets and bank those credit card points for ourselves. I travel for 50% ish of my job to the same 3-4 vendors in the same cities.
Biny@reddit
$OWNER issued us all cards (under his name) and had us charge anything to them when possible, if we couldn't fit major purchases on it he'd have us negotiate to split them into smaller chunks, charge it, pay the next day, charge again, pay the next day. Then used all the points to just travel all the time :|
TechGoat@reddit
While it's his company, his money, his rights - it's fucking irritating to be the one doing the negotiating with businesses on this dude's behalf to bend to his wishes. Like fine, give me a corpo, or your personal, credit card - whatever. Don't make me try to argue with some other customer service person about dividing up purchases and then scheduling when they should poll again.
I think I'd be doing a lot of interaction where it was like "sorry boss, they said they'd only negotiate with the name on the credit card in order to do that stuff"
Turbulent-Falcon-918@reddit
Bummer , Really I have never paid except Meals upfront and always got a per diem For that , not much they seem to think that it’s like 1980 when it comes to even fast food .but could literally eat on it . Nothing i would want to eat .
mrbadface@reddit
Also Canadian but this has never been the case. Must depend on industry, I've only been in consultancies and product/software companies
pfak@reddit
I'm in technology for the past twenty years.
RememberCitadel@reddit
We use a company card here, and if something gets denied, they just deduct it out of payroll unless you pay it back before that.
We are also government, though, so maybe a different set of rules.
upnorth77@reddit
Not just abuse, but the risk of fraud, skimmers, etc. I don't mind. I like getting the points on my personal card.
JazzlikeSurround6612@reddit
I'm with a pretty big US company and while we do have company cards I declined it and just use my personal to get the rewards. I think anyway with our company cards the users still are responsible to pay it then file expense report for reimbursement so really the only difference is who gets the rewards...
_twrecks_@reddit
We get company cards but they are on us to pay unless an expense is submitted and approved. Approved expense charges get magically paid. Airfare is paid in advance. You have to use their booking service for airfare and hotel to qualify.
No abuse.
Sqooky@reddit
F250, U.S., we have company cards. Policy states if we don't submit an expense report after N weeks, it's on the employee to cover any late fees incurred and pay the expense, revocation, and termination depending on the severity. You receive a physical copy of these terms that must be signed and returned before a card will be issued too.
Not sure how well that holds up legally, but I for one am not willing to try it, and I suspect others at the company I work for are not willing to try either. Wish I could rake in the CC points, but at the same time, not having to float hotels, airfare, food, rental, and gas is nice.
alwayswatchyoursix@reddit
This is wild to me. I worked for nearly ten years at a private nationwide retailer that barely did 1 billion in total sales in our very best year, and I travelled for them quite a bit. Everything was prepaid other than meals, and I had a per-diem allowance for those too. They never gave me a credit card either, but anything major just required a call to the corporate headquarters and they would take care of it.
ISeeDeadPackets@reddit
I have a company card and wish I could use my personal. Oh the points I would accumulate!
nekkema@reddit
What If you dont have Credit card?
At least here at Finland it used to be really rare to have CC and still many dont have them.
We use visa electron or visa debit, both are "pay something and it is instanty taken from your account" and only work if you have enough money
lanboy0@reddit
A lot of companies with a large amount of travel have a system where you request accommodations thru the travel team, or more recently, outsourced firms that only do travel.
dalonehunter@reddit
Yeah, we have a booking system that allows us to book flights and hotel. Company pays the flight and there is a digital CC system so they can pay the hotel but I just pay with my card to get all those points. I usually get reimbursed within a few weeks, before the next billing cycle so its no issue.
lanboy0@reddit
Local travel is a bit different, I used to have to send in an expense report with my travel miles. As the saying used to go, "If you can't sell, drive."
CARLEtheCamry@reddit
Fortune 100 Company - We have Corporate cards that integrate with some Oracle backend system for expenses. It works surprisingly well, automatically imports every transaction and all you need to do is attach receipts.
Policy is that you are to use your Corp card for all travel expenses. That being said, it's not enforced at all. People I know who travel frequently (I only travel once or twice a year) typically will charge to a personal card with some kind of rewards program to get points.
ride_whenever@reddit
Really? Most companies I’ve been at have had travelperk or Amex travel, so you log in and order your travel and it gets paid directly, no credit card involved
scienceproject3@reddit
I live in Canada as well and it is the other way around because they want to VISA points. I would get so many fuckin points if I could just use my own personal card and expense it.
Chaise91@reddit
Yeah, having a company prepay or front the money would be very unusual. OP, in this instance, could ask his boss or maybe an admin assistant if there is a department credit card they could use.
xxbiohazrdxx@reddit
Large corp for me as well. Meals, etc on personal card but flights/hotels/rental cars are all done through a booking agency.
bindermichi@reddit
That is the least I expect of the company expects me to travel for them.
I had expenses for business travel exceeding my 15k limit on the corporate card in the past and won‘t be willing to pay that much from my own account.
sir_mrej@reddit
No MOST companies make you pay for things and then submit to Concur for reimbursement
andrewthemexican@reddit
If they use concur but equivalent tool specifically for expense reporting. One past org used Oracle, idk what my current or previous did since I've never expensed.
I did have one exception for a major travel (a month in India) I was prepaid a big amount and then had to use Oracle to show my receipts. Any balance of their lump sum I did not show receipts for were deducted out of a paycheck. Ended just a few hundred shy so wasn't a game changer.
thecravenone@reddit
Chiming in as another person saying this really isn't the case anymore. Everyone wants their CC points and a company card is another thing to track so companies are increasingly ditching them :/
gcbeehler5@reddit
I work at a smaller place, and most folks want to use your CC's so they can get rewards/points, but they're irregular purchases so we don't issue them a company CC, so they use their own CC.
EDDsoFRESH@reddit
Not a European thing - in the UK everywhere I’ve worked has been reimbursed rather than prepaid.
skelleton_exo@reddit
Im in Europe too, I work for a large European company that is doing business internationally.
Our default on business travel is, that we pay expenses except for flights from our own card and then get our money back via expense reports.
DixOut-4-Harambe@reddit
I charge everything on my personal card if I can, so I get all the mileage/points/cashback I can AND get reimbursed.
I feel like very few of my things are actually paid for by my own money. haha
FarJeweler9798@reddit
Its not uncommon in Europe also to pay it yourself and then get reimbursed after you filed the receipts on it. It really depends, i actually always travel that i pay it myself and then get the money back afterwards + daily allowances. I could apply for CC thou but as the travel cost has always been low enough i havent felt that i would have needed it. Sure if my travel would cost 2k for the whole trip surely then.
DominusDraco@reddit
Im in Australia, for me its supposed to be prepaid, but inevitably something goes wrong and I have to pay for it then get reimbursed. Its just easier to have a credit card just in case something goes sideways.
No_Pollution_1@reddit
Yup they expect employees to front the payment, interest and costs with an IOU. Better hope you save all receipts and ave interest free cards or cash on hand.
emilioml_@reddit
Yes. In Mexico the companies upfront most of the trip and you usually pay cabs and some meals
kimjongunderdog@reddit
That's what I do. I make sure to put it on a card that gives me cash back on flights and hotels though so I'm actually making a little money when I get the money back from my company. I throw whatever extra I make from the cash back into a savings account.
I trust my company though. I didn't start traveling and charging my expenses until after two years here where I could feel it out. With a brand new company, I would NOT put that on my card within the first 6 months of my employment.
AlexG2490@reddit
Sometimes it is dependent on the size of the company, but I have also seen the determination made based on how often the employee travels. For example at my last company, some roles required people to take 1-3 trips per month all over the country. Those people all had a card issued to them that they could use.
I, on the other hand, only took one trip for business once every 18 months. It wasn't prudent to pay the annual fee to issue another card to me for how infrequently it was used. They always cut me a check within 5 business days of turning in my expense report so it wasn't a problem for me to charge a flight, hotel, and meals to my own card and then turn in the receipts when I got back.
Instz@reddit
Yes it is very common. The company will either give you a company credit card, or you pay for everything and then fill out an expense report with the receipts and then the company pays you back.
A lot of people prefer to pay for things themselves and have the company reimburse them because they can charge everything to their personal credit cards to get cash back or travel points or whatever rewards their credit card offers.
eruffini@reddit
One thing I like to do if/when I have to travel is book things within the parameters the company wants (what class of travel, hotel, etc.) and then expense that.
I'll then, out of my own pocket, upgrade where possible with my Amex or other travel card to get or spend the additional points.
GhostDan@reddit
huh. Every company I've worked for would have wanted the receipt of the hotel in order to get the expenses paid, and would have instantly rejected anything upgraded that wasn't done on points/status. I'd much rather your system.
eruffini@reddit
I don't usually upgrade hotel rooms but flights for certain when I can.
PapaTim68@reddit
Currently sitting in my hotel room in Berlin Germany on my business trip. As we arrived today the hotel thought some of our group had to pay by them self, but we convinced them that indeed all of us had pre paid booking via the trip service of our company. If we hadn't convinced them some of us would have payed in advanced and would have gotten reimbursemed afterwards.
Typically everything is pre paid from hotels to train tickets and such. The only things we might have to pay our self is for food for which we get a daily rate for every meal and day we are gone after the trip concluded as a separate deposit onto our bank account. If we have any additional expenses eg Taxi or Bus Fairs at or to our "destination" we can submit the bills and get reimbursed as well. For employees with frequent trips or the need for frequent use of rental cars company credit cards can be issued.
Think this is quite a good solution for the problem. Although it might not help in OPs case. Still would ask the company for prepayed major expenses. This shouldn't be a problem it is a pretty common thing for hotels and flights etc. That said as it sounds op needs to arrange travel themselves, which complicates things.
HighSpeed556@reddit
It’s more common than you would think. You put the expense on a personal card, then turn it in and get reimbursed back. It’s not too common in large organizations. But in smaller businesses, it’s far too common.
GhostDan@reddit
Yea I worked for a few of the top IT consulting firms (ACN, AVN, etc) and the policy was generally you could use your corporate card (if you had one, and you were supposed to) or your personal card (if you wanted points). It was a toss up for me of "The corporate card will automatically import my charges to our expense system" vs "I need more points for that really nice vacation I'm planning" ;)
TheOne_living@reddit
UK contracting is the same
zakabog@reddit
I worked for a company in France and everyone was expected to pay for their trips and get reimbursed by the company later. We eventually switched to a booking platform that would allow us to book travel and lodging ahead of time though the app without having to chase down expense reimbursement. We still had to do that for meals even after the app, but keeping receipts for travel expenses has been the norm for me in the US and in Europe.
nitefang@reddit
I once worked a really weird job which was entry level but due to some strange contractual things I was asked if I was willing to travel across the country to support areas impacted with backlogs and shortages.
I had no say in where I stayed of what airline I used but the company padi for everything and sent me the booking information to pick up tickets and things. I was given a budget to try and stay inside of for food but it was relatively loose. Rental cars were set up so that they had automated toll passes and gas cards which I was to use. Only thing I had to submit expenses for were my food and possibly parking fees.
I got laid off eventually, and I still hope it wasn't because I asked the car rental company if they could put me in anything interesting for the same price. They gave me a Dodge Charger which was fun but now I'm wondering if they did charge more haha.
Squeezer999@reddit
When I worked for state, we would put everything on personal credit card, and after the trip fill out an expense report and get reimbursed a couple of weeks later. When I worked for the fed gov, we got a credit card but it was locked down only for travel/hotel/food. I work for a private company now and everything is handled by a booking company.
izvr@reddit
It's a thing here in Europe as well lmao. Here in Finland either you get a company card which directs the invoices directly to the company or worse yet, you still have to pay it yourself and get reimbursed.
Or just skip the company card, pay for yourself and the company pays you back.
nekkema@reddit
Depends, I havent heard that people need to use their own money.
And as you know, many of us finns dont have credit card, just debit/electron so not every one have enough money to pay hotels etc and hotels are stupidly expensive here.
I could get a better hotel at summer in Downtown London for cheaper than some shitty one here at finland out of season
izvr@reddit
Hence, the need for credit cards. I don't pay with my own money, I pay with credit cards. There's a reason they don't accumulate interest if you pay within 30 days.
Nowaker@reddit
Running a business in Europe is an order of magnitude harder than in the US. The amount of regulations and tax implications is vast. VAT is everywhere, and if you don't obtain an invoice with all the data on it, the company won't be able to deduct it. Given it's in a 20-25%, no company will give it up, so they always make arrangements and it's prepaid.
Not a case in the US where receipts can be under your name, and you just send them to your company and they'll reimburse you. Sales tax isn't deductible (it is in certain cases but travel isn't one of those).
Running a stock corporation (highest complexity company type in the US) taxed as C-Corp (second highest complexity taxation type in the US) in the US is easier than running a self-proprietorship (lowest complexity) taxed as individual (lowest complexity).
Source: I run a C-Corp, I used to run a self-proprietorship in Poland (with local VAT registration, and VAT-EU registration).
LisaQuinnYT@reddit
Yes. At a previous job, when I first started we were expected to pay all our own expenses and file for reimbursement. I spent most of the first month on the road setting up sites. Fortunately, I had a credit card with a zero balance to cover the expenses. I did hear talk though that management could pay for hotels (company card) if needed.
Stonewalled9999@reddit
Some companies like employees to use personal cards under "hey you get the points" argument and then use that to float the company (or they simply deny reimbursement on some stuff). Or some places like one I worked at you have to the use the company Amex (which many places don't take due to high fees) so the company can swipe all your Amex points. The 3 times I tried to use my Company Card it got shut down. Now I just my boss prepay what he can (yes I miss the point but I avoid AP Nazis and the hassle)
SubstanceSerious8843@reddit
I was thinking this too, like wth, if im on a company trip, the company's gonna pay everything. I need a wallet for buying souvenirs and beer.
devnulluk@reddit
It does happen in Europe as well. I’ve paid for trips and claimed them back on expenses.
sockpuppetwithcheese@reddit
Due to the variety of personal credit card reward programs (gas, airplane tickets, cash back, etc ), available, the ability to use a personal credit card for business expenses/reimbursements is often viewed as a job perk.
For OP, that bimonthly pay period works against said "perk" versus a biweekly pay period, where the charges/reimbursements would potentially be completed before the credit card payment date
MartyVanB@reddit
Not really. I have heard of it but every company I have ever worked at gave me a company credit card and I just had to fill out expense sheets and they would pay it
scienceproject3@reddit
If I had the option to do all the purchasing I do on my own credit card I would in a second.
My company is very good at reimbursing people and I would get enough VISA points to pay for several vacations a year.
Unfortunately they will never allow that.
BrainWaveCC@reddit
It is way too common, yes.
_Moonlapse_@reddit
Yes in Europe too, got to a point about 7 years ago where I refused to go anywhere until I was given a company credit card, I was booking cars when working abroad on my card, meals, etc. and not getting reimbursed for a month. And sometimes 2 months because the accountant was a cabbage.
Since then my stance is that if I'm required to go anywhere for work it shouldnt xlcost me anything. I am ok if there is an emergency or something, for example if there is an issue with a card, or if I need to pay for a meal etc. but nothing big. Thankfully have been in the position to do that in recent years!
It's one of those things that a company won't insist on because it's easier for them to reimburse you than to deal with the admin of a cc etc. They won't rock the boat if you just keep doing it.
I would have a chat with my manager and explain that you can't put up the money for this month for the trip, and can another arrangement be made.
kellyzdude@reddit
Until a year or so ago, my company handled travel this way. Because of how Credit Card Rewards and travel miles are structured, it was somewhat of a perk to use your own credit card and get paid back for it - some of our team that traveled much more had at least one card focused on their airline miles and/or hotel stays, so they would maximize rewards etc.
Not too long ago they switched systems and took that away. For better or for worse now the company pays for all of that stuff, the only reimbursements needed are for incidentals like meals. I get where the company is coming from in the admin costs, and it avoids situations like OP's, but it did rile a few of the old timers who saw it as having a benefit removed.
Fresh_Dog4602@reddit
ehr.. Hotels I arrange to be prepaid with my company, but for meals i generally have to wait a bit. I do have a daily budget they'll pay me back for meals etc
AnonymooseRedditor@reddit
I'm in Canada, certainly for smaller orgs its not uncommon to ask an employee to use their personal credit card to book travel. I worked for one org where they would book the hotel & airfare and you would use personal card to cover incidentals & meals for the trip. Others provided a company credit card.
AuroraFireflash@reddit
Varies a lot.
If you travel frequently, many companies will give you a company CC. Makes it easier for Accounting / you to reconcile for your expense report each month. Especially if using tools like Concur.
Smaller companies? I'd get accounting to front me a check for the expected amount for the big ticket items (hotel/plane) and put the rest on a personal account until the next expense report.
These days I can just pay for it all out of pocket (because I carry enough of a cushion in the bank account) and get reimbursed at the end of the month. I'm only out a measly 1% interest rate on the money or something silly, but I get to set my own schedule on the travel (which is a huge perk).
mustang__1@reddit
Our company is tiny and we book the hotels unless the employee asks specifically for something otherwise
goot449@reddit
It really depends. My old company I floated a couple smaller trips myself when I wasn't traveling heavily for work. Mostly mileage reimbursements and such, but there was one overseas trip. After that first trip, they gave me a company card.
simulacral@reddit
Most places have you book through Concur or a similar tool and submit the meals for reimbursement later. I assume OP works for a smaller company where things are done fast and loose.
j0mbie@reddit
That'll lighten the load, but there will still be expenses that will have to be covered up front. For example, every hotel I've stayed at for company travel was paid for, but they still always want to ring up a card when you get there for a security deposit. There's also food and transportation costs.
There's now virtual company credit card apps you can set up for your employees instead. You create the employee a new virtual credit card and you can assign them daily spending limits, and then you can revoke the virtual card after the trip is complete. The employee just uses their phone to contactlessly pay for things, like you would with Google Wallet or Apple Pay. It's good for the company because it's easier to track expenses, and some of the apps even include the ability to take a picture of the receipt for each purchase. And they employee doesn't have to pay for anything out of pocket unless buying something that doesn't take contactless payment.
Fresh_Dog4602@reddit
Ah, the "required card at checkout" is something you can actually pre-arrange. Just ask for the correct form from your hotel. It basically states that the credit card owner will take responsability for extra charges made during your stay. it was called "credit card authorization form" when i had to book at a hotel.
Obviously this requires a bit of a trust relationship with you and your company, but hotels certainly can accomodate.
Smtxom@reddit
In my experience traveling for work the last 10years this is not the norm for a W2 direct employee. The company either gives you a company purchase card or someone who had one already handles all the arrangements. For contractors, this is normal. You’ll invoice them for expenses and get reimbursed later
Coffee_Ops@reddit
Bigger companies, this is very normal.
Often there's also a company-internal travel portal that eliminates the need to prepay.
dalonehunter@reddit
I work for a multinational with locations all over the world. Corporate is mostly W2 workers travelling all over our region, including myself, and I know our sister brands and parent are the same. It probably varies by industry.
homepup@reddit
Depends. I work at a university (state gov job) and we're supposed to pay for everything up front except for airfare. No org business card is allowed to be used (guessing because it was abused ages ago so became a major rule, the accounts are locked so the credit card companies won't even allow a lodging charge to go through).
For OP, I was in a similar situation with low funds and needing to travel and found out that the institution could do a one month pay advance so you could essentially 'borrow' against your paycheck for traveling expenses, then when you returned, you'd file for reimbursement, receive that money then use that to pay back the advance.
It was a major pain in the butt and 3 times the paperwork (essentially borrowing money from the org, getting money back from the org in order to pay back to the org) but it worked. Now they've made it a more formal process that's easier to use since I'm guessing this has become more and more of an issue for us poor state employees.
BoldInterrobang@reddit
Depends on the company. I’ve worked for small companies that give corporate cards and I’ve worked for very large multinational companies that will give you a corp card if you ask, otherwise you use your own personal card. Many employees liked using their personal card for the points and the company essentially got a cash float from employees. Not saying it’s ideal, but there are large companies and small that have employees use personal cards.
JorBaSsa@reddit
This is the best answer
over26letters@reddit
Not ask... Require. Set boundaries and ground rules.
If you want me to go, you take care of a, b, c...
Otherwise, find someone else.
It's a work relationship. Not a tyranny.
You're allowed to say no or set prerequisites.
rjchau@reddit
At a bare minimum, your employer should be paying for the travel and accommodation. The only time I have ever paid for a flight for work-related travel was when I overslept and missed my flight and had to pay for another flight.
Other than that, the only expenses I've ever paid for work-related travel are for meals and other incidentals, all of which were reimbursed as part of the next fortnight's pay, or sooner if the trip was longer or I had unexpected expenses that were higher than normal.
moldyjellybean@reddit
Op gl. Try to get your limits increased on CC. Work on better finance planning
I preferred prepaying and getting reimbursed. Racked up a bunch of hotel and air miles
el_Topo42@reddit
Yup. Done this before myself.
Raalf@reddit
"no problem. Just let me know the company card info so I can get it scheduled. This is well above my liability to reimburse at this time."
cosmos7@reddit
Bingo. Not floating the company an interest-free loan to perform work.
countrykev@reddit
Get yourself a credit card that has a good reward points system, especially for travel. I get 3x points for airfare, hotel, and meals.
In other words, it's not interest free. I'm profiting from it.
mikeblas@reddit
Cash back is where it's at. 2% juice doesn't sound like a lot, but it adds up fast.
crccci@reddit
Not worth the squeeze for this or travel points if you're only doing this for work.
countrykev@reddit
Let’s say you travel to the tune of $2,000/month. With me getting 3x points, that’s 72,000 points at the end of the year.
That’s more than enough for a flight and some travel extras, for doing nothing more than what you were going to do anyway. Because you still have to do the paperwork of receipts and logs even with a company card.
Personally I put all my expenses on a card and pay it off at the end of the month so travel expenses are just rolled into it.
crccci@reddit
I don't have any idea what 72000 points is worth. I should have clarified - with OPs situation it's only occasional work travel. Not $2k/mo.
countrykev@reddit
72,000 points=$720 towards travel. My card offers discounted travel when using points, so that can easily buy a ticket and hotel stay.
Legionof1@reddit
Yep, I was really sad when we opened a remote office and I had to put all my expenses on a company card. I WANT THE POINTS DAMNIT!
cgimusic@reddit
Yeah, we moved to a corporate card system recently and it sucks. I was more than happy to rack up credit card points, particularly since you could often get reimbursed before the card bill was even due.
bluescreenfog@reddit
This is the whole reason why so many MSP owners got bent outta shape when Pax8 started charging credit card fees if you won't do ACH.
Leg0z@reddit
Exactly this. I got pissed when I had to drive too many miles on my own gas when I worked for an MSP. There's no way in hell I would book a flight + hotel + car rental + meals on my own dime in the hopes that a company reimburses me in a timely manner.
hprather1@reddit
You didn't get a mileage reimbursement? When I drove for my old MSP I actually made money driving my 1996 Corolla.
Leg0z@reddit
I did get a mileage reimbursement. I just had months where I was driving 300+ miles a week and floating the company hundreds of dollars worth of gas until I got reimbursed on our once-a-month basis. It sucks when you don't expect it and you're earning an MSP paycheck.
Sh1rvallah@reddit
At the same time if you have the capacity to do so, putting it on your own card is a free 2% cash back or whatever.
Disturbed_Bard@reddit
How is it a cash back?
Maybe point benefits like air miles, I'd agree
But you pay interest on your credit card payments.
Money that could sit in your savings account and accrue interest instead of floating your orgs tight ass.
Plus the added wear on your car.
Sh1rvallah@reddit
You do not pay interest on credit card payments.
You pay interest on unpaid balance if you don't pay it off after the first bill due date for each balance.
If you pay your card in full every cycle you never pay interest.
ollytheninja@reddit
BoltActionRifleman@reddit
I used to work for a company that paid the federal (US) mileage rate if you used your own vehicle. Seeing as how my vehicle was worth less than most people’s monthly car payment I jumped at the chance for that extra cash.
crccci@reddit
I had to quit doing that because folks stopped driving the company car and would instead push that Corolla into the client's parking lot LOL.
Still trying to find the balance between forcing folks to use their own car and them thinking of it as a gig job to make extra cash.
Ron-Swanson-Mustache@reddit
That goes both ways. I used to use a my own CCs and got a lot of benefits. You can stack some serious points and rewards using an airline's / hotel's brand credit cards for company travel. I've gotten cruises and other vacations paid for by doing that.
I have to use my company CC now and I'd prefer to go back to the way it was.
evilkasper@reddit
This right here.
junkytrunks@reddit
Agreed. This is the best answer. Do not give too many details. Most companies would rather not hire people who "are not good with money" no matter what the life circumstances are that got them there.
Bacch@reddit
Really chaps my ass when a company claims they'll do a credit check during the employment process. My current job said that on the application but never did, it was just boilerplate CYA stuff included in the background check disclaimer.
a60v@reddit
I have always pushed back on the credit check. I get why companies do regular background checks, since they can reveal information that could affect one's ability to perform the job (and/of which could be a major liability for the company). I have never seen the point of credit checks for employees who are not handling cash or managing money.
I have perfect credit (800+ score), but I really don't see why that is anyone's business unless that person or entity is loaning me money or expecting me to handle someone else's money.
nerfblasters@reddit
Really?
Terrible credit is a decent (not perfect) indicator that someone has a history of making bad decisions. That person is also more likely to be susceptible to coercion when compared to an equally qualified candidate with good credit.
Insider threats are a real thing and IT is generally going to have the most access.
I'm not saying that credit score should be a hard pass/fail as part of the recruitment process - there are always outliers, but to completely discount the value of it is absurd.
a60v@reddit
Saying no to credit checks has never cost me a job.
In any case, smart and good people sometimes have bad credit for reasons outside of their control--identity fraud/theft, bad luck (medical bills, etc.), credit report errors, etc.
If I'm not handling money or managing other peoples' money, I don't see why my credit is any business of yours. For the same reason, I say no to drug tests even though I don't use drugs. If I am not handling heavy machinery or responsible for others' lives, this is not anyone's business but my own.
One possible exception would be for jobs that would require a security clearance--I can see why it might make sense to be concerned about credit-unworthy employees' being bribed by hostile parties/nations. But I have never had a job like that and probably will not.
crccci@reddit
Keep in mind that risk management isn't just for regulated/defense industries.
Thinks casinos. Anyone with an outsized or unmanageable debt is a security/theft risk.
a60v@reddit
So we should all just bend over and give up whatever unrelated personal information a prospective employer requests just because it is requested?
crccci@reddit
That was your takeaway from my comment?
Bacch@reddit
If credit score were a report card on paying regular bills, I'd agree. But it's a report card on how much debt you take on and if you pay it in the way that profits the lenders the most. For instance, paying off a large debt in one go impacts your credit negatively. My credit score says it would be higher if I had more debt than just a car loan that I religiously overpay on. I don't think my credit score demonstrates anything about my decision-making beyond the fact that I don't want to have debt and don't like being in debt.
nerfblasters@reddit
Your score would be higher, but is it bad as-is? With a car note, a mortgage, and a CC I carry <$1k on my credit score is ~830.
I don't think that means anything compared to someone with a 700+ credit score.
But a score in the 4 or 500s MIGHT be an indicator worth looking at and using to weigh your decision - because at that point it likely IS a report card on paying bills, and it's not a good one.
Bacch@reddit
Hovers between 690 and 720 depending on which bureau. And the only "advice"/recommendations the pages give me are to open more accounts and borrow more money, which seems incredibly irresponsible when I don't need to do either.
You're right that my score isn't currently something I'd be terribly concerned with, but the system is utterly fucked when borrowing more money (so the financial companies can make more money off of you in interest or potential late fees) is as important as paying your debts on time. Where's my bonus for being on time with my cable, phone, and insurance bills every month? Should that not factor in? Hell, even paying off my phone upgrades with my phone company doesn't count, and that's technically a loan. It's wild.
lost_signal@reddit
I need to be fair IT people having incredible power to embezzle, and I’ve seen it as many times before.
Very few people understand our purchasing, responsible for disposing of things thousand dollars on secondary markets. I’ve seen people basically set up a reseller and have the company in route all purchases through their side hustle.
I’ve also seen people who refresh laptops every every two years we’re selling them all on eBay
Bacch@reddit
I get that, but at the same time, the fact that I wound up upside down in a mortgage in 2008 and it ruined my credit to the point where I just never rebuilt it (until very recently) has no bearing on my ability to do the job or my honesty. Credit is such a fucked up system anyway--pay off your debts? You get a negative mark on your credit and it goes down. Don't have a ton of debt? Bad credit. The way to have good credit is to have a bunch of lines of credit that you actively use and pay on. Anything that might be considered "smart" tends to just fuck your credit further.
lost_signal@reddit
Being upside down on a mortgage you are servicing doesn’t damage credit score at all.
I pay off my credit card bills monthly, and have a single car note and a reasonable mortgage and maintain a 832 FICO score.
Bacch@reddit
It does when you have to tank yourself financially to pay off the difference. I moved across the country and sold the place, and still owed on the loan while also paying rent in the new location. I fell behind, and it wrecked my credit. I've since built it back, but after a decade of having zero debt, my credit score is still barely "fair", as I have zero credit cards and my only loan is a car loan that I religiously overpay on. Every credit service I've checked with tells me to to open a bunch of credit cards to get my credit score up, but every credit card I've applied for or looked at either rejected me or would have required a higher score than I have to even get approved for. Meanwhile I have solid income, enough invested to pay off my car overnight if I decided to without making much of a dent in my investments, and pay my bills on time. Not sure how my not wanting to pay annual rates for a shitty card I won't use makes me a liability to a company, but that's the logic of the system.
If it were simply a report card on "does this person pay his bills on time or not", I'd be all for it. But paying bills on time for years on end does nothing--until the car loan, I had 0 credit score because it had been so long since I'd had any line of credit at all. 10 years of being financial responsible and nothing to show for it.
DarraignTheSane@reddit
Is "liability" the right word in this context, or simply "ability"?
apawst8@reddit
Yes
Enough_Pattern8875@reddit
Liability as in I’ve only been an employee of yours for a week and am not comfortable floating ~$1,500 for travel until you eventually reimburse me and still waiting for my first paycheck.
ms6615@reddit
Yeah especially if you are so new. You just started working for this company who is supposed to be paying you for your services, yet they want you to front what is probably more than an entire paycheck’s worth of their expenses??? Absolutely wild.
Key-Self1654@reddit
I say the best thing is to simply tell your boss the truth. You are in a tough financial situation and would need the company to pre pay the expenses for this work trip to work. Honestly and being upfront will help avoid this stress you are experiencing.
Successful_Tale_7188@reddit
Corporate Card?
coffee_ape@reddit (OP)
I’ve been looking for one. For a place that prides themselves in growing huge quickly, I’m not digging their economical scalability.
Disrupt_money@reddit
They’re growing by using the cash flow of their suppliers. They want you to be a supplier on NET 30 terms, or longer.
kero_sys@reddit
You are basically a 30 day free credit lender by allowing them to reimburse you.
Ask them for a prepare hotel and a company fuel card/credit card.
What if you pay $1000 out of pocket and the company goes under. You'll be left out of pocket.
Stonewalled9999@reddit
Ideally yes. My current place you can submit an expense report once a month, and it has to be after the trip was taken (in some cases 6-8 weeks after flight and hotel were booked//paid). Then AP sits on it for 3 weeks and misses the payment deadline because they day they cut checks they kick it back for some reason. I just in Jan 2025 got reimbursed for travel I took in September. Now, I'm old and have the capacity to carry this but I would imagine many do not / can not / opt not.
Disrupt_money@reddit
So they’re basically treating you as a supplier with NET 120 payment terms.
cassinonorth@reddit
Conversely if you throw it on a credit card you just get the points for the expenses and you end up making money on top.
cosmos7@reddit
Not if this happens. As an employee I've never been able to get a company to cover interest either if they're late on paying. Company card or no dice... not my job to float interest-free loans.
cassinonorth@reddit
I would love to know how often that scenario happens.
That's such a weird edge case...if you were concerned with your company going under in mere weeks why would you start there in the first place?
Disrupt_money@reddit
My former employer had over $5 billion in annual revenue, but their reimbursement software was made in-house and had bugs, especially every time they tried adding or editing features, which would result in situations where it’s impossible to complete a reimbursement submission, or impossible to approve on, resulting in reimbursements delayed by a month or two.
cosmos7@reddit
illicITparameters@reddit
I’ve never had a company pay me late enough for that to matter…. Can’t imagine I’d continue working there after this….
nekkema@reddit
Not every country use CC as commonly as US and many have no good point system in any card.
Like best CC i can get gives travel insurance if I use The cc to pay it, and no other benefits
And there is no "credit point system" in many countries either, at all
Jim_84@reddit
That's not saying much. A credit card is a 30 day free credit lender.
Sunsparc@reddit
I find this so odd that a company wouldn't foot the bill up front entirely.
Any time I have to travel the hotel, airfare, rental car are paid by the company. I call or email the partner's executive assistant in charge of that, tell her what I need, and she books it all. The only thing I pay out of pocket during travel trips is my food and gas for the rental, which is reimbursed once submitted.
boanerges57@reddit
If you use a credit card you are potentially losing money in the interest rate. This is not a professional way to run a company
mikevarney@reddit
Only if you carry the charges for more than the grace period.
boanerges57@reddit
Depends on the card
mikevarney@reddit
If your card doesn’t have a grace period of a couple weeks (and you’re in the US) you made a really bad choice for cards. The vast majority have grace periods of about 3 weeks after the billing cycle closes.
boanerges57@reddit
Some do average ledger balance. It varies wildly. Good cards are getting much harder to get. Either way. Relying on employees to make these purchases is poor form. Hopefully the reimbursement is fast at least.
lwrscr@reddit
I am a tiny company and even I have a setup so that if an employee travels I get them a company card and review expenses after the trip. It's trivial to get an employee credit card and put a cap on it.
2Tech2Tech@reddit
bimonthly pay?
Gasp0de@reddit
This doesn't help you now, but since you seem to live in a country without a social security system, try to save up a safety buffer that will get you over 6-12 months of unemployment. As a sys-admin, I feel like that should be feasible.
GrizellaArbitersInc@reddit
“Hey boss, I’m sorry, I was eager to get going, and agreed to the travel without thinking. I’m super happy to do the travel and setup, but as I’m still setting up on payroll, I don’t have the spare funds to front the company the expenses just yet. Please can you direct to someone who can advise on the best process? Or would you prefer me to stay at base and continue onboarding while the position resolves?”
thebemusedmuse@reddit
I make sure people know they can use our travel desk so they don’t have to pay out of pocket. I was once in your position too.
Just let them know your personal situation means you aren’t in a position to pay and be reimbursed. Any decent employee will understand.
Unhappy_Clue701@reddit
I always pay for my own expenses. Been here 7 years, travelled between UK/US/Spain/Germany multiple times (am based in UK), always stick everything on my personal Amex. Those rewards stack up quickly. However, my company is efficient at paying expenses on time. Once the expense report gets approved (and I've never had one penny rejected (including currency conversion fees), or had to wait more than 24h for approval), the full claim is paid direct into our bank accounts on the next Friday. Every time, without fail. I'm happy with that arrangement, especially as it applies to everyone, including senior leaders.
mcfedr@reddit
They pay you every other month? That sounds crazy long time to make things add up
chuckbales@reddit
Driving your car to a job site and getting reimbursed for mileage later is one thing, a plane/train ticket with hotel expenses is a different animal and the company should be paying for that upfront. A ticket plus 5 days of hotel and car rental is easily $1000, way too much to expect employees to pay for it and get reimbursed later.
gezafisch@reddit
I've put 7k+ on a personal card for a single work trip before. My manager knew that a lot of us preferred to get cc rewards on our personal cards vs using a corporate card. But if we asked, the company would have prepaid everything.
As long as it's optional, it's not a problem.
coffee_ape@reddit (OP)
Exactly and on my first check too?! I have a $2K+ mortgage. The fuck you mean you want me to spend $1K right off the bat?
abstractraj@reddit
I think the other thing you learned is to ask for a signing bonus. The worst they can do is say no
Nuggetdicks@reddit
Bimonthly? Every two months? You joking mate
underthesign@reddit
Speak to them. But it's not your employers responsibility or concern how you manage your own money or where you live and how you commute or the fact you even need to commute. If you accepted the salary and position physically you'd need to get to that's on you and they've no obligation to step in.
lowNegativeEmotion@reddit
Ask for an advance on your paycheck. It's a lot easier for them to do offsetting transactions.
Don't tell him your broke, you have a bunch of dogecoin and want to hodl until Elon gets it over a dollar. Boss will consider you a smooth brain and respect your diamond hands.
rosscoehs@reddit
I understand you may be an IT professional, but this kind of question is in no way specific to IT or system administrators.
Geminii27@reddit
Yeah, reimbursements are a no-go. Company pays for everything up front or as the expense is incurred.
FuzzTonez@reddit
Step 1. Don’t show up Step 2. When your boss asks why you didn’t show up, tell them you’re broke
jaredthegeek@reddit
Just go tell your boss. Tell him you are not in a financial position to carry the cost of this trip.
mercurygreen@reddit
They probably like to use their personal Credit Cards so they earn miles, etc,
Just be honest - they messed up paying you and money will be tight until that's all back to normal.
varunpitale@reddit
In India and I am privileged that I never had to worry about going hungry and have always had a couple years years of emergency money in place separately from investment. Hence I prefer using my personal credit card. I book hotels and airlines using my credit card travel portal as it gives me great cashback. These points then give me a couple of free airline tickets I can use to travel domestic or international. Hope you get in a comfortable position soon.
AbeTheBae@reddit
Don’t stress too much about it. Just let your boss know that you can’t afford to front the travel expense. Most companies that ask you to travel will always have a company credit card. Or if not then there is a way for the company to have the finance department help with your travel expenses. I would communicate with your boss since I’m pretty sure he has no clue about your situation and it’s a total reasonable request to ask the company to pay for something like this.
jakejones90@reddit
Hey boss. I’m broke as shit, you got me right?
That’s how I usually do it lol but we are best friends.
_donj@reddit
As a manger, I privately ask people about travel expenses and make sure it’s not a burden. Depending on where you travel and what is expected, I regularly have months with $20K or $30K in reimbursable expenses. Not everyone can cashflow those amounts. I have other options at my disposal for employees who would prefer a different arrangement.
Vtrin@reddit
You could say your credit card got skimmed, can’t run through any charges on it till sorted.
You could also ask for a purchasing card, especially if this could be frequent. My company has been using float cards, no idea what the fees are but they seem really easy to manage and it’s really good for asking me for the receipt at time of transaction so it’s hard for me to screw up.
Disastrous-Cow7354@reddit
Tell your boss you can’t travel because you are broke. Just don’t mention gambling debts.
MightyMackinac@reddit
I had to deal with this with my first big boy tech job, working for a large MSP. I told them outright that I couldn't do it, as I had less than $100, and they paid with a corporate card, buy a plane ticket, hotel, and giving me a gift card for food and cab rides.
skidmark_zuckerberg@reddit
I’ve worked places where it’s fronted by the company and others where I pay for it and get reimbursed. Current company is the latter. When I fly up to home office for 3-5 days I usually front the hotel, flight and any other expenses. They reimburse on the very next check so long as I submit expenses. Never had a late reimbursement or something denied in 3 years now. If they have a special occasion where everyone comes, they usually book a block of hotels so I’m not fronting that, but flight, Ubers and food is on me.
I’ve worked jobs long ago where I struggled to front a trip because I was in between jobs just like your situation. I definitely wouldn’t do it if I had other more priority things to take care of like you clearly do. I’d just say “I can come but I will need the company to book my stay, rental and flight there” and just leave it at that.
Smart_Dumb@reddit
I am honestly shocked at the amount of people who would say you would NEVER pay for your own travel upfront. It makes me wonder how many people in this sub ever travel for work.
It's only scummy if they refuse any option to assist, but being able to book my own travel and get all the points and rewards is a huge perk, imo. Depending on how much travel you do, you could be looking at thousands of dollars' worth of points per year.
descender2k@reddit
I am honestly shocked at how many people would put their own credit at risk for a few reward points.
Smart_Dumb@reddit
Why would you work at a place that you think would stiff you on the reimbursement? If you are that paranoid, then I don't know what to tell you...but depending on the circumstances you can easily earn an extra couple thousand per year tax free.
descender2k@reddit
Why does it have to be malicious? What if they fired you tomorrow? How much of a balance are you carrying for them that you will never recoup? What if you decided you wanted to quit? Do you think they are going to rush to pay you back?
Reward points are simply not worth putting yourself into that situation.
Very few people travel enough to earn "thousands of reward points per year" inthe first place. Consider that a unicorn experience that doesn't apply to others.
Smart_Dumb@reddit
Ah, I forgot I am in the sub that advocates quitting any time you feel uncomfortable and thinks every company is out to get you. Sure, if you are paranoid all the time or work for company you feel is financially unstable, then again, don't do it.
But there is clearly a benefit of booking your own travel if you work for any decent company that allows you to. No, you don't need to spend thousands of dollars either to see a significant benefit either (between sign-up bonuses, gaining status that can then turn into major free up-grades during personal travel, travel promotions that line up with work travel, etc). I've got to travel business class to Europe and travel across Germany and Switzerland in hotels all comped with points that I earned with assistance of booking work travel.
descender2k@reddit
Cool story! You didn't address the only and obvious concern, though, because I thinky ou know it's a stupid position to put yourself in.
Living in ignorance of these factors doesn't make you some sort of alpha tech bro LOL
Smart_Dumb@reddit
If I was fired or quit and was working for any decent company, I would expect to be paid just as quickly as previous re-imbursements. I've carried thousands on cards without fear because I know the company I work for is solid.
If I was a heavy traveler, I would check the company's policies for such situations. Again, as I stated twice now, it is up to YOU on your comfort level. But a blanket "NO, NEVER!" policy that you have that is 100% based on extreme edge cases rooted in fear is a crazy thing to suggest.
descender2k@reddit
You can "expect it' until you're blue in the face, you'd have to get a lawyer to get paid back LOL
This is just ignorant overconfidence in your own situation.
Good thing I never said that.
You did.
I even acknowledged that there may be an exceedingly small number of employment oppurtunities where this might make sense. Certainly not enough worth discussing, though.
You should be less shocked that most people working working most jobs aren't in a situation where they rack up "thousands of dollars in reward points".
For most people in most jobs you would never lay out your own cash as an interest free loan to your boss. That's dumb. You would probably earn more in a high yeild savings account than you would playing the points scam/game.
Smart_Dumb@reddit
This is all I need to see to know you don't know what you are talking about. I honestly don't care what you think at this point, as you obviously don't understand how this works. All the people in this post who say how much they enjoy the perk of earning the points are clearly stupid.
descender2k@reddit
OK? Then just shut the fuck up.
People can enjoy something while it also being a stupid idea. Happens all the time. People who hop cards for credit card points always lose in the end.
I hope you never get caught footing the bill you so richly deserve.
jeffrey_f@reddit
Just tell your boss your completely broke until your paycheck starts flowing and AFTER my bills, including the mortgage, is paid on time. Until then, they can get you a CC and you can use that. Anything spent over your allotment can be shown as additional income (US is 1099)
Some_Troll_Shaman@reddit
Sounds like you worked it out,
But I feel just being upfront about it should work.
I haven't had a paycheck since I started and I cannot afford to pre-pay this then and claim this back.
How can we make this work?
Honestly if they only pay you every 2 months and you have to wait that long for re-imbursement you should be getting extra for carrying that debt.
Time and again this boils down to give people a corporate CC and tell them they are responsible for the damn thing. Put the expense on the CC, keep the dockets and shit, file it all with payroll. It's your name on the card, you are responsible for the expenses.
no_brains101@reddit
Tell him that. Maybe he can do something like advance on next paycheck and then the reimbursement can go like normal.
wrt-wtf-@reddit
“I can’t travel because I can’t afford it” - always worked for me.
mrsocal12@reddit
I recall being a new employee & I had to front a car & hotel. They paid the airfare. Let my manager know (he was loaded), he was glad to put it on his credit card & get travel points for it. Phew
SnooChipmunks5617@reddit
Why they don’t have travel credit cards… for those beautiful sky and hotel points.. is beyond me!
Secret_Account07@reddit
I’m usually pretty flexible with my work. I have good bosses so go out of my way to do things that I normally wouldn’t do at other jobs. But even I wouldn’t do this. No way in hell I’m handling the liability for that much money until I get reimbursed. Let them know- I’m happy to travel and do the work out of state. I found cheap accommodations and I’d be more than happy to send it over to purchasing. I’m unable to put a purchase this large on my credit card.
Incompetent_Magician@reddit
Thank you for giving me this opportunity. I can't really go into details but this isn't the right time for me to have that kind of impact on my finances.
It's perfectly reasonable for you to be honest and the details are truly not their business. Most decent sized company credit cards for this sort thing and that sort of reason.
coffee_ape@reddit (OP)
I hope so. I’be worked at a large org where everything was paid by the company CC, and I’ve worked at a small 300 person org, and even there, they were upfront with the reimbursement and pre-paid the hotels.
This org…it’s something else. I’m ready to jump ship, but the job market right now is a whole beast to tame.
muklan@reddit
This would be seen REAL different if you were like a year in. I, personally assume every new hire is broke, which is why they yknow...got a job about it.
coffee_ape@reddit (OP)
Exactly. I was unemployed for 2 months with no unemployment checks. You know 110% I jumped on this job because they’re the only ones that looked in my direction. If I was still employed elsewhere, I wouldn’t take this job offer.
Musicprotocol@reddit
I made a habit now when I'm out of work for a while when recruiters make me job offers I say that I want to be paid within a week.. and the other job offer I got said they can do that...
So far the last few jobs recruiters have gone as far as paying me out of their own pocket to make sure I take the offer.... The most recent job even though it was monthly they paid me weekly for the first month as I told them I hadn't had a job for 4 months and needed the money asap.
Incompetent_Magician@reddit
You're 100% on that. It's tough out there.
coffee_ape@reddit (OP)
Goddamn it. Or, they’re looking for a sysadmin and are only willing to pay $20/HR.
Stonewalled9999@reddit
20$ an hour with OT! (actually might be decent for some...not me, but some).
I was offered $15 through "payroll" to be "consulting engineer" for a small shop 45 minutes from where I live. I think they decided to not go through when I email "I think you dropped a zero from that offer you need to check your typist that sent it out)
coffee_ape@reddit (OP)
Yeah no I’m at minimum $35 an hour/salary. My currently place couldn’t match my pay expectation but beggars can’t be choosers when you’re a jobless bum.
TechIncarnate4@reddit
Don't send a staffing company job listings you find. Just apply yourself. If they don't already have a relationship with the company, then its just wasting time. It means the staffing company is going to try and sign a deal with the company, and the company may not want to pay their "finders fee".
Don't drive business to the staffing company. Take care of yourself.
BadSausageFactory@reddit
\^\^\^ this this this so much
Szeraax@reddit
Taking a different approach:
skilriki@reddit
"I need to preserve cash at the moment due to the job transition. Do you think it would be possible to prepay the ticket, hotel, and rental car with a company card?"
coffee_ape@reddit (OP)
This was the comment I was looking for when I typed out my reply to my boss but I couldn’t find it. Good verbiage and I like the use of perceive cash.
Incompetent_Magician@reddit
That's good too.
TehZiiM@reddit
Sir, im sorry but with my salary I can’t pay for the trip.
Sure_Research_6455@reddit
just use your cc, pay it off when the expenses get returned, and roll around in your cc points
iceyone444@reddit
I don't understand how employers expect people to fund business trips to be reimbursed - if you are travelling for work they should fund it.
stromm@reddit
I’ve never paid out of pocket for work related expenses, especially travel. I always asked during the hiring if that was required and if so, I politely declined the job.
Also, be very careful if they reimburse you on your normal paystub that they aren’t also counting it as taxable income.
In most US states, they actually aren’t allowed to reimburse you on the same transaction. They have to cut a separate one with its own check or deposit. And they have a state defined period of time to do so from when you submit your receipts.
lonestar659@reddit
I flat out refuse to pay for anything work related on personal anything. They can shuttle me around if they want me to go places.
mustang__1@reddit
"hey I was thinking about the trip. No issues going, I was thinking about the mechanics and realized I can't afford to front the cost right now. Here's the hotel I think would be appropriate location and budget wise. Id also like to ask for a $30/day meal stipend since I usually cook at home these days. Still recovering from before I was hired here y'know lol?"
coffee_ape@reddit (OP)
Adding the lol to make the email less intimidating. Love the millennial coding talk here haha
mustang__1@reddit
Eh I was thinking in person but I work in a pretty informal setting where I can just drop by.
descender2k@reddit
Probably don't say the lol in person though.
mustang__1@reddit
laughs in corporate
pixelstation@reddit
Damn bruh. Sounds like a nightmare. In my last place I did the legwork to find the flight car rental and hotel but now they do it all. I just show up at the airport or whatever and follow the itinerary. Otherwise I’ll be working remote. I’m not paying jack shit.
descender2k@reddit
It's OK to be honest with them. They know you were just out of work, they just hired you! They may even be willing to help you meet expenses untily ou get on your feet.
Never lay out any personal funds for anything to do with work if you can avoid it. They have company credit cards to use for this sort of thing.
AV1978@reddit
Are you working for Dell? Or another major var? I can tell you from experience as a contract consultant that they will work with you so don’t be afraid to ask. We all need help sometimes. They aren’t going to look down on you for being light on funds to do so. If you are an employee you should absolutely have a company card for corporate travel.
Dereksversion@reddit
My current job I'm in that boat.
Everyone here is very quick to tell other redditors "work is supposed to pay for that up front". But I think most of them are either people who denied promotions for the reason they'd have to front expenses OR they aren't in one of those positions In the first place.
There ARE companies that issue company credit cards that are effective for all places. I worked for CGI in Canada and I had a company CC for hotels gas and meals and such as I was a mobile tech.
But for every 1 there's 3 that ask their employees to use their personal cards to do things and expense it. Which can be tricky. But they have a right to ASK that if they want. They can't expect everyone to say yes. PLUS every employee has their own right to refuse to take th job if that's what's being asked.
So it has the opportunity to be consensual and respectful. So I don't see why people have to be militant about it on here. It's life and it doesn't bother me anymore.
NOW with all that said. My current job, I travel around the country to our various plants. Probably once a quarter or a bit more.
When I first landed the job my wife was just ending maternity leave so we had one income for a year (plus the pitiful maternity stipend they give) but I was tapppppped out. I just said to my boss in an open door policy meeting. I'm happy to do this trip but as I said in my interview we're just finishing up mat leave. So I'm very behind the 8 ball for personal finances and riding out my savings right now. (There's no shame The economy is on drugs right now)
She said "ok no problem. We really need you over there this month so I'll put your hotel and car rental on my card if you have some space for your meals". She was very respectful about it. She used to have a company credit card and then they took them away so she knew herself what it was like.
You get paid milage to drive to the airport and back and such. Things that you didn't have to spend outright on. So after a couple trips splitting it and getting milage expenses and stuff I built up my credit card to where I didn't have to ask anymore.
But I took the job knowing. They were upfront and they were respectful about it and have been respectful about asking for me to go places even now.
So just don't overthink it. Go in and see your boss. And just say "boss I've been in the trenches and I'm so happy to have this opportunity and it's helping me grow and progress. I just haven't gotten the capital saved back up yet from my career startup costs. Could we work out a way to make sure I get there and I'll be able to cover these expenses next time"
If your manager is reasonable even a little bit you won't be made to feel foolish!
And then enjoy your trip!! I love travelling for work. It's liberating and fun and usually means I'm working on a half decent roll out of some sort. And I love that part of my job the most. The last couple times my wife and toddler tagged along and they got some sight seeing in. As best they could in industrial sides of the cities :p
dtfkeith@reddit
I’m a field service engineer and when I started this job, they offer an advance to everyone in this role. I bet your job will too.
Safe_Ad1639@reddit
My company use to give us all company credit cards but then they just took them away and a week later asked me to travel and I was in the same boat. I just told them it's too close to Christmas time and I'm still catching up after having to buy everyone presents and they booked it all on the company credit card I just had to send the info of what they needed to book
Word of warning: It's possible that the car rental place and the hotel will require a card on file and it will have to be a card in your possession. The car rental place may put a hold of 300$ or more check with the car rental company. This was something I had not thought of and almost screwed me while I was out of town.
Universal_Binary@reddit
Tell the boss: "I'm just new and haven't yet got my first paycheck, so I don't have a high enough credit limit for all that right now. Could I either charge it to the company card, or would it work for you to put the flights and hotel on your card this time?"
Putting this stuff on a personal card is usually a perk for someone, who can get maybe 2% cash back (even more in some cases). You'd be doing your boss a favor.
Assumptions that go into this:
There is no way the company is going to swing a company card for you in a week. Most likely they don't care who submits the expenses, so if your boss gets reimbursed instead of you, it is probably fine.
onshisan@reddit
Where I work, the employer issues the employee a credit card for travel purposes. If I were in your position and the employee refuses to / cannot / is “not set up” to do this, I would consider getting an additional credit card and only use it for work travel purposes. This is obviously not so simple if your credit is poor or if there’s not time to get it done…
kearkan@reddit
That's an awful lot to expect you to pay and reimburse.
thortgot@reddit
Asking for an advance is the only solution I've seen actually done in companies with expense policies like this.
It's fairly uncommon but it does happen.
llDemonll@reddit
Just ask when you’ll be getting a company card to book this travel with. If he pushes back tell him you’re uncomfortable booking travel on reimbursement at a brand new company.
theBananagodX@reddit
I like your approach because it sets the tone that “normal”=corporate card. For OP it seems like normal=prepay/reimburse, but since they can’t do that they need an exception to “normal”, which puts the burden on them to justify the exception. By setting normal = corporate card, it puts the onus on the manager to justify the exception to ask the employee prepay/reimburse.
NoradIV@reddit
Except that it's normal to have a corporate card in these situations.
I would flat out refuse to front money to my employer. You want me to travel? Provide me with the appropriate resources.
Sure, a little couple dollars expense, whatever. If it exceed 2 digits, no.
ethnicman1971@reddit
I agree that this is an excellent approach. the only challenge maybe that it seems that OP has already agreed (even if unwittingly) to front the expense. OP was asked to make the arrangements and agreed. Then OP makes reference to being reimbursed which indicates that at least to a certain extent this was conveyed to them. I would be prepared to explain why the objection was not raised immediately, maybe something along the lines that OP was under the impression that travel and accommodations would be covered on the company card and that incidentals and meals would be reimbursed.
nappycappy@reddit
I would just tell your boss and work something out. there is no shame in being honest about your situation. hiding it just makes it worse for you in the long run. I'm sure they can accommodate. I've never once had to worry about getting let go cause I can't pay for my own travel expenses. if I can't pay for it I don't go. if they want me to go then they'll have to figure out how to pay for it upfront before I even book a flight. this is just me. if I'm traveling for the company the company is paying for everything.
that said, my coworkers likes to use their personal card to get points. I don't care about points. I don't use CCs unless it's an emergency and traveling for work doesn't make that list. I've been in similar circumstances as you so I hear you and I feel your stress. but I stand by being honest with your manager.
naps1saps@reddit
My company would do it for you if requested. Just ask and not make it a big deal. If they say no, it's on you, that's when you push back.
Clarky-AU@reddit
It's simple "Hey I can't afford to pay for this upfront, any way I can have accounts upfront the cost"
Klaasievaak@reddit
If he asks you to travel, you just say, I would love to help you with this problem, But I do not have the financial means to do that at the moment. So if you can provide some cash in advanced, I'd love to solve your problem abroad...
mikevarney@reddit
We only front 75% of all documentable costs prior to travel (hotel, flight, meals).
leftplayer@reddit
I wouldn’t do this. I’m not sure about you but here in Europe that reimbursement will make it very complicated tax-wise, since it may seem like this is a salary/bonus. If you’re going down this path, have it paid to you separately.
mikevarney@reddit
We can put both untaxed and taxed travel reimbursements on our paychecks at my company.
matt95110@reddit
Any company that asks you to float travel costs is pretty scummy. I have no problem submitting meal receipts after the fact, but I would never put travel costs on my credit card.
MacBook_Fan@reddit
It can be or it can be beneficial to the employee as well to let them book their own travel arrangements. Beside the benefit of getting cash back/miles/points for using a personal credit card, booking your own travel arrangements gives you MUCH more control over the arrangements.
If I let my company book my travel, I would have two layovers, probably wiht 4 hours each, and travel all day. Only to stay in a motel6 30 miles from where i need to work.
In the OPs case, I think it is fair to go back to his manager and ask about using a corporate card to book the travel since it is a financial burden. You don‘t have to be specific, but I think it is fair to say “Hey, as you know I was without a paycheck for a few months, so cash and credit is a little tight. Is there a corporate card that we can apply these expenses too?”
I would also suggest that the OP talk about future travel arrangements. If the OP needs to travel and the company policy about reimbursements. In all companies i have worked for, I often got my reimbursement well before my credit card bill was due.
matt95110@reddit
You would be better off having them kick you in the head than getting a corporate credit card. Companies rarely do that outside of sales roles.
swimmityswim@reddit
I think this is a pretty standard way for companies to handle travel and expenses. Expenses are done on a certain schedule and employees pay and get reimbursed.
Any outstanding expenses are paid out in the event you are let go/leave.
GEC-JG@reddit
Standard doesn't mean right. The proper way for a company to do it is to pay for fixed/known expenses immediately (e.g. the hotel and/or car rental, as appropriate) and then reimburse variable expenses (meals, mileage, etc.) up to predetermined limits.
A better approach is to have company cards.
It is not an employee's responsibility to pay for business expenses, even if they'll be reimbursed.
matt95110@reddit
Last time I went to Europe for business it would have cost me $10k to book the flight and hotel for a two week trip. I can float that on my credit card no problem, but a lot of people can't.
swimmityswim@reddit
Thats fair and im lucky enough to be in the same position, however i think thats an exceptional circumstance.
At times i have had to do travel like that a travel admin has always booked on my behalf.
But i have had to float $2k-$3k a few times on shorter trips.
All that being said it’s ridiculous for a company to expect that everybody can do that or punish those that cant.
I just dont think it’s a “scummy” way for a company to run T&E
coffee_ape@reddit (OP)
Yeah no way in hell I’ll be able float that. I would like to be in a position where I’ll be able too. Hopefully in this lifetime.
patmorgan235@reddit
Just tell him you can't afford to front the money for travel if he/the company wants him on the trip they'll need to pay upfront for the majority of it.
dsmith30@reddit
I used to have a company credit card that has all changed since the pandemic.. Everything is using your own card and get reimbursed. I travel a lot for work for weeks on end. I have to submit it all for reimbursement
BadSausageFactory@reddit
'hey boss, I just started this job, you haven't paid me yet, and I would prefer to not carry this debt. do we have a company card we can put some of this on?'
they want you to travel on your card and haven't even cut you a first check? I hope you still have the job hunt going because that sounds shaky.
coffee_ape@reddit (OP)
I’m on the job hunt. Personally, im more of a senior field support sysadmin guy, but at this job, I still have no idea my scope. I’m taking care of our departments shipping and ordering now?! But I’m still doing IT work…but we have a service desk.
I really done know man. My younger coworker is trying so hard to put a positive spin on it. No hate, bless his heart. The other orgs I’ve been at shaped me to fit orgs to their specifications. Unfortunately, I can’t adapt to this new org, like I used to be able too because i already know what to expect and what my expectations at an org are. I can’t put my finger on it, but my current org doesn’t meet the expectations that I have.
G8racingfool@reddit
Sounds like a young/immature company. Startups are usually like that but I've seen/been around plenty of smaller companies that operate that way as well (and a few big ones).
coffee_ape@reddit (OP)
I should have listen to my gut.
G8racingfool@reddit
Hah, I remember reading that post.
Seems like you've hit a fork in the road. You can bounce and leave it behind, which I don't think anyone would blame you for doing. On the other hand, you've potentially got a green field just ripe for someone like yourself to take charge of and start pushing for more operational maturity.
The good news is, it's all up to you for what direction you want to take. Just take your time, weigh your options and don't look back when you make your decision. (yea, yea that last part sounds kinda motivational speaker-ish but it really is true)
BadSausageFactory@reddit
ok you see it, that's the important thing. good luck and maybe discreetly find out if your younger colleague has had any issues with timely reimbursement
but if you're doing one-off work especially (we need all these sites upgraded) and you haven't been given explicit info on reimbursement process, then be wary
coffee_ape@reddit (OP)
Yes, I’m not going to be at this org for long. It’s a placeholder while I find a job and collect my check. I emailed my boss right now asking for the reimbursement info because I have ZERO knowledge on it.
Positive thing about here: I’m messing around with Merakis and I’m remote twice a week…
GhostDan@reddit
Having worked for many of the major companies in IT, not one has 'fronted' it. A few (probably for points reason) used their corporate CC for flights, but every other expense has been on me to report and get reimbursed for. I did work for one you could ask for a pay advance for extended travel, but I believe they wanted it back in 4-6 weeks.
Justneedsomehelps@reddit
Speak with finance and HR. They’ll sort it out.
AardvarkIll6079@reddit
I never traveled for work, but my wife travelled all over the world for over a decade for her job. She never spent a single penny of her own money.
For sure ask for a company card or have them book Al of your travel for you.
Justan0therthrow4way@reddit
I’d probably just straight up say that things are tight at the moment after the holidays and since you joined late December you missed a round of pay.
Find out if you’ll be travelling regularly and maybe you can take out another credit card you use for work things only. Maybe one that gives you airline or hotel company status.
meh_ninjaplease@reddit
I learned this the hard way. I used to work help desk for a company that transformed into field tech. They would not give me a Company CC, just reimburse me. Other field techs had one, not me. I went with it for a few months, probably two months before I put my foot down and told my boss that I will not be going out until I got a Company CC. It took about two days and I received a CC. Don't let anyone walk all over you.
Zombie-ie-ie@reddit
Do they make you pay for your own phone line, too?
TheRealLambardi@reddit
I have worked for 20, 200, 15000, 50000 employee companies. I have always travelled with a company CC. Never fronted my own monies.
over26letters@reddit
Q: Can you travel travel out of state foe a week?
A: sure, if you take care of everything to get me there and back, what I need for the week, overtime hours as I won't be home, and what is my per diem? Otherwise, ask someone else.
JohnBeamon@reddit
Company business should be company funded. Up-front. It's not the company's business whether I have $20K in liquid cash or in credit limit. Their expense is their business. Don't say a word. If a company wants money from other people to front expenses, that's called a stock offering. And that money comes from investors, not employees.
Vvector@reddit
Ask your boss (or HR) if the room and flight can be charged on a company CC. Explain that you are in a cash flow situation and can't float the charges right now.
JohnBeamon@reddit
Honestly, don't even tell them two words about your money. It's not the company's business whether you can float a flight and a stay until they get back to you; it's their business to send you. Your slush fund is not company business.
Jim_84@reddit
I wouldn't explain anything about my personal finances. Just find the flights and hotel and ask who at the organization to send those to for payment
fuzz_64@reddit
This. You can also add on this way you're ensuring you don't go above their expected costs by accidentally booking a more expensive room or flight than necessary, as you're not yet familiar with their travel processes and expectations.
Companies love when you're cost conscious:)
Maishxbl@reddit
So all my employees are required to travel essentially every week which includes flights, rental cars and hotels. We offer the choice between using a corporate account or personal cards. Even though all of my team make 100k+, I don't make any assumptions about their personal finances and do not make any judgements on their ability to pay with their own money. Hopefully the culture at your new job is similar in that there's understanding that work travel is pricey. That being said, if you're going to need to travel a lot, after your finances get settled in, if feasible for your position, I do recommend getting the free cards for whatever airline and hotel you stick with. I get roughly $5k a year in rewards points between the two thar in addition to the normal points I get with my status.
prty1999@reddit
Commenting here after OP’s edit (OP emailed manager asking for corp CC or prepayment of expenses).
I suggest you have a conversation with your manager and explain the situation. Tell him you sent the email because finances are tight transitioning to this new job. And assuming it’s true, express that you are emendable to handling future trip expenses in the same way as everyone else in a couple of months. This is important to communicate because after the easiest option of just getting someone else to take your place next week, the most likely solutions are them cutting you a check in advance OR having someone book your arrangements on their credit card. Neither of these are great options long term for the company. Naturally, a corp card is fine for future trips if available, but next week travel is probably too tight of a turn to get a card issued. They are not going to start a corp card program for one employee (they would need to already have this available and most are declining to get points in their personal CC).
AJS914@reddit
Every place I worked had the ability to purchase hotel, air tickets, etc for you ahead of time or put it on a corporate credit card. They could also give you a travel advance which you'd have to reconcile against actual expenses.
BurnAnotherTime513@reddit
This varies by company. I've had 3 jobs with 3 radically different travel expense processes.
Large company [5,000+ employees] - they booked everything and I just paid for food w/ receipt to reimburse.
Small company (30 employees) had a company credit card I used for everything w/ receipts. I didn't spend anything myself.
Midsize company (700 employees) I book and pay for everything myself w/ receipt for reimbursements.
I personally don't mind paying for myself, my credit cards gets reward points and I get reimbursed from my company anyways.
sir_mrej@reddit
This exactly matches my experience. I had my own company card at the small place I worked. My current medium place uses Concur like it's going out of style.
bythepowerofboobs@reddit
True, but most hotels require you to switch to a card you have with you when you check in.
gex80@reddit
they can handle remote card auth
PapaDuckD@reddit
Most major hotels also have a process to substitute for this process.
Some sort of CC Authorization form and they need to have it well in advance to validate the method of payment.
nospamkhanman@reddit
Don't be embarrased, just bring it up to leadership.
"Due to unexpected personal financial issues I'm not able to cover the cost of travel up front. Can someone from the business book my flight and hotel for me please?"
I had to do that when I was making 50k and my work needed me to travel to Europe for 2 weeks. I didn't have like 5 grand sitting around at the time.
HereForaRefund@reddit
I'm curious an to what happened next! Update?
Medic573@reddit
I had a member of my team in the same boat. He told me that he wouldn't be able to cover travel costs up front due to personal issues, so I put everything on my card and prepaid everything that I could.
Travel is stressful enough. A good leader will look to alleviate the stress anywhere they can.
dokonewski@reddit
When I started a job that required a lot of travel, I had to do a week long stint out of town for a training session. I ran numbers of what it would reasonably cost with hotel, airfare and meals per Diem. I took that amount to my boss and said due to financial circumstances I do not have the room in my budget to drop close to $2000 for a work related expense. They agreed and cut me an expense check for that balance and if the expenses were higher I would resubmit the difference, if it was less I would reimburse the company.
Some companies understand that asking for a large outlay of money before even being paid can cause hardship. However, they will only know if you tell them. Take the numbers to your boss and ask to be pre-paid due to XYZ circumstance. Say how this is a one time deal once you start collecting your paychecks.
Zaphod1620@reddit
Is your CC maxed out? Even if you get the company to pay for the room in a corporate card, you will need it in when you check in to cover incidentals. I travel a lot for work, and even though the room is booked and paid for via the company, I still always have to present a card at the desk. Some hotels will allow your company to fax over the card info for the incidentals, but you will need to call the hotel to confirm. You can use a debit card, but they will block off several hundred dollars, and it won't be available again until a week or two after you check out.
Brufar_308@reddit
Will. Ever forget the work trip I took while in college. Was driving g the company van back home and they failed to give me any cash or cards up front. Made it maybe halfway back to my home state before I ended up at a service plaza on the turnpike trying to hustle up some cash to pay for gas to get the $60K worth of company equipment and company van back home. Ended up having to get the company account and to wire cash to the western union terminal at the truck stop.
You tend not to forget those lessons. Corp needs to prepay or provide cash up front. I will not end up like that again, nor is it my job to front cash to the company for company trips.
Be up front with your boss about the situation. You were out of work before this so not having funds should not be unexpected. Beats being stuck in another state and late on your personal bills.
M3Pilot@reddit
😂 I'd forgotten about it but had the same thing happen to me a couple times on tours in my teens. Truck craps out on the road or at a service plaza, trying to figure out the best way to get it repaired and not just leave a couple million dollars of lights and sound gear sitting in the middle of nowhere, plus getting yourself home.
M3Pilot@reddit
FWIW: A lot of people prefer using their own card and keeping the points/miles/perks for themselves, in fact a lot of people where I work never use their company AmEx. Obviously that means you have to have a card with enough headroom, which many people don't. A good employer, esp with a new employee, is definitely going to attempt to work this out for you though. We regularly have someone in HR use a card for hotels, flights, etc for new employee travel and training, please don't feel as if you can't ask. Massive numbers of people are carrying high balances and otherwise living close to the edge, this is not something they will be surprised to hear you ask about.
Another fun bit, with most company cards you're on the hook to the card issuer if the company defaults anyway. Yay.
Downinahole94@reddit
just the them straight up, I missed a few pay checks and I can't cover the cost of a trip right now. Don't stress about it, they will understand. let them know you are happy to travel and do the work but don't have the funds to cover the cost of travel.
redwoodtree@reddit
On the bright side, once you have enough saved up you can reap the points on your personal CCs, that was one of the sweetest perks at my old job before they issues company CCs.
Dry_Personality7194@reddit
Just be upfront about it? Something like this hit me recently while my family was in the middle of moving and liquid cash was sparse.
My boss prepaid everything. I claimed it on expenses and I wired him the money next payday.
Medium_Astronomer823@reddit
I’ve only known large company policies, but everything I’ve seen is that corporate cards are personal-liable and companies will reimburse only approved expenses and on a standard schedule. It is pretty annoying tbh. So I would expect it to be difficult to get a corporate-liable corporate cards
HugeConfusion9505@reddit
I started working for a company one time who made it mandatory that I travel to a Regional meeting two states over for a week. Then they told me that their policy is food, hotel, car rental, etc is all paid by the employee and they reimburse the hotel and 60% of the food cost in two months time.
I was like nope.
xch13fx@reddit
For me personally, I will never act as a bank and loan my employer anything, for literally anything. I've been burned by scrutinized receipts or just not paying me what I paid for a thing, so I just refuse. I'm always professional, but very stern. Something like, 'My apologies, but I have a personal rule that I won't pay for business expenses out of pocket. I've been burned by previous employers, and I find it's best for all parties involved if I can either get a company CC or have everything paid for ahead of time.'
Granted I didn't do a TON of travel, but anytime I did, it was such a hassle filing expenses and such. So I just refused to do so. Magically, I got a company CC shortly after.
thecravenone@reddit
I got told to do a week in Vegas on four days' notice once. I laughed and replied "Do you know what you guys pay me?"
Turns out that director in fact did not know that a new position had been created specifically to pay me less than the entire rest of the department.
bit0n@reddit
I had a guy join my team who just sat me down and said the same for the first month. We got him a prepaid credit card with £500 to get him through. He just had to save all the receipts.
FourEyesAndThighs@reddit
I hope your company reimburses quickly.... We used to offer reimbursement for corporate travel on a personal card, but then the corporate travel director said if you take two or more trips in a calendar year, you need a company card. Then it became a requirement for all travel.
I miss using my own card. I made something like $1700 in cash back on my Costco Visa one year by booking travel for my entire team and paying for all meals while we were together.
This_guy_works@reddit
Where I work, mileage and meals are reimbursed with an expense form, but any hotels are paid for and booked well ahead of time by the company on their payment with their card on file. Never had to pay for any overnight stays myself. That sounds pretty shady.
I also worked for a company that had a 2-week orientation out of state and they booked me a room and give me a $500 prepaid visa card for any expenses while I was in training. That was nice.
But no employer should reasonably expect an employee, especially one that hasn't been paid yet, to have to pay for work expenses. That sound pretty shady or at least shitty of them.
UltrMgns@reddit
Hello $boss,
Is there a way to have the flight and hotel pre-paid by the company?
I'd feel much more comfortable with 4 digit expenses after my first paycheck (according to my wife, and I happen to agree in this case).
Cheers!
gurilagarden@reddit
I'm not giving advice, just commentary. I would immediately start looking for another job. Bi-monthly pay, no pre-payment for lodging, I would run, not walk, out the door, even if it was to a non-it related job.
FarceMultiplier@reddit
I'm a manager, and people who report to me have had your struggles. I've used my credit card for their hotels, where they ate breakfast and dinner. Rental cars were the main issue, as they need their own credit card for that.
In summary, though, talk to your manager. They likely have options.
ncc74656m@reddit
Your company can prepay basically all the things. Hotels have forms for just such an occasion (often called a Secure Pay that effectively prepay for check-in, and guarantee payment for incidentals - ask that the form include incidentals, that way they won't have to put any hold on your personal card). You may also be able to ask for some portion of your per diem in petty cash or up front. One company I was at gave me a wad of petty cash and asked for receipts "if possible," and just to account for the rest.
Even at a company I was at that didn't like to do this, I basically told my boss flat out "You know how much you're paying me, I can't afford that kind of outlay, so if you're insisting that I have to do this, you need to pay for this up front."
dispatch00@reddit
Unless you are at some cockamamie employer that pays you once every two months, you mean to say you're paid semi-monthly.
SomeoneRandom007@reddit
I'd tell him you were stretched for cash because you've been unemployed, and ask for an advance. Reasonable bosses would understand and just make it happen.
Arpe16@reddit
Try to get the company to use Uber for Business. Many businesses want it for the trackability ease of use, this would allow you to expense against your company for anything on uber (rides/food/grocery)
Ryanstodd@reddit
I manage the IT Department for our company. We have about 15 different locations throughout the US and a couple in Canada that require travel (about once a year). Myself and my director routinely pay for our employees and expense their charges on our reports. I know what I get paid and what they get paid, and it's not fair to ask them to cover a few thousand dollar trip out of pocket (even though they'll be reimbursed).
Your boss should be very understanding with this, especially since the holiday season just ended.
Ryanstodd@reddit
Now, I'll tell my employee they need to cover their own meals, and save the receipts for their own expense report...but again flight, rental car and hotel I/We have no problem covering.
19610taw3@reddit
This happened to me when I was just starting out. Company sent me on a trip to a conference in Vegas. A very expensive conference. Which was great.
The problem is - I didn't have enough of a credit card to cover everything for reimbursement. I only had a $500 credit card. I had to have a coworker cover it and get reimbursed.
panzerbjrn@reddit
As others have said, explain your situation and simply say you can't front it.
I was un a similar situation some years ago and I got a company petrol card I could use for gas and hotels were prepaid and included breakfast/dinner.
MajorPotential3696@reddit
Just be honest and tell the boss your financial situation.
RaNdomMSPPro@reddit
Ask boss if they can prepay things since you just started. Pretty bold to assume you can front them a few grand short notice. We have company cc's for this sort of thing.
ranhalt@reddit
Anything that’s prepaid should be prepaid, like flight and hotel. Crazy that a company has employees pay for those and get reimbursed. Gas is tricky, unless they have gas credit cards, otherwise it’s record and reimburse. Food’s obviously a reimbursement if you don’t have a company card.
Or just ask if there’s a company card people use for travel missions like this.
pointlessone@reddit
"Boss, you know how much I make, and my recent (lack of) employment, I'm going to need this paid for up front."
ThreadParticipant@reddit
Wow! Pay your own accom and then expense back is BS. Food I can understand as I’ve done that regularly.
Effective-Evening651@reddit
Reimbursement after the fact makes sense for "unforseen expenses" but expecting you to out-of-pocket work trip expenses up front is unreasonable on the part of your employer, especially as a recent hire who's potentially exiting a period of financial instability. I'd call up management, be honest - if they aren't reasonable enough to take care of arranging trip items/accomodation for you, they must not need that onsite work done so badly.
coffee_ape@reddit (OP)
Yeah I was literally asked this morning if I can travel next week.
NUTTA_BUSTAH@reddit
Honesty tends to work well, especially as the situation is not directly threatening to the company. "I don't have any extra money until my next paycheck due to life throwing speed bumps my way as life sometimes likes to do, so I cannot attend without pre-payment. Perhaps there is a card available to get it paid for instead of doing the usual reimbursement?"
Rocknbob69@reddit
If they are that late with payroll I would nope the fuck out of paying for my own travel and waiting to be reimbursed as you may never see the money
bad_IT_advice@reddit
Are all your credit cards maxed out? I don't think I've every paid for anything in cash when I traveled.
For the times I didn't have a company card, i would just use my own and get reimbursed. I actually preferred that because I got all the rewards.
coffee_ape@reddit (OP)
They’re not maxed out, I just don’t want to incur more interest. After all, I was out of a job and used my CC for essential purchases.
bad_IT_advice@reddit
You only incur interest after the grace period. Your reimbursement should come by the time payment is due, so you shouldn't have any additional interest charges for these.
_haha_oh_wow_@reddit
I think I'd say something like, "I can't travel because I'm broke."
RamblingReflections@reddit
It’s the exact opposite where I live. We are expressly forbidden to use our personal CC to book things and claim reimbursement, including to accrue airline miles on a work trip. It’s seen as unfair personal gain, and is classed as a fringe benefit, which I should be paying tax on at tax time.
The policy book states that if I use my personal funds to purchase work related things, like say, a cable at the local computer store to get something up and running fast, I can’t claim reimbursement through my employer at all. I can try my luck and claim it at tax time, but as a rule, all cost incurred in the course of fulfilling my employment obligations has to be covered by company purchase orders, preauthorised on a manager’s credit card, or put on my individual company credit card.
I’m sorry that you’re in this position OP. As others have said, just be upfront with your manager about your circumstances. Hopefully it’s not the first time they’ve encountered this and they have a way of working around your situation.
happykal@reddit
"I had to loan all my savings to my cousin for a house purchase, as a result I don't have any money. Please can I requests expenses in advance."
Revzerksies@reddit
I would think the company would prepay the hotel and car rental ahead of time
Iamnotapotate@reddit
If you are expected to travel as part of your job, your company will have a process for expensing / compensating you for those costs.
You may be issued a Company Credit card, you may not.
They may have company rates with certain providers, requirements for proof of purchase for reimbursement, reimbursement / expense limits for certain items (ie: certain dollar amount for meals, or will not reimburse for alcohol, etc.)
Do not travel for work or book anything for travel for work before you have this information from your company.
Speak to your boss or HR to make sure you understand all the details / requirements, etc.
Rolex_throwaway@reddit
Just be honest. They’ll probably appreciate the opportunity to put it on their personal card and collect points, I know I would.
RCG73@reddit
Just talk to your boss. Be polite and blunt. “Boss I burned through a good portion of my savings and credit while I was in between jobs and with the timing of things it would make it difficult for me to wait on reimbursement but I’m more than happy to travel for the install. What arrangements can be made to arrange it? “. If I was your supervisor I wouldn’t think anything of it and I’d just pre pay it myself.
Nanocephalic@reddit
Your boss should be able handle that discussion. If not, talk to the finance person or team who handles expenses.
I guarantee that you are not the only person who has had this issue.
sadisticamichaels@reddit
Just tell your boss. I have done all kinds of travel reimbursement and I have had it paid for by the company and I have also had to pay for it myself and get reimbursed.
If you work for a reputable company and you travel a lot, then paying yourself and getting reimbursed is actually fantastic financial strategy. You get to run up all these credit card bills and then pay them off wit the reimbursement check. This is fantastic for your credit card score. It looks like you have the ability to pay down debt of someone who has a lot more income than you actually do. Also, you get all the reward points, bonus miles, loyalty stays, and etc... There were several years that I went on really nice personal vacations using travel rewards programs.
MrCertainly@reddit
I think it's time you had a conversation with your employer instead of randos on reddit.
jojowasher@reddit
I had a similar thing, I told a white lie and said I didn't believe in credit cards, only have a debit Mastercard that cant be used to book things, boss booked everything for me
Coupe368@reddit
Your airline ticket, hotel stay, and rental car should all be on company accounts. They negotiate and get discounts, bla bla bla. They also try to steal your frequent flier miles. 20 years of travel and everything was direct bill.
You should expect to pay for your meals, keep your receipts, and don't order any alcohol with the meals (or put it on a separate check) to streamline re-imbursement.
If the company doesn't work this way, there is something wrong.
phoenix_73@reddit
I worked for a global company and it was normal to go somewhere, pay expenses then be re-imbursed. Then they made sure we all had corporate credit cards. At this point they became more strict in that we were only to use company credit card for any expenses. Receipts would go through Concur and Hotels would be arranged through Frosch.
It was always a pain, being that IT guy on shit salary, stressing about these things while some other well travelled people in the business, taking a 9hr flight across the atlantic was like catching a bus to get two miles down the road.
It is a difficult conversation for sure. In America, they're strict, probably more expectant and less forgiving than someone would be in Europe. Doubt they can hold your financial predicament against you though.
It's the same around the world now, one payday from poverty almost. Powers that be want us to own nothing and we'll be happy.
I've before now been in similar position and I guess I'd put such expense on personal credit card just to cover until reimbursed but I appreciate not everyone has that option.
It is maybe embarrassing to have to say to your boss but part of me thinks you know what, tell it as it is. It may make them more mindful for future when planning travel with you. It may help put you more at ease when they ask again and they may consider you cannot afford it or you can't do at short notice. Not every situation allows for that though as things do happen that can need urgent or immediate attention.
nikki57@reddit
I would just be honest and ask them how to pay for things. It's fine to say you're not in a position to be reimbursed, they should be able to figure something out for you
che-che-chester@reddit
I've been there in my younger days and I can empathize. I had a sales job many years ago that required me to travel and I had to front all costs. It sucked hard. And that was a F500 company.
Anyway, the only advice I would give is don't dig the hole deeper by delaying. By upfront and tell your boss your situation ASAP so they can make other plans if needed. Maybe say you discussed it with your wife, reviewed your budget and don't think you can cover these expenses until get a paycheck or two under your belt. But I would also be blunt. Don't dance around the issue ("I have some concerns...") if the reality is you know you can't cover it.
Most managers are pretty understanding. But worst case scenario, I would work up a potential plan to possibly stretch (put on CC, borrow from parents, etc.) and cover it if your boss says there is no wiggle room. If you're already putting bills on a CC, the last thing you want is to lose your job.
During the 2008 Recession, I was out of work for 5 months. I burned through all of my savings, sold some stuff, ate more free meals at my parent's house than I could count and still had to put all of my bills on my credit card the month I started my new job. That was the end of the golden age of zero-internet-for-a-year credit cards (very common back then) and that is what saved me from getting buried. I signed up for that card the day I was notified I would be laid off.
And if you end up rolling the dice and covering these expenses yourself, make sure you understand the reimbursement process. I've been there before too where I was counting the days until I got reimbursed only to realize I made an innocent mistake and now had to wait two more weeks.
robvas@reddit
Have his assistant book your accommodations and give you petty cash for food
coffee_ape@reddit (OP)
I think I’m his assistant as well?! I’m handling contractors at job sites, I relay the info to him, and he tells me to relay it back.
I’m used to having full rein on contractors with a scope and a budget. I don’t have either and I’m playing it by ear.
mistercrinders@reddit
Why would you be paying for any of those things? You go, they pay for the hotel, car, plane, you get per diem for the food.
They could even front you the per diem.
coffee_ape@reddit (OP)
Because I have to set all that up first and then submit it to payroll to get reimbursed. This company seems to be ran on Scotch tape and rubber bands.
mistercrinders@reddit
This is not how it should work. All of that should be paid for on the company CC.
coffee_ape@reddit (OP)
I know. I agree with you. That’s not the reality/situation at my current org. Everyone here has made me start digging for more info and I’m getting crickets from my org.
All the more reason to job ship ASAP. I literally only started 20 days ago and on day 1 I made a post asking if I should trust my gut.
Day 1, I knew shit was wrong.
mistercrinders@reddit
Agreed, be looking elsewhere.
joefleisch@reddit
I have the same issue.
My department needs a vehicle like a Ford Transit or Sprinter to transport equipment and tools for install to offices for upgrades and new deployments.
I was going to buy a used vehicle.
I was told to rent but rentals have not been available.
We have trucks for another department just sitting waiting to go back to fleet management.
Projects are sitting incomplete now for months. We are out of compliance with our framework.
I am ripping my hair out.
CloudSparkle-BE@reddit
Just be open and honest about it
Dizzy_Bridge_794@reddit
Just be up front and state what the problem is. They should be able to accommodate you.
Backieotamy@reddit
I literally had this issue/concerns and it's why I got my first credit card with over a 5k limit 15-20 years ago.
You can also see if a company AMEX is possible and if not a personal one.
It was a stressful/embarrassing time for me too so I feel you OP and hope you find your solution.
discosoc@reddit
Reimbursement via payroll is just a free loan to your company if they don't issue it immediately. You need to have them clarify the repayment date, and if they ask why simply state you have to account for all expenses with your family or spouse.
strongbadfreak@reddit
Plenty of companies have not reimbursed their employees for one reason or another. This isn't the way to do it, also they might not reimburse you for the cost of eating out etc... There are other costs of traveling that is necessary but companies are nit-picky about. Imagine paying for everything upfront and going on some huge trip only to find out your company has filed bankruptcy and you now have to go through claims court to get your money back and they will pay everyone else before you when they sell their assets.
IT_audit_freak@reddit
I had a sticky situation like this last year. Had the conversation with my boss and someone else (happily) put the whole trip on their credit card to collect those sweet, sweet points.
Talk to your manager about it. It’s not the end of the world to admit you’re strapped atm, you’re doing THEM the favor here.
Asylum_Admin@reddit
I just be up front about it. Things happen, plus travel costs can rack up pretty fast. You could get lucky, and they'll handle everything. Never hurts to ask.
ReptilianLaserbeam@reddit
In the company I’m currently working we are also reimbursed whenever we travel, but it’s totally acceptable to ask for an advance id you don’t have the means to pay sor to your travel expenses. Ir need to be approved by my manager and accounting but it has happened a couple times.
mnxtyler@reddit
Just use your credit card and pay it off with the reimbursement. It doesn’t matter if you can or can’t afford it when a bank fronts the money. Unless you are maxed out on your card.
fudgegiven@reddit
Where I work, I pay for my trips by CC and get reimbursed when I get my salary, once per month. Basically, how it is in your company.
However, when situations like this arise, it is not uncommon to reimburse the travel expenses in advance. No big deal at all. Just like others said, just tell your boss you'll need the expenses covered in advance or a company credit card for the trip. Since you just got employed and were unemployed for a while, they should understand the need without further explanations.
flying_unicorn@reddit
At my last IT job, this was the norm, most employees liked this because they racked up credit card points. In fact when they started offering and requiring the use of a corporate amex, people got upset due to lost credit card rewards. That said, it was a smaller org with a total headcount of like 40-50.
However, your position is perfectly reasonable, as many others have said I'd just be up front with your boss. I'd say that in the future it shouldn't be a problem, but due to the payroll issue and you just started at the new company you have limited cash flow and can't float the expense TODAY, but after a few payroll cycles you can be prepared for it.
ChampOfTheUniverse@reddit
I’ve been in that situation before and it’s anxiety inducing but just ask HR or let them know. I’ve never had an issue.
pat_trick@reddit
Just tell them.
BradimusRex@reddit
Ask about a company credit card. I've never traveled and spent my own money. It's always been the company money.
dutty_handz@reddit
Just tell him straight up your situation
ImmortalTrendz@reddit
I have never traveled for work and had to come out of pocket even temporarily. Expecting the company to cover everything up front is standard IMO and shouldn't be a problem.
woodburyman@reddit
If travel is going to be regular, what we tend to do is issue Company Credit cards. I have one for both travel (3-4 times a year I fly) and for other IT expenses.
We do do reimbursement for travel if someone pays on their personnel card. But for example another member of our IT and I are traveling in February to a conference. I booked everything I could for him on my Company Card (Hotel, conference booking, and will be doing meals and stuff). He put his flight ($200 500mi flight vs my $1,000+ 2,500mi flight) on a airline-branded personal card where he's collecting mile/points and getting reimbursement for it later. His call though.
Ask your supervisor if its possible you could use someone else's or his company card to book. It may be allowed depending on company policy.
ilikeme1@reddit
The company should be handling that for you or issuing you a company purchase card.
Laxarus@reddit
just be honest and explain. Your boss aint gonna eat you.
coffee_ape@reddit (OP)
I’m bigger than him so I can eat him.
Maybe I should so that I can become the head of IT? I’ll need to revisit this later.
fencepost_ajm@reddit
Corporate cards can be expedited, and they may also have little used policy provisions for travel advances.
gruftwerk@reddit
When I travel for work, everything is paid for by the company. The flight, hotel stays, food, everything. Now anything I choose to purchase, I have to keep a receipt and expense report it to be reimbursed the next paycheck. I also get travel pay which is a nice increase.
lilhotdog@reddit
"My credit limit is low, can you guys provide a company card to prepay."
Lylieth@reddit
Just be honest and ask?
I found found that being honest and up front will usually gain more trust than it it diminishes it. At least, if you have a good boss. Also a good test to see if you do!
ultradip@reddit
I've always wondered why companies do that? Like they expect their employees to give them a free interest-free loan.
coffee_ape@reddit (OP)
Exactly! What if they decide to let me go the week I come back? How the fuck will I get the money back?
sporkmanhands@reddit
Have them issue a credit card or have them book the trip and such in your name. And tell them the truth, you didn't know you'd have to front the money and you just can't after being unemployed. Or if you did know, explain what happened. Never ever ruin your life to make work happy (even in your case it applies).
Substantial-Fruit447@reddit
If you're travelling for work, and will be regularly, ask for a company credit card.
SPMrFantastic@reddit
Honestly just be up front about it, I know it can be embarrassing but the truth is like you mentioned most of us are in the same boat. No need to get yourself into debt or anything when the company can probably pay for it. I've had to do the same with some certifications and travel in the past.
DoctorOctagonapus@reddit
Honestly I'd be asking your boss for a quiet word and just be honest with him. If he's not completely useless he should be able to get a solution in place for you so you can work.
bluescreenfog@reddit
Echoing other comments, everywhere I've worked has REQUIRED we use the company portal for hotels as they have a preferential rate. I'd just explain you don't have the cashflow at the moment to front this, can they please pre-book if for you.
Orr, talk to your facilities or whoever team and just ask them to book it for you because you want to get them the best rate. Usually they're pretty happy to help and will have preferred hotels that give them a small discount.
FLGuitar@reddit
Ask your boss for a corporate credit card. This is why they exist. Honestly we prefer that over someone using their own cash and getting reimbursed.
AlaskanDruid@reddit
Tell the truth.
fozzie_was_here@reddit
Not only should your boss understand and accommodate your very normal situation, they should also be happy to use their personal card for your travel since it means they’ll get to earn more points/miles.
That’s usually the way it works at companies that ask employees to pay with personal cards then expense & reimburse. I have coworkers who travel enough to get a couple weeks/year in free hotel stays just from work trips on their personal cards.
qrysdonnell@reddit
While it may not be the norm for them, you should just tell them that if they need you to travel now they're going to have to put it on a company credit card. They definitely can do it. Maybe they don't do it normally, but they can do it. Definitely don't front money that you can't.
Also keep in mind that some people might be doing the pay for and expensive things because they get a benefit for it via credit card points, etc so the people you see paying with their own credit card may be wanting to do that. I have a CC that has pretty good travel/dining expenses so I generally jump at the chance to charge anything travel/dining related.
Even if it's a little bit of a pain for them it's less of a pain than replacing you, so no one's going to fire you for this.
changework@reddit
Just tell your boss you’re happy to travel, but can’t afford it. It’s their problem.
UltraEngine60@reddit
What am I reading here... just be upfront with your new boss. There is no alternative. You don't have the money. You've been without a job for months, this isn't rocket science.
Imagine if this hardship causes you to miss a credit card or mortgage payment: the next (better) company might not hire you after pulling your credit and seeing the 30-day late. Not worth the risk.
qualx@reddit
Your boss should have a company CC. You just need to tell them
"Hey boss, I'm happy to travel but I can't afford the money up front, if you need me to travel that's fine but can you provide me a company CC to use?"
No reason why you should be getting reimbursed. Company CC/up front paid by them, or no go.
eagle6705@reddit
You just started, ask to get it pre paid for now, hell you're in sysadmin so its a tech job, surely they can book a hotel and a mcdonodals gift card all online.
d00ber@reddit
Been through this in my youth and felt similar embarrassment. Told my boss, who even in a shit work environment said they could pre-pay hotel and provide me pre-paid visa card for meals. If they need you to go, they'll pay.
coffee_ape@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the lookout. Luckily, after I was let go due to an acquisition, the fear of being let go is gone.
d00ber@reddit
Good luck out there!
fnordhole@reddit
"How to tell your boss you can’t travel because you’re broke?
Other than telling him exactly this."
No. Why try to hide it?
Nobody in their right mind woukd prepay for business travel at a new job, especially if they lived in Florida.
AbleChemical2377@reddit
I can’t stand when a company makes you pay upfront for company travel And then they’ll pay you back.
RunningThroughSC@reddit
They should 100% buy the tickets, rent the car, and pay for the hotel up front. I'm not fronting them that money. I can see reimbursement for food. But everything else is on them BEFORE I go.
oceanave84@reddit
First of all, no reason to feel stressed out. You are not obligated to carry a significant amount of debt for a company.
A lot of expenses should be paid by the company ahead such as hotel, pre-booking a car rental, airfare, etc…
The only out of pocket expenses you should incur is a taxi from hotel to work location and back, and meals. If it’s a multi-week stay then make sure you bill your expenses out as required so you get paid for the days they can payout during your paycheck.
I would never carry the full trip nor would I expect my employees to do so. Too much liability.
hops_on_hops@reddit
Broke or not, I'm not a bank and I'm not giving a no-interest loan to my employer. No need to explain your situation at all. Just ask them for the company card to make the booking with. Reimbursing for meals, I could see, but flights and hotels should be paid by the company directly.
Sbatio@reddit
You could get a personal loan from your bank. If you have a home you can get a loan generally.
iBeJoshhh@reddit
I would never pay for the hotel and rental upfront, I don't care what size of an org it is. The only thing I would pay for and be reimbursed for it food and milage.
Tell your boss, "Does the company have a travel account or something similar that I can book my hotel and rental with? I am unable to prepay for these two."
mixduptransistor@reddit
I would just be honest and open about it. I wouldn't get into too much detail, or anything about DeSantis, but I'd just mention (especially if they knew you haven't been working) that things are tight and can they pre-pay the big ticket items, or, can they explain how reimbursement works and assure you that you'll get reimbursed before your credit cards are due
It's not unreasonable, and honestly not that embarrassing--you were between jobs, it happens.
Old_Acanthaceae5198@reddit
I would be up front and just ask if they can put it on a company card. Any manager worth their salt would understand and try to work with you.
GullibleDetective@reddit
Why are they making you pay out of pocket in the first place.
They should be fronting the bill
The_Wkwied@reddit
They should not be having you pay for airfare, hotel, and transport on your own dime. That's what a company CC is for. Full stop.
Reimbursement for smaller things, that won't bankrupt you if they fail to pay out, sure. Big ticket things? That should be on their tab, not yours.
goot449@reddit
Just come clean. You're not sure you can float it being so close to your hire date. If the boss won't float your trip a month after being hired, then start reaching back out to the jobs you didn't take.
vrtigo1@reddit
I deal with this pretty frequently with younger folks at my workplace. We are a very travel-heavy company, so often people are on trips for multiple weeks, and younger folks / recent college grads often don't have enough credit to float that, so either we A) estimate the total cost, do a cash advance and then true up after expenses are finalized, or B) we use a company credit card for major expenses like flights, rental cars, hotels, etc.
I'd just be up front with your boss about the situation and ask him for help.
bamacpl4442@reddit
Just tell him your financial situation and that you are happy to travel but that you literally don't have the funds to pay for the items.
Roland_Bodel_the_2nd@reddit
If they are going to reimburse you anyway, there is a high likelyhood that someone in purchasing (or whatever equivalent dept) can pre-pay for you.
Beyond that maybe get a bigger CC once your pay stabilizes, always good to have an extra $30k in credit limit for emergencies where you know you can re-pay in 30 days.
7chan@reddit
Just say you have a budget that has to be tightly adhered to and that you pre-allocate every dollar you earn. It doesn't matter that's it's for debt, bills or investment as that's none of your bosses business. Then ask if your company has travel booking that can arrange the trip for you.
You are in the right that you are taking care of your family first and that's what matters.
coffee_ape@reddit (OP)
If it wasn’t for my family, I would have stayed unemployed looking for something else while fighting the unemployment office.
But I need to be the breadwinner again. I hate this job, I haven’t gotten my first check yet, but my family needs it more than I do personally.
Jesburger@reddit
"hey man money is tight since I was between jobs, can you cover the hotel and such in advance for me?"
The_Syd@reddit
When I used to travel for work, they would prepay airfare, hotel, and car rental. I had an option to ask for a check for per diem ahead of time or get reimbursed via expense report. Heck they would even give payday loans as long as you didn't do it often.
Just ask and I am sure they will work with you.
brads-1@reddit
Last job I traveled for I could submit a travel advance to get the funds ahead of time. My current job uses a company credit card for anything I might need
dub_starr@reddit
depending on your companies size, and policies, they should have a way to deal with this. My company is similiar, where they ask for us to prepay for expenses, then get reimbursed. In the policy, there is a section about "if you cant afford it...", and they will work out payment via either early reimbursement, or giving you access to a company card to use. Additionally, you could open a new credit card, just for work things. One person in my company does this exclusively, and they even submit interest charges if the reimbursement doesnt come back in time.
Best bet is to be up front and honest. "Hey Bossman, i didnt realize i would have to prepay this, and I'mnot financially able to at this moment". Not sure anyone will look at you negatively for not having thousands of dollars available, especially being at a company only 1 month.
mwbbrown@reddit
I would be direct and basically ask them for what solutions they like best.
A good boss should be able to offer something useful, like them putting the flight/hotel and car on their card and doing the reimbursement themselves. You might have to carry the food costs just because they are so hard to predict.
During the discussion you should be clear this is a temporary need, this summer/fall you should be in a better position. Also be clear that this isn't trying to get out of traveling or getting the job done.
robot_giny@reddit
I'll just repeat what everyone else is saying - just talk to your manager. I've seen this at my company but within the context of conventions; depending on the venue, not all members are able to put down a credit card for the room. For those folks our finance department just has them use one of our cards.
I bet there is some kind of workaround for situations like yours.
swimmityswim@reddit
First time i had to travel for my current company was pretty early into joining.
For this trip my manager covered the cost himself (to get the travel and hotel cc points).
I dont think its far fetched to go back and say that you cant cover the cost up front or covering the cost up front with put too much of a burden on you.
Im sure theres a company card somewhere out there that can pay.
unscanable@reddit
Just tell them you dont have the funds, nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed of. Every company Ive ever worked for will pay for the stuff like the rental car and hotel for you if you want then you can just submit meals and stuff as expenses.
dickydotexe@reddit
Do you have a credit card that you can put it on and just expense it and they pay back the CC, that's what ive done in the past. If not just be 100% upfront about it "My finances are extremely tight at the moment and I dont think I can front the cost of this travel is there another way around it?" Maybe they can book the hotel/car and you just get the food something along those lines?
coffee_ape@reddit (OP)
I don’t, I only have 1 CC and I’m not about to open another line of credit for a job I’m ready to leave the moment a job offer hits my face.
I’ll see if they can pre-book my flight and car.
dickydotexe@reddit
good luck
Waynky@reddit
I would just point to the holidays we just passed and say its probably the worst time of the year for you to have to pay for a work trip.
My company pays for flights up front but has to reimburse for hotel/food/travel, etc. Luckily my wife and I are well off so its more of an annoyance than anything.
But go back 6-7 years and ask me to do the same thing and I literally couldn't. I'd be needing a company credit card to travel for work.
v-irtual@reddit
You tell them. Just say "I can't afford this travel out of pocket."
I am certain they can prepay/give you an advance.
joeykins82@reddit
Tell your boss what you’ve told us, it’s not unprofessional at all. You’re happy to do the trip but you need to know that you’re going to be reimbursed promptly for your expenses because you’re recovering from a period of unemployment, and you’re under financial pressure as a result.
HerfDog58@reddit
"Does the company have anyone that books airline and hotel accommodations? Or is there a. company credit card to use for those costs?"
SkyeC123@reddit
Just be straight up and say you’re low on credit card funds available.
Most any company with travel set ups will have a policy for cash advances to cover your travel bills in lieu of just using a CC and expensing.
junkytrunks@reddit
I had this happen to me once long ago. I explained that I had a family emergency come up which left me unable to pre-pay for travel (which was true - it was an ugly scenario where I did not want to give details out.)
My company at that time was a stand up company who arranged for a "direct-bill" scenario of the hotel bill to my company. There was still an issue at the front desk of the hotel as they wanted a credit card on file for incidental expenses. After about a 20 minute phone call between the front desk, hotel manager and someone from my company's AP department, they gave me a room key. It was embarrassing as there were people on line behind me, but I figured I'd never see them again, so who cares. The plane and auto rental were billed right to my company.
Honesly for food I ate the hotel breakfast and then that was it for the day. No lunch - no dinner. I had no usable credit card myself back then.
Not all companies are willing to do this. You need to ask.
badaz06@reddit
First, you aren't the first person to be in financial hell - so IMHO this is nothing to be worried about. Chances are your boss has had difficult times as well. I certainly have.
Unless you took the gig with the express understanding that you would be traveling this soon, I would just flat out say something to him. Even if you did, you could express that you made that commitment with the understanding that a company card would be issued/offered.
My 2 cents would be to be honest and upfront. "Hey, I want to go, but I just got hired on and right now money is tight." Getting your expenses "paid back" either directly to you could take a few weeks - something to consider even if you have your own credit card, because the credit card will certainly expect you to meet your obligations regardless of when your company pays you back.
coffee_ape@reddit (OP)
100% the bank won’t care and will still charge me interest. So I rather not incur more interest if it’s avoidable.
beadams76@reddit
Honesty and candor for the win here. Any good leader will bend over backwards to ensure you’re successful - and this is just part of that leader’s job.
fartiestpoopfart@reddit
any time i've had to travel for work and couldn't afford it i was up front about it with my boss and we figured it out. shit happens sometimes, it is what it is. if travel is common at the very least i'd think the boss(es) would have a corporate card.
lit3brit3@reddit
Just be straight. Ask them to pay for the travel expenses/set up a per diem. They shouldn't expect you to front money for work related expenses, all of that should be charged through the company.
ImNotPsychoticBoy@reddit
Had something similar, rather than it being a new job, I had been there a couple of months and was using the job to pay back debts.
The fact of the matter is being broke is damn near a universal experience. So if you're not comfortable telling your boss the totality of your situation, explaining you're not doing too hot financially and asking for an upfront payment of however much you think you'll need to get there and stay for a day, I'm sure he'll understand and will fight to get you the money.
I explained to my boss more about my situation than "Sorry, I'm broke please pay me upfront for this."
That honesty that is a good move towards building trust with your new boss.
The sooner you do it the better too, you agreed without thinking, don't spring this up the day before you leave. That'd leave a bad taste in my mouth.
Humble-Plankton2217@reddit
It is not typical in my experience for a company to expect you to lay out big expenses for a trip. They need to provide you with a company credit card. Typically these can be issued within a couple days.
"I am able to travel, but will not be able to front the cost of the travel with my personal credit card. Is there a company card that can be issued to me?"
blanczak@reddit
I worked at a place like that where you used your personal credit cards for travel and then had to wait for reimbursement. In the long run it worked out well; but the first few times of putting your finances on the line were always a bit sketchy. My company also reimbursed super quick; like the same day the expense report was submitted (given I didn’t have any oddball stuff on there). Looking back I actually prefer it. I traveled 6 days a week, every week, for years; so you could really cake up points for personal vacations/travel. Haven’t had to pay for a personal hotel stay in years (just use points) and all my points programs maxed out so I travel like a king with complimentary upgrades and such.
To your point though, if you’re super tight on funds right now you have to be able to survive floating the cost. Might have to spin up a conversation with your manager and they can likely cover it until you get in a better spot.
tankerkiller125real@reddit
You just tell them honestly; you cannot afford to take the trip and get reimbursed later. They either need to send someone else for this trip, and you'll go on the next one once you're more settled in and finances settled, or they need to send you with everything pre-paid for you in terms of accommodations, and a company card for things they can't prepay for.
Frankly, the fact that they don't already have the ticket, hotel stay, and car rental booked for you is odd to me. Even where I work (tiny little company) it's something the company takes care of entirely. People only have to pay for food (which is reimbursed, or put on a company card depending on the person).
coffee_ape@reddit (OP)
Whenever I complain about this company, there’s always someone that reads between the lines and hits the nail on the head.
Yes, I 10 million percent agree with you.
lynxss1@reddit
Let your manager know theyll work something out.
I was in this same boat. Laid off for 10 months and was a week away from being homeless with a newborn and toddler when i was hired. Sent me off for 2 weeks for training right after being hired. I could not afford it and training sessions were only held twice a year so if I didn't go I'd be waiting 6 months for the next.
I let them know that I'd have trouble paying for the flight and 2 weeks of hotel. They gave me an advance for that first training because it I needed to leave asap. Then I got signed up for a company card for travel + food for follow up travel.
Buddy_Kryyst@reddit
Basically just explain your situation to your manager the same way you said it here. Maybe don't go into the full nitty gritty, but just say you are tapped out due to your previous situation. I would be very shocked if they can't book your hotel and rental for you. Food and other incidentals like gas you'll have to expense but the major ones they should be able to pre-book. That's not unreasonable at all.
elcheapodeluxe@reddit
If they were able to pre-pay the hotel, rental car, and airfare would you be able to swing the rest until you were reimbursed? Those things are relatively easy to pre pay for someone on a company CC.
DalgarnoProductivity@reddit
All your travel expenses should be paid for up-front by the company, let your boss know you can't afford to be reimbursed and to book it all in advance with the exception of food unless the hotel includes breakfast/dinner.
Detrii@reddit
Can't they book (and pay) hotel, car and flight for you? That would at least decrease the amount you have to pay upfront by a fair bit.
Also: what's not professional about honesty?
coffee_ape@reddit (OP)
They didn’t offer to pre-pay, but I’m going to ask.
Professional honesty: oooh, I’ve gotten burned too many times by being professional and transparent (within the scope of the work.). I’m now more of a “on a need to know basis” for anything at work.
No_Dot_8478@reddit
Your company should be able to pre pay this for you, also most companies that have travel requirements often give you a corp card for this purpose and he may just assume you already have been given one. Ask about one.
siber_@reddit
You tell your boss that at the moment it's financially difficult and that you'd like to make this trip but you're not in a position to advance the costs.
I hope he'll find a solution.