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Lodge Card

What is a Lodge Card?

A lodge card is a corporate payment solution designed for managing business travel expenses. Unlike traditional corporate credit cards, which are issued to individual employees, a lodge card is typically assigned to a specific travel department or account. It allows companies to pay for flights, hotels, and car rentals directly through a centralized billing system, reducing the need for employees to use personal funds and request reimbursements.

Lodge cards offer enhanced security and control by restricting spending to approved travel suppliers and ensuring that all transactions align with the company’s travel policy. Businesses use these cards to gain better visibility into travel expenses, negotiate corporate rates with vendors, and simplify expense reconciliation.

Because the lodge card is linked to a corporate travel management system, it automates reporting and minimizes fraud risks. This makes it a preferred payment option for large organizations with frequent business travel needs.

Examples of Lodge Cards in Corporate Travel
1.
Airline Ticket Purchases
A company uses a lodge card to pay for all employee flights through its travel management company (TMC).
2.
Hotel Bookings
Employees book pre-approved hotels using a lodge card, ensuring all stays adhere to the company’s negotiated hotel rates.
3.
Car Rentals for Business Trips
A lodge card is used to settle rental car expenses, eliminating the need for employees to use personal credit cards.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lodge Card
1.
How does a lodge card differ from a corporate credit card?
A lodge card is centrally billed and used for company-wide travel expenses, while a corporate credit card is issued to individual employees for business-related purchases.
2.
What expenses can be charged to a lodge card?
Lodge cards typically cover flights, hotels, car rentals, and other pre-approved travel-related costs as defined by the company’s travel policy.
3.
Who manages a lodge card in a company?
The finance or travel management department usually oversees the lodge card, ensuring policy compliance and handling payments with vendors.
4.
Can employees use a lodge card for personal expenses?
No, lodge cards are strictly for business travel expenses and are linked to company-approved vendors and policies.
5.
What are the benefits of using a lodge card for corporate travel?
Lodge cards help businesses centralize travel payments, reduce administrative work, improve expense tracking, and enhance compliance with travel policies.