Concur vs Ramp (2026): The Clash of Legacy Software vs. Modern Fintech
The debate between SAP Concur vs Ramp is not just about features; it’s a choice between two completely different philosophies. Concur is the traditional “Audit & Control” software designed for the Fortune 500. Ramp is the modern “Automation & Savings” platform designed for high-growth companies.
If you are a CFO asking, “Do we really need to pay for expense reports in 2026?”, this guide is for you.
🏆 The 2026 Verdict
- Choose SAP Concur if: You are a Global Enterprise. You need to handle complex per diems in 50 countries, book flights through a strict corporate portal, and integrate with SAP ERP.
- Choose Ramp if: You want Speed & Savings. You want to give employees corporate cards that automatically collect receipts, enforce limits, and close the books 10x faster—usually for $0 monthly software fees.
The Core Difference: The Business Model
This is the secret that explains everything.
- Concur sells Software: You pay implementation fees, monthly user fees, and per-report fees. Their goal is to sell you more modules.
- Ramp offers a Card: Their software is essentially free. They make money from the “Interchange Fee” (the ~2% merchant fee) every time you swipe their card. Their goal is to help you spend efficiently so you keep using their card.
Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | SAP Concur 🏢 | Ramp 💳 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Travel Booking & Compliance | Spend Management & Automation |
| User Experience | Complex, Dated UI | Modern, “Apple-like” UI |
| Receipt Matching | Manual / Good | AI-Instant (via SMS/Email) |
| Corporate Cards | Integrates with banks (Amex/Chase) | Native Ramp Card (Unlimited virtual cards) |
| Travel | Industry Leader (Concur Travel) | Good (via Travel Partners) |
| Global Support | Excellent (Every country/currency) | Growing (Multi-currency available) |
Pricing Breakdown
SAP Concur
Concur’s pricing is opaque and enterprise-focused.
- Implementation: Can cost $5,000 – $50,000+ depending on complexity.
- Recurring: Typically charges per “Expense Report” (e.g., $8-$15 per report).
Ramp
Ramp disrupts the market with a radically simple model.
- Core Platform: $0/month. Includes cards, expense management, and bill pay.
- Ramp Plus: ~$12/user/month (Optional) for advanced global approvals and ERP syncing (NetSuite/Sage).
Pros and Cons
SAP Concur
✅ The Good:
- The gold standard for complex global travel.
- Handles highly specific compliance rules.
- Seamless integration with SAP ecosystem.
❌ The Bad:
- Employees often hate using it (clunky).
- Can get very expensive with hidden fees.
- Slow setup (months, not days).
Ramp
✅ The Good:
- Price Intelligence: Tells you if you are overpaying for software.
- 1.5% Cashback: You actually make money using it.
- Instant setup (Virtual cards in minutes).
❌ The Bad:
- Not as deep for complex travel booking as Concur.
- Requires switching your corporate cards to Ramp.
Final Recommendation
Stick with Concur if you are a massive multinational corporation (1,000+ employees) where complex travel compliance and SAP integration are more important than user experience or cost.
Switch to Ramp if you are a modern company (10 to 1,000 employees) that wants to automate expenses, stop chasing receipts, and save money on software fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Ramp replace Concur completely?
For most mid-sized companies, yes. Ramp handles expenses, reimbursements, and bill payments. However, if you rely heavily on Concur’s Travel Booking tool specifically, you might miss some advanced booking features.
Does Ramp work internationally?
Yes, Ramp cards work globally with no foreign transaction fees, and they offer multi-entity support for international subsidiaries. Concur, however, is still slightly better for obscure local tax laws in specific countries.
