Free business expense policy template

A starter policy you can adapt for your UK business in minutes.

Last updated: 21 May 2026By Business Reward Toolkit Editorial TeamReviewed for UK small businesses
This article is for general information only and is not financial, tax or legal advice. Always check current provider terms and seek professional advice where appropriate.
Short answer
Copy the template below into a document, replace the bracketed fields with your business details, and circulate to your team. For a tailored version, use our expense policy generator.

The template

BUSINESS EXPENSE POLICY

1. Purpose
This policy sets out how [Company Name] reimburses employees and contractors for legitimate business expenses, and how company cards and accounts should be used.

2. Who this applies to
All employees, directors and contractors authorised to incur business expenses.

3. General principles
- All expenses must be reasonable, business-related and supported by a receipt.
- Personal expenses must not be charged to the company card.
- All claims must be submitted within [14] days of being incurred.

4. Approved categories
- Travel (rail, taxi, mileage at HMRC-approved rates)
- Accommodation up to [£X] per night
- Subsistence up to [£X] per day
- Software subscriptions pre-approved by [Manager]
- Customer entertainment within HMRC rules

5. Card use
- Company cards may only be used for approved categories.
- Per-card monthly limit: [£X]
- Cash withdrawals are not permitted.

6. Receipts
- Photograph or upload receipt within [24] hours of purchase.
- VAT receipts required for claims over [£X].

7. Approval
- Claims up to [£X] approved by line manager.
- Claims over [£X] require finance approval.

8. Misuse
Misuse of company funds may result in disciplinary action and recovery of costs.

[Signed]  ___________________  Date: __________

FAQs

BRT
Business Reward Toolkit Editorial Team
Editorial

Our editors research UK business banking, credit cards, expense tools and rewards schemes. We test products, read provider terms in full, and update guides as offers change.

  • 10+ years writing about UK small-business finance
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