Managing spending as a small business owner shouldn’t feel like fumbling in the dark. Yet if you’re still chasing receipts or relying on personal credit cards for business expenses, you’re not alone—and there’s a better way. Dive into our conversation with Alex Bean, co-founder and Chief Business Officer of Bill.com, from the Stride 2 Freedom Speaker Series. Discover how this FinTech innovator makes budgeting seamless—and yes, free.
Why Expense Control Should Matter to You
As Alex shares, he and his business partner were not financial experts—they simply faced a common pain point in their own susmall biness. Teenagers running pizza shops were using personal cards. Expense reports arrived weeks later, with totals ranging in the thousands, leaving no clue where the budget stood mid-month. They thought: “Why can’t we see our spending in real-time?” That simple question sparked the idea behind Bill.com.
What Bill.com Does Differently
Bill.com isn’t just another expense tracker. It’s a spend-management platform that integrates:
- Smart virtual and physical credit cards;
- Real-time budget visibility side by side with spending;
- Multiple payment methods—cards, checks, ACH, wires—all tied to your budget;
- Automation that removes the scramble for receipts at month-end.
It’s powerful because it gives business owners control and security—while staying within their budget goals.
Yes, It’s Free (and Here’s How)
One of the most surprising—and compelling—aspects of Bill.com? It’s free for users. How is that possible? Just like major credit cards, Bill.com earns via interchange fees each time a card is used. In short: The technology and software are complimentary for business owners.
Real Stories, Real Insight
Here are snippets from our chat with Alex that bring the concept to life:
- Simplify for anyone—even a fifth-grader: Alex explains to his daughter: “We have cards for work; when you swipe, smart software collects the data automatically. It combines a credit card with the software you need to get your work done.”
- True spend management: Whether it’s a small intern or the CEO, everyone gets a card—or can pay via check or ACH—but every dollar ties back to the budget. That transparency helps plan for hiring, profitability, and growth.
- Security and control matter: Using personal cards exposes you to risk—hacking, fraud, personal liability. Bill.com creates isolated virtual cards so each budget line is protected, and liability stays with the business—not your personal credit.
Overcoming Challenges—and Why Bill.com Is Poised to Scale
Even with strong product-market fit, Bill.com faces two big challenges:
- Access to credit for small businesses: Traditional underwriting is slow. Bill.com spends significant capital and builds bank partnerships to speed up access.
- Building loyalty aside from rewards: Many owners love cards for their airline or hotel perks. Bill.com continues developing competitive rewards to match those emotional attachments.
Lessons for Entrepreneurs Everywhere
Bill.com’s growth isn’t just about tech—it’s about culture:
- Lead with a clear vision: Employees rally behind meaningful work. If people believe in the why, they’ll stay committed—even through growing pains.
- Hire strong people leaders early:Â With a capable leader mapping out future culture challenges, you can proactively solve issues before they erupt.
Alex reflects that having a compelling mission and the right leaders matters more than perfect benefits or policy rollouts. Culture is created by the people, not just the posters on the wall.
Take Control of Your Spending Today
If you’re tired of chasing expense reports, juggling personal cards, or wondering where your budget stands, it’s time to explore smarter solutions. Bill.com brings:
- Real-time insight into spending vs. budget
- Multiple payment options—all tied to visibility
- Built-in security that protects owners and employees
- A free platform funded sustainably through interchange

In this Freedom Speaker Series episode with Alex Bean, you will learn:
- How you can solve problems within an industry even if it’s a foreign language to you
- The challenges small businesses face when maintaining budgets
- How Bill.com is able to offer a free service to help business owners manage expenses all in one place
- Why you need to focus on hiring good people who are great at leading others from the start
We are fortunate to have Alex available to spend time with us on this edition of Stride 2 Freedom. If there is a speaker you’d like us to interview, let us know. Stay well. Stay safe. Stay healthy.
Show Notes and Links From Episode:
Alex Bean LinkedIn
Bill.com
Rise and Fall of the Comanches
Turn
Range
Episode Transcript:
Podcast Transcript: Alex Bean – Transforming How Businesses Manage Expenses with Bill.com