Quick Overview
- 1#1: SAP Concur - Enterprise travel and expense management platform with automated per diem calculations based on location and policy.
- 2#2: Expensify - User-friendly expense tracking software that simplifies per diem reimbursements with receipt scanning and approvals.
- 3#3: TripLog - Specialized mileage and expense tracker designed for per diem reimbursements in field service and travel.
- 4#4: Zoho Expense - Cost-effective expense management tool supporting customizable per diem rates and multi-currency reimbursements.
- 5#5: Emburse Certify - Corporate card and expense platform with robust per diem policy enforcement and real-time reporting.
- 6#6: Gusto - Payroll software that handles per diem wages, tax calculations, and direct deposits seamlessly.
- 7#7: QuickBooks Online - Accounting and payroll solution with per diem expense categorization and reimbursement workflows.
- 8#8: ADP - HR and payroll system offering per diem pay processing integrated with time tracking.
- 9#9: Paychex - Payroll and HCM platform supporting per diem reimbursements and compliance reporting.
- 10#10: Hubstaff - Time tracking and payroll tool with per diem payment options for remote and hourly teams.
These tools were selected based on per diem calculation accuracy, ease of use, policy enforcement capabilities, and overall value, ensuring they meet the needs of both field service teams and enterprise environments.
Comparison Table
Managing per diems efficiently is key to simplifying expense management, and this comparison table breaks down leading tools like SAP Concur, Expensify, TripLog, Zoho Expense, Emburse Certify, and more. Readers will discover features, usability, and best-fit use cases to make informed software choices.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SAP Concur Enterprise travel and expense management platform with automated per diem calculations based on location and policy. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Expensify User-friendly expense tracking software that simplifies per diem reimbursements with receipt scanning and approvals. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 3 | TripLog Specialized mileage and expense tracker designed for per diem reimbursements in field service and travel. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Zoho Expense Cost-effective expense management tool supporting customizable per diem rates and multi-currency reimbursements. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 5 | Emburse Certify Corporate card and expense platform with robust per diem policy enforcement and real-time reporting. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Gusto Payroll software that handles per diem wages, tax calculations, and direct deposits seamlessly. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 7 | QuickBooks Online Accounting and payroll solution with per diem expense categorization and reimbursement workflows. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 8 | ADP HR and payroll system offering per diem pay processing integrated with time tracking. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 9 | Paychex Payroll and HCM platform supporting per diem reimbursements and compliance reporting. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | Hubstaff Time tracking and payroll tool with per diem payment options for remote and hourly teams. | specialized | 7.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.0/10 |
Enterprise travel and expense management platform with automated per diem calculations based on location and policy.
User-friendly expense tracking software that simplifies per diem reimbursements with receipt scanning and approvals.
Specialized mileage and expense tracker designed for per diem reimbursements in field service and travel.
Cost-effective expense management tool supporting customizable per diem rates and multi-currency reimbursements.
Corporate card and expense platform with robust per diem policy enforcement and real-time reporting.
Payroll software that handles per diem wages, tax calculations, and direct deposits seamlessly.
Accounting and payroll solution with per diem expense categorization and reimbursement workflows.
HR and payroll system offering per diem pay processing integrated with time tracking.
Payroll and HCM platform supporting per diem reimbursements and compliance reporting.
Time tracking and payroll tool with per diem payment options for remote and hourly teams.
SAP Concur
enterpriseEnterprise travel and expense management platform with automated per diem calculations based on location and policy.
Intelligent Per Diem Engine that dynamically adjusts rates based on location, trip duration, and hybrid actual/per diem rules
SAP Concur is a leading cloud-based travel and expense management platform that excels in automating per diem reimbursements for business travel. It supports customizable per diem policies with location-based rates sourced from global standards like GSA and IRS, automating calculations based on trip itineraries and actual expenses. The software integrates seamlessly with ERP systems for compliance tracking and efficient reimbursements, making it ideal for enterprise-scale per diem management.
Pros
- Robust per diem automation with real-time rate updates and complex policy support
- Seamless integrations with major ERPs like SAP, Oracle, and Workday
- Advanced compliance tools including audit trails and exception handling
Cons
- Steep learning curve for initial setup and advanced features
- High cost unsuitable for small businesses
- Mobile app can be clunky for occasional users
Best For
Large enterprises and global organizations requiring scalable, compliant per diem management for frequent travelers.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $10-20 per user/month with volume discounts; minimum contract often required.
Expensify
enterpriseUser-friendly expense tracking software that simplifies per diem reimbursements with receipt scanning and approvals.
Location-based per diem automation using GSA or custom rates with real-time trip tracking
Expensify is a robust expense management platform that supports per diem tracking by allowing users to set daily rates based on location, dates, and predefined policies like GSA rates. It automates calculations for meals, lodging, and incidentals, integrating seamlessly with receipt scanning and mileage logs for comprehensive travel expense reports. The tool streamlines approvals, reimbursements, and accounting exports, making it suitable for businesses managing mixed actual and per diem expenses.
Pros
- Automated per diem rate lookups and calculations by location and duration
- SmartScan for effortless receipt capture and categorization
- Strong integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, and payroll systems
Cons
- Overkill for simple per diem-only needs with added complexity
- Higher costs scale quickly for larger teams
- Occasional glitches in mobile app for complex per diem rules
Best For
Mid-sized businesses with frequent business travel requiring integrated per diem and expense management.
Pricing
Free for individuals; team plans from $5/user/month (Collect) to $20/user/month (Corporate), billed annually.
TripLog
specializedSpecialized mileage and expense tracker designed for per diem reimbursements in field service and travel.
GPS-driven automatic per diem rate application tied to real-time trip locations
TripLog is a mobile-first mileage and expense tracking app that includes per diem reimbursement features, automating calculations based on GSA and IRS rates using GPS location data. It integrates trip detection with calendar events and receipts for comprehensive travel expense management. Ideal for businesses handling both mileage deductions and fixed per diem allowances, it generates compliant reports for tax and reimbursement purposes.
Pros
- Automatic per diem rate lookup and calculation by location/date
- Seamless integration of mileage tracking with per diem expenses
- Strong mobile app with GPS-based trip detection and photo receipt capture
Cons
- Per diem features are secondary to mileage focus, limiting advanced customizations
- Full per diem automation requires higher-tier plans
- Occasional GPS detection issues in low-signal areas
Best For
Small to mid-sized teams or independent contractors needing integrated mileage and standard per diem tracking for reimbursements.
Pricing
Essential plan at $6/user/month (billed annually), Pro at $10/user/month, Enterprise custom; 14-day free trial.
Zoho Expense
enterpriseCost-effective expense management tool supporting customizable per diem rates and multi-currency reimbursements.
Location-based auto-fetch of IRS GSA per diem rates with prorated daily calculations
Zoho Expense is a cloud-based expense management platform with dedicated per diem features for automating daily allowance claims. It supports IRS GSA rates, custom rates by location and duration, and integrates receipt scanning with policy compliance checks. Ideal for businesses needing streamlined reimbursements alongside full expense tracking within the Zoho ecosystem.
Pros
- Automated per diem calculations using IRS or custom rates by location/dates
- Seamless mobile app for quick claims and OCR receipt capture
- Strong integrations with Zoho Books, CRM, and 40+ third-party apps
Cons
- Per diem features buried within broader expense tools, less specialized UI
- Advanced analytics and custom rules locked behind Premium/Enterprise tiers
- Reporting lacks deep per diem-specific insights compared to dedicated tools
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses already in the Zoho ecosystem seeking affordable, integrated per diem management.
Pricing
Free for up to 3 users; Standard $4/user/mo, Premium $6/user/mo, Enterprise $9/user/mo (billed annually).
Emburse Certify
enterpriseCorporate card and expense platform with robust per diem policy enforcement and real-time reporting.
Automatic per diem rate lookup and proration based on GSA standards and travel itineraries
Emburse Certify is a comprehensive expense management platform that automates expense reporting, approvals, and reimbursements, with built-in support for per diem claims. It leverages GSA and IRS per diem rates to automatically calculate allowances based on travel locations and dates, eliminating manual entry and ensuring policy compliance. The mobile-first design allows users to submit per diem expenses quickly without receipts, integrating seamlessly with accounting systems for efficient processing.
Pros
- Automated per diem calculations using real-time GSA/IRS rates by location
- User-friendly mobile app for instant per diem submissions and approvals
- Robust integrations with ERP systems like NetSuite and QuickBooks
Cons
- Can be expensive for small teams needing only per diem functionality
- Advanced policy customization requires higher-tier plans
- Occasional sync issues with certain credit card feeds
Best For
Mid-sized businesses requiring integrated expense management with reliable per diem automation.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $10-15 per user/month for standard plans, scaling with features and volume.
Gusto
enterprisePayroll software that handles per diem wages, tax calculations, and direct deposits seamlessly.
Direct payroll integration for automatic, compliant per diem disbursements
Gusto is a payroll and HR platform for small businesses that includes reimbursement tools for managing per diem allowances, such as daily meal and lodging expenses based on IRS rates. It automates per diem payments by integrating them directly into payroll runs, ensuring compliance and simplicity. While not a dedicated per diem solution, it excels for businesses needing straightforward, payroll-tied reimbursements without complex travel tracking.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payroll for automated per diem payments
- Supports IRS-compliant per diem rates and mileage reimbursements
- User-friendly interface with quick setup for recurring reimbursements
Cons
- Lacks advanced expense tracking or mobile receipt capture for per diems
- Primarily US-focused, limited international per diem support
- Full per diem functionality requires a payroll subscription, no standalone option
Best For
Small to medium US businesses using Gusto for payroll that want simple, compliant per diem reimbursements tied to employee pay cycles.
Pricing
Plans start at $40 base + $6/employee/month (Simple), up to $80 + $12/employee/month (Plus), with per diem reimbursements included in all tiers.
QuickBooks Online
enterpriseAccounting and payroll solution with per diem expense categorization and reimbursement workflows.
Automated bank reconciliation and receipt matching for quick verification of per diem expenses
QuickBooks Online is a comprehensive cloud-based accounting software that includes expense tracking features adaptable for per diem reimbursements, allowing users to categorize daily allowances, attach receipts, and generate reimbursement reports. It integrates seamlessly with bank accounts for automated transaction imports and supports billable time and expenses for employee reimbursements. While versatile for small businesses, it requires manual setup for per diem rates rather than offering specialized automation like location-based IRS rate calculations.
Pros
- Seamless integration with full accounting suite for holistic financial management
- Mobile app enables easy expense submission and receipt capture on the go
- Robust reporting tools for per diem expense analysis and tax compliance
Cons
- No built-in automated per diem rate calculations or location-based adjustments
- Manual categorization and approval workflows can be time-consuming
- Advanced reimbursement features locked behind higher-tier plans
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses already using QuickBooks for accounting that need basic per diem tracking integrated with invoicing and payroll.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Simple Start) up to $200/month (Advanced), with per diem-relevant features in Plus ($90/month) and higher plans; annual discounts available.
ADP
enterpriseHR and payroll system offering per diem pay processing integrated with time tracking.
Automatic synchronization of IRS per diem rates across payroll and expense modules for effortless compliance
ADP is a comprehensive HR and payroll platform that includes per diem management within its expense and reimbursement modules, automating calculations based on IRS standard rates or custom policies. It integrates per diem reimbursements directly into payroll processing, supporting multi-state compliance and detailed expense tracking. The solution is designed for scalability, handling high volumes of employee reimbursements with robust reporting for audits and tax purposes.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payroll and HR systems for automated reimbursements
- Strong compliance features with automatic IRS per diem rate updates
- Scalable for enterprises with advanced reporting and analytics
Cons
- High cost structure unsuitable for small businesses
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Limited standalone per diem customization without full ADP suite
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises needing integrated payroll and per diem reimbursement processing with compliance assurance.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically $10-25 per employee per month depending on modules and employee count.
Paychex
enterprisePayroll and HCM platform supporting per diem reimbursements and compliance reporting.
Automated per diem rate updates and payroll integration for hands-off compliance and payment processing
Paychex is a comprehensive payroll and HR management platform that supports per diem reimbursements by automating calculations based on IRS and GSA rates, integrating them directly into payroll runs. It allows businesses to set custom per diem policies, track employee allowances for meals, lodging, and incidentals, and ensures compliant payments. While not a standalone per diem tool, it excels in embedding these features within broader payroll and benefits administration for streamlined operations.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payroll for automated per diem payments
- Built-in compliance with IRS/GSA per diem rates and automatic updates
- Scalable for SMBs to enterprises with robust reporting and analytics
Cons
- Not specialized for advanced expense tracking or mobile submissions like dedicated tools
- Pricing can be higher for small teams needing only per diem features
- Steeper learning curve for non-payroll users due to full-suite complexity
Best For
Mid-sized businesses seeking an all-in-one payroll solution with reliable per diem handling embedded in routine processing.
Pricing
Custom quote-based; typically $59+/month base + $5-6 per employee/pay period for payroll suite including per diem.
Hubstaff
specializedTime tracking and payroll tool with per diem payment options for remote and hourly teams.
Real-time GPS location tracking for precise verification of work sites
Hubstaff is a robust time tracking and employee monitoring platform that captures work hours, activity levels, screenshots, and GPS locations for remote and field teams. In the context of per diem software, it supports verification of work locations and durations via GPS and time tracking, which can inform per diem eligibility and payments. It integrates with payroll providers like QuickBooks and Gusto to facilitate expense reimbursements, though it lacks native per diem rate calculations.
Pros
- Precise GPS tracking verifies field worker locations for per diem eligibility
- Automated time tracking ties directly into payroll for efficient reimbursements
- Strong integrations with popular payroll systems streamline per diem processing
Cons
- No built-in per diem rate calculators or automated allowance computations
- Heavy focus on monitoring may concern privacy-focused teams
- Advanced features require higher-tier plans, increasing costs
Best For
Field service businesses or remote teams needing location-verified time tracking to support per diem payments alongside productivity monitoring.
Pricing
Free for 1 user; paid plans start at $7/user/month (Basic) up to $12/user/month (Elite), billed annually.
Conclusion
SAP Concur emerges as the top choice, excelling with automated per diem calculations aligned to location and policy, making it a standout for enterprise needs. Expensify follows with its user-friendly design and seamless receipt scanning, simplifying reimbursements for teams prioritizing ease. TripLog rounds out the top three, a specialized tool for field service and travel with tailored mileage tracking. These options showcase diverse strengths, ensuring every user finds a fit for efficient per diem management.
Explore the top-ranked SAP Concur to experience its automated accuracy and comprehensive features, or dive into Expensify and TripLog for tailored simplicity or field-focused efficiency.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.
