Employee benefits are no longer just a nice-to-have—they're a crucial factor in employee satisfaction and retention. Benefits-in-kind cards are particularly popular since they can be provided tax-free up to €50 per month. But which provider truly delivers? We've examined the key market players and will show you why HelloBonnie comes out on top.
The Benefits-in-Kind Card Market: Variety with Challenges
Benefits-in-kind cards are a proven way to motivate employees while leveraging tax advantages. The monthly limit of €50 per employee allows companies to provide up to €600 annually as tax-free benefits-in-kind. However, providers differ significantly in their approach and capabilities.
Established Providers at a Glance
Spenditcard from Munich relies on a VISA prepaid card with flexible modules. With over 2,000 partner retailers, the company offers a solid selection, though smaller local businesses are barely represented. Response times to inquiries sometimes leave room for improvement.
PayCenter (Sachbezugskarte.de) scores with a Mastercard solution and offers both regional and preferred merchant options. However, the management platform for employers is considered in need of improvement.
Belonio from Münster combines a voucher app with a city card and promotes a very large selection of acceptance partners. However, a full credit card is only available through external partners.
Edenred and Sodexo, as international giants, rely on regional city cards with large networks but don't offer individual card designs.
HelloBonnie: The New Generation of Benefits-in-Kind Cards
While established providers mostly stick to traditional approaches, HelloBonnie takes a different path. The company combines maximum flexibility with cutting-edge technology, creating a benefit system that excites both companies and employees.
What Sets HelloBonnie Apart
True Freedom of Choice: Unlike other providers, employees don't have to choose between brand or region. They can flexibly split their budget between both options—shopping online with their favorite retailer one day, visiting the local hairdresser the next.
Huge Brand Variety: From Netflix to Zalando to Apple—HelloBonnie offers access to hundreds of popular brands across all areas of life. The card works both online and in physical stores.
Regional Flexibility Without Limits: The HelloBonnie Smartcard works everywhere Mastercard is accepted—and that's in unlimited regions. Employees can add as many postal code areas as they want.
Digital Innovation: Instant virtual card in the wallet, seamless integration with Apple Pay and Google Pay, and an intuitive app for managing credit.
Direct Comparison: HelloBonnie vs. Competition
Flexibility
- HelloBonnie: Combines brand and regional usage with free choice
- Other providers: Usually requires choosing between different options
Technology
- HelloBonnie: Modern app, virtual card, Apple/Google Pay integration
- Other providers: Often outdated platforms, limited digital features
Brand Selection
- HelloBonnie: Hundreds of brands across all categories, constantly expandable
- Other providers: Limited selection, usually focused on specific areas
Regional Usage
- HelloBonnie: Unlimited number of regions, all Mastercard terminals
- Other providers: Often restricted to one region or limited merchant network
Legal Security
- HelloBonnie: Developed with Möhrle Happ Luther, verified through official tax ruling
- Other providers: Varying levels of legal protection
Cost Comparison: Transparency Pays Off
HelloBonnie also scores on costs with full transparency. For companies with up to 200 employees, it's €1.90 per person per month, plus 2.5% of the loaded amount and €12.90 per company monthly. No hidden costs, no surprise fees.
Many competitors work with opaque pricing models, different tariffs, and additional setup fees. HelloBonnie keeps it simple: one price, all features included.
Why HelloBonnie Is the Future of Employee Benefits
For Companies
- Payroll Cost Optimization: Up to €6,667 monthly savings compared to salary increases (for 100 employees)
- Simple Administration: Intuitive dashboard without complicated processes
- Employee Satisfaction: Flexible benefits that truly resonate
For Employees
- Maximum Flexibility: Decide each month how to use the budget
- Huge Selection: From regional shops to international brands
- Modern Usage: Card in wallet or digitally via smartphone
For the Future
HelloBonnie continuously evolves. Automated benefits, lunch budgets, Deutschland-Ticket, and mobility budgets are already in the pipeline. Personio integration will fully automate employee onboarding.
Conclusion: HelloBonnie Sets New Standards
While other providers rely on proven but often rigid systems, HelloBonnie rethinks employee benefits. The combination of maximum flexibility, cutting-edge technology, and transparent costs makes HelloBonnie the top choice for companies that want to offer truly attractive benefits to their employees.
The benefits-in-kind card market is large, but HelloBonnie shows what the future looks like: flexible, digital, and truly user-friendly. For HR professionals looking for a solution that excites both the company and employees, HelloBonnie is the clear choice.
Ready for the future of employee benefits? A 15-minute conversation will show you how HelloBonnie can advance your company too.
