Keeping business expenses organised as a freelancer

Working as a freelancer in marketing and journalism

Marco Vrolijk is a Dutch freelancer who works as both an online marketer and a freelance journalist in the games and tech industry. After transitioning from sole proprietorship to a limited liability company last year, he has been working through his own agency, Kisko Digital. He supports major clients such as KPMG, Baker Tilly and ABN AMRO by making complex communication, marketing campaigns and content production clear and effective.

He also regularly travels for press trips to cities like Helsinki, Barcelona, Dubai and Los Angel es, writing reviews of games, smartphones and smartwatches. Combining various assignments requires flexibility, good organisation and financial management.

Challenges in a changing market

The business landscape is changing rapidly, and this is clear to Marco. Since the introduction of the DBA Act, the number of traditional freelance assignments has decreased. Many companies now go for temporary employment contracts through staffing agencies.

For Marco, this meant he had to make a switch. He now focuses more on assignments through his own agency, which allows him to apply his expertise across multiple clients, and in time to work together with a team.

"As a freelancer, you're always on the move," he says. "You have to respond to market changes but also keep your business management sharp."

Organisation and security with a business credit card

To stay on top of his business expenses and bookkeeping, Marco chose an ICS Mastercard Business.

He uses this Card to separate business and personal expenses. This keeps his bookkeeping and accounting organised. Large purchases such as laptops or cameras have extra protection thanks to the Delivery Guarantee and additional purchase insurances.

The Card is also useful for international payments. Many AI tools and cloud services only accept credit card payments, so he previously used his personal Card. Now, those costs go through his business Card, giving him a better understanding of his spending.

Why ICS?

Marco chose ICS for its reliability and extra benefits that suit his way of working. The Mastercard Business offers financial security and convenience while travelling. The included Priority Pass membership gives him access to airport lounges, which makes business trips more comfortable.

He also appreciates the ICS Business App because it lets him view transactions on the go. His starter limit of € 500 goes well with his limited liability company, which he only recently created. At the same time, this limit can easily be increased as Kisko Digital grows.

The result: more time for the real work

Thanks to the business credit card, Marco can better organise his expenses, from software subscriptions to travel and accommodation costs. He spends less time sorting receipts or separating personal and business expenses. Instead, he focusses on the content of his work and growing his agency.

For other freelancers in marketing, communication and technology, a business credit card can be a practical tool to keep your business expenses clear and secure, especially if you work internationally or use online services.