When cash flow is tight, every extra day counts. For accountants and bookkeepers supporting small businesses, finding smarter ways to manage payments can make all the difference.
Paying suppliers and HMRC by credit card is one way to both extend cash flow, and bring in significant rewards.
In this blog, you’ll learn how Apron makes it easy to pay anyone with a credit card, and how to earn points on supplier and HMRC payments which you can convert into Virgin Points.
Turning a credit card into a working-capital tool
In today’s economic climate, many business owners are feeling the squeeze. Seasonal fluctuations, delayed receivables and upcoming tax bills can put pressure on cash flow. Traditionally, businesses have relied on overdrafts, payment plans or director’s loans to bridge short-term gaps. But Apron offers another, more flexible option: using a credit card to pay bills that would normally require a bank transfer.
Through Apron, clients can pay HMRC or any supplier by card, even if that supplier doesn’t accept card payments directly. Apron processes the payment as a bank transfer on the client’s behalf, charging a transparent 2.5% transaction fee. In return, businesses can extend their cashflow, avoid costly late-payment penalties (HMRC’s can reach 8.5%), and earn credit card rewards..
Real-world benefits for accountants, bookkeepers and clients
Cassie Tipson, founder and bookkeeper, manages the bills and books for a wide variety of clients. She shared how Apron helped one of her seasonal clients manage a VAT bill during a tough quarter. “It wasn’t a long-term fix,” she explained, “but it gave them time to recover and avoid penalties. Paying HMRC via Apron lifted a huge weight off their shoulders.”
Jo Wood, co-founder of The 6 Figure Bookkeeper, describes how she uses Apron regularly to keep her business running smoothly as well as taking advantage of Virgin Rewards: “I'm going to be able to go on holiday on this. I'm making these payments anyway, so why not get rewarded for it."
Earning rewards from essential payments
Paying suppliers and HMRC through Apron using a credit card offers double the benefits. In addition to perks offered by your card provider, you have the option to earn points which may be converted 1:1 into Virgin Points.
Simply switch on the Rewards option on the payment screen within Apron, and earn up to 2 points per £1 spent.
Earn 1 point per £1 spent for a 1.6% fee
Earn 2 points per £1 spent for a 2.9% fee
When you’re spending tens-of-thousands on supplier payments and VAT bills every month or every quarter, the points can quickly add up to pay for flight upgrades, hotel stays, and holiday discounts.
Learn more about Rewards: Apron partners with Virgin Red & Virgin Atlantic Flying Club for business spend rewards
Simple, transparent, and seamlessly integrated
Payments through Apron are quick. Funds typically reach suppliers within one to two working days. Each payment is fully traceable, integrates with Xero and QuickBooks, and includes built-in checks to prevent fraud or duplicate payments. For accountants and bookkeepers, this means less admin, fewer payment delays, and happier clients.
A win-win for everyone
Whether it’s to avoid HMRC late fees, smooth out seasonal cash flow, or make better use of credit card perks, Apron turns everyday payments into something functional. Accountants and bookkeepers can now offer their clients a secure, transparent way to pay by card, freeing up time, reducing stress, and helping their money work harder.