Alternatives
If you need a truly global TMC, Amex GBT is difficult to replace with a smaller platform simply because you prefer a different interface.
The alternatives become relevant when your program is less global than your operating model, you want a different technology experience, or you are willing to trade some scale for a closer relationship, faster change, or a more tightly connected platform.
Are you trying to change:
Different answers produce very different shortlists.
Best for large multinationals that genuinely use the global scale, in-country service, procurement reach, and enterprise meetings and events capabilities they are paying for. Amex GBT is also investing heavily in AI across Complete and Egencia.
Best for organizations that still want a major global TMC but a different service and technology ecosystem. BCD supports clients across a very broad international footprint and is expanding AI and conversational analytics.
Best for companies that want a sizable global TMC with a modern platform and human-centered service model. Avenir combines Spotnana-powered travel infrastructure with Direct Travel’s global service operation.
Best for companies that can trade some global TMC depth for a more product-led, self-service-focused T&E experience with mature AI.
Best for global SMB and mid-market programs that want travel, spend, events, and AI connectivity in a lighter-weight environment. Perk’s MCP approach suits companies standardizing on assistants such as ChatGPT or Claude.
Best for U.S.-led organizations that do not need Amex GBT’s worldwide scale but do need complex travel, direct human service, meetings, operational travel, and a connected AI-led experience across travel and expense.
Do not buy global scale for flags on a map you never use.
Technology, service, governance, implementation, or procurement are different problems.
AI is useful. Staffing, authorization, and escalation still matter.
If the replacement only changes booking, finance may still own the same reconciliation problem.
A smaller platform may give you speed and proximity. It will not magically inherit a mega-TMC’s worldwide organization.
FAQ
No. ITS is a better comparison for U.S.-led programs that do not need Amex GBT’s full global operating model.
BCD Travel and Direct Travel are more comparable on TMC operating model and global service than a smaller product-led platform.
That depends on the product and region. Navan and Perk are strongly product-led; Avenir and Egencia are modernizing the TMC experience; all are investing in AI.
It can reduce routine load and speed disruption handling, but multinational travel still creates local servicing, supplier, regulatory, and duty-of-care requirements that software alone does not erase.
When the global scale is real and the problems you have are fixable inside the current relationship. A renewal negotiation may create more value than a multi-year migration.
Not the countries on the org chart. The countries where people really travel, need service, and create spend. Then build the shortlist around that.
Vendor capabilities summarized from current public product information reviewed August 2026. Product scope changes quickly; verify current functionality and regional availability directly with each vendor. All third-party marks belong to their respective owners and are not affiliated with or endorsing ITS.