Contractors could use prepaid cards to manage expense claims, one expert has suggested.

Kevin Harrington, managing director of Global Prepaid Exchange, said that cards could be topped up ahead of any journeys to manage travel costs.

"There is a whole bunch of companies now that will provide cards that you can top up for travel in the UK," he said.

"It's a very efficient way where you can track things easily. Business-to-business sales of prepaid cards are up 20 per cent year on year."

Meanwhile, research from Global Prepaid Exchange has claimed that industry insiders have claimed that 2011 is the year that new methods of payment will be embraced by businesses and consumers.

The institute also claimed that prepaid credit will be a better method than other devices when it comes to safety and convenience as payment can now be made through watches and smartphones.