---
name: check-policy-before-purchasing
description: "Ask whether a planned purchase fits policy before you swipe."
title: "Check policy before you buy"
url: https://agents.ramp.com/playbooks/check-policy-before-purchasing
runtimes: [Claude Desktop, ChatGPT, Claude Code, Codex, Perplexity]
---

# Check policy before you buy

Surprise declines and rejected expenses are expensive. Run this before a purchase to learn whether it fits policy, what limits apply to your funds, and what you'll need to document afterward.

## How to run

Identify which runtime you're operating in (Claude Desktop, ChatGPT, Claude Code, Codex, Perplexity). Use the matching section below; ignore the others.

## Claude Desktop

Copy and run this prompt:

```
## Before you run
- Ramp connector enabled in Claude Desktop ([connector directory](https://claude.ai/directory/61bac03c-3f98-4b3c-affb-1b99533fa82c))

I'm planning a purchase and want to know if it fits our expense policy before I spend.

What I want to buy: [REPLACE — item or category]
Expected amount: [REPLACE — amount]
Context: [REPLACE — business purpose, attendees, fund if known]

Answer whether this is allowed under policy, note any limits or restrictions on my funds, and tell me what documentation I'll need afterward.
Do not make the purchase.
```

## ChatGPT

Copy and run this prompt:

```
## Before you run
- Ramp connector enabled in ChatGPT ([app](https://chatgpt.com/apps/ramp/asdk_app_69250fb6281c819195b52a1556b0060c))

I'm planning a purchase and want to know if it fits our expense policy before I spend.

What I want to buy: [REPLACE — item or category]
Expected amount: [REPLACE — amount]
Context: [REPLACE — business purpose, attendees, fund if known]

Answer whether this is allowed under policy, note any limits or restrictions on my funds, and tell me what documentation I'll need afterward.
Do not make the purchase.
```

## Claude Code

Copy and run this prompt:

```
## Before you run
- Ramp CLI installed: `curl -fsSL https://agents.ramp.com/install.sh | bash`
- Logged in: `ramp auth login`

I'm planning a purchase and want to know if it fits our expense policy before I spend.

What I want to buy: [REPLACE — item or category]
Expected amount: [REPLACE — amount]
Context: [REPLACE — business purpose, attendees, fund if known]

Answer whether this is allowed under policy, note any limits or restrictions on my funds, and tell me what documentation I'll need afterward.
Do not make the purchase.
```

## Codex

Copy and run this prompt:

```
## Before you run
- Ramp CLI installed: `curl -fsSL https://agents.ramp.com/install.sh | bash`
- Logged in: `ramp auth login`

I'm planning a purchase and want to know if it fits our expense policy before I spend.

What I want to buy: [REPLACE — item or category]
Expected amount: [REPLACE — amount]
Context: [REPLACE — business purpose, attendees, fund if known]

Answer whether this is allowed under policy, note any limits or restrictions on my funds, and tell me what documentation I'll need afterward.
Do not make the purchase.
```

## Perplexity

Copy and run this prompt:

```
## Before you run
- Ramp connector enabled in Perplexity ([connector](https://www.perplexity.ai/computer/connectors?connector=ramp))

I'm planning a purchase and want to know if it fits our expense policy before I spend.

What I want to buy: [REPLACE — item or category]
Expected amount: [REPLACE — amount]
Context: [REPLACE — business purpose, attendees, fund if known]

Answer whether this is allowed under policy, note any limits or restrictions on my funds, and tell me what documentation I'll need afterward.
Do not make the purchase.
```