Fleet fuel cards are used to monitor and lower spending, particularly because fuel is your largest expense. But with hundreds of fuel cards on the market, it could be hard to know which one is the best for your fleet.
To help you find the best fuel card for your fleet, we’ve researched dozens of the top fuel card providers based on criteria such as network coverage, rebates, reporting, and customer support. Our team has also gathered insights from fleet managers and industry experts to ensure we’re providing you with the most relevant and up-to-date information.
Whether you manage a small local fleet or oversee a large national operation, we’ll will equip you with the knowledge to choose the fuel card that can best optimize your fleet’s efficiency and reduce your overall fuel costs.
Best Fleet Fuel Cards
1. OTR Solutions Fuel Card
Best Fuel Card for Growing Truck Fleets
OTR Solutions offers a highly rated, straightforward fuel card that can be bundled with their factoring service for even more savings. Aside from having the highest savings of the fleet fuel cards we researched, the OTR Solutions Fuel Card comes with no contracts to sign and does not require a credit check. Additionally, as long as you use the card regularly, there are no annual or monthly fees.
Factoring Discount
OTR Solutions offers a factoring + fuel bundle, which allows you to take advantage of their factoring services in addition to the fuel card benefits. This can help you access your income immediately upon delivery. There is a small fee to use the factoring service in this case—usually, 1–4% of the value of your invoice.
The OTR Solutions Fuel Card is an excellent choice for established truck fleets because of the large discounts on fuel. With the Fuel Card + Factoring bundle, it can also be a powerful solution for businesses that are entering the market.
Related: Invoice Factoring Fees & Rates
OTR Solutions Customer Service
OTR Solutions provides always-live customer service and an intuitive mobile app. All OTR Solutions customers are assigned a personal account management team that will always answer calls when needed.
The app is also there and can help you find the biggest discounts, process invoices, and review payment statuses.
OTR Solutions Fuel Card Highlights
Pros
- High savings on fuel
- No contractual obligations or credit check
- Outstanding customer service
- Unique factoring + fuel bundle
- Intuitive app could help maximize savings
Cons
- $4 transaction fee for going out of network
- Some restrictions on fuel advances
- Must factor all invoices first or pay a $200 fee
- No fuel advances available on weekends after 8 p.m. Eastern Time
- Fuel card does not offer a line of credit
Fees
- Inactivity Fee: If you do not use your OTR account for two consecutive months, OTR may charge a monthly fee of either 10% of any funds in OTR’s possession or $50, whichever is higher.
- Factoring Fee: When bundling the fuel card with OTR Solutions factoring service, you may pay a small fee per delivered load (typically, 1–4% of what you’re paid to deliver the load).
| Network Coverage | Over 2,000 locations |
| In-Network Brands | TA, Speedway, Casey's, 7-11, and Maverik |
| Average Fuel Discount | 51¢ / gallon |
| Maximum Fuel Discount | $1.88 / gallon |
2. AtoB Fuel Card
Best for Fleet Managers Who Want Deep Data Analytics
AtoB is a comprehensive fleet management solution that offers innovative fleet cards designed to meet the diverse needs of business owners. By combining telematics, fuel management, and data analytics into a single platform, AtoB provides one of the best fuel cards for small fleets looking to optimize their fleet operations and reduce costs.
The company offers two distinct fleet card options: the AtoB Flex card and the AtoB Unlimited card. These cards cater to different business sizes and operational needs, ensuring that both large over-the-road fleets and smaller local fleets can benefit from AtoB’s services.
Both cards provide an average savings of 46¢ on every gallon of diesel, and 5¢ on every gallon of unleaded gas. They also allow for one-click card deactivation, daily or weekly spending limit setup, and the ability to export data to accounting software.
AtoB Flex Card
The AtoB Flex card is credit based, which could help your company build credit with every refuel, and is best for larger, over-the-road fleets.
AtoB Unlimited Card
The AtoB Unlimited card is prepaid and gives you immediate access to funds as needed—it tends to work well for smaller, more local fleets.
AtoB Premium Add-On
To get the most out of AtoB Flex or Unlimited fuel cards, you should plan on purchasing their Premium add-on. For $3 a month per card, the Premium add-on provides benefits that make an otherwise weak base functionality quite strong:
- FuelMap, shows drivers the cheapest fueling station on their route
- Alerts, get notified of suspicious purchases instantly
- Fuel-level reporting, ensures that drivers are only filling up their trucks
- Additional spending limits, ability to set specific operational hours and to whitelist or blacklist fueling stations
- Priority support, for reduced customer service wait times
Without the Premium upgrade, AtoB’s fuel cards lack many of the security and tracking benefits you might expect from a fuel card.
Finally, both cards offer additional discounts on select truck parts and accessories.
AtoB Fuel Card Highlights
Pros
- Credit or prepaid cards available
- Premium add-on offers more control and security
- Can integrate with third-party telematics systems
- Includes some additional discounts
Cons
- Weak functionality without Premium add-on
- Costs of Premium add-on may be unappealing to businesses with smaller fleets
- Monthly fees for all cards
Fees
- $35 setup fee (both Standard and Premium)
- $15 / month for 1–5 AtoB Flex cards, $3 per month for each additional card over 5
- $3 / month for all AtoB Unlimited cards
- $3 / month for AtoB Premium add-on
| Network Coverage | 5,500+ locations |
| In-Network Brands | TA, Petro, TA Express, Rutter’s, Kwik Trip, Speedway, RaceTrac, and more |
| Average Fuel Discount | 46¢ / gallon |
| Maximum Fuel Discount | $1.85 / gallon |
3. WEX Fleet Card
Best Variety of Fuel Card Options
WEX offers a seemingly endless number of fuel cards that can fulfill your business’ specific needs and interests, with over 50 options to choose from. This can be a positive if you have specific needs but overwhelming if you’re looking for a good all-around fuel card.
No matter which card you choose, WEX offers quite possibly the best network coverage of all fuel cards. If you need nationwide access, WEX is a strong solution for you, regardless of your fleet’s size.
To simplify WEX’s offerings, we’ll look at two of the most popular WEX fuel cards: WEX Fleet and WEX Large Fleet. Both cards include 24/7 customer service.
WEX Fleet Card
The WEX Fleet card is best for smaller fleets. It’s accepted at 95% of all fueling stations, which means you really have to go out of your way to find a station that doesn’t accept it.
You can earn up to $0.03 per gallon back in rebates with a WEX Fleet card, which is on the low end of rebates compared to competitors. This card also provides discounts on certain vehicle accessories, like Bridgestone tires, along with discounted hotel rates.
However, you cannot carry a balance with a WEX Fleet card, meaning you must pay the balance each month.
WEX Large Fleet Card
The WEX Large Fleet card is best for larger fleets and businesses that want a one-stop shop for data and analytics. In addition to its wide acceptance at fueling stations across the US, the WEX Large Fleet card captures important data, such as odometer readings, driver IDs, and job numbers, which can help you successfully enforce your business’ spending policies.
However, the WEX Large Fleet card is light on additional perks. Rebates based on the gallons you purchase are available, but it doesn’t include hotel discounts or discounts on truck parts.
WEX Fuel Card Highlights
Pros
- 50+ card options for different fleet sizes and needs
- Wide acceptance at US fuel stations
- Could help build credit
- WEX Fleet card includes discounts on vehicle accessories and hotel stays for drivers
- WEX Large Fleet card provides powerful tracking data and analytics
- Good customer service available 24/7
- Mobile app helps find cheapest fuel
Cons
- High number of cards can make choosing the right one challenging
- Fuel savings ($0.03 rebate/gallon) are among the lowest
- Minimal additional perks across all cards
- Requires a credit check
Fees
- WEX Fleet: $40 setup fee, $2 monthly fee
- WEX Large Fleet: $2 monthly fee per card
| Network Coverage | 95% of US Fueling Stations |
| Average Fuel Discount | 3¢ / gallon |
4. Coast Smart Fleet Card
Best for Larger Fleets Looking for Non-Fuel Cash Back
The Coast fuel card offers many strengths to businesses with mid-sized or larger fleets, but may not be a good option for smaller businesses.
Benefits of the Coast Fuel Card
Two of the biggest benefits of the Coast fuel card are no personal guarantees required and 1% cash back on all purchases at merchants that are not fueling stations, even non-fuel purchases, with no cap. These benefits can protect your personal finances if your business defaults on payments while helping you build funds from both fuel and non-fuel purchases.
Coast also offers up to $25,000 in fuel-theft loss protection, in addition to strong odometer tracking, spending limits, and real-time alert functionalities.
Coast provides an intuitive portal to help you track spending by merchant category and rebates earned. It also allows you to keep inactive cards on hand—with no fee for inactive cards—allowing you to more easily integrate new drivers into your system without having to wait for a fuel card.
Considerations for Smaller Businesses
However, smaller fleets may find that a Coast fuel card isn’t the right fit. That’s because a Coast fuel card requires Good to Excellent credit, which newer, smaller businesses may struggle to obtain. Additionally, Coast does not service sole proprietorships at all.
Coast Fuel Card Highlights
Pros
- 1% cashback on ALL purchases at non-fuel-station merchants
- No personal guarantee required
- Savings between 2¢ to 10¢ per gallon
- Up to $25,000 in fuel-theft loss protection
- Ability to track spending by merchant category and rebates earned
Cons
- Unavailable to sole proprietors
- Full balance due every billing cycle
- Requires Good to Excellent Credit
- Not accepted in North Dakota, South Dakota, or Nevada
Fees
- $4 / month per active card
- Late payment fees:
- $35 or 1% of outstanding balance if not paid by due date
- $35 or 5% of outstanding balance if still unpaid 31 days after due date
| Network Coverage | Any fueling station that takes Visa |
| Limitations | Not available in North Dakota, South Dakota, Nevada, or Canada |
| Average Fuel Discount | 2¢ / gallon |
| Maximum Fuel Discount | 10¢ / gallon |
5. Fuelman Fleet Card
Best for Full-Diesel Fleets, Carbon Neutral, and Non-Profit Fleets
Fuelman fuel cards are an outstanding option for full-diesel fleets, companies looking to convert to electric vehicles or carbon-neutral vehicles, and government/non-profit fleets. Fuelman also offers a mixed-fleet fuel card that is a decent option for fleets that work in metro areas of the Midwest.
Fuelman’s rebates per gallon are relatively high, ranging between 8¢ for mixed fleet and 12¢ for diesel. Fuelman’s Diesel Fleet card provides good benefits for local diesel operations, especially in states like California where their network is strong.
A standout option from Fuelman is its Clean Advantage Program, which helps businesses that wish to convert to EV or carbon-neutral vehicles take advantage of carbon offsets. For a 5¢ per gallon fee, Fuelman will neutralize carbon emissions for your business and provide annual reports that track and measure your impact.
A unique offering from Fuelman is their Public Sector Fleet card, which is for tax-exempt and non-profit fleets. The Public Sector Fleet card offers rebates of up to 5¢ for fleets that purchase between 3,001 and 14,000 gallons of fuel at a Fuelman network station.
Fuelman Fuel Card Highlights
Pros
- Good rebates for mixed-fleet and diesel fleets
- Decent benefits for public sector fleets
- Sustainability Program for fleets looking to convert to EV or carbon-neutral fleets
- Easy-to-use app for tracking and reporting
Cons
- Monthly plan fee
- Smaller network
- Rebates unavailable at out-of-network stations
Fees
No matter which Fuelman card you choose, you will pay a monthly fee corresponding to their Basic, Pro, and Enterprise plans.
- Basic plan: 24/7 support, fuel and tax reporting, real-time monitoring, and 1 reward point per gallon of fuel.
- Pro plan: plus fraud-loss coverage of $10,000 per card ($25,000 per year).
- Enterprise plan: dedicated account team, enhanced trend reporting, and 2 reward points per gallon of fuel.
Other Fees
- Late fee of $99 or 17.99% of new balance, whichever is higher
- 5¢ / gallon fee when using Clean Advantage card
| Network Coverage | 60,000+ locations |
| In-Network Brands | TA, Petro, TA Express, Rutter’s, Kwik Trip, Speedway, RaceTrac, and more |
| Public Sector Fleet Card Discount | 5¢ / gallon |
| Mixed Fleet Card Discount | 8¢ / gallon |
| Diesel Card Discount | 12¢ / gallon |
6. Comdata Fuel Cards
Best for Driver Convenience
Comdata offers four fuel cards for gas- or diesel-powered fleets and one card for EV-powered fleets. Its fuel cards for gas- and diesel-powered fleets offer the abilities to find and automatically pay for CAT scale transactions and contact mobile fueling services when needed, making it more convenient for drivers to continue on their route more efficiently.
Comdata provides two cards tailored for smaller fleets and two cards for larger fleets.
Smaller-Fleet Cards
For smaller fleets, Comdata offers the Fleet and Connect cards.
| Comdata Fleet | Comdata Connect | |
| Credit Line Offered | Yes | No |
| Credit Check Required | Yes | No |
| Late Fees | Yes | No |
Both cards give drivers access to cash prices, which are usually cheaper than the prices to pay on a card. Additionally, drivers could save an extra 25¢ per gallon at certain in-network stations.
In addition to these discounts, Comdata Fleet and Connect cards come with 24/7 customer support, fraud controls and monitoring, and the ability to set spending limits and receive real-time alerts.
However, the network size for these cards is fairly small. And the Connect card cannot be used in Washington, Nevada, Hawaii, Oklahoma, California, or Alaska.
Larger-Fleet Cards
For larger fleets, Comdata offers the Comdata OnRoad card and Comdata Mastercard.
These cards are accepted everywhere that takes Mastercard, which vastly improves network size.
The OnRoad card comes with a unique function: It allows drivers to make business purchases and personal purchases with the same card. It also gives you the ability to set permissions for the card—so, the driver could use the card ONLY for personal use, ONLY for business use, or for both.
EV and Mixed-Fleet Cards
For EV and mixed fleets, Comdata offers the ChargePass.
The ChargePass is accepted at 97% of EV charging stations nationwide. It also allows you to track and manage your fleets’ fuel expenses more accurately, whether you’re using electricity, diesel, or gas.
While Comdata offers unique convenience benefits, it does include higher fees and lukewarm customer service.
The $8 / month fee for each card is unusually high. It’s especially troubling for the OnRoad and Comdata Mastercard. Since those cards function as a commercial card rather than a dedicated fuel card, there are risks of misuse. Comdata attempts to offset this with strong reporting and alert functionality, but the cost is still higher than most other competitors.
Additionally, Comdata’s customer service lags behind other competitors in general. Most surprisingly, Comdata’s Terms and Conditions include a $1.50 Customer Service Fee per task.
Comdata Fuel Card Highlights
Pros
- Options for small fleets, large fleets, and EV fleets
- App helps drivers find cheap fuel
- Includes ability to find and pay for CAT scale transactions and mobile fuel services
Cons
- High fees
- Poor customer service
- Connect card not available in Washington, Nevada, Hawaii, Oklahoma, California, or Alaska
Fees
- $50 signup fee
- $8 / month per card
- Late fee of $150 or 13.99% of past-due payment (when applicable)
| Fleet & Connect Network Coverage | 8,000+ locations |
| OnRoad & Comdata Mastercard Coverage | Accepted anywhere Mastercard is taken |
| Always pay cash price | 5¢ - 10¢ / gallon |
| Additional fuel discounts | 25¢ / gallon |
7. Exxon Mobil Fleet Cards
Best for East-Coast Fleets Loyal to Exxon Mobil
Exxon Mobil fleet cards provide a comprehensive solution for businesses managing both small and large vehicle fleets, with options suitable for gas, diesel, and even electric vehicle requirements.
Designed to optimize fuel management and reduce administrative overhead, Exxon Mobil fleet cards are accepted across the vast network of 12,000+ Exxon & Mobil fuel stations, making them a flexible and efficient option for fleet operators.
Exxon Mobil offers two fuel cards—BusinessPro for fleets that run strictly on gasoline and FleetPro for diesel and mixed fleets.
Exxon Mobil BusinessPro
The BusinessPro card offers benefits like up to 6¢ off every gallon when filling up at an Exxon or Mobil station. You can also use this card outside of Exxon and Mobil stations, but there is an additional fee required to do so.
Exxon Mobil FleetPro
The FleetPro card offers more benefits for fleets that run primarily on diesel. The rebates you can receive using this card vary, but generally, the more diesel you buy, the higher your rebate per gallon will be.
Both cards come with the ability to track and restrict spending, set fueling controls, and send real-time alerts. The FleetPro card also comes with mobile app payment for CAT scale transactions and a station locator that shows customized rebate prices.
These Exxon Mobil fuel cards serve a specific niche of fleets that are loyal to their brand. However, if your business falls into this niche, these cards provide flexible payment terms, the ability to carry a balance, and the added bonus of being combined with Exxon Mobil Rewards+, which could help your business stack additional savings.
Exxon Mobil Fuel Card Highlights
Pros
- Can carry a balance (for a fee)
- Can be combined with Exxon Mobil Rewards+
Cons
- Less availability west of the Mississippi
- Fees for using out-of-network fueling stations
Fees
- One-time $40 setup fee
- $2 monthly fee
| Network Coverage | 12,000+ locations |
| In-Network Brands | Exxon & Mobil |
| Fuel Discount | 6¢ / gallon |
How Do Fleet Fuel Cards Work?
A fuel card is a type of charge card that allows drivers to pay for fuel and some maintenance expenses. Some cards have to be used within a certain network of fueling stations, while others can be used across different gas stations.
Although fuel cards look and function similarly to business credit cards, they are different. For one thing, fuel cards are mostly limited to fuel and vehicle-related purchases, whereas most business credit cards can be used for practically any purchase.
Fuel cards also differ from business credit cards in that a fuel card can capture more information about a purchase than a credit card is able to. Because of this information-capture, fuel cards are considered to be more secure than a business credit card, permitting lower processing fees.
Corporate Credit Cards vs Fuel Cards
There are plenty of business credit cards that offer rebates for fuel purchases. Some fleet managers are drawn to the convenience of giving their drivers a general-purpose card that can be used for all business-related purchases.
Why should your business use a fuel card over a credit card for fuel purchases? Because fuel cards are more intelligent – and in turn more secure – than general-purpose credit cards. Security translates to savings, especially in industries that have high rates of internal and external fraud.
Types of Fuel Cards
Not all fuel cards are created equal, but they each have their pros and their cons.
Branded Fuel Cards
Branded fuel cards are issued by a company that franchises the fueling stations or is directly associated with the fueling station. With most branded cards, you will get cost savings when you use the card at the associated fueling stations. However, you won’t get savings outside of the card’s network, and you possibly won’t be able to use the card outside of the network at all.
That said, branded cards often have purchase incentives and the ability to set basic limits and controls on the location and spending on the card. And because of the low or no fee structure, branded cards an excellent fuel card option for smaller fleets.
Universal Fuel Cards
Universal fuel cards, as the name suggests, can be used at a wide range of fueling stations, though not necessarily all of them. They offer customizable features and typically include comprehensive analytics software to help optimize fleet efficiency. While these cards are often ideal for large fleets, some providers have developed options tailored to smaller fleets as well.
Universal fuel cards generally offer the most extensive list of benefits compared to other fuel card types. However, they also tend to come with higher fees. In many ways, universal fuel cards function similarly to credit cards. They can often be used for non-fuel purchases at various locations, and some may allow cardholders to carry a balance.
It’s important to note that the specific features, acceptance, and terms can vary significantly between different universal fuel card providers. While they generally offer more flexibility than brand-specific cards, the exact level of “universality” depends on the particular card and network.
Businesses should carefully compare different universal fuel card options, considering factors such as network coverage, fee structure, analytics capabilities, and additional features to determine the best fit for their fleet size and operational needs.
Commercial Fuel Cards
Commercial fleet cards are a popular fuel card option for small, medium, and large commercial fleets. Commercial fleet cards can be used at a wider range of fueling stations, and offer various discounts based on purchased fuel volume. These fleet cards are also more likely to grant access to purchases at gas station shops, auto shops, and car washes.
Moreover, commercial fuel cards have more comprehensive security features than branded fuel cards. This is important if you have a larger fleet or a fleet that travels across large geographic areas. Transaction limits and alerts can usually be set and monitored through an online portal by the fleet manager.
Fleet-specific Fuel Cards
Fleet-specific fuel cards are designed to cater to the unique needs of fleet operations. These cards are often offered by major fleet management companies and provide a comprehensive solution for fuel management and other fleet-related expenses. They typically offer:
- Integration with fleet management software for seamless expense tracking
- Customizable spending controls and limits for each driver or vehicle
- Detailed reporting on fuel consumption, mileage, and other fleet metrics
- Additional services such as maintenance scheduling and roadside assistance
- Potential for volume-based discounts across multiple fuel brands
Fleet-specific cards are ideal for businesses that want a more holistic approach to managing their fleet expenses beyond just fuel purchases. They often come with higher fees than other fuel card types but can provide significant value through their additional features and services.
Fuel-specific Credit Cards
Fuel-specific credit cards are general-purpose credit cards that offer enhanced rewards or cashback for fuel purchases. These cards are typically issued by major credit card companies in partnership with fuel retailers or as part of their own rewards programs. Key features include:
- Higher cashback rates or reward points for fuel purchases (often 3-5% back)
- Ability to use the card for non-fuel purchases, usually with a lower rewards rate
- Standard credit card protections and benefits (e.g., fraud protection, travel insurance)
- Potential for sign-up bonuses or introductory offers
- Annual fees may apply, especially for cards with premium rewards
Fuel-specific credit cards can be a good option for businesses that want the flexibility of a regular credit card but spend significantly on fuel. They’re particularly useful for smaller fleets or businesses that don’t need the specialized features of dedicated fleet cards. However, they may not offer the same level of detailed reporting or spending controls as other fuel card types.
Benefits of Fleet Fuel Cards
It’s definitely worth considering the benefits and rebates associated with the fuel card, as these can amount to large savings.
- Does the fuel card offer scaled savings, in which you get a greater discount when you hit a certain level of fuel purchases?
- Do you get points for purchases from certain merchants?
Fuel Rebates
One of the best selling points of fuel cards are the fuel discounts, which can save up to five percent on fuel purchases.
Fuel card users may also get discounts from card-affiliated merchants, including tire shops, hotels, GPS systems, and fleet management systems.
If you’re transitioning to an electric fleet, some fuel cards may give you points when you use the card at an affiliated charging station, while allowing you to monitor both fuel and EV vehicles from one account.
Cost-Plus & Retail-Minus
Typically, fuel discounts are categorized into cost-plus savings or retail-minus savings.
With cost-plus fuel pricing, the fuel card user will pay an amount more than the wholesale cost of fuel, which fluctuates far less than the retail price. Because of this, users of cost-plus fuel cards are better able to forecast their fuel expenses.
But in some places, like California or Hawaii, retail-minus can provide more savings when the cost of transporting fuel is more expensive.
Security
Credit cards collect information about the “when” and “where” of a purchase. Fuel cards collect Level III Data about spending, which goes beyond the when and where of purchase by also asking “what”, “how”, and “who”.
Some of the purchase information that a fuel card can collect may include:
- Odometer readings
- Quantity purchased
- What product was purchased
- Driver identification
Because these aspects of a purchase are monitored, they can also be controlled at the point-of-sale. Fuel cards allow the manager to limit what the card is used for, and how much is spent on each transaction. Many cards also provide real-time e-receipts and an alert system for possibly-fraudulent transactions.
Real-Time Reporting & Tracking
In the past, managers had to collect receipts and refund drivers for their personal expenses. This meant a lot of time spent on bookkeeping and administrative tasks. Today, fuel cards eliminate the need for reimbursement processing.
Fuel cards also help with the tracking of vehicle maintenance. By requiring a driver to enter the vehicle’s odometer reading, managers will know when oil changes or tire replacements are due. Additionally, odometer reporting can help calculate vehicle depreciation when tax season comes around.
What gets measured gets managed. If you choose a fuel card that provides analytics, the information will empower you to improve operational efficiency overall.
Purchase & Cost Controls
Fuel cards offer robust purchase and cost control features that help businesses manage their expenses more effectively. Many fuel card programs allow managers to set spending limits for each driver or vehicle, restricting purchases to specific times of day, days of the week, or even particular merchant categories. This helps prevent unauthorized or excessive spending.
Some fuel cards also offer the ability to limit purchases to fuel only, or to allow for additional vehicle-related expenses like maintenance and repairs. By implementing these controls, businesses can reduce the risk of fraud, enforce company policies, and keep their fuel and fleet-related costs in check.
Accounting & Telematics Integrations
Many fuel card providers offer seamless integration with popular accounting software, like QuickBooks or Xero, making it easy to import transaction data directly into your financial systems. This integration eliminates the need for manual data entry, reduces errors, and saves time in reconciling expenses.
Additionally, fuel cards can often be integrated with telematics systems, which provide real-time data on vehicle location, driving behavior, and fuel consumption. When combined with fuel card data, this information can offer valuable insights into your fleet’s performance and efficiency.
For example, you can correlate fuel purchases with vehicle routes and driving patterns to identify opportunities for optimization. You might discover that certain drivers or routes are less fuel-efficient than others, allowing you to take corrective action. These integrations can also help detect potential fraud by comparing fuel purchases with vehicle locations and fuel tank capacities.
Fuel Card Considerations
So how do you know which fuel card is the best for your fleet? Take the following factors into consideration when exploring fuel cards.
Regional Coverage
The regional coverage is the most important consideration to make when choosing a fleet fuel card. If you can’t actually use the card in the location that you operate, then it won’t do you any good. Think about whether your fleet operates nationally, statewide, or only locally.
You should also consider the routes that your fleet runs regularly, and make sure that the card’s associated fueling stations are at convenient access points. If you plan to eventually expand your fleet, make sure that you choose a card that will have fueling stations along your future routes. Plan ahead so that you don’t have to deal with switching costs.
Your Fleet
Besides the location that your fleet operates, think about the size of your fleet and its requirements. If you have a small fleet that operates locally, you don’t need to pay the higher fees of a universal fuel card. If your fleet doesn’t have an issue with theft, you might not need a card that has an extensive set of controls.
The type of fuel your fleet takes can also weigh on your fuel card choice. Some cards achieve greater savings per gallon for diesel than for gasoline. But many cards will give discounts and points for both gasoline and diesel purchases.
Related: 101 Mobile Fleet Fueling Companies
Hidden Costs
Fuel cards often come with fees that you might not know about until you’ve incurred them. Most universal cards have setup fees and monthly fees. But you could face out-of-network fees, failed payment fees, and charges for fraud protection with every tier of fuel card. Ask your fuel card provider about hidden costs before you find out the hard way.
Choosing the Right Fuel Card
To select the best fuel card for your fleet:
- Assess your fleet size, fuel types, and geographic needs
- Compare fees, discounts, and rewards programs
- Evaluate security features and spending controls
- Consider integration with your existing fleet management software
- Read reviews and ask for recommendations from other fleet managers
- Request quotes from multiple providers to compare offerings
Take time to thoroughly research options before committing to ensure you find the best fit for your specific fleet requirements.
How to Apply for a Fuel Card
The application process for a fuel card is relatively simple and typically involves:
- Gathering necessary business information (tax ID, fleet size, estimated monthly fuel spend)
- Completing an online application or contacting a sales representative
- Undergoing a credit check (for some providers)
- Reviewing and signing a contract
- Setting up your account and customizing controls
- Receiving and distributing cards to drivers
The application process for a new fuel card account can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the provider and your company’s specific situation.
How Do You Use a Fuel Card?
Using a fleet fuel card is similar to using a credit card:
- Swipe or insert the card at the pump or inside the station
- Enter any required PIN or driver ID
- Select the appropriate fuel type
- Pump fuel as normal
- Keep the receipt for your records
Many fuel cards also offer mobile apps that allow drivers to locate in-network stations, track fuel purchases, and manage their accounts on the go. Fleet managers can typically access detailed reports and adjust spending controls through an online portal.
Remember to train your drivers on proper fuel card usage, including security measures and company policies regarding authorized purchases.
Who Are Fleet Fuel Cards For?
Fuel cards aren’t just for the trucking industry. Any business using vehicles can benefit from the security and discounts of a fuel card, including all hauling and transporting services.
Of course, you have to make sure that you choose the right fuel card for your industry. If you have a small fleet, a fuel card meant for a large fleet will probably incur more fees than savings.
Fleet Fuel Card Network Coverage
Fuel card networks vary widely in their coverage. Some major networks include:
- Universal networks like Fuelman and WEX, which offer broad coverage across multiple fuel brands nationwide
- Brand-specific networks like Shell Fleet Plus or Exxon Mobil Fleet, which are limited to those brands
- Regional networks that focus on specific areas of the country, but may offer deeper discounts
Consider your fleet’s operating area and choose a network that provides ample coverage where your vehicles travel most frequently. Nationwide fleets may benefit from universal networks, while local fleets might prefer brand-specific or regional options.
Final Thoughts on Fleet Fuel Cards
Selecting the right fleet fuel card is an important decision for any business that relies on vehicles for their operations. By carefully evaluating your specific fleet requirements—such as size, geographic reach, fuel types, and security needs—you can choose a fuel card that not only optimizes your fuel savings but also enhances your operational efficiency through comprehensive monitoring and reporting features.
Whether opting for branded, universal, or commercial cards, remember to weigh the benefits against the fees and any potential hidden costs. Integration with existing fleet management systems can further streamline operations and improve data-driven decision-making.
Ultimately, a fuel card isn’t just a tool for managing expenses; it’s an investment in the overall security and effectiveness of your fleet management strategy. Taking the time to research and choose the right card can lead to substantial financial benefits and help strengthen operational protocols within your organization.
