Fuel cards, also known as fleet cards, are specialised payment tools designed to help businesses manage fuel expenses efficiently. They offer an interest-free alternative to cash and credit cards and give you enhanced control over your finances, saving you money and time.
This guide will explain everything you need to know about fuel cards and how they work for businesses.
What is a business fuel card?
Offering competitive fuel prices, real-time reporting, and access to a wide network of petrol stations, fuel cards enable businesses to optimise their fuel management processes.
You can choose from a wide range of cards which each have their own networks and pricing structures. From Shell and BP to UK Fuels and Keyfuels, we have a fuel card solution that meets the needs of your business.
How do fuel cards work?
Fuel cards provide a convenient way to manage fuel expenses, track spending, and streamline fleet management. They are an essential tool for any business looking to save money on fuel and reduce administrative costs.
When a driver fills up a vehicle, they present the fuel card at the kiosk. For added security, our fuel cards are PIN-protected, so you will need to use your unique PIN at the point of payment. Payment for all transactions is then taken by Direct Debit the following week and you’ll receive a single, HMRC-approved invoice, so you can easily track your spending.
Businesses can utilise our online account management system to pull reports on card usage, order new cards, or cancel old ones. This is accessible 24/7, so you can manage your account wherever and whenever you need to.
For more control over your finances, you can implement spending limits and product restrictions. This prevents misuse and protects your business from fuel card fraud.
Find out more information about how fuel cards work for employees.
How much do fuel cards cost?
Our fuel cards are charged at a fixed weekly rate which is closely aligned with the wholesale cost of fuel. This is impacted by changing oil prices which have been particularly volatile over the last few years.
We’ll send you weekly price notifications via text or email to keep you informed of any fluctuations. This means you’ll always know what your drivers are paying which makes it easier to monitor your expenses.
Where can I use a fuel card?
Where you can use your fuel card will depend on which one you choose. We work with major fuel brands, such as Esso and Texaco, to give our customers excellent network coverage across the UK.
With our fleet cards, you’ll have access to up to 4,200 petrol stations nationwide, including hundreds of HGV-friendly sites and motorway stations. This is convenient for all businesses, regardless of the type of vehicles you operate or the distance you travel for work.
To help you find participating petrol stations near you, we have a handy site locator tool. With our mobile app, you can also plan routes and view the facilities at each location.
Who can use a fuel card
Businesses of all shapes and sizes can use a fuel card to reduce costs and improve efficiency. This includes haulage companies, logistics firms, construction businesses, and any other organisation that manages a fleet of vehicles.
Sole traders, taxi drivers, and small business owners who frequently travel for work can also benefit from fuel cards.
Currently, we do not offer personal fuel cards, but this could change in the future.
Benefits of business fuel cards
Business fuel cards offer numerous benefits that can significantly enhance operational efficiency and cost management for companies, particularly for HGV drivers. These benefits include:
- Streamlined fuel management – by using a fuel card, drivers no longer need to keep hold of receipts or submit expense reports, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors.
- Expansive fuelling networks – with thousands of petrol stations to choose from, you’ll never be far from a participating site, allowing you to refuel quickly and efficiently without unnecessary detours.
- Competitive prices – we offer competitively priced fuel cards which often lead to savings when compared to the pump. This is crucial for businesses on a budget as it can have a significant impact on your bottom line.
- Enhanced security features – we have a range of complementary solutions to keep your fuel cards safe, including 24/7 blocking requests, card limits, and automatic protection from fraudulent payments (to a maximum of £5000 per account).
Fuel cards are an invaluable tool for businesses, designed to simplify the process of purchasing fuel while providing enhanced control and oversight over fuel expenses. By offering features such as detailed transaction tracking, spending limits, and access to a wide network of fuel stations, fuel cards help companies optimise their fuel management strategies and reduce operational costs.
For fleet operators, HGV drivers, and small business owners, the benefits of using a fuel card extend beyond convenience, promoting accountability and efficiency in fuel consumption.
You can compare our range of fuel cards online or contact our friendly team to discuss your options further. For businesses switching to electric, we offer two EV charge cards which provide the same benefits as traditional fuel cards.
