7 Best Fuel Cards For Small Business In 2024
The best Fuel Cards For Small Business are Matrack Fuel Card, Visa Fleet Card, and Shell Small Business Card, based on our expert testing team.
Fuel cards are a practical tool for small businesses to manage fuel expenses. Think of them like a regular credit card, but specifically for fuel. Employees use them at gas stations, and business owners can track every transaction in one place. Many fuel cards also offer perks like fuel discounts and spending controls.
For small businesses, these cards make it easier to monitor fuel costs, cut down on wasteful spending, and stay organized. Some even let you set limits on how much employees can spend, keeping everything under control.
Ready to find the right one for your business? Keep reading to see the 7 best fuel cards for small businesses in 2024.
Our Top Choice For Fuel Cards For Small Business
- Savings: Up to 20% / $2000 per vehicle annually
- Station Coverage: 95% of U.S. fuel stations
- Spending Controls: Limits, GPS-based tracking
- Reporting Tools: Real-time dashboard with GPS
- Security Features: GPS tracking for purchases
- Savings: Dependent on controls (No specific discounts)
- Station Coverage: Nearly all U.S. fueling stations
- Spending Controls: Detailed controls by type/employee
- Reporting Tools: Enhanced data tracking
- Security Features: ID-based prompts
- Savings: Up to 6¢ per gallon
- Station Coverage: Shell and Jiffy Lube locations (13,000)
- Spending Controls: Set limits and ClearView reporting
- Reporting Tools: ClearView analytics
- Security Features: DriverDash and fraud protection
- Savings: 3¢ per gallon for 6 months
- Station Coverage: All major U.S. gas stations
- Spending Controls: Customizable by time and amount
- Reporting Tools: Detailed custom reports
- Security Features: Real-time alerts
- Savings: Rebates (varies by location)
- Station Coverage: Extensive national network
- Spending Controls: Custom limits and real-time alerts
- Reporting Tools: Detailed tracking by driver/vehicle
- Security Features: Fraud/misuse prevention alerts
- Savings: Up to 5¢ per gallon
- Station Coverage: 95% U.S. stations + Speedway/7-Eleven
- Spending Controls: Limits by amount, time, and day
- Reporting Tools: Automatic fuel expense tracking
- Security Features: Driver PINs for purchases
- Savings: Up to 7¢ per gallon (volume-based)
- Station Coverage: BP/Amoco stations
- Spending Controls: Customizable by day, week, or month
- Reporting Tools: Online control and detailed reports
- Security Features: Driver IDs and fraud monitoring
How To Find The Best Fuel Card for Small Business?
Fuel cards can make managing fuel expenses easier for small businesses. But finding the right one means choosing a card that fits your business needs. Here are some simple tips to help:
1. Works in Your Area
Pick a card that is accepted at gas stations where you do most of your business. If your work involves traveling to other states, choose a card that works nationwide.
2. Saves You Money
Look for a card that offers good discounts or rewards on fuel. Avoid cards with high yearly fees or extra costs, as they can eat into your savings.
3. Easy to Repay
Choose a card that gives you enough time to pay without extra charges. Some cards even offer interest-free periods, which can be helpful.
4. Spending Limits
A card that lets you set limits for how much employees can spend is a great option. It prevents overspending and keeps fuel costs in check.
5. Tracks and Reports Fuel Use
Look for a card that provides reports and tracks fuel spending automatically. This saves you time and helps you see where your money is going so you can make smarter decisions.
How We Tested Fuel Cards for Small Business
We looked at the key things that matter to small businesses when choosing a fuel card. This included checking how much money the cards can save through discounts and rewards. We made sure the cards work at gas stations that small business fleets commonly use.
We also tested features like spending limits, tracking tools, and flexible repayment options to see how helpful they are.
Finally, we checked for any fees to make sure the cards are affordable and good for small business budgets.
7 Best Fuel Cards For Small Businesses
Matrack Fuel Card
Matrack Fuel Card is a smart choice for small businesses that want to save on fuel costs. It directs vehicles to the cheapest gas stations with live pricing updates. This helps businesses save up to $2,000 per vehicle each year.
The card also tracks fuel purchases in real time. Users can set spending limits and match transactions with GPS stamps for more transparency.
Accepted at 95% of U.S. fuel stations, it’s a practical option for small businesses operating in different regions. Extra features like a fuel dashboard and mobile access help you track expenses. They also make it easy to find low-cost fuel and manage purchases efficiently.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Significant fuel cost savings (10-20% per purchase) | ❌ Focused primarily on fuel; limited flexibility for additional purchases |
| ✅ Extensive station coverage | ❌ Savings heavily dependent on routing efficiency |
| ✅ Real-time expense monitoring with GPS integration | |
| ✅ Mobile access for easy management |
Product Highlights
- Saves up to $2,000 per vehicle annually through live pricing updates and routing to the cheapest gas stations.
- Accepted at 95% of U.S. fuel stations.
- Offers real-time tracking of expenses with GPS stamps.
- Allows spending limits and detailed reporting through a fuel dashboard.
Visa Fleet Card
Visa Fleet Card is designed to give small businesses complete control over their fuel expenses. It lets you set spending limits and restrict purchases to fuel or maintenance. This helps manage costs effectively. Businesses can also track expenses by vehicle or employee, making it easier to monitor fuel use.
The card’s enhanced security features, like requiring IDs for every transaction, reduce the risk of misuse. With Visa’s large network of merchants, small businesses can access almost all fueling stations in the country. This makes it a flexible choice for managing fuel costs.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ High level of spending control | ❌ Limited to businesses needing broader purchase category controls |
| ✅ Accepted nationwide | ❌ May not offer significant direct fuel discounts |
| ✅ Advanced security features reduce misuse risks |
Product Highlights
- Broad acceptance across nearly all U.S. fueling stations.
- Allows spending controls and transaction limits for fuel or maintenance.
- Advanced data tracking by vehicle or employee.
- Enhanced security with ID-based transaction prompts.
Shell Small Business Card
Shell Small Business Card gives small businesses savings of up to 6¢ per gallon at Shell stations. This helps them reduce their fuel costs. It includes revolving credit with no annual fees, making it a convenient option for businesses managing cash flow.
Accepted at Shell locations and participating Jiffy Lube sites, this card also offers detailed expense tracking through online tools. Business owners can set purchase limits and view reports. They can also control fuel expenses in real time. This helps them manage their fuel costs better.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Offers significant savings on Shell fuel | ❌ Limited to Shell stations and participating locations |
| ✅ Includes revolving credit for better cash flow management | ❌ Savings are capped based on usage levels |
| ✅ Robust tracking and reporting tools |
Product Highlights
- Saves up to 6¢ per gallon at Shell stations.
- No annual or card fees.
- Provides ClearView reporting for detailed expense tracking.
WEX Flex Card
WEX Flex Card is a straightforward fuel card for small businesses, offering 3¢ per gallon rebates and no setup fees. Nearly every gas station in the U.S. accepts it, ensuring convenience for businesses with diverse fueling needs.
Small business owners can track fuel costs and set purchase limits. They can use features like spending controls and detailed reports. The WEX Connect app helps you find the cheapest fuel nearby. This makes it a great choice for businesses that want to save money and stay efficient.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Broad station acceptance ensures flexibility | ❌ Lower rebate compared to other cards |
| ✅ Customizable limits for improved cost management | ❌ Monthly balance feature may lead to higher costs if not managed |
| ✅ Mobile app locates cheapest gas stations nearby |
Product Highlights
- Offers 3¢ per gallon rebates and no setup fees.
- Accepted at nearly all U.S. fuel stations.
- Provides spending controls and custom reports.
Fuelman Fuel Card
Fuelman Fuel Card is built for small businesses that need tight control over fuel expenses. It offers customizable limits and real-time alerts, ensuring purchases are within budget and authorized. The card also provides detailed reports by driver and vehicle, helping businesses track costs accurately.
Accepted at a wide network of gas stations nationwide, the Fuelman card also offers fuel rebates to lower expenses. Small businesses can streamline fuel management and even track maintenance costs, simplifying operations and saving time.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Real-time alerts to prevent fraud or misuse | ❌ Monthly fees may add up for small fleets |
| ✅ Offers maintenance tracking along with fuel management | ❌ Complex fee structure for some plans |
| ✅ Extensive nationwide acceptance |
Product Highlights
- Offers fuel rebates and customizable spending limits.
- Tracks expenses by driver and vehicle.
- Accepted at a wide network of gas stations.
Speedway SuperFleet Mastercard
Speedway SuperFleet Mastercard helps small businesses save up to 5¢ per gallon at Speedway and 7-Eleven locations. It’s also accepted at 95% of U.S. fuel stations, giving businesses flexibility for fueling wherever needed.
With built-in tracking tools, the card simplifies monitoring fuel expenses. Business owners can set limits on spending and require PINs for purchases, adding an extra layer of security. It’s a cost-effective and easy-to-manage option for small businesses.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ No setup or annual fees | ❌ Discounts limited to specific locations |
| ✅ Flexible fueling options with broad station acceptance | ❌ Fewer advanced features compared to other cards |
| ✅ Built-in security with PIN requirements |
Product Highlights
- Saves up to 5¢ per gallon at Speedway and 7-Eleven locations.
- Accepted at 95% of U.S. gas stations.
- Provides automatic tracking and spending controls.
BP Business Solutions Fuel Card
BP Business Solutions Fuel Card helps small businesses save up to 7¢ per gallon through volume-based rebates at BP and Amoco stations. It’s ideal for businesses fueling primarily at these locations, providing a reliable way to reduce costs.
The card offers tools to set spending limits, track transactions, and generate detailed reports. With 24/7 online access, small businesses can manage fuel expenses efficiently while keeping operations secure and organized.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ High rebate potential for frequent BP/Amoco users | ❌ Limited to BP and Amoco locations for maximum savings |
| ✅ Secure online tools for easy management | ❌ Higher reliance on volume-based rebates |
| ✅ Strong security features reduce risk |
Product Highlights
- Offers rebates of up to 7¢ per gallon for BP and Amoco purchases.
- Provides customizable spending controls and detailed reports.
- Includes fraud protection with driver ID requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do fuel cards work for small businesses?
Employees use them to pay for fuel, and owners track transactions, set spending limits, and monitor expenses in real time.
What are the benefits of fuel cards?
They offer fuel discounts, simplify expense tracking, and provide spending controls for better cost management.
Can fuel cards be used at any gas station?
Some cards work nationwide, while others are limited to specific networks. Check coverage before choosing.
Do fuel cards have fees?
Some have no fees, while others may charge setup or monthly fees. Review the fee structure carefully.
How do fuel cards prevent misuse?
They use PINs, driver IDs, and purchase limits, with real-time transaction monitoring for security.
Conclusion
Fuel cards are a straightforward way for small businesses to manage and save on fuel expenses. They offer clear benefits like discounts, spending controls, and tracking tools, making it easier to keep costs under control. Cards like the Matrack Fuel Card and Visa Fleet Card offer good choices for businesses. They help companies keep better track of their fuel expenses.
Choosing the right fuel card comes down to your business needs, like where you fuel and how much you want to save. Some cards, like the Shell Small Business Card, are great for businesses that stick to certain brands. Other cards, like the WEX Flex Card, provide more flexibility. By focusing on what matters most—cost savings, controls, and ease of use—you can pick the best card for your business.