Best Fuel Card for Small Business

Written by: Marion Hanson, Last updated:21st August 2024

Man stood in front of a van

Here at Fuel Card Services, we believe that small businesses should be able to enjoy and benefit from the savings and free account management perks that large fleet operators enjoy.

That is why we are pleased to offer all UK businesses competitive rates for diesel and petrol, accessed through thousands of filling stations across the country.

What is a fuel card for a small business?

A fuel card, also known as a fleet card, is a payment card used exclusively for fuel purchases and sometimes other vehicle-related expenses like maintenance and repairs. Issued by fuel companies or financial institutions, these cards are accepted at specific fuel stations or networks.

For small businesses, optimising cash flow and managing expenses efficiently are significant challenges, especially amid rising inflation, staffing shortages, and increasing fuel prices. Fuel Card Services aims to alleviate the burden of handling fuel costs by providing fleets access to pre-negotiated fuel rates at garages across the UK.

How does a company fuel card work?

First, the employer chooses the type of fuel card that best suits their business needs. After ordering the cards, they can assign each one to a driver in their fleet. Each driver can then use their assigned fuel card whenever they refuel for work.

Employers benefit from savings across their fleet and can control company accounts with an online management tool.

Types of fuel cards for small businesses

Our fuel cards provide businesses with convenience and control, helping to save money, simplify administration, and streamline payment processes. Depending on your needs, you can choose to use one fuel card or opt for a combination to gain wider accessibility to fuel stations.

Fixed weekly price cards

Every litre of fuel purchased with this card is charged at a fixed price throughout the week. This ensures competitive pricing, helps manage finances without fluctuations, and keeps you in control of overall fuel costs. These cards can be used at branded sites like Shell and BP, as well as supermarket forecourts.

Pump price cards

With this card, you pay the price displayed at the pump each time you buy fuel. This type of card offers transparency and is widely accepted for petrol and diesel across the UK. For the self-employed, this type of fuel card is convenient and simple to use.

 

Are fuel cards worth it for small businesses?

Fuel cards are hugely beneficial for businesses of all sizes, including small businesses. Not only do they offer an opportunity to save money on refuelling across the UK, but fuel card users can often benefit from additional savings and perks depending on the card they opt for.

When should I get a fuel card for business?

One of the best times to get a fuel card for new businesses is just after its launch. Whether drivers in your company make deliveries, travel to meetings or drive to and from events, fuel cards streamline the refuelling process, as well as provide you with means to easily keep track of business expenses.

 

Get access to fuel card benefits such as:

  • Save up to 5p per litre on national average pump prices

  • Save up to 10p when using our extensive motorway pump networks

  • A dedicated account manager

  • Card Protect

  • Interest-free credit

  • Online account management – MyFleetHub

  • MPG & CO2 emissions reporting

  • Online application

What are the main fuel card payment tariffs?

There are two main tariff options to be aware of pump prices and fixed prices.

Choosing a fuel card

There are a number of factors that need to be considered when deciding which fuel card is right for your business needs. These are:

Location

The most appropriate fuel card will depend on where you travel and which fuel stations are local to you, as this will save you from spending time finding an alternative place to refuel. If your business takes you all over the UK, then a multi-network card would be ideal as you’ll have thousands of fuel stations to choose from. Our handy site locator also helps you to plan routes, so you can check which sites accept your fuel card before you start your journey.

Price

The cost of fuel cards depends on factors such as fleet size and vehicle types. Some cards have an annual fee, while others are free to order. With Fuel Card Services, all information is transparent from the start, allowing you to maximise savings without hidden fees. 

Fleet requirements

The type and number of vehicles that self-employed people use can be extremely varied, so we must evaluate your needs on an individual level. If you regularly use HGVs then you’ll need a fuel card that can be used at stations with truck friendly facilities. We also have different fuel card options available for petrol vehicles.

Click here to read more about choosing the right fuel card for your fleet.

 

Telematics for small businesses

Alongside fuel cards, implementing proper telematics and vehicle tracking systems could be one of the most effective methods for fleet managers to minimise costs. The team at Fuel Card Services is one of the UK’s leading providers of innovative fleet services, which are renowned for improving driver safety and automating data capture to help make route planning and financial decision making substantially more scientific and efficient.

Our services include:

Tele-Gence

Our easy-to-use software is combined with trackers and cameras to provide you with a fully customisable telematics system which not only lowers costs, but also improves safety and reduces admin.

MileageCount

No more manual estimations using a mileage calculator, our impressive MileageCount service automatically records the number of miles each vehicle takes. This smart automated system is a great tool for reducing mileage claims and driver admin.

MyService.Expert

Keep your fleet running smoothly with cost-effective vehicle servicing, maintenance, and repairs. With pre-negotiated rates from thousands of garages nationwide, our pay-as-you-go service simplifies your fleet maintenance.

 

How to get a fuel card for a small business?

If you think becoming more efficient with your fleet’s technology stack, or reducing your fuel bills, could help your SME thrive in the current climate, get in touch with our experts to learn more about how Fuel Card Services can offer a tailored and bespoke service to your business that helps you get your fleet operation in gear.

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