Construction worker sat at computer

What’s the difference between a fuel card and a credit card?

If you’re thinking of applying for a fuel card, you may consider a fuel card vs credit card, and what would be most suitable for your business?

A fuel card is similar to a credit card in many ways. Both allow payment of fuel across different sites. However, when it comes to managing your fuel spend, fuel cards offer numerous benefits for your business; whether your fleet is big or small. 

Fuel card advantages includes cheaper fuel rates. Many fuel cards offer unrivalled access to sites with discounted fuel prices, so your drivers will save your business money every time they refill. With 24/7 reporting, you can keep a close eye on your fuel expenditure and MPG. Using fuel cards also heightens security with the reduced possibility of fuel fraud. 

Below, we have listed the key differences of the fuel card vs credit card debate:
Fuel cards Credit cards
Discounts and cheaper prices on fuel No access to cheaper fuel prices
Increased security and prevention of fuel card fraud with fuel cards linked to driver/vehicle No ability to link cards to specific vehicle or driver
Added security with employees restricted to purchase fuel and lubricant goods only  Employees can purchase anything on a credit card
Some cards offer points/rewards Some cards offer reward schemes
No need to retain receipts Must obtain all receipts for invoicing
HMRC compliant invoicing Invoicing with VAT is a lengthy process
Access to MPG reports to improve fuel efficiency  
Reduced administration time and cost  
Interest free credit options  
   

As you can see, there are many distinct advantages a fuel card can offer over a credit card. Compare our fuel cards and find out which card is most suited to your business. If you’re still unsure on how a fuel card can aid your business, our team of experts are on hand to help further explain the benefits. 

Someone stealing a credit card

Top tips for keeping your fuel card safe

Fraudulent fuel card transactions can be a setback for businesses, causing delays and wasting time. Being proactive about your account’s security can reduce the potential for fuel card fraud.

Keep your PIN secure

Writing your PIN on your fuel card or the original fuel card letter, or choosing an obvious PIN like the registration of one of your vehicles is a sure way to end up being the victim of fuel card fraud.

You should never store the card and PIN together. If a driver leaves your company, change the PIN to the card to be cautious. Keep the PIN somewhere safe and secure.

Try and provide each driver with their own fuel card, so PINs are not shared between drivers. Sharing cards can increase the risk of fraud and can make misuse harder to track.

Get insurance

Fuel Card Services can offer you Card Protect, our zero-liability insurance which is available for all of our fuel card products. Card Protect covers your business for losses of up to 25,000 litres on your fuel card account from the minute you notify us your card is stolen so you don’t pay the price for someone else’s wrongdoing and be a victim of fuel card fraud.

Act quickly

If you are registered to My Fleet Hub, you can quickly report a lost or stolen card and cancel immediately. Also, you can view all transaction reports and invoices on My Fleet Hub to keep track of how much is spent on your card(s).

You may also contact us or call your account manager directly to report cards missing and get a replacement card issued.

Track your cards and driver

Fraudulent fuel card use can be challenging to pinpoint whether it was a driver or a thief.

With our telematics tracking service, Tele-Gence, not only can you track where your drivers are, but you can also integrate your fuel cards into the platform. You can set up drivers on the platform and link a specific card, so you can immediately spot whether a driver has misused your card.

We strongly recommend this step as a critical way to reduce fuel fraud and increase control.

Be on your wits

It can be easy to let administrative tasks slip. By keeping on top of where your fuel cards are and frequently checking your invoices, you can help stop fuel card fraud altogether.

If you suspect any suspicious behaviour or find anomalies in your statements, cancel the card immediately and get in touch with your account manager to issue a new card.

Women passing a Keyfuels fuel card to a cashier.

Where Can I Use My Keyfuels Fuel Card?

Keyfuels fuel cards offer broad coverage across the UK to cater to your fleet requirements.

What is a Keyfuels fuel card?

A Keyfuels fuel card allows you to buy fuel using a settled account. It is entirely interest-free.

You can find participating stations using a Keyfuels site locator tool, where you can then refuel your fleet vehicle as usual before going to the kiosk to pay using your Keyfuels fuel card.

There is no need to keep paper receipts with this card, as all receipts and invoices will be available 24/7 online.

Keyfuels Card Where Accepted?

There is a wide range of Keyfuels locations across the UK, so your fleet is never too far from a petrol station.

Using our pump locator tool, you can enter your current address or postcode and filter for the ‘Diesel Direct’ fuel card. Then, you will be shown the petrol station closest to you.

Below, we have stated where you can use the Keyfuels card:

  • Accepted at over 3,150 sites across the UK, including all Morrisons and Tesco sites and a selection of BP, Shell, Texaco, and independent sites

 

Keyfuels Fuel Card Benefits

With the Keyfuels fuel card, you also receive these great additional benefits.

Keyfuels Service Rates

Keyfuels is one of the UK’s largest commercial fuel card networks, with a 70% motorway acceptance rate. This makes it an excellent choice for fleets that travel far on motorways. Another noteworthy benefit is saving up to 10p per litre on diesel at participating motorway sites and using the Keyfuels card for toll payments on the M6.

Once you reach these fuel stations, you can access high-quality BP, Shell, Texaco and Esso fuels.

Fuel Card Keyfuels Price

With fuel cards from Keyfuels, drivers pay a fixed weekly price for their fuel, allowing them to pay in advance without interest, only paying for the fuel they use.

A Keyfuels card is accepted at all Tesco sites, including Esso. Club points can be collected at selected stores.

Explore what prepaid fuel cards are now.

Keyfuels Fuel Card Security

One unique benefit to the Keyfuels card is that it is a secure means of payment, with the added protection of a PIN. Like other fuel cards, restrictions can be set on this card so users can only buy fuel, oil, lubricants, etc.

Fleet Type Suitability

This Keyfuels fuel card is well-suited to many fleets, including vans, LCVs and HGVs.

Overnight HGV parking, washing and high-speed fuel pumps at selected stations are also available using a fuel card from Keyfuels.

Keyfuels Fuel Card Reporting

A dedicated account manager can help you get the most out of your Keyfuels card. Your manager can also provide you with free, complete management reports that are available online 24/7.

Planning for fuel price changes is also made easy with free price notifications weekly by email.

View our fleet card account management services here.

 

Keyfuels Fuel Card for all Business Sizes

From being self-employed and running a small business with just one or two vehicles, to being a large corporation with multiple fleets, Keyfuels fuel cards offer solutions for businesses of every size.

Sole Trader Keyfuels Fuel Card

Monthly HMRC-compliant invoices with Keyfuels fuel cards are an excellent way for a sole trader to save time, paperwork and stress regarding fuel expenses.

Explore what the best fuel cards are for your small business today.

Small Business Keyfuels Fuel Card

Keyfuels fuel cards are an excellent choice for small businesses, as they cover 70% of motorway stations.

Fleets Keyfuels Fleet Fuel Card

These Keyfuels fuel cards are a great way for larger businesses to manage expenditures, as they can choose to receive detailed reports weekly.

Keyfuels Fuel Cards for HGVs

Keyfuels cards are also great for businesses that operate large, long-distance fleets, such as HGVs, coaches, and buses. These fleets receive reports noting strategically located truck stops along major UK routes, including HGV parking, wash, and rest facilities.

Find out more about Keyfuels fuel cards here.

 

Apply For Keyfuels Card

Click here for more information on the Keyfuels fuel card. If you are interested in this card, fill out this quick form, and a member of our expert team will contact you shortly.

FAQs

What Petrol Stations Can I Use a Keyfuels Card for?

You can use a Keyfuels card at many petrol stations in the UK, including sites from major brands and independent forecourts, including BP, Esso, Shell, Texaco, Morrisons, Tesco and many more.

Can you buy AdBlue on a Keyfuels Fuel Card?

Yes! In addition to petrol and diesel, a Keyfuels card can be used to buy fuel-related items, including lubricant, oil, and Adblue.

How Much Discount Do You Get With a Fuel Card?

Keyfuels fuel cards can save your business 2-10 pence per litre on fuel, but that can depend on the fuel price. In the long term, this can add up to significant savings.

Can I use a Fuel Card without the Card?

Generally, you need a physical Keyfuels fuel card to use it. However, using a mobile app, you can pay at selected fuel stations without a physical card.

Esso petrol station

Where can I use my Esso fuel card?

At Fuel Card Services, we offer the Esso Commercial fuel card. You can see where you can use your card below:

  • Access to the largest branded network of over 1,300 sites

The Esso Commercial fuel card also offers various additional benefits:

  • Its large network offers convenience as 70% of people live within a 2 mile radius of an Esso site
  • Save up to 10p per litre at participating motorway sites
  • Free fuel management reports available online 24/7
  • With Synergy diesel and unleaded, increase fuel economy by 1.8% compared to standard fuel
  • Avoid unauthorised purchases with cards restricted to fuel and lubricants only
  • All cards are PIN protected
  • Get the most out of your account with a dedicated account manager
  • Collect Nectar points at all Esso sites
  • No advance payment for fuel, only pay for the fuel you use
  • Receive free price notifications weekly by email in advance

We hope you can see the great benefits of the Esso Commercial fuel card.

Sign up to our pump locator to easily find your nearest site and save time. Also, you may find our pump locator on our Drivers Club app, as well as access big brand offers, premium services, and receive the latest driving trends and essential announcements.

Click here for more information on the Esso Commercial fuel card. If you are interested in the card, fill out this quick form, and a member of our expert team will be in touch shortly.

someone buying fuel with a UK fuel card

UK Fuel Card Locations

The location where you use your fuel card depends on the type of vehicle your fleet drivers drive and the whereabouts they drive. Some may have localised coverage, and others may have national coverage.

What Is A Fuel Card In The UK?

A fuel card is a payment card that allows users to purchase fuel and other vehicle-related expenses at participating service stations. Fuel cards are similar to credit cards but are only used to buy fuel.

Click here to see what else you can buy on a fuel card.

Fuel Card Audit To Determine UK Fuel Card Locations

Fuel card audits allow fleets to determine whether they have the correct coverage for their needs. This includes controlling where they can use their cards geographically, down to the different types of fuel stations where they can use them.

Fuel card audits are also helpful because they ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.

How To Use A UK Fuel Card At UK Fuel Card Locations

We offer the UK Fuels fuel card at Fuel Card Services. You can use it by following the steps below:

  1. Find a fuel station that accepts the card
  2. Fill up your vehicle
  3. Present your card to the cashier
  4. Enter your PIN or sign for the transaction
  5. The cashier may ask for your vehicle registration and mileage
  6. The transaction will be logged on your account and appear on your next invoice

Where Can I Use My UK Fuel Card

Below are some UK fuel card locations where you can use your UK fuel card using the steps above.

  • Access to a network of over 2,950 sites and accepted at a selection of BP, Shell, Esso, Texaco, and independents on the UK Fuels network
  • Accepted at all Morrisons, Tesco, and Co-op sites

Types Of Fuel Cards

We will shortly be discussing UK fuel card locations. This will allow you to choose your nearest suitable location and pick a location-based fuel card that works at this location.

Using My UK Fuel Card At The Supermarket Or City

If your fleet consists of cars or vans completing inner-city journeys, a supermarket fuel card might be the best option for your fleet. With these supermarket fuel cards, you can also collect supermarket points, a bonus.

For inner-city fuel stations that aren’t supermarkets, a fuel card that allows you to use independent fuel stations may be the best option.

Using My UK Fuel Card On The Motorway

Fleet drivers using motorways and A-roads may need a card with locations around these roads and services.

Choosing a UK fuel card that includes these roads will make refilling your fleet mid-journey easier.

For haulage fleets that rely on HGV sites, a fuel card with access to HGV fuel stations will be the optimal solution, particularly for time-saving. HGV sites are strategically placed on major trunk roads such as A-roads and motorways for ultimate convenience.

Do you still need some further information? Click here to see the best fuel card for your small business.

The Benefits Of A Fuel Card

  • Save up to 10p per litre on diesel at participating motorway sites
  • Competitive fixed weekly price on diesel available at 1,800 sites across the UK
  • Free fuel management reports are available online 24/7
  • Receive free price notifications via email in advance for the following week
  • Collect Tesco Clubcard points across all Tesco forecourts
  • Avoid unauthorised purchases with cards restricted to fuel and lubricants only
  • Access to high-quality fuels from Shell, Texaco, Esso, and BP
  • Interest-free credit is available

Fuel Card In The UK Pump locater

Sign up for our pump locator to save time and quickly find your nearest site. You may also find our pump locator on our Drivers Club app, access premium services and big brand offers, receive the latest driving trends, and receive essential announcements on our Drivers Club app.

Start Making The Most Of Your Fuel Card In The UK With Fuel Card Services

Click here for more information on the UK Fuels card.

If you are interested in the card, fill out this quick form and a member of our expert team will be in touch shortly.