Who Are Business Fuel Cards For? Could You Make Savings With A Fuel Card Account?

Written by: Marion Hanson, Last updated:4th March 2025

Colourful fuel pumps in holders

Fuel cards can be an excellent way for businesses and individuals to save time filling up their vehicles. However, we often get asked the question, “Is a fuel card right for me?”

The simple answer is that business fuel cards are for everyone. They’re a flexible way to save money on the cost of petrol and diesel, and they offer a hassle-free, quick and easy way to manage your fleet. A versatile mix of products on the market means there’s always an option to meet your needs.

Here, we examine some of the typical benefits of fuel cards for different groups and consider the questions each group should ask to determine which product is right for them.

Small business fuel card

There are many aspects to consider when considering the best fuel cards for business purposes. 

Fuel card costs

The first, and perhaps most obvious, is cost. Whether you have a single-vehicle fleet or dozens, saving up to 10p per litre on refuelling costs can dramatically impact your bottom line.

Discover these fuel cards that can help support your small business by clicking here

How fuel card prices are set

Another consideration for anyone considering the best fuel card for a small business is how prices are set. Some cards have a fixed price per litre for all transactions, while others have a set price for the pump. Knowing which will likely give you the best overall savings is crucial.

How expenses are handled

Finally, small businesses should consider their expenses. Consider your current admin cost when managing your expenses with a fuel card account. Choose a fuel card product that makes this process more straightforward.

two self-employed workers standing in front of a fleet van

Fuel card for self-employed professionals

Moving away from the corporate world, self-employed professionals can also enjoy the many benefits of fuel cards. Like small businesses, self-employed people need to get the most bang for their buck when handling their expenses.

Fuel card discounts

Even small savings can make a big difference. The discounts offered on a fuel card account can have a massive impact on profits. 

Easy management of expenses

There are also administrative benefits: fuel cards can go a long way in helping to take the hassle out of fuel expenses for this group.

Having all your fuel expenses stored in one place (via online invoices that are fully HMRC-approved) means there’s no need to reconcile receipts for VAT reclaim. As a result, the whole process of managing your expenses can be much more straightforward.

 

Fuel cards for individuals

While businesses are often associated with fuel card usage, many products also support individuals. Although it’s less common for individuals to use fuel cards, they offer some crucial benefits.

Fuel card pre-pay service

For example, the best fuel cards for individuals will offer a pre-paid service that allows you to top up your account at a fixed price and then draw fuel at a set cost. This means you don’t have to carry cash or other charge cards when you want to fill up. You can also potentially benefit from considerable savings.

Read our guide to have prepaid fuel cards explained further. 

 

Fuel cards for truckers

One of the most common groups using fuel cards is truckers. Lorry drivers spend a lot of time on the road and fill up their vehicles often, and having access to a fuel card makes this process much safer and easier.

Reduced risks 

A fuel card replaces the need for drivers to carry large amounts of cash or credit cards, which can present a risk in terms of being highly valuable and a target for thieves. Instead, having a fuel card with a PIN is a key safeguard that helps to reduce risk.

Journeys can be planned more efficiently 

Meanwhile, having access to a nationwide network of filling stations to refuel your vehicles helps ensure journeys can be planned more efficiently. You’ll know the best places to fill up are in advance. Therefore, the breadth of coverage the network provides should be a key question when choosing the right product

 

Fuel cards for taxi drivers

Taxi drivers, like truckers, spend a lot of time driving and cover considerable distances daily. This means they need to be sure they aren’t spending excessive fuel. As a result, a fuel card that offers excellent discounts should be a key consideration for this group.

Increased filling stations accepting fuel cards

Also, the volume of filling stations that now accept fuel cards in the UK means it is easier than ever for account holders to find a place to fill up. However, ensuring you have a card that works in the areas you travel most should be a top priority.

Fuel Card Services’ pump locator service 

Anyone who signs up with us can find the nearest fuel station by registering for our pump locator service through our free Drivers Club mobile app.Learn more about the benefits of a fuel card for taxi drivers.

black cab taxi driving on the road

Fuel cards for owner-operators

Like small businesses, owner-operators need to manage costs effectively. As a result, choosing a fuel card that delivers excellent savings and is accepted at a wide range of locations should be a high priority for this group.

Reduced administration and improved financial planning

The benefits of reduced administration, improved driver security, and more effective financial planning also apply. Adding vehicles or cards to your fuel card account is also easy. This can be crucial should you have plans to grow and expand your fleet.

 

Get the right business fuel card with Fuel Card Services

As we hope we’ve shown, many reasons exist to sign up for a fuel card account. They help to take the hassle out of managing your fleet fuel needs. 

Fleet cards are versatile products suitable for everyone, allowing you to benefit from key savings regardless of circumstances.

Get in touch with Fuel Card Services, and we can match your requirements to the most suitable fuel card products on the market – we have all the most prominent names available (BP, Esso, Shell and many more). 

Contact us today for further details on how to get started, or apply for a fuel card today to get started.

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