Top 5 Fuel Card Providers in the US Compared
Wondering which fuel card provider is best for your business? We’ve got you covered! Wondering which
Top 5 Fuel Card Providers in the US Compared
Wondering which fuel card provider is best for your business? We’ve got you covered!
Whether you’re a self-employed driver or a fleet manager overseeing hundreds of heavy-duty trucks, one thing all vehicle-based businesses have in common is that they rely on fuel. Gas, diesel, electricity, whatever it is that powers your operations, doesn’t come cheap. So why not take advantage of fuel cards and slash your costs right away?
In this guide, we’ll explore what fuel cards are, their benefits, and cards from five of the U.S.’s top providers to help you find the best one to meet your needs. Whatever your situation, there’s a fuel card for you!
What Are Fuel Cards?
A fuel card is a specialized payment card designed for purchasing fuel and, in some cases, vehicle-related expenses such as tolls, maintenance, and roadside assistance. Where they differ from traditional payment methods, like credit or debit cards, is that they offer a range of practical features, including:
- Detailed expense tracking
- Spending limits
- Fuel discounts
- Real-time monitoring
- Advanced security
- The ability to pay for maintenance or roadside assistance
Once a fuel card is issued and activated, you and your drivers can use it at participating gas stations. These may be locked to a specific brand or be valid across a range of different companies. Each transaction is recorded by your fuel card provider, capturing details such as the amount spent, fuel type, location, and time, and sometimes requiring drivers to enter additional information like odometer readings.
These features collectively help you and your fleet to save money, improve efficiency, and maintain tighter control over your fuel expenses.
What Are the Benefits of Fuel Cards?
Fuel Discounts and Cost Savings
The most immediate benefit of using fuel cards is that you will gain access to fuel discounts at participating stations. This can help you save up to 10% on gas costs each month. Given the price of fuel these days, these savings can quickly add up, especially if you oversee a large fleet.
Reduced Administrative Expenses and Paperwork
By automating the fuel purchasing and reporting process, fuel cards eliminate the need for manual receipts and reimbursement forms. This streamlines your entire finance department, reducing their workload and minimizing the risk of any human errors that can send your accounts into meltdown.
Your drivers will also no longer have to keep track of all receipts for reimbursement, as everything is now digital.
Detailed Expense Management, Tracking, and Automated Invoicing
Fuel cards offer comprehensive tracking of every transaction, including date, time, location, and amount spent. Their automated invoicing features and detailed reports make it quicker and easier than ever before to monitor driver spending, identify any trends such as vehicle health, and effectively manage your budget.
Real-time Monitoring and Reporting of Fuel Expenses
Most fuel cards will come with real-time monitoring capabilities, allowing you or your fleet managers to see where and when gas is being purchased instantly. This can allow your team to identify any trends or problems with your fleet, including faster detection of any maintenance issues and more responsive management of fuel spending.
Enhanced Security (PIN Protection, Spending Limits, Fraud Prevention, Real-Time Alerts)
Like credit and debit cards, gas cards are kept safe with a unique PIN code. But unlike traditional payment methods, they have advanced features, including real-time alerts for suspicious activity. The ability to cap spending limits means that if your card ends up in the wrong hands, then thieves won’t do anywhere near as much damage to your budget as they could with a debit card.
Improved Budgeting and Analytics
Fuel cards house a wealth of business-critical data that can be easily accessed with just a few pushes of a button. This allows you to more accurately forecast fuel usage, monitor usage patterns, and adjust your budget and card spending limits accordingly. By analyzing these simple pieces of data, you can make informed decisions that optimize your operations.
Streamlined Accounting and Simplified Reconciliation
Fuel cards consolidate all fuel expenses into a single, itemized statement, making it much easier and faster for your accounting teams to reconcile transactions and prepare financial reports without sorting through individual receipts.
Tax Advantages (Simplified VAT Reclaim and IFTA Reporting)
If you operate within one of the states that are eligible for IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement), then you can simplify the reclaim process. Alongside VAT documentation, fuel cards have a simple IFTA reporting process that streamlines filing and can lead to additional savings.
Access to Fuel Advances and Improved Cash Flow
Some fuel card programs offer fuel advances, which allow you to access funds for fuel before payment is due. This helps to maintain a healthy cash flow and allows your drivers to be able to refuel without delay.
Mobile App and 24/7 Account Access for Route Planning
Many fuel card providers offer their own dedicated mobile apps and online portals. These allow you to manage your accounts, plan routes, and even find stations that offer the best prices in real-time.
Top 5 Fuel Card Providers Ranked: Our Verdict
Just before we jump into our verdict, we need to clear something up. This isn’t going to be a ranking of who is the best, more so a comparison, so you can get an overview of each provider, what they can do for your business.
Now that’s out of the way, let’s get going!
| Card Name | Fuel Savings | Fuel Network |
|---|---|---|
| WEX Fleet Card | Up to 15¢/gal | 95% of US gas stations (45,000+) |
| Comdata Fleet Card | Discounts on diesel | 8,000+ truck stops |
| Shell Card Business | Up to 5¢/gal | 12,000+ Shell stations |
| Circle K Pro Digital+ | 5¢/gal + 10¢ bonus offer | 6,000+ Circle K + 95% via Visa |
| ExxonMobil BusinessPro | Up to 6¢/gal | 12,000+ Exxon/Mobil + 800+ commercial |
1. WEX (Wright Express)
Streamline expenses, gain control over fleet spending, and simplify your business operations.
Starting the list, we have WEX. With over 40 years in the game and over 800,000 customers worldwide, WEX is one of the industry’s leading providers of fuel payment cards and fleet management services. They aim to help companies streamline expenses, gain control over fleet spending, and simplify their operations.
Why Choose WEX?
Wide Acceptance
When you choose WEX, you’ll be able to use their card at 95% of U.S. gas stations, which covers over 45,000 service locations across the U.S. This flexibility means your drivers will never struggle to find somewhere to refuel wherever they are in the country.
Flexible Options
Choose from a variety of fuel cards tailored to the needs of small businesses, large fleets, and specialized trucking operations.
24/7 Support
Dedicated customer service is available 24/7, so you get the support you need when you need it.
Roadside Services
Comprehensive roadside assistance is part of their service to keep your operations moving and minimize downtime.
Enhanced Security
Control spending limits by driver, location, time, and product type to help reduce fraud and unauthorized purchases.
2. Comdata
Advanced payment and fleet management solutions tailored to meet the needs of fleets of all shapes and sizes.
Headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee, Comdata has over 50 years of service to the trucking and fleet industries. As part of Corpay, Comdata focuses on powering the businesses that keep America moving. They do this with their advanced payment and fleet management solutions that are tailored to meet the needs of operations and fleets of all shapes and sizes.
Why Choose Comdata?
Extensive Industry Experience
With over five decades of serving the trucking and fleet industries, Comdata has a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by businesses on the road.
Large Fueling Network
Gain access to over 8,000 truck stop locations nationwide, including major brands like Love’s, Pilot/Flying J, and TA/Petro, so your drivers can fuel up wherever they are.
Dedicated Fleet Technology
Comdata provides its own fleet tracking and analytics software, enabling real-time reporting, transaction visibility, and advanced controls for better decision-making and cost management.
Flexible Solutions for All Fleets
Comdata has cards that are dedicated to all fleet sizes, including small (1-50) and large (50+). These solutions can scale alongside your business and its changing needs.
EV Support
For all of your EV needs, Comdata has its dedicated solutions that include integrated payment and management tools.
3. Shell Fleet Solutions
Innovative products and services to help businesses operate more effectively and sustainably.
When it comes to energy and mobile solutions, Shell is one of the biggest on the planet. With over a century of operating in the U.S., they are constantly delivering innovative products and services to help businesses operate more effectively and sustainably. No matter your fleet size or needs, Shell has something for you!
Why Choose Shell Fleet Solutions?
Automated Expense Management
Automated reporting eliminates the need for manual expense submissions, helping you streamline your expenses and making it easy to monitor and control your fleet’s spending.
Customizable Controls
Set limits on when, where, and how cards are used. This can include time of day, days of the week, fuel type, and volume. You can even restrict which stations drivers can use and set transaction limits to prevent further misuse and boost operational efficiency.
Real-Time Data & Reporting
Gain instant access to detailed purchase data, helping you identify trends, inefficiencies, and outliers in gas consumption. Catching a small mechanical problem early using this data can save you countless headaches in the long run.
Rebates & Savings
Earn rebates of up to 5¢ per gallon at Shell stations, with tiered savings based on monthly fueling volume.
Sustainability Support
Shell partners with fleets to help them increase efficiency and reduce emissions, supporting your sustainability goals.
4. Circle K Fuel Card
Choose from several card solutions and benefit from a range of wider business services.
We’ve all had a Circle K pizza slice at some point in our lives and instantly regretted it, no judgment here. But aside from being one of the most instantly recognizable convenience store brands in the world, they also offer a range of business solutions, including fuel cards. So why not combine fuel savings with regrettable snack choices the next time you’re on the road?
Why Choose Circle K?
Immediate Savings
Save at least 5¢ per gallon with every Circle K Pro gas card, with special enrollment offers of +10¢ per gallon savings.
Flexible Card Options
Choose from several card solutions, including cards exclusive to Circle K stations. Via their partnership with WEX, you can also use certain cards at 95% of U.S. fuel retailers.
No Hidden Fees
The Circle K Pro Fleet Card has no monthly or annual membership fees, making it great for those on a budget.
Effortless Management
Enjoy easy online account management, real-time driver spend overviews, and advanced fleet spend analytics to cut administrative costs.
Paperless and Simple
Say goodbye to paper receipts. Circle K Pro solutions offer digital management and instant savings at the pump.
5. ExxonMobil Fuel Cards
Enjoy access to a wide-ranging network of stations and a range of money-saving features.
Capping off today’s list, we have ExxonMobil, the largest publicly traded international oil and gas company in the world. Headquartered in Spring, Texas, Exxon’s cards are issued by WEX, meaning that you can benefit from their wide-ranging network of stations.
Why Choose ExxonMobil Fuel Cards?
Extensive Network
Accepted at more than 12,000 Exxon and Mobil stations nationwide, including over 800 commercial fueling locations—one of the largest branded networks in the country.
Gas Savings
Access commercial pricing and rebates of up to 6¢ per gallon, based on monthly fuel volume, to help lower operating costs.
Advanced Controls
Set spending limits by employee or card, restrict purchases by dollar amount, time of day, and more. Driver PIN authorization helps prevent misuse.
Automatic Expense Tracking
Enjoy easy online account management, real-time driver spend overviews, and advanced fleet spend analytics to cut administrative costs.
Flexible Acceptance
Extend your network to 95% of U.S. retail fueling locations for added flexibility (fees may apply).
How to Choose the Right Fuel Card Provider For Your Business
1. Fleet Size
Are you a self-employed taxi driver, or do you oversee an entire fleet of semis? Some providers will be better equipped than others to help you, depending on your fleet size. For example, providers that offer discounts for bulk fuel payments are useless for smaller operations but ideal for fleets with tens or hundreds of vehicles.
If you only drive part-time, then always look for the minimum spending requirements. If you fail to hit their threshold, then you will pay a financial penalty, which could end up costing you in the long run.
2. Typical Routes
Some fuel cards can only be used at certain stations. If you have found a provider that looks great on paper, but the stations you can use them at don’t appear on your typical routes, then they’re pointless because you won’t use them.
The more stations that your card is accepted at, the more flexibility you have when on the road. If your route is routine and fixed, then always make sure that the applicable stations align with your route.
3. Fuel Types
Diesel, gas, electricity. Whatever your fleet runs on, make sure that your provider covers this type of fuel. Some will be locked to specific fuel types, so they may not be suitable if you run a diverse fleet.
4. Customer Service
You might have the best provider on the market on paper, but if their support is garbage, then this means nothing. Always check reviews and complaints, especially for how they handle incorrect billing and lost cards. One or two negative reviews are always to be expected, but if you see the same thing mentioned time and time again, then take them very seriously.
5. EV Compatibility
If your fleet contains electric or hybrid vehicles, then EV charging points are essential to keep your operations moving forward. Confirm that your provider supports this, because if they don’t, your fleet isn’t going anywhere!
How Can I Get Fuel Cards for my Business?
With so many different fuel card providers out there, it can quickly become an overwhelming decision, but it doesn’t have to be. At Commercial Experts, we’ve made it our mission to help U.S. businesses like yours find the best fuel card provider for their business, and we’d love for you to be our next success story!
All you have to do is tap the button on this page and answer a few questions about your business. Then, based on your responses, you will receive a range of fuel card quotes tailored to your specific needs.
All quotes are 100% free and non-committal, so what are you waiting for? Compare fuel cards today.
FAQs
What is a fuel card, and how does it work?
A fuel card is a payment tool used to buy fuel and vehicle-related services. It tracks each transaction in real time, offering detailed reports, spending controls, and fuel discounts. Cards can be brand-specific or accepted across multiple fuel stations.
What are the benefits of using fuel cards?
Fuel cards offer cost savings through discounts, automated expense tracking, real-time monitoring, and enhanced security features. They also simplify accounting, support IFTA reporting, and provide budgeting tools that help businesses manage fleet expenses more efficiently.
Can fuel cards help with managing a large fleet?
Yes, fuel cards are ideal for managing large fleets. They allow you to monitor driver spending, enforce purchasing limits, automate invoicing, and access data analytics that improve decision-making and streamline financial management across your operation.
How do I choose the best fuel card for my business?
Consider your fleet size, routes, fuel type, and credit history. Look for providers with wide acceptance, transparent pricing, reliable support, and features like real-time alerts, EV compatibility, and route planning tools to match your specific business needs.
How can I get started with fuel cards?
Just tap the button on this page and answer a few quick questions about your business. You’ll receive personalized, no-strings-attached quotes from some of the U.S.’s leading fuel card providers, helping you compare options and find the right fit for your business in minutes!
