Best Fuel Cards for Owner-Operators

Fuel cards designed for owner-operators can be the difference between paying the pump price and pocketing real, repeatable savings.

In this guide, we tease apart the big contenders, from prepaid, fee-light options like TCS to Pilot Flying J-focused credit lines such as RTS Fleet One, to show you what options make the most sense, based on what brands you refuel at most often, or what services you require most (including truck stop perks, like showers).

Below, we compare each card in focused mini-reviews with clear pricing, networks, and strengths and weaknesses, so you can quickly decide which combination will deliver the lowest invoice price per gallon on your routes.

Best Fuel Cards For Owner-Operators: Quick Summary

After analyzing the best fuel card programs for owner-operators in 2025, we rated them on the factors that matter to solo truckers, including rebates and perks, coverage for truck stops, and fees. If you’re a fleet manager looking for fuel cards for trucking fleets, read that guide instead.

Click the arrows to compare each fuel card for owner-operators:

1. TCS Fuel Card: Best for TA/Petro and Independent Network Savings Without Monthly Fees

If you want a simple prepaid fuel card that trades credit checks and monthly charges for straight, at-the-pump discounts, TCS is hard to beat. It charges $0 activation, membership, monthly fees and $0 in-network fuel transaction fees, with real-time savings shown in the app/portal after you fuel.

Key features

• Network and acceptance: Discounts at 2,000+ in-network locations (e.g. TA, Petro, TA Express, AMBEST, 7FLEET, Casey’s, Kwik Trip/Kwik Star, Sapp Bros, Road Ranger), with 12,000+ total accepting locations in the US and Canada.
• Instant pump savings: No delayed rebates. Visible post-transaction in the app/portal.
• Funding options: Zelle (blynk), ACH credit, wire, Western Union, and third-party checks (Comchek/EFS/T-chek). No minimums or limits on funding.
• Extras: TA Truck Service tire/maintenance pricing and $0.50 per gallon off DEF at 7FLEET locations; $0 transaction fees on eligible non-fuel items when bundled with an in-network fuel purchase.

Pricing and rebates

TCS keeps costs predictable with $0 monthly, account or activation fees and $0 in-network fuel transaction fees. Better yet, discounts apply instantly at the pump at participating stops.

It reports an average of $0.47 per gallon in-network savings based on Q2 2025 transactions. But, of course, your actual cents-off varies by lane and station.

Out-of-network purchases are allowed but fees vary by site, so staying in-network matters.

What owner-operators should know?

• Plan stops in the Fuel Finder first to avoid out-of-network fees and to see live discount pricing/amenities along your route.
• Its prepaid model means quick approval (no credit check) but requires active cash-flow management and timely top-ups (Zelle/ACH, etc.).
• If you frequent TA/Petro/TA Express or 7FLEET/Kwik Trip corridors, TCS’s network density and fee structure tends to yield strong net prices.

Is the TCS Fuel Card right for you?

Choose this card if:

• You want no monthly fees and $0 in-network fuel transaction fees.
• Your lanes hit TA/Petro and independent corridors covered by TCS’s 2,000+ in-network sites.
• You’re fine with a prepaid card and verifying the pump price in the app/portal.

Consider other options if:

• You need a credit line/float rather than prepaid funding.
• Your routes are highly retail-heavy or off-network, where variable out-of-network fees could erode savings.
• You’re loyal to Pilot Flying J or Love’s and prefer a program aligned primarily to those chains (look at RTS for PFJ, Love’s Express for Love’s).

2. ES Advantage: Best for Bundled Owner-Operator Perks and Consistent Cost-Plus Savings

If you want a discount program that pairs solid, lane-by-lane diesel savings with daily driver perks (free showers/drink refills) and tire/shop discounts, ES Advantage is compelling. The program markets $0.55 to $0.76 per gallon average diesel savings at 1,300+ fueling locations, plus “cash price” at 14,000+ truck stops in its broader network.

Key features

• Fuel network and pricing: Discounts at 1,300+ locations. “Cash price” at 14,000+ truck stops across the broader network.
• Perks: Free showers and refills daily via truck-stop loyalty. Tire/shop program and other vendor deals aimed at owner-operators.
• Tools: Mobile app with route-based price planning and account management.

Pricing and rebates

ES Advantage is self-funded (prepaid), so there’s no publicly listed flat monthly fee, and the program markets $0.55–$0.76 per gallon average diesel savings across 1,300+ discount locations, plus “cash-price” access at 14,000+ truck stops in its broader network. Actual cents-off vary by lane and stop.

Cardholders note possible per-swipe and funding fees (e.g. ACH or card load fees) on forums like Reddit, so your net price per gallon depends on:

1. Staying in-network.
2. How do you fund the card?
3. How often do you use the perks (showers, refills, tire/shop)?

You’ll need to confirm the current fee schedule with ES during signup.

What owner-operators should know?

• Plan your in-network stops in the app to hit the best cents-off and to decide when the “cash price” network makes sense on your lane.
• Budget for prepaid funding (no float) and possible swipe/funding fees. The daily shower and refill perk, plus tire and shop deals, can offset these if you use them.

Is ES Advantage right for you?

Choose this card if:

• You want strong average discounts with bundled driver perks (showers and refills, points) and tire and shop savings in one program.
• You’re comfortable pre-funding and optimizing routes with the app to maximize in-network pricing.

Consider other options if:

• You prefer $0 in-network transaction fees and a simple, no-monthly-fee structure (e.g. TCS) and can live mostly at TA/Petro.
• You’re PFJ-loyal and want a program centered on Pilot Flying J locations (e.g. RTS).

3. OOIDA Truckers Advantage (EFS): Best for OOIDA Members Who Want Simple, Nationwide Coverage With Set Discounts

Truckers Advantage makes a lot of sense for OOIDA members who want a straightforward discount program that works almost everywhere.

It offers $0 monthly card fees, everyday discounts at 8,000+ locations, and acceptance at 13,000+ fuel/maintenance sites. Plus, there’s a headline $0.14 per gallon off the cash pump price at TA/Petro, with cost-plus pricing at selected independents.

Key features

• Network and acceptance: Discounts at 8,000+ stops; ~99% acceptance across 13,000+ locations (US and Canada).
• Set chain deals: $0.14 per gallon off at TA/Petro. Cost-plus at partners like Sapp Bros., Quick Fuel, Speedway and Roady’s.
• Platform/tools: Runs on EFS with cash services (MoneyCodes, cash advances) and standard purchase controls.

Pricing and rebates

With Truckers Advantage, there are $0 monthly card fees, everyday discounts at 8,000+ locations, and acceptance at 13,000+ fuel/maintenance sites.

At TA/Petro, OOIDA lists a flat $0.14 per gallon off the cash pump price, while many independents offer cost-plus pricing. As usual, actual cents-off vary by lane and site, and OOIDA notes “low” in-/out-of-network fees, so your net price depends on where you fuel and your specific fee schedule.

What owner-operators should know?

• You must be an OOIDA member to apply, so bake membership costs into your overall savings math.
• If your lanes are TA/Petro-heavy, the $0.14 per gallon deal can be reliably competitive. On independent corridors, check cost-plus locations in the OOIDA list.
• Confirm fees (swipes, funding, out-of-network) at signup to model true net price per gallon on your routes.

Is OOIDA Truckers Advantage right for you?

Choose this card if:

• You are (or will become) an OOIDA member and want $0 monthly fees with broad acceptance.
• Your fueling skews to TA/Petro or named independents offering cost-plus pricing.

Consider other options if:

• You don’t want an association-tied program.
• You mostly fuel at Pilot Flying J or Love’s and prefer programs optimized for those chains (e.g. RTS or Love’s Express).

4. RTS Fuel Card: Best for Pilot Flying J Stops and a Weekly Credit Line

Run Pilot Flying J-heavy routes? RTS pairs point-of-sale discounts at PFJ with a broader partner network and a handy route-based fuel finder in the RTS Pro app.

There’s no annual fee and no contract, and (if approved) you can tap a weekly credit line (up to $3,200 per truck), which is useful if you’d rather not pre-fund every fill.

Key features

• Network and acceptance: 850+ PFJ locations with POS discounts. 3,500+ total participating centers shown in RTS Pro fuel finder.
• App and controls: Route-based price search, access to Pilot myRewards scheme, card-lock/fraud controls.
• Working capital: Weekly credit line (approval required). Optional Pilot and RTS factoring bundle for lower factoring rates and fuel savings in one relationship.

Pricing and rebates

RTS advertises no annual fee and no contract, with point of sale savings at 850+ PFJ locations and discounts available across a 3,500+ site network.

In its own guidance, RTS cites $0.25 per gallon average savings for its fuel program, though the exact cents-off varies by station and lane.

If approved, you can run on a weekly credit line (up to $3,200 per truck) instead of pre-funding. Net price depends on where you fuel and your specific fee schedule, so use the app to compare stops and ask your rep for a full fee sheet.

What owner-operators should know?

• If you’re PFJ-loyal (or PFJ is dense on your lanes), the POS model keeps savings simple at the pump. Plan stops in RTS Pro to chase the best price on your route.
• Prefer credit over prepaid? The weekly line (up to $3,200 per truck) can smooth cash flow versus pre-loading cards.
• Before committing, request the fee schedule (including swipes, funding, and any out-of-network terms) so you can accurately model a true invoice price per gallon on your lanes.

Is the RTS Fuel Card right for you?

Choose this card if:

• Your routes regularly hit Pilot Flying J, and you want point-of-sale discounts, plus a weekly credit line.
• You value a route-aware app and prefer to keep PFJ rewards and discounts in one place.

Consider other options if:

• You’re more TA/Petro-centric and want $0 in-network transaction fees with a prepaid, no-monthly structure (TCS).
• You want deep cost-plus lanes plus daily driver perks (showers and refills) (ES Advantage).
• You fuel broadly at independents and prefer an app-based alternative (e.g. Mudflap) for swing savings.

5. Truckstop Fuel Card: Best “No-Fees” Entry With Huge Acceptance and Simple Savings

If you want a card you can hand to a brand new owner-operator and say, “go save money now,” this might be it.

Truckstop’s fuel card (powered by AtoB) advertises $0 fees (no setup, transaction, software or maintenance), nationwide acceptance covering 99.9% of truck stops and average diesel discounts around $0.45 per gallon (with peaks “up to $2.00 per gallon” at select partners such as TA, Petro, TA Express, 7-Eleven, Speedway and RaceTrac).

You also get an in-app fuel map, tight spend controls and optional reporting to Experian to help build business credit.

Key features

• Acceptance and discounts: 99.9% truck stop coverage. Partner network includes TA, Petro, TA Express, 7-Eleven, Speedway, RaceTrac, and more, where the best discounts apply.
• Fuel map and controls: In-app station pricing and route-based planning, spend limits, card on/off, and fraud defenses.
• Credit options: Ability to build business credit via Experian reporting. Program can be used prepaid or with a credit line (subject to approval).

Pricing and rebates

Truckstop keeps things blunt: $0 monthly, $0 setup and no transaction or maintenance fees.

Discounts are instant at point-of-sale at partner locations, with marketing claims of $0.45 per gallon on average and up to $2.00 per gallon at select truck stops. Actual results depend on your lanes and which stations you hit. The card is accepted at 99.9% of truck stops and the AtoB-powered app helps steer drivers to the cheapest in-network options to lock in the bigger cents-off.

What owner-operators should know?

• Treat the app’s live price as the source of truth. The biggest wins show up at named partners and along specific corridors.
• If you’re coming from a TA/Petro-centric card (e.g. TCS), check the app’s invoice price per gallon (after any fees, here they’re advertised as $0) along your regular lanes for a clear comparison.
• New authority or thin credit? The Experian reporting angle can be a subtle, long-term benefit while you rack up discounted gallons.

Is the Truckstop Fuel Card right for you?

Choose this card if:

• You want zero-fee simplicity with very broad acceptance and an app that points to the cheapest partner stops.
• You’re building business credit and like the idea of Experian reporting alongside fuel discounts.

Consider other options if:

• Your routes live at TA/Petro, and you want a prepaid, fee-lite card tightly optimized for those chains (TCS).
• You’re deeply PFJ-loyal and want card economics centered on Pilot Flying J (RTS).
• You value perks (daily showers, refills, tire, shop deals, etc.) as part of the savings stack (ES Advantage).

6. Mudflap (App + Fuel Card): Best for Independents and Off-Brand Stops With Flexible Ways To Pay

If your lanes lean on regional chains and mom-and-pop stops, Mudflap is a powerhouse.

The free app delivers cost-plus discounts (often up to $1.00 per gallon) across a fast-growing network of 2,700+ partner truck stops, with instant pricing, IFTA-ready receipts and a slick route planner.

If you want a plastic card and controls, the Mudflap Fuel Card (Visa) lets you swipe anywhere Visa is accepted, too. That takes the in-network discounts when you’re at a Mudflap stop, and earns $0.02 per gallon back out-of-network, while advertising no monthly, annual, swipe, or out-of-network fees.

Key features

• Network and coverage: 2,700+ discount locations across the lower 48. Major partners include Speedway, TA Petro, AMBEST, Casey’s, Kwik Trip, Maverik and Road Ranger.
• App tools: Live map with route search, guaranteed discount window (24h), instant post-transaction pricing, and IFTA PDF receipts.
• Fuel Card specifics: Visa fleet card, powered by Highnote and issued by Celtic Bank. Swipe anywhere Visa is accepted. $0.02 per gallon back, out-of-network.
• Products covered: Regular diesel, reefer, DEF discounts at many partners (check stop details).

Pricing and rebates

Mudflap’s app is free with no fees on debit/ACH, and discounts apply instantly at partner stops. However, paying by credit card adds 1.9% to the transaction, so you’ll want to avoid using credit with Mudflap if possible. In-network pricing is cost-plus and can reach up to $1.00 per gallon off, depending on the location and market conditions.

With the Mudflap Fuel Card (Visa), Mudflap advertises no monthly, annual, swipe, program or out-of-network fees; you get Mudflap’s in-network discounts when available, and $0.02 per gallon back on out-of-network fills. Plus, there is the ability to swipe anywhere Visa is accepted. Your net price per gallon depends on where you fuel and which payment method you choose.

What owner-operators should know?

• If you live on credit card cashback, remember the 1.9% app fee on credit. You can avoid it by paying via debit/ACH, or use the Fuel Card instead.
• Like Truckstop, you’ll want to take the app’s live price as correct, since discounts are lane and stop-specific and won’t be the same everywhere.
• Fuel Card eligibility generally requires an LLC/corp (with EIN) and credit approval. The app itself works for individuals with a debit/credit card.
• Mudflap notes no monthly, annual, swipe, out-of-network fees on the Fuel Card. Still, it’s worth confirming your final terms at signup.

Is Mudflap right for you?

Choose this if:

• Your routes favor independent and regional stops and you want fast, instant app discounts without monthly fees.
• You want card-swipe convenience anywhere Visa is accepted, while still tapping in-network deals and $0.02 per gallon back elsewhere.

Consider other options if:

• You’re PFJ-loyal and want POS savings tightly centered on that network (RTS).
• You’re TA/Petro-heavy and prefer a prepaid, zero-monthly card with $0 in-network fuel transaction fees (TCS).
• You want bundled perks (free showers/refills) and tire and shop deals baked into the program (ES Advantage).

7. OTR Fuel Card: Best for Big, Lane-by-Lane Discounts With Prepaid or Credit Flexibility

For deep, cost-plus pricing and options for how you pay, OTR has appealing traits. Namely, it pairs average $0.50 per gallon savings (with highs up to $2.25 per gallon) with $0 in-network transaction fees at 2,500+ discount locations and acceptance at 8,000+ stations.

You can run it prepaid (fast funding) or tap fuel credit (weekly billing) if you qualify. Both are managed in the OTR mobile app with a route-aware Fuel Finder.

Key features

• Network and fees: $0 in-network transaction fees at 2,500+ locations. 8,000+ total acceptance nationwide (TA/Petro, RaceTrac, Circle K, 7-Eleven, and more).
• Fuel Finder app: Plan the cheapest stops on your route. Monitor live transactions and set card controls.
• Funding and credit: Instant funding on prepaid. Fuel credit expands “fuel now, pay later” to more carriers (weekly billing).
• Typical impact: OTR cites ~$600 per month, per truck, savings at the card’s average discount level.

Pricing and rebates

OTR has no monthly or annual fees on the card, $0 in-network transaction fees at 2,500+ discount sites, and average savings of around $0.50 per gallon (with up to $2.25 per gallon at select stations).

Discounts apply at the pump and show in the app. You can choose prepaid (with instant funding methods) or fuel credit (weekly billing). Your actual invoice price per gallon will hinge on which in-network stops you hit along your route.

What owner-operators should know?

• The Fuel Finder tells you where OTR’s largest cents-off are.
• If you want a float, ask about fuel credit approval, weekly cycle and any add-on fees before switching from prepaid.
• Running prepaid? The app supports quick, app-based funding, so you’re not waiting to load the card mid-route.

Is the OTR Fuel Card right for you?

Choose this card if:

• You want large, cost-plus discounts and the option to run prepaid or credit under one roof.
• You plan your fuel stops and will use the app’s route pricing to stay in-network.

Consider other options if:

• You’re PFJ-loyal and prefer a program centered on Pilot Flying J (RTS).
• You want $0 in-network fees with a TA/Petro-heavy lane and a pure prepaid model (TCS).
• Perks (free showers, refills, tire/shop bundles, etc.) matter more than two-way funding (ES Advantage).

Fuel Card Buying Guide for Owner-Operators

There’s plenty you need to be abreast of as an owner-operator. Let’s go through everything you need to know, starting with a quick checklist for those that want quick answers.

Owner-operator checklist for purchasing a fuel card

• Know your lanes: List your top 20–30 regular stops (TA/Petro versus Pilot Flying J versus Love’s versus independents). Your net savings live or die on network fit.
• Carry two-to-three options: One TA/Petro-leaning discount card, one PFJ/Love’s option, plus an app (Mudflap-style) for independents.
• Model the invoice price per gallon: Take the discounted pump price, plus or minus fees, and divide by gallons. Don’t compare “up to” marketing numbers.
• Prefer route-aware apps: If a program doesn’t show live or near-live station pricing in a lane-view, it’s guesswork.
• Lock down fees in writing: Monthly, per-swipe, in- and out-network, funding, late, replacement. If it “varies”, ask for the schedule before committing.
• Pilot it for 30 days: Track price versus your current card/app across the same lanes, then decide, assuming you aren’t locked into a long contract (though most of the options on this page are free, no-contract options anyway).

How fuel card savings actually work

There are two common pricing models with fuel cards in the US:

1. Point of sale (POS) cents-off at specific chains (e.g. TA/Petro or PFJ). You see the discount at the pump, and an invoice/app/card carrier confirms it later.
2. Cost-plus at participating stops (often independents/regionals). You pay rack/terminal cost and negotiated margin (plus and minus taxes/fees).

Rebates versus instant discounts: Many owner-operators prefer instant discounts (visible at time of purchase) over end-of-month rebates because cash flow and IFTA tracking are simpler.

Card types you’ll see

• Prepaid/cash-secured cards: You load funds (ACH/Zelle/wire/check). No credit check. Often $0 monthly and $0 in-network transaction fees.
• Credit-line cards: Helpful for cash flow. Weekly billing. Discounts often similar to the prepaid version, but with credit approval.
• App-based programs: Great coverage at independents. Watch payment method fees (e.g. a percent fee when paying by credit card).
• Universal fleet cards (Visa/Mastercard rails): Max acceptance, smaller per-gallon savings. Strong spend controls.

Fees and terms to pin down (and why they matter)

As alluded to throughout this page, there will be specific terms and conditions with your fuel card, including a fee schedule. Here are some areas to watch out for:

• Monthly/account/activation fees: Adds fixed overhead. Small at high gallons, painful at low miles.
• In-network transaction fees: Look for $0. If not, add it to your per-gallon math.
• Out-of-network transaction fees: Often where “surprise” costs live. Confirm exact cents per swipe.
• Funding fees: ACH, card loads, wires. Percent fees are the silent margin killer.
• Late/returned-payment: Protect your rate. Know grace periods and interest.
• Volume tiers/requirements: Some programs reduce benefits if you don’t hit chain-specific gallon thresholds.
• Card replacement/expedite: Minor, but it all counts in your model.

Our Methodology: How Did We Find the Best Fuel Cards for Owner-Operators?