How to Apply for a Gas Card

Applying for a gas card is much more straightforward than you might think. We’ve put together this handy guide for you so your gas card application can be as easy and stress-free as possible.

The best gas cards offer discounts on fuel at certain stations, provide rewards for using the card, and provide detailed reports on all spending locations and amounts, enabling you to save money and keep your finances organized.

How to Apply for a Gas Card

Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for a gas card:

1. Check your credit – your score will give you a good indication as to which cards you’re eligible for.
2. Check the savings of each provider – providers will often offer different savings depending on your usage. You can use this to see which card will save you more money depending on your needs.
3. Check the provider’s station coverage – do you have a small or local fleet? If so, one state coverage works fine but for larger fleets, you’ll need to look for interstate or even international fleets.
4. Check the provider’s fees and savings – some providers will offer more or less fees and include savings on repairs, washes, or toll billing.
5. Apply! – once you’ve found the right provider, you’re ready to apply. You can do this typically do this online, via phone, or mail. In some cases, you can even apply directly inside a gas station. Our free comparison tool is an easy way to get matched up with trusted suppliers. With just a few details about your business, you’ll be contacted by providers with obligation-free quotes.

How to Choose the Right Gas Card: 5 Top Tips

Of course, before you apply, you’ll need to find the gas card program that suits your business best. Here are our top tips for finding the right card program:

1. Do Your Research

Most gas cards offer the same basic packages, but the rewards and incentives offered by each provider can vary. Before you apply for a gas card, you’ll need to determine the benefits you’re looking to gain from using it. These might include:

• Rebates for every gallon of fuel your drivers purchase, or every dollar they spend
• Discounts on products and services at particular stations
• Access to real-time reporting that lets you see where and when your drivers are spending cash, and on what
• The ability to set restrictions on spending or products that can be bought, so your drivers can’t make unauthorized purchases

You should also take a program’s coverage into account – in other words, the amount of stations your drivers can use their cards at, and where in the US they’re located. For example, if your fleet mainly operates in the Northeast of the country, you’ll want to discount any card programs that only have participating stations in the West.

2. Shop Around For Options

Rather than going for the first suitable card you find, it’s important to take your time and shop around. Stepping out of an agreement will be far more difficult than spending a little time on comparing your options.

Plus, by delving into what the industry is offering, you may discover needs you didn’t realize your business had, and change your opinion on the requirements for your card.

3. Get Recommendations

First-hand accounts are really valuable. By visiting blogs, checking out review sites, and consulting with others who use gas cards, you might discover which options have a pretty face but poor service, or which are lesser-known but offer a fantastic service. You could even try asking other local businesses if they use gas cards, and whether they would recommend their provider.

Our honest reviews of gas card providers are a great place to start! Be sure to check out our guide to the top fleet card services of 2023, our list of the best fuel cards for small businesses, and, if you run a fleet of trucks, our guide to the best fleet cards for truckers.

4. Make Compromises if Needed

If you’re struggling to find a card that suits all your needs exactly, take the time to decide which of your needs are more important than others. It may be that you need to choose a provider that offers excellent service in your priority element, but lacks in others.

For example – perhaps one card company has more participating locations in your fleet’s area, but fewer discounts on the price of fuel itself. Which is more important to you?

5. Get Multiple Quotes Before Choosing

Collating quotes is an important part of the comparison process – so you should take the time to get multiple quotes from multiple providers before setting your heart on just one.

The majority of card programs will come with either monthly or annual fees, while others come with both. Meanwhile, some card programs will require upfront admin fees, while others won’t. Some gas card programs are even free. The amount you’ll need to pay to integrate the gas card program into your business – and how you’ll be required to pay it – are important factors to consider.

Getting quotes to compare is something we can help you with. Simply tell us about your business and its fleet via the form at the top of this page, and you’ll receive tailored quotes from approved suppliers that can cater to your requirements. The process is fast, free and easy – give it a try!

Are You Eligible For a Gas Card?

Of course, you’ll need to be eligible for the cards you want in order to get them. Eligibility can differ depending on the provider you select, but overall, the requirements tend to stay the same.

Before you apply for a gas card, ask yourself whether you meet the following general requirements:

1. Are you over 18 years of age?
2. Do you have a business bank account and savings account?
3. Do you have a solid credit score?
4. Do you have a telephone number you can be contacted by?

If you opt for a prepaid fuel card instead, you won’t face as many requirements. Instead, these work similar to a debit card so you can’t go into debt.

When Might a Provider Be a Poor Fit with Your Business?

The Provider has Policies You Disagree With

Each provider will have their own policies restricting which locations you go to, how you use the card, and how much you can spend on each individual card. Some only allow you to use it as a prepaid fuel card, while others are exclusively pay-as-you-go.

Overall, these terms and agreements are usually very similar from company to company. You’ll need to read through them in depth to determine whether an option is appropriate for you.

You Lack the Right Credit

Since fuel cards are very similar to credit cards, of course, you’ll have to make sure you qualify with the right kind of credit.

But don’t panic if your credit history isn’t something to be proud of. You check out our guide to learn how to get a fuel card without a credit check.

In any case, though, all companies will process your card application faster if you have excellent credit.

What Happens Next?

After you apply, the card company will verify the information you submitted. If it’s accepted, you’ll be given your cards and your personalized PIN numbers within a few weeks, and you can share these out with your drivers.

Along with this, you’ll be issued all the necessary lists of emergency numbers, instructions on how to use the cards, registration, and a list of fueling stations at which your cards can be used.

Remember, at Expert Market we can help you find the right gas card provider for you. Simply answer the questions at the top of this page, and you’ll receive tailored quotes from the fleet card providers that can cater to your unique needs.