Best Fuel Cards for Small Businesses: Card Fees, Rebates and Network Coverage

When searching for the best fuel cards for small businesses, finding a solution to save your fleet the most money on gas expenses should be priority number one.

Most offer rebates between 2 to 8 cents per gallon and come in both prepaid and credit card formats, alongside other distinct features and requirements.

After thorough research, our expert team has chosen WEX FlexCard as the top choice due to its low fees, attractive rebate rates and extensive coverage at 95% of US fuel stations.

As it’s vital to get every investment decision correct as a small business owner, we’ve also detailed the benefits of four other fleet fuel cards, from providers like ExxonMobil and Shell, that may suit your business better.

Top Fuel Cards For Small Businesses

We’ve broken down our top picks for the best fuel cards for small businesses based on card feeds, savings and network coverage.

Prices correct as of July 2024

1. WEX FlexCard – Best Overall Fuel Card for Small Businesses

After comparing the top fleet fuel cards on the US market, the Wex FlexCard is our top choice for small businesses.

Offering no setup or card fees, coupled with up to 3¢ per gallon rebates during the first 180 days, it stood out as the leading, adaptable option for most small fleet operations.

Here’s a quick run-down of Wex’s Fleet FlexCard before we dive into the specifics of what makes it an appealing option.

What are the Benefits of WEX FlexCard?

The WEX FlexCard offers several advantages for small business owners, starting with no setup, annual, or monthly card fees. That applies so long as you pay your entire balance by the due date each month, as interest penalties and additional charges will apply if you don’t.

Users can receive rebates of up to 3¢ per gallon on fuel purchases during the first 180 days, too. Thereafter, rebates will be calculated based don’t the number of gallons purchased at WEX-accepting locations each month (provided the due balance is paid off).

Moreover, its wide acceptance at 95% of retail fuel locations offers greater flexibility compared to some competitors which can only be used at brand-specific gas stations, such as Shell and Exxon-Mobil’s cards on this page, or others that didn’t make the top five like Chevron and Texaco Business Card.

The FlexCard also supports vehicle maintenance at WEX’s 45,000 maintenance station locations, and payment of engine lubricants and cleaning fees, allowing businesses to consolidate various vehicle-related expenses onto one card.

And by using WEX ClearView, its data analytics tool, you gain detailed oversight of fuel expenses, purchasing trends, and custom spending limits per card, making it easier to manage budgets and control spending.

What are the Downsides to the WEX FlexCard?

Despite its numerous benefits, the WEX FlexCard has some drawbacks to consider.

Chief among them could be that you can get higher rebate rates elsewhere, provided you spend sufficient amounts on fuel each month. For instance, ExxonMobil’s BusinessPro Card offers rebates of up to 6¢ per gallon, albeit you’ll have far fewer stations to shop at.

Unlike Exxon Mobil and WEX’s own Fleet Card, the WEX FlexCard doesn’t offer loyalty points or extra discounts either. Additionally, the card cannot be used for parking and toll fees, which some rival cards, such as Edenred’s Essentials Visa card, do allow.

While not a drawback per se, you do need to be aware that there are potential fees, too. Chiefly, while you can carry your balance over to the next month, that forfeits that month’s rebate and additional fees may apply depending on how long it is carried.

Meanwhile, late payments ($39 or 2.5%, whichever is greater) and returned payments ($50) also incur a cost, as do international transactions where a currency conversion is required, resulting in a 1% fee being applied. For a full list of fees, contact WEX directly as others may apply.

2. Shell Small Business Card – Best For Lower Credit Scores

The Shell Small Business Card is a strong contender for small businesses, but particularly for those with a low credit score. We found it was easier to get approved than other options on this page.

With tiered rebates of up to 5¢ per gallon, coupled with flexible revolving credit and this easier qualification, it has some significant advantages – although, with fewer stations in particular parts of the US, it is better suited to businesses in certain states.

Here’s a brief look at the Shell Small Business Card’s highlights.

What are the Benefits of the Shell Small Business Card?

Providing tiered rebates averaging 3¢ per gallon, with potential savings of up to 6¢ per gallon depending on monthly fuel purchases, the Shell Small Business Card is an instantly attractive option in terms of cost savings.

In fact, for small businesses that regularly purchase over 5,000 gallons each month, its rebate rates are more cost-effective than the Wex FlexCard.

Like that card, it offers revolving credit, allowing you to carry a balance to the next month, making it flexible for managing cash flow.

This card is particularly beneficial for those with low or poor credit ratings, as it may be easier to qualify for compared to other cards.

We found it also has pretty robust security and monitoring features, such as the ability to cancel missing or stolen cards online and track card activity reports. Driver IDs mean you know who’s responsible for each purchase, too.

Unlike WEX, the Shell card does not limit the rebate period, ensuring ongoing savings. Additionally, it offers a 15% discount at Jiffy Lube, which can be convenient for those who already prefer this service provider for fleet maintenance.

What are the Downsides to the Shell Small Business Card?

A potential downside, depending on where in the country you are based, is that the Shell Small Business Card has a smaller acceptance network compared to WEX-branded cards, with almost 15,000 Shell stations.

As we detail in our Shell Fleet Cards review, there are station coverage gaps in some parts of the Midwest and Southwest. So while Shell has a more extensive network than the likes of Chevron and Texaco, it is a more restrictive option compared to the 95% acceptance rate of WEX cards across US retail fuel locations.

With the Shell Small Business Card, fees apply for carrying a balance, so it’s essential to fully understand these before committing.

3. Wex Fleet Card – Best for Network Coverage

For network coverage, WEX cannot be beaten. With 95% of the US covered, the WEX Fleet Card is a solid choice for use across the country, no matter where you and your small business fleet find yourselves.

Add in some exclusive discounts through the WEX EDGE Savings Network, not possible on WEX’s FlexCard, it has some unique perks to offer your business – if you can stomach the small monthly fees.

Here’s a quick overview of the WEX Fleet Card’s features.

What are the Benefits of the WEX Fleet Card?

Small businesses will find several financial and operational benefits of using the WEX Fleet Card.

It provides fuel rebates based on the amount of fuel purchased, which goes up to 3¢ per gallon if you purchase more than 5,000 gallons in one month. You’ll get that rate for as long as you use the card, unlike the WEX FlexCard.

Still, the rebate rate is 2¢ less per gallon than the Shell Small Business Card for the same amount of fuel, although the WEX Fleet Card can be used in far more locations: 95% of the US.

Additionally, users gain access to the WEX EDGE Savings Network, which offers exclusive discounts on auto parts at AutoZone, tires, and hotel stays.

The card can be used for various other fleet-related expenses too, including vehicle maintenance, lubricants, and cleaning, consolidating multiple costs onto one card. This consolidation can help identify areas where your small business needs to reduce costs and better balance your budget.

That’s possible to assess via the ClearView analytics platform built for WEX Fleet Card users to have a comprehensive oversight of fuel consumption and spending. You’ll be able to see metrics such as your miles per gallon rate and overall fuel expenditure.

What are the Downsides to the WEX Fleet Card?

Unfortunately, the WEX Fleet Card is not free to use; it includes monthly card fees of up to $4. There’s also a $2 charge for replacement cards should a driver lose one or you want another one, and a truck-stop fee of up to $3 per swipe.

Whether that’s worth paying will depend on how much fuel you are purchasing each month. You’ll be receiving 3¢ per gallon rebate rates for far longer than the WEX FlexCard’s six-month limit, though have this extra fee to consider.

Irrespective of this, the rebate rates are potentially lower than Shell’s Small Business Card and ExxonMobil’s BusinessPro Card. However, you do have far less choice of where you can purchase fuel with these options.

And unlike the WEX FlexCard, you cannot carry a monthly balance to the next month. That means you need to pay the balance at the end of each month or face

And while the card enhances security by requiring drivers to enter a PIN and current odometer reading for each purchase, this process can make it less convenient to use frequently.

4. Edenred Essentials – Best for Expense Management

The Edenred Essentials Card, backed by Visa, has the most comprehensive expense management tools of the fuel cards we’ve researched.

With its comprehensive benefits, including custom spending controls and the ability to use the card for parking and toll fees, it is a versatile solution for managing various fleet-related expenses.

Below are the essential details about Edenred’s Essentials Visa Fleet Card, followed by a more thorough look at what it does well and what it could improve on.

What are the Benefits of the Edenred Essentials Visa Fleet Gas Card?

Bringing a broad range of benefits to the table, the Edenred Essentials Fleet Gas Card is another attractive option for the right small businesses.

Backed by Visa, Edenred’s card can be used anywhere where card payment is possible. In other words, it has the largest network coverage of any option on this page.

It also offers users rebates ranging from 1¢ to 4¢ per gallon, based on your fuel usage and billing cycle.

Although these rebates are not as generous as those from the Shell Small Business Card, or even the two WEX cards if you spend too little on fuel, they become more beneficial with greater spend on fuel. See the exact rebate rates below:

Those rates might be worth it if you are particularly interested in vehicle expense management tools. We reckon Edenred offers the best features from the fuel cards we’ve researched, allowing you to pay for fuel, vehicle maintenance, engine lubricants, tolls, parking, and cleaning fees, offering a broader range of options than many competitors.

Additionally, the card has extensive reporting features, including color-coded data dashboards that provide a clear and comprehensive overview of your fuel expenses, accessible from both desktop and smartphone.

What are the Downsides to the Edenred Essentials Visa Fleet Gas Card?

Edenred Essentials Visa Fleet Gas Card does come with several fees. There is a $3 monthly fee per card, a $50 fee for late payments or returned checks, a $10 charge for paper invoices, and a 3% charge on foreign transactions.

And, as noted above, the rebate rates are less generous compared to the Shell Small Business card in particular.

5. ExxonMobil BusinessPro Card – Best Fuel Rebates

If high rebate rates are top of your agenda, the ExxonMobil BusinessPro Card is the best option we’ve found to get money back on fuel purchases.

You’ll need to pay a $2 monthly fee per card for the pleasure, but with rebates up to 6¢ per gallon, your business could benefit from greater cost savings than most other providers (depending on how much fuel you purchase each month).

Read our summary of what ExxonMobil’s BusinessPro Card offers before we jump into the exact rebate rates and much more.

What are the Benefits of the ExxonMobil BusinessPro Card?

With a competitive fee structure, featuring a $2 monthly fee per card and a one-time $40 fee for new customers, the ExxonMobil BusinessPro Card is a jot cheaper than the Edenred Essentials Visa Fleet Gas Card.

Rebate rates range from 1¢ to 6¢ per gallon depending on the volume of fuel purchased, often providing larger rebates than the Shell Small Business Card.

Additional perks include access to the ExxonMobil Rewards+ program, allowing staff to earn points for fuel purchases and in-store items, and 24/7 US-based customer care.

The card also supports tax-exempt billing for eligible businesses, which can be set up with the help of a qualified tax advisor.

Plus, you can view detailed fuel expenditure reports and track spending with app-based management. On its web and smartphone app, you can manage cards and employee data, make payments, and dive into fuel accounting and reporting.

What are the Downsides to the ExxonMobil BusinessPro Card?

The ExxonMobil BusinessPro Card has several downsides, including some hefty penalties. It charges a $75 late fee if the balance is not paid by the due date, along with other fees like reactivation, foreign currency, and truck stop fees for diesel pumps.

Unlike the other cards on this page, a major difference is that the BusinessPro Card is limited to fuel purchases only and cannot be used for any other fleet expenses such as tolls, vehicle maintenance, or parking.

By comparison, the Edenred Essentials Visa Gas Fleet Card allows much broader usage and this extra data can be viewed on interactive dashboards for all-in-one oversight of business spending.

And while the ExxonMobil Rewards+ program is a benefit, the scheme isn’t overly generous, with 100 points equal to $1. You could earn a 2¢ discount per dollar spent on in-store snacks and items.

Fuel Cards vs. Credit Cards

Fuel cards aren’t the only way for a small business to organize their fuel expenses. Credit cards are another option that some small business owners use. However, there are some key differences between the two payment options:

• Credit cards allow you to make purchases using credit issued by a bank. You repay the credit typically in monthly repayments. Interest is usually high. Some credit card issuers offer specific rewards depending on the type of purchase made. The key advantage of a credit card is that it can be used anytime and anywhere around the world.
• Fuel cards is a payment card that allows your drivers to purchase fuel from participating fuel stations. The key advantage of fuel cards over credit cards is that you can tightly control what your drivers are spending on fuel and when which will make your overall business more efficient.

Greater control and discounts through fuel rebates mean fuel cards are a better choice for a small business with a fleet of drivers. Credit cards may be better if you have only one driver or need to able to purchase anything on the road as fuel cards are limited to fuel or car maintenance-related purchases.

How Much Does a Fuel Card Cost For Small Fleets?

Fuel cards for small fleets can vary in price based on providers, with some requiring an annual fee and a card fee.

Usually, you can expect to pay between $2-$4 per card, per month plus a set-up fee of around $40. Additional charges can apply, such as late payment fees ($30-$90), interest on overdue payments, and returned payment fees (around $40-$50). Some fuel cards have an annual membership fee, under which you can have multiple drivers. Whereas some charge you per card or driver. It may be worth doing the calculations to see which sort of plan suits you best, depending on your fleet size.

Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. Some fuel cards have zero monthly fees, such as the WEX FlexCard, which allows you to collect savings without a monthly investment.

Can You Get A Fuel Card With a Low Credit Rating?

Fuel cards that act in the same way as credit cards and carry a monthly balance usually require a certain credit rating (at least 580- 680). If you have a lower credit rating or none at all, all is not lost. You may be approved for the Shell Small Business Card, which does consider those with lower ratings. A secured fuel card is also an option, these require a cash deposit that acts as a credit limit and are a great way to build credit via on-time payments.

You may also be able to get a fuel card via your bank or credit union, rather than a major fuel card issuer. They might be more likely to approve you. Another trick may be to sign up with a co-signer with a better credit score to boost your chances of acceptance. Alternatively, you can consider a prepaid fuel card to avoid the headache of credit ratings altogether.

How To Choose A Fuel Card for Your Small Business

Fuel cards are famous for being the saving grace for large trucking corporations; and now small companies can benefit from their rewarding rebates, too.

The best fuel card companies help you save money and give you better control over your business. The best fleet cards for small businesses also grant employees greater financial security, through rewards schemes and extra discounts on non-fuel items.

Below, we look at some of the benefits you can expect when you invest in a fuel card.

Discounts on Fuel

A fuel card rewards small businesses by offering discounts on the purchase of fuel, oil, and lubricate at certain stations. So, the more often you use your card, the more savings you gain. In addition, some cards offer rewards for every dollar spent or for every gallon of fuel purchased, allowing you to earn money back or even enjoy free fuel in the future. Check out our guide to the best fuel cards with discounts for more.

Less Risk of Fraud

Some businesses prefer to use a corporate card for buying fuel, or they want their drivers to use cash and then provide a receipt to be reimbursed. These methods mean unnecessary admin, and there’s always the risk that cash can be stolen on the road.

Fleet cards for small business are precise and leave less room for fraud or error. This will help save your business from theft and legal issues, and it will save you valuable time in the process.

Greater Control Over Spending

A driver may use a fuel station that costs more, while another driver may purchase a higher grade of gas than is necessary. These and various other reasons will see your expenses stack up, which will eat into your profits.

A fuel card for small businesses will allow you to set limitations on how much is spent, where it is spent, and at what times, so you can have a tight hold on where your money is going. In addition, regular reports on these transactions allow you to keep a close eye on what’s going on in your business.