WEX Fleet Cards Review: Are They Right for Your Fleet?

Wex logo
Julia Watts author headshot photo
Maïté Bouhali

Our site is reader-supported – by clicking our links, we can match you with a potential supplier, and we may earn a small commission for this referral.

WEX is a fleet card provider, offering four branded cards. Its customer service team is US-based and WEX has tons of US site coverage, making it a great choice for US-based businesses.

We know how important it is for customers to find a fleet card provider that is affordable, provides fuel savings, and has a wide station coverage. That's why we've done a deep dive into WEX's fees, coverage, and pros and cons.

With 10 years of experience in the world of fleet cards, we’re uniquely placed to put WEX under the microscope and examine why it shines, and what it lacks. Read on for our expert advice on WEX’s different fleet cards, and whether or not they’re right for you.

Quick facts:

  • WEX launched in 1983 as something of a pioneer, with a goal to make fuel spend easier for businesses to manage
  • Also referred to as WEX Inc., WEX is short for Wright Express – the business’ original name
  • WEX now supplies fleet cards to upwards of 400,000 US businesses

Wex's fleet card: Fees and Discounts

Swipe right to see more
0 out of 0

WEX

Available Cards
  • WEX Fleet Card
  • WEX FlexCard
  • WEX Large Fleet Card
  • WEX Fleet Cross Roads Card
Pros
  • Driver ID authorisation
  • Can allow (or limit) spending on fuel accessories
  • Huge US site coverage
  • US-based customer service
  • Discounts
Cons
  • Low fuel saving

WEX's pricing isn't readily available to the public, which means you'll need to get a direct quote. This does mean that you'll be able to get tailored pricing depending on your business' needs.

We know that you’ll pay zero setup, annual, or card fees for WEX’s FlexCard, which is a pretty good offer. We also know that WEX charges either $75 or 6.99% of the outstanding balance (whichever is greater) for late payments.

To compare fleet card pricing, use our free quote comparison tool. Just give us a few details about your business and we'll do the rest. You'll then receive obligation-free quotes from trusted suppliers.

The Pros and Cons of WEX

Pro: US-based customer service

WEX's customer service team is US-based, which means that your drivers can access support when they need it.

Pro: Large US-site coverage

If you have a large fleet, you'll likely need as much station coverage as possible to ensure your drivers aren't left without fuel. As WEX's fuel cards are accepted at 95% of US gas stations, a WEX fuel card will ensure your vehicles are always fuelled up.

Pro: Cards can limit or allow spending on fuel accessories such as oils and parts

WEX's fleet cards can also be used for drivers to purchase fuel accessories, such as oils, parts, and merchandise. This way you can easily track expenses and limit spending on fuel accessories.

Con: Low fuel saving

WEX's fuel savings are lower than some other fuel providers, which can be limiting despite its expansive coverage and perks. If your drivers consume a large amount of fuel, 3 cents off per gallon isn't as high of a saving.

WEX's cards explained

Let’s take a look at how WEX’s fleet cards are similar. All four of the fleet card programs we compare below include:

Acceptance at 95% of the US’ fuel stations (that’s over 160,000 retailers) and 45,000 service centers across the country

24/7 access to WEX’s US-based customer support team, which says it answers 75% of calls within 20 seconds

Use of WEX ClearView, an analytics platform that reports on the specifics of your fleet’s transactions and spending behavior

The option to sign up to WEX Telematics, WEX’s fleet management software

Use of WEX’s apps:

  • DriverDash – drivers can use this to make mobile payments at the pump
  • FleetSmartHub – used to track spending, manage your fleet cards, make payments, check your credit, and more
  • WEX Connect – drivers can use to find nearby fuel stations and service centers; filtering them by price, fuel type, open hours, and other criteria

But how, exactly, do the WEX-branded fleet cards differ, and which should you choose? Let’s compare them:

Swipe right to see more
0 out of 0

WEX FlexCard

WEX Large Fleet Card

WEX Fleet Cross Roads Card

Card Fees
  • $2 per card, per month
  • Payment processing, account management and late fees
Card Fees

None

Card Fees

Unknown

Card Fees

Unknown

Savings and Discounts
  • $0.03 cents per gallon
  • Access to the WEX EDGE Savings Network
Savings and Discounts

Rebates of 3 cents per gallon

Savings and Discounts

None

Savings and Discounts

Access to the WEX EDGE Savings Network

Key Features
  • 24/7, US-based customer service
  • Discounts on vehicle accessories and hotel stays
  • Can be used for engine lubricants, vehicle maintenance and cleaning
Key Features
  • Large US-site coverage
  • US-based customer service
Key Features
  • Large US-site coverage
  • US-based customer service
Key Features
  • Large US-site coverage
  • US-based customer service
WEX Fleet Card
Quick overview

The WEX Fleet Card aims to give you easy visibility and control over your fleet, with advanced spending controls, automated accounting, purchase alerts, and customized reporting – and it can all be viewed online and on your smartphone.

This card program also grants you access to the WEX EDGE Savings Network, which means you’ll get the following exclusive discounts:

  • Fuel rebates at participating stations
  • Discounts on tires and 6% off additional parts and services at over 2,200 Bridgestone Retail Operations locations
  • Negotiated discount rates at over 18,000 hotels across the US
  • Discounts on Sprint Business wireless solutions and accessories
  • Deals on data analytics and reporting, GPS tracking, and other tools (though WEX doesn’t make it clear what platforms or software this applies to)
Strengths

Can be used for both gasoline and diesel

Accepted at the majority of US filling stations

Can be used for EV charging

Gas price comparison tool

Option to pay at pump

Weaknesses

No carbon emissions data

WEX Fleet FlexCard
WEX FlexCard
Quick overview

As you might expect from the name, flexibility is the FlexCard’s key selling point. When your cash flow is tight (every small business owner has been there), this program enables you to carry a monthly balance on your cards.

You’ll also earn back 3 cents of credit for every gallon of fuel your drivers use their FlexCard to buy, with the total applied in arrears to your account each month. This may not be the most generous rebate offer we’ve seen, but it’s certainly not the stingiest, either. However, if your top priority is to get a generous discount offer, we'd recommend looking at WEX Fleet Card.

With the FlexCard, you won’t have to pay any setup, annual, or card fees (as far as we can tell, this is the only WEX-branded card to make such a promise), making it a strong contender if you’re looking for a simple solution that’ll help you to save money.

WEX Large Fleet Card
Quick overview

The WEX Large Fleet Card brings with it almost all the benefits of the Fleet Card (discussed above), but it's simply aimed at larger businesses with bigger fuelling needs. Importantly, it does not grant you access to the WEX EDGE Savings Network, which is designed to help small businesses save crucial cash.

WEX captures data on every purchase made with these cards and, when coupled with WEX ClearView, can offer some helpful insights into your fleet’s fueling on one intuitive interface. We’d recommend that all businesses take advantage of these analytics, but especially larger fleets as they could stand to save a lot of money by simply reviewing and revising fueling habits (and possibly have more time and resources to dedicate to this process).

With these cards, you’ll also be able to control your drivers’ spending by:

  • Dollars per transaction, per day, or per week
  • The time of day
  • The day of the week
  • Number of transactions in a given period of time

Any transactions that fall outside the limits you set (for example, a transaction that costs too much, or takes place outside of the driver’s working hours) will be declined, which may well help you to rest easy. You can also choose to get email notifications that alert you when specific things happen, such as a purchase made out-of-state, or the wrong fuel grade being purchased.

The WEX Fleet Cross Roads Card
WEX Fleet Cross Roads Card
Quick overview

WEX’s Fleet Cross Roads Card program comes with all the benefits of the Fleet Card and Large Fleet Card, including advanced spending controls and analytics, plus access to the WEX EDGE Savings Network.

The key difference to understand is that, unlike its counterparts, the Cross Roads Card is also accepted at truck stops, including Pilot Flying J, Love’s, and TA, plus many other independent truck stops. So, if your drivers use truck stops regularly, this is the WEX card you should be considering.

Concerned about security?

All of the above WEX fuel cards authorize and track usage patterns using driver IDs, job numbers, and vehicle odometer readings.

They also offer activation and suspension tools to combat theft and fraud, and allow managers to set product and dollar limits on purchases so, if a fraudulent payment is made, it can’t exceed what you can afford.

WEX’s Other Fuel Cards

In addition to its four flagship fleet cards, WEX provides cards in partnership with a variety of major fuel and retail brands, such as 7-Eleven, Gulf, and Stripes. 

These partner-branded cards come with their own benefits. These vary by retailer and often include fuel rebates, discounts of 5-7 cents per gallon, and the ability to limit drivers’ purchases by dollar amount or purchase type.

Did You Know?

WEX fleet cards are accepted at 95% of all retail fuel locations, plus 45,000 maintenance locations.

Are Any of WEX’s Fleet Cards Right for My Business?

“I want consistent gas station coverage”

One of the first things to note about WEX’s fleet cards is that they offer excellent coverage as they can be used to buy fuel at 95% of US fuel stations (and WEX says that includes every major station). Here are some of the biggest names on WEX’s widespread partner network:

  • 7-Eleven
  • 76®
  • Chevron
  • CITGO
  • Conoco®
  • ExxonMobil
  • Marathon
  • Maverik
  • QuikTrip
  • Shell
  • Stripes
  • Wawa

This means that, no matter where you’re based, your drivers should always be within a reasonable driving distance to a partner gas station.

The fact that WEX offers this coverage on its card programs aimed at small fleets is a real boon for SMBs. Many of the popular fleet card programs in the US are provided by gas station chains, which tend to limit cards aimed at small businesses to their own branded stations. But WEX is a payment services provider, not gas and would have no vested interest in limiting users to just one of the many gas station brands it has partnered with.

“I run a small fleet”

If you’re sold on getting a WEX-branded fuel card, you have the Fleet Card and FlexCard to choose from.

Affording you advanced control and analytics, as well as a variety of discounts on the EDGE Savings Network, the Fleet Card is our favorite. If some (or all) of your vehicles are trucks, and your drivers tend to make use of truck stops, you may as well upgrade to the Fleet Cross Roads Card, which comes with the same benefits but it can also be used at a variety of truck stops.

However, if you’re eager to save money, the simpler FlexCard is also a solid option. There are zero annual fees, no setup charge, or card fees to pay. Another plus is the ability to carry a balance to ease your cash flow. It is worth noting that rebates larger than 3 cents can be found with other providers, so if rebates are the key USP for you, you shouldn’t end your search here.

Did you know that you can use our free comparison tool to find a fleet card provider that's been matched to your business? Give us a few brief details and we'll do the rest. You'll then be contacted by trusted suppliers with an obligation-free quote.

“I run a large fleet”

WEX’s Large Fleet Card is a good choice if control and insight is your thing, with advanced spending analytics that can help you action changes to your drivers’ spending habits and, as a result, save some money.

The only downside here is that, as far as we can tell, this card program doesn’t grant you any discounts or rebates on fuel. While such savings may not be your number one priority anyway, they can be a nice bonus – there are other large business cards out there that do sweeten the pot with such rewards. 

“I run a fleet of trucks”

Depending on your fleet’s size, you could benefit from any of the WEX-branded fleet cards. If your drivers tend to use truck stops, it’s worth investigating the Fleet Cross Roads Card specifically. This card boasts all the benefits of the WEX Fleet Card, but can also be used to make purchases at a variety of truck stops across the country – from independent spots to chains like TA, Love’s, and Pilot Flying J.

How does WEX's fleet cards compare to its competitors? 

Swipe right to see more
0 out of 0

Shell Fleet Plus Card

Texaco Fleet Cards

Card Fees
  • $2 per card, per month
  • Payment processing, account management and late fees
Card Fees

None

Card Fees

None

Card Fees
  • Account fee up to $10 per account, per month
  • Late fee $75 or 5% of the new balance
  • High-risk account $75 or 9.99% of the new balance
Price

$2 per card, per month

Price

None

Price

$2 per card, per month

Price

$10 per month (free each month you buy over 5,000 gallons of fuel)

Average Discount

3 cents

Average Discount

6 cents

Average Discount

up to 8 cents

Average Discount
Key Features
  • 24/7, US-based customer service
  • Discounts on vehicle accessories and hotel stays
  • Can be used for engine lubricants, vehicle maintenance and cleaning
Key Features
  • Customer service 24/7/365
  • Extensive US coverage
Key Features
  • Large rebates for big fuel consumers
  • 5,000 Valero stations
  • Accepted at 95% of US gas stations and 45,000+ service stations
Key Features
  • Set card controls and use limits by day, week, or month
  • Secure 24/7 access
  • Immediate deactivation
  • Earn rebates at BP or Amoco stations

 

Price

While WEX doesn't have annual, setup, or card fees, it does charge fees for late payment, payment processing, and account fees. It does offer a discount of 3 cents per gallon, but this is one of the lowest in our research. Other providers, such as BP, offer up to 7 cents per litre.

WEX's fuel savings are fairly low, which isn't very suitable for larger fleets as other providers, such as Texaco, offer large rebates for higher fuel consumption. Texaco offers up to 8 cents per gallon if your business uses over 50,000 gallons of fuel per month. The less fuel used, the less rebate you will receive.

Overall, WEX isn't as cheap as the other major providers, but it still offers great perks with hotel discounts, large station coverage, and the ability to purchase fuel accessories on its fleet cards.

Station coverage

WEX's cards cover 95% of the gas stations in the US, which is a pretty hefty amount. Shell and Texaco also provide this much station coverage, giving you access to over 45,000 stations. It's worth noting that BP, another top provider, gives you limited coverage to just over 6,800 stations – and its cards can only be used in supermarket forecourts, making it less suitable for larger fleets.

Our independent researcher compared six different fleet card providers to find the best on the market. Our researcher then used a number of criteria, such as card fees, discounts, and station coverage, to provide an in-depth analysis of each of these fleet card providers.

What Do WEX’s Customers Say?

There aren’t a great many user reviews online that specifically cover WEX’s fleet card service. However, from what we have read and heard, we know that users like WEX’s customer service and flexibility.

We have, however, come across a handful of mixed reviews regarding the WEX Connect app. While some drivers love it, others report that it sometimes displays inaccurate pricing, tends to sort results by price instead of location, and can have inconsistent refresh rates for both maps and prices.

We’ve also seen some complaints from businesses that have been charged late fees that were heftier than expected – but we’re reassured to see that in each of these cases WEX has responded with a clear explanation. The best way to avoid surprises like these is to read the business account agreement you’ll be issued if you sign up for a WEX fleet card program. Make sure you understand the obligations on both sides, and ask about anything that seems unclear.

Our Methodology: How Did We Do Our Research?

Five researchers carried out in-depth research into US fleet cards according to a comparison framework designed by our research team leader. For each card we've asked these questions:

  • How convenient is it to use?
  • How helpful is it for managing fuel expenses?
  • What can it do to ensure your company's funds are secure?
  • What extra benefits do you receive from using it?

We've also broken down each card by fee structure, fuel type, network coverage and more to offer you the easiest choice.

Expert Verdict

WEX's large US-coverage, US-based customer service, and discounts at hotels for your drivers make it a solid choice for cross-country fleets. 

We will say that its fuel savings are fairly low, so if your fleets consumes a large amount of fuel, you might be better suited to BP, which offers a large rebate for higher consumption of fuel.

While fuel savings may be low, WEX still provides a solid service and offers quite a few handy perks, such as the ability to purchase fuel accessories on fleet cards; and driver ID authorisation, so you can track purchases and manage expenses accordingly.

We recommend WEX for large fleets that travel cross-country, despite BP's fuel savings being much higher, BP's doesn't cover nearly as many stations as WEX. So, WEX is still a better option if your fleets are travelling around the country.

It’s important to compare all of your suitable options before settling on one. Luckily, that’s our specialty. Simply tell us a little about your fleet and its fueling needs, and we’ll match you up with the best fleet card suppliers. They’ll then be in touch directly with obligation-free quotes that are tailored to you. It’s super fast and super easy.

Written by:
Julia Watts author headshot photo
Julia Watts Software Expert

Specialising in business software, Julia writes jargon-busting guides about VoIP, fleet management, dash cams, fuel cards, and more. Having spent almost a decade writing for entrepreneurs and reviewing business solutions, she loves helping exciting ventures – big or small – to flourish.

Reviewed by:
Maïté Bouhali
Maïté Bouhali Business Software Editor

Maite began her career with Expert Market nearly four years ago as a writer. She quickly developed a passion for the challenges faced by small businesses and now endeavours to help them make informed decisions for their future.

In her current position as Business Software Editor, Maite works closely with writers to ensure that each article is informative, well-researched, engaging, and actionable for readers. With extensive knowledge of CRM, vehicle tracking devices, and fuel cards, she is meticulous in her review of each article and provides detailed feedback before publication.

Whether you’re seeking to stay informed on the latest trends in business software or need guidance in selecting the most appropriate software for your organisation’s needs, Maite is here to help. With her sharp eye for detail and commitment to quality, she is dedicated to supporting businesses in achieving their goals.