The 5 Best Fleet Fuel Cards in 2024

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After thorough research by our team of experts, we’ve decided that the best fuel fleet card for 2024 is the WEX Fleet Card.

Not only does it give access to an incredible network of 107,000 gas stations that cover 95% of the country, it provides detailed oversight of your fleet operations and offers an extensive discount package.

What are the Best Fleet Fuel Cards?

These are the providers we recommend based on our research. Use our comparison tool to find the best service for your business

  1. WEX Fleet Card Best Overall Fleet Fuel Card
  2. Edenred Essentials Best Fleet Fuel Card for Extra Expenses
  3. Comdata Card – Best App for Fleet Drivers
  4. Shell Small Business Card Best Fuel Card for Small Fleets
  5. ExxonMobil BusinessPro Card – Best Fleet Fuel Card for Customizability

Experts predict that US fuel prices will continue to stay relatively stable in 2024, a continuation of the normalization of fuel prices that occurred throughout 2023. It’s still crucial, however, to manage your fuel expenses correctly, with estimates placing it as making up 25% of total fleet expenses.

And because every business operating a fleet will have different needs in managing fuel expenses, we’ve profiled four strong competitors that may suit your business better.

If you want to cut straight to the chase, go directly to our free comparison tool to receive obligation-free quotes based on your specific needs.

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Our 5 Top Picks for Fleet Fuel Cards in 2024

The top five fleet fuel cards are:

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ExxonMobil BusinessPro Card

Card Fees
Card Fees
Card Fees
Card Fees

None

Card Fees

$2 monthly per card (for extended coverage)

$40 set-up fee

Other fees apply

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

Average rebate of $0.025 per gallon, based on fuel consumption

Savings and Discounts

Between $0.08-$0.25 off per gallon, depending on station

Savings and Discounts

Average rebate of $0.03 per gallon, based on fuel consumption

Savings and Discounts

Average rebate of $0.06 per gallon, based on fuel consumption

Network

Accepted at 95% of US gas stations which is approximately 107,000 stations

Network

Accepted anywhere that accepts Visa

Network

15,000+

Network

13,000 stations

Network

12,000+ sites

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
  • Costco membership
  • Can be used for EV charging
  • App available in Spanish and English for bilingual fleets
Key Features
  • Discounts on tires and hotels
  • RFID tags for card-free fueling
  • App highlights stations with biggest savings
Key Features
  • 15% discount at Jiffy Lube
  • Station locator via WEX’s Driver Dash app
  • Electronic invoicing
  • 24/7 customer support
Key Features
  • ExxonMobil Rewards+ Points
  • Station locator feature
  • Contactless pay-at-pump
  • 24/7 customer support
Why Can You Trust Expert Market for Fuel Card Recommendations?

At Expert Market, we are dedicated to helping our readers make informed purchases to make their businesses thrive. Our publishing team is completely separate from our sales team, so our research-backed opinions are independent of financial persuasion.

We conduct an unbiased, user-led testing process to evaluate the best fuel cards on the market. Refer to our methodology section for a more detailed breakdown of how we arrived at our top five.

Truck driving along a road
Get your fleet out on the road with a fuel card that meets your needs.

WEX Fleet Card Best Overall Fleet Fuel Card

Discount per gallon: 3¢ plus access to the WEX EDGE Savings Network

WEX Fleet Card
Pricing Up to $4 per card monthly
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

Card can't be used for toll fees or parking

No food discounts for drivers

Pricing
Card feesRebate
Up to $4 per card, monthly 3c per gallon

Our top pick from our research, the WEX Fleet Card gives you control and visibility over your fleet, including spending controls, automated accounting, purchase alerts, and customized reporting. You’ll also benefit from the WEX EDGE Savings Network, which includes discounts on fuel, tires, services, and hotel rooms.

When it comes to security features WEX goes the extra mile.

  • Each driver is assigned a card with a unique ID, and a PIN code must be entered to use the card.
  • As a business owner, you’ll be able to set spending limits, restrict the type of fuel being purchased, and remotely block cards in the case of misuse.
  • WEX will alert you when it detects unusual activity on the card and, in the case of theft, you can be reimbursed if the card is used fraudulently.

This card is user-friendly, with a handy station locator and fuel comparison tool, allowing drivers to find the cheapest rates. It also has a pay-at-pump function so drivers can be on their way after filling up.

If you need support, WEX’s customer service is available 24/7 via phone and email. Depending on the size and complexity of your company, you can also make use of its personalized account management service.

It lacks oversight on carbon emissions data, which can be important if your business is sustainable. Unfortunately, this is a feature lacking in most fleet fuel card providers.

The card also can’t be used for toll fees or parking, which can be a nuisance for drivers who need to pay for these things. The Comdata Card, in comparison, allows you to pay for this.

How much does a WEX Fleet Card cost?

A WEX Fleet Card is a great choice for smaller businesses as the upfront costs are low. You can access fuel rebates for up to $4 per card, per month. There is no minimum spend, but the rebate will increase the more you fill up.

How big is WEX’s station network?

  • The WEX Fleet Card is almost universally accepted, with a network that covers 95% of the US.
  • There are over 160,000 stations and 45,000 service centers in WEX’s network, encompassing national and regional brands, such as 76, BP, Citgo, ExxonMobil, Gulf, Marathon/Speedway, and Sunoco.
  • Any WEX card – whether it carries the WEX name or a retailer’s brand – is valid at any member station. It is worth noting that not all benefits carry across stations within the network, so you may not be able to score rebates or other savings from all the stations where the card is accepted.

What other perks are there with a WEX Fleet Card?

By using this card, you gain access to the WEX EDGE Savings Network, which offers many features including data analytics and reporting, GPS tracking and discounts on hotel stays, tires and wireless solutions and accessories.

If you encounter any bumps in the road with your WEX Fleet Card, you’ll be happy to know that you can contact its Maine-based customer service via phone.


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Edenred Essentials Best Fleet Fuel Card for Extra Expenses

Discount per gallon: 1¢ – 4¢

Logo Edenred
Edenred Essentials
Pricing $3 per card monthly
Pros

Can be used for diesel, gasoline and EVs

No extra surcharges when purchasing fuel

Accepted anywhere that accepts Visa

High security

Detailed interactive dashboard showing fuel spend information

Rewards scheme

Can be used for non-fuel purchases

Cons

No fuel price comparison tool

No data on carbon emissions

No station locator

Not possible to pay at pump

Pricing
Card fees Rebate
$3 $0.0025 per gallon

Edenred Essentials is an excellent all-rounder. Similar to WEX’s Fleet Card, it has great security features but particularly outshines its competitors when it comes to managing the other expenses your fleet will incur, beyond just fuel. With this card, you can maintain an overview of all of your fleet-related costs on one account.

Edenred also offers nifty features that really make it shine.

  • Intuitive dashboards that show you essential stats, such as purchases by time of day, total fuel spend, and the total spend of your drivers.
  • Spending limit controls and on-hand expense management that allow you to control where money is being spent and when.
  • High level security features including alerts, driver ID, pin codes, and remote fraud protection.

How much does an Edenred Essentials card cost?

The Edenred Essentials card will set you back $3 per card, per month.

When it comes to rebates, here’s a quick breakdown based on how much fuel you purchase.

  • Your rebate starts at 1¢ per gallon and can reach a maximum of 4¢ per gallon – if your fuel consumption surpasses 30,000 gallons per month.
  • There is an additional rebate of 4¢ per gallon on all fuel purchases at Casey’s General Stores, of which there are 2,400 across the Midwest.
  • This card rewards larger fleets, but that won’t set back smaller fleets with high monthly costs.

Edenred Essentials also allows you to pay for toll fees, engine lubricants, maintenance, parking, and cleaning fees. This is really handy if you want to keep all of your fleet management expenses in one place – and to make the most of Edenred’s accounting features.

It doesn’t have a price comparison tool however, which can make it harder to get the best savings on fuel, unlike the WEX Fuel Card, which allows you to do this.

How big is Edenred’s station network?

As Edenred is accepted anywhere that takes Visa, its network is similarly as vast as WEX’s.

However, unlike its competitor, it does not feature a station locator tool, but since Visa has a wide acceptance rate, your drivers won’t find it difficult to find somewhere to fill up.

What other perks are there with an Edenred Essentials card?

The best fuel cards come with a range of perks and Edenred Essentials is no different.

Here’s a breakdown of each of the perks you can receive.

  • A free Costco membership, which usually costs $60 a year – perfect for your drivers who need a pick-me-up on their travels.
  • Both Spanish and English versions of the app and desktop platform, which is perfect for bi-lingual fleets.
  • EV charging coverage alongside gasoline and diesel, ensuring that Edenred can grow alongside fleets that are moving towards electric vehicles.
  • US based team, meaning whether you’re an existing cardholder or a prospective client, you can reach Edenred’s team via phone Its corporate office is based in Massachusetts, so it’s good to know you can speak to someone on home soil.
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Comdata Card Best App for Fleet Drivers

Discount per gallon: 8¢ – 25¢

Comdata Card
Pricing $8 monthly per card
Strengths

Comes with an excellent app, FleetAdvance, which helps truckers find cheap fuel

Gives you access to a variety of useful tools and apps

Get 65% off tires and retreads

Weaknesses

Higher fees than some competitors

No carbon emissions data

No pin code security feature

Pricing
Card FeesRebate
$8 per month $0.08 - $0.25 per gallon

How much does a Comdata Card cost?

The Comdata Card is the most expensive option on our list. Here’s a quick breakdown of the costs.

  • A one time setup fee of $50.
  • A monthly fee of $8 per card.
  • Rebates of 8¢ – 25¢ off per gallon, higher than its competitors.
  • Credit limit of $4000, depending on your credit rating.

However, keep in mind that its station network is relatively small and rebates only apply at TA Petro, Pilot Flying J, Love’s, AMBEST, Speedway, and 7-Eleven locations. Overall, you may not encounter as many opportunities to earn rebates.

If you are a smaller business looking for a cheaper option, the Shell Small Business Card might suit your needs better.

How big is Comdata’s station network?

At 8,000 stations, the Comdata Card does have the smallest network coverage of all of the reviewed cards on this list. That being said, it’s still decent coverage and better than many fuel cards that didn’t make the list, so your drivers shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a station with this card.

If your fleet travels far and wide, and coverage is a top priority, you can opt for the WEX Fleet Card or Edenred Essentials, which have the most extensive coverage among the providers on this list.

What other perks are there with a Comdata Card?

There are significant perks when signing up with Comdata. In addition to generous fuel rebates at selected filling stations, you can also access discounts on tires, hotel stays and parking with the Extra Mile Discount Program.

To save your drivers time, they can also benefit from the Comdata CAT Scale, which is an easy, automated way to locate and pay for CAT Scale transactions, allowing them to skip waiting in line and get on their way.

Comdata’s corporate HQ is in Tennessee, which means if you’re calling customer service, you’ll be able to speak to someone US-based.

Did You Know?

The global fuel card market is expected to acquire a valuation of approximately USD 772.09 Billion by the end of 2030.

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Shell Small Business Card Best Fuel Card for Small Fleets

Discount per gallon: 3¢

Shell Logo
Shell Small Business Card
Pricing Zero fees
Strengths

Can be used for both gasoline and diesel purchases

No card fees

No surcharges

Drivers can conveniently pay-at-pump

Weaknesses

No fuel price comparison feature to ensure you are getting the best price

No insight into fuel spend data

Card does not require a pin-code to be used

Cannot measure fuel efficiency

No loyalty program or notable perks

Pricing
Card feesRebate
Zero Up to 5c per gallon

How much does a Shell Small Business Card cost?

The Shell Business Card is designed for small businesses so it’s less expensive than other providers we’ve reviewed.

  • The card fee is zero and the card is free with no surcharges or minimum spend.
  • Rebates are volume based and are 3¢ off per gallon on average.

It’s a great option for those just starting out as you have nothing to lose and decent rebates to gain. However this card is not the most developed in terms of offering extra insight into fuel spend.When your operation upscales and becomes more complicated, you may benefit from more developed fleet expense reporting features, as demonstrated by Edenred Essentials.

How big is Shell’s station network?

Shell’s Small Business card can be used at 13,000 stations across the US. For a free card aimed at smaller fleets, this is still great coverage and by no means the smallest on the list.

If scope is what you’re looking for, consider the options from WEX and Edenred, which have wider coverage.

What other perks are there with a Shell Small Business Card?

Similarly, in terms of extra perks, this is a rather basic choice.

  • While you can get 15% off at Jiffy Lube, there are no other notable benefits beyond fuel rebates as this card cannot be used for non-fuel purchases. However, for a free card, we aren’t complaining.
  • What’s great is there is a station locator that drivers can use by downloading the Driver Dash App, a very important feature that even some paid cards do not offer (Edenred Essentials, here’s looking at you.)
  • Shell US is headquartered in Kentucky. If you encounter any troubles along the road with your fleet card, it’s helpful to know you can speak to someone US-based via customer service.

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ExxonMobil BusinessPro Card Best Fleet Fuel Card for Customizability

Discount per gallon: 6¢

ExxonMobil
ExxonMobil BusinessPro Card
Pricing $0-$2 per card monthly
Strengths

No membership or monthly fees if you only use Exxon and Mobil stations

Issued by WEX, which means you can use WEX's apps (including DriverDash and WEX Connect)

You can earn bigger rebates with Exxon Mobil Rewards+

Weaknesses

ExxonMobil gas stations are sparser on the West coast

Additional fees apply when you sign up to carry a balance or boost station coverage

No restriction on the type of fuel purchased

Pricing
Card feesRebate
$0-$2 per card monthly 6c per gallon

How big is ExxonMobil’s station network?

ExxonMobil is great for flexible options. With this card, you’ll be given two options.

  • Exxon and Mobil stations, which give you access to 12,000+ gas stations in the US.
  • Fuel Anywhere, which covers 95% of US stations (roughly 107,000 stations).

Keep in mind that Exxon stations are sparser on the West Coast so Fuel Anywhere may be a better option if you need larger coverage there.

How much does an ExxonMobil BusinessPro Card cost?

With the ‘Fuel Anywhere’ option, the ExxonMobil BusinessPro card costs $2 per card, per month and you’ll score volume-based fuel rebates as you fill up. The more you fill, the more you earn back but it’ll average at 4¢ per gallon. The good news is there is no minimum spend to achieve these savings.

If you opt solely for Exxon or Mobil stations, you’ll be able to access the same rebates and you’ll avoid paying card fees. So it’s up to you whether to opt for greater savings or a larger station network.

It’s important to note though that the card doesn’t restrict the type of fuel purchased which can leave you open to potential unauthorized use. Both Comdata and Edenred provide this service if needed.

What other perks are there with an ExxonMobil BusinessPro card?

With an ExxonMobil BusinessPro card, you’ll receive fuel rebates and also gain access to its loyalty program. ExxonMobil’s Rewards+ Points are collected every time you spend on fuel, convenience store items, and car washes.

For reference, each gallon of fuel you buy earns you back 3 points, and you’ll also earn 2 points for every dollar spent on non-fuel items. Once you hit 100 points, this is a dollar you can spend at the pump or in the convenience store.

Simply put, you can earn as you spend and rack up a pretty nice amount of savings.

WEX is the issuer of the ExxonMobil BusinessPro cards, so as with the WEX Fleet Card, you’d contact WEX in the case of support or sales enquiries. Luckily, this means that you can speak to someone US-based, as WEX’s headquarters are in Maine.

Fuel Card Buying Guide: Everything you need to know

In this section we will explain everything you need to know about fleet fuel cards, including how they work, the discounts on offer, what the overall impact on your business might be, and even if you even need a fuel card at all.

What is a Fleet Fuel Card?

A fleet fuel card is a plastic debit or credit card that you can use to pay for filling up, or fixing up, your business vehicles. Fuel cards are perfect for organizing and tracking fuel related expenses. Many fuel cards are linked to digital dashboards where payment amounts, times, and locations are recorded automatically.

Prepaid fuel cards are a little different, those can be used after you pre-load money onto them. Credit cards, on the other hand, allow you to carry a monthly balance, which can be beneficial for those with cash flow issues as you’ll see less of an immediate dent in your business finances.

Plus, using the same card for all your vehicle-related expenses allows you to gain a better overview of your outgoing expenses and with some cards, also means you’ll earn loyalty points or extra discounts

How do Fleet Fuel Cards work?

Business owners or fleet operation managers give their drivers fleet fuel cards to allow them to purchase fuel and other vehicle maintenance services on the road. Crucially, they can control the spend on each card and track exactly what each driver is doing while out on the road.

This is important for two reasons:

  • It gives you oversight of every transaction and allows you to plan your fuel expenses efficiently, saving money in the process.
  • It protects you from fraud and unauthorized use by drivers, which can cause damage to your revenue and business reputation.

The majority of fleet fuel cards work like credit cards – your drivers use them throughout the month, and at the end of each month (or whatever billing period you’ve agreed on with your provider), you pay off the amount owed to your fuel card provider.

How Much Can Fuel Rebates Save You On Gas? 💸

As far as savings go, the Comdata Card offers discounts of 8¢ – 25¢ per gallon. This is far higher than most of its competitors, but it pays to remember that Comdata only offers this at around 8,000 sites across the country, so it won’t suit everyone. Otherwise, most fuel cards have a pretty uniform average saving offering between 2¢ – 4¢ per gallon.

We created a simple calculator to help visualize how much a fuel card can save you when purchasing gas. Just punch in your average gas consumption and rates and choose your provider to see the results. services. However, the rewards earned on gas may be lower than a specialized fuel card.

How to Find the Best Fleet Card With Discounts For My Business? 🔎

Not sure where to start? We’ve laid out the step-by-step process of finding your best-suited fleet card.

Credit check for eligibility:

First, check your credit score to see which cards you’ll qualify for. You can get a free copy of your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com, Equifax or TransUnion. If you have a poor credit score, you still have options. Some providers are less strict than others, and pre-paid cards require no credit check at all.

Consider the specific requirements of your company:

No two fuel cards are the same. Some are made with large fleets in mind, while others are geared towards smaller businesses. Look out for card fees and the savings you can make on gas through rebates or fixed tariff rates. You should also consider factors such as the gas station network, some cards have near-universal US coverage while some are more limited to a specific area.

Research your options:

Once you’ve understood what you are looking for in a fuel card, you can begin to search through the available options. There are a lot of choices out there, so this can be a time-consuming process. You can speed up this stage by using our free comparison tool. Just answer a few simple questions and we’ll match you with providers who suit your needs.

Check out extra perks:

While fuel cards can help you save on gas purchases, they can also offer extra perks that help drive extra savings. Some providers offer accounting features and insights into fuel consumption and miles per gallon. While some cards are valid for purchasing non-fuel-related products such as engine lubricants, tires, cleaning and parking fees or grant you access to savings on hotel stays, food and other extras.

Submit your application:

Applying for a fuel card is usually a straightforward process done online, over the phone or by mail. Following a successful application, you should receive your card within 7-10 business days.

Is It Worth Getting a Fleet Fuel Card?

It’s worth getting a fleet fuel card because of the savings you can make while filling up for not much investment on your part. In today’s economic climate, every cent counts, so it makes sense to take advantage of gas rebates, expense management features and extra discounts. These cards are often between $2-$4 per month, some are even free. So you have little to lose and a lot to gain.

While there are loads of cards on the market, we’ve done extensive research and market studies to find out the cost and savings associated with each provider.

You can generally expect savings of up to 15% when you switch to a dedicated fuel card. To understand just how much you can save with a fleet card, see the table below:

Cost Savings for a Small Fleet
Fleet size35 vehicles
Volume per fill16 gallons
Refueling stops2 per week
Fuel card saving per gallon2.5 cents
Weekly savings$17.43
Yearly savings$906.85

Note: The figures presented in this table are estimates. For an accurate quote, we recommend you compare free tailored quotes from leading fleet card suppliers.

Can A Fuel Card Help Build Your Credit Score?

If you’re wondering whether a fuel card can help you build a positive credit score, the answer can be yes. As long as you meet certain criteria:

  • The fuel card must report to one of the three major consumer credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
  • You must pay your balance in full by the due date as per your contract with the card provider to demonstrate to lenders that you are reliable and trustworthy. Otherwise, this can have a detrimental effect on your credit score.
  • Pre-paid cards do not count towards your credit score as they do not work with credit, but rather pre-loaded funds.

What credit score do you need to get a fuel card?

Most fuel cards require a ‘Good’ to ‘Excellent’ credit score of a minimum of 690 to be approved. There are of course some exceptions as some providers are a little more relaxed with their requirements. If you have a lower score, you may want to consider a pre-paid card such as the Shell Refillable Card to avoid the hassle of credit scores entirely.

What’s the Difference Between Fuel Cards and Credit Cards?

A fuel card is like a credit card in a lot of ways. Here are a couple of their similarities:

  • They both allow you to pay with credit at the pump and can give you cash back for purchases your drivers make. Some also offer cash back on travel expenses, like car rentals, airlines, and hotels.
  • Fuel credit cards can also improve your credit rating, just like a regular credit card. So, if you pay your fleet’s balance on time every month, you can boost your eligibility for all kinds of small business loans. On the other hand, if you carry a balance beyond the repayment date, you’ll be hit with eye-watering APRs.
  • They look similar! Both will be plastic cards that can fit in a wallet.

All that said, some pretty big differences mean fuel cards are considered an alternative payment method to credit cards.

The main differences between fleet fuel cards and credit cards are:

  • Fuel cards have shorter payment terms
  • No rolling balance is cleared (or partially cleared) each month
  • Fuel isn’t paid at the point of sale – the bill is sent to your account to be paid at a later date
  • Controls can be set up to only allow the purchase of certain grades of fuel (e.g. petrol, petrol & gas, etc.)
  • Fuel spending limits can be applied using Smartchip technology
  • Liability for fraudulent purchases lies with the driver
  • Card terminals are separate from those for credit cards (bunkered cards only)
  • Some fleet card providers let you buy non-fuel products, including lubricants and Adblue

Should I Get a Fuel Card or a Credit Card?

If you have a fleet of vehicles, a fuel card is likely a better option than a credit card due to the enhanced security, control, and fuel savings.

Fuel cards are intended for purchasing fuel and maintenance services at gas stations and auto repair shops. On top of fuel discounts, they offer rewards on gas purchases and streamlined accounting for fleets. However, they can only be used for fuel and fleet-related purchases, nothing else.

On the other hand, credit cards can be used anywhere that accepts credit cards. You’ll earn rewards (cashback, points etc.) on all purchases including gas and maintenance services. However, the rewards earned on gas may be lower than a specialized fuel card.

Additionally, the added security that fuel cards offer, like ID verification and spending limits, as well as detailed analytics on fuel usage make them ideal for fleet managers looking to enhance their expense management.

How Expert Market Tests Fleet Fuel Cards

We tested 13 fleet fuel cards to evaluate them in terms of functionality, usability, accuracy, and aesthetics so we can make the most useful recommendations to US fleets in 2024.

Our rigorous testing process means these cards have been scored and rated in five main categories of investigation and 13 subcategories – this means 43 areas of investigation in total. We then gave each category score a ‘relevance weighting’ to ensure the product’s final score perfectly reflects the needs and requirements of Expert Market readers – and that’s our algorithm.

Our main testing categories for fleet fuel cards are:

Security: refers to the measures in place by the card provider to ensure the safety and protection of your information.

Customer Support: includes the assistance the card provider provides you with, such as phone support, email or chat support, documentation, knowledge bases, and online forums.

Expense Management: refers to the features of the fleet fuel card such as transaction tracking, expense reporting, receipt storage, integration with accounting systems and customizable expense categories.

Convenience: refers to the ease of use and accessibility of the fleet fuel card, including factors such as the acceptance network of gas stations, availability, price comparison tool, contactless payment at pumps and more.

Card Specific Information: refers to the details associated with the fleet fuel card itself, such as card fees, accepted fuel type, card type, fee structure and network coverage and its potential to pay for items and services other than gas.

The Expert Market Product Testing Process

Verdict

Our research has found that the WEX Fleet Card is the best overall fleet fuel card. This card can be used at 95% of US gas stations and it includes useful apps for drivers, such as DriverDash mobile payments which maximize convenience.

WEX’s fuel rebates are fairly low, so if your business uses a large amount of fuel, a better option could be the ExxonMobil BusinessPro Card as it offers large rebates for higher fuel usage. Alternatively, the Comdata Card can be a great option for the highest fuel rebates, but you will only have access to a smaller network of stations.

If you want to compare other fleet card providers, you can use our free comparison tool. Just give us a few details about your business and we’ll do the rest. You’ll then be contacted by trusted providers with obligation-free quotes.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a fuel card?
Strictly speaking, no fleet absolutely needs to have fuel cards. They are not legally mandatory. Fleet vehicles can still purchase fuel using traditional cash or card payment methods. However, fuel cards provide enormous administrative, cost-saving, efficiency, and data benefits that make them extremely advisable for almost all fleets.

While fleets can technically function without fuel cards, failing to use them comes with many downsides:

  • Losing out on thousands or tens of thousands of dollars per year in potential fuel cost discounts and rebates
  • The inability to properly track, allocate, or optimize fuel spending across drivers and vehicles
  • Significantly increased administrative and human resources workload associated with fuel management and accounting without automated fuel card data
  • Forfeiting of potential fraud prevention and unauthorized purchase controls for fleet vehicles

For these reasons, any well-managed and cost-focused fleet should strongly consider implementing a fuel card program to control expenses, gain visibility into fuel spend and efficiency, simplify fuel management, and capture available cost savings. Life without fuel cards introduces unnecessary headaches and inefficiencies.

Are fuel cards just for fuel purchases?
On top of fuel, many fuel card programs allow you to also purchase other fleet-related items or services with the card. This can include:
  • Vehicle maintenance
  • Parking fees
  • Toll fees
  • Cleaning costs
  • Tires and other parts

The advantage of charging various expenses related to your fleet to a single account is that it allows you to manage your budget more effectively and potentially earn more points if your provider offers such a scheme.

Which rewards can I get from using a fuel card?
The top reason fleets use fuel cards is to access savings on fuel in the form of fixed tariff rates or rebates. Rebates are often a couple of cents per gallon but vary by provider and by fuel consumption.

On top of fuel savings, there are often other rewards you can benefit from by using a fuel card program for your fleet-related expenses.

WEX gives you access to the WEX EDGE Savings Network which offers exclusive discounts to cardholders on things like hotel stays, auto parts and tires. Other providers have alternative rewards on offer, such as Edenred’s Costco membership, and Shell’s discount at Jiffy Lube.

Which fuel card is most widely accepted?
Of the fuel cards we researched, the cards with the widest range of acceptance are:
  • WEX Fleet Card – Accepted at 95% of US gas stations which is approximately 107,000 stations.
  • Edenred Essentials – Accepted anywhere that accepts Visa.
Which fuel card has the best rebates?
ExxonMobil BusinessPro Card has average rebates of 6¢ per gallon, though, with only 12,000 sites, you may be less likely to be able to receive those rebates when filling up. Likewise, the Comdata Card offers high rebates of 8-25¢ per gallon but is only accepted at 15,000 stations across the country and it has higher monthly fees of $8 per month, which will eat into those rebates.

Edenred Essentials and WEX Fleet Card offer lower rebates of 2-3¢ per gallon, but are accepted almost anywhere – this means you might have a higher chance of reaping those rewards.

Last but not least, the Shell Small Business card is a great option for those who want to avoid monthly fees but still earn 3¢ per gallon back when they fill up at one of Shell’s 13,000 stations.

As you can see, the question of, ‘which rebate is highest?’ is often a little complex as you need to weigh up the monthly fees and acceptance rate to determine which card is truly the best option for your needs.

 

Written by:
Duncan Lambden
Duncan (BA in English Textual Studies and Game Design) is one of Expert Market's local Software Experts. His articles focus on ecommerce platforms and business software that allows small businesses to improve their efficiency or reach, with an emphasis on invoice financing, project management, and customer relations.
Reviewed by:
Maïté Bouhali
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.