A Detailed Guide about Fleet Mаnаgеmеnt Fuеl Cardѕ
Fuel cards are essential for companies with large fleets of vehicles. Not only do they provide a convenient way to pay for fuel, but they also offer discounts and rewards that can save your business money.
However, with so many different fuel card options on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for your business. This guide will help you understand the different types of fuel cards available and how to choose the best one for your needs.
What Is a Fuel Card?
A fuel card is a type of credit card that can be used to purchase gasoline or diesel fuel at participating gas stations. Fuel cards typically offer discounts on fuel purchases, as well as other benefits such as rewards points, cash back, and more.
There are two main types of fuel cards: private-label fuel cards and co-branded fuel cards. Private-label fuel cards are issued by a specific gas station brand, such as Shell or Exxon. Co-branded fuel cards are issued by a credit card company in partnership with a gas station brand, such as the Chevron Visa® fuel card.
How Do Fuel Cards Work?
Fuel cards work just like a credit card. You can use your fuel card to purchase gasoline or diesel fuel at participating gas stations. Most fuel cards can also be used to purchase other items at gas stations, such as snacks, car washes, and more.
When you use your fuel card to purchase gasoline or diesel fuel, you will typically receive a discount on the price per gallon. For example, if the regular price of gas is $3.00 per gallon, you may receive a fuel discount of $0.10 per gallon when you use your fuel card.
In addition to discounts on fuel purchases, many fuel cards also offer rewards points, cash back, and other benefits. For example, the Chevron Visa fuel card offers 3% cash back on gas and diesel purchases, and the Shell Mastercard offers 5% cash back on gasoline purchases (up to $100 per month).
How to Choose a Fuel Card?
There are many different fuel cards available, so it’s important to choose the right one for your business. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a fuel card:
Do you have a preferred gas station brand?
If you have a preferred gas station brand, such as Shell or Chevron, you may want to choose a private-label fuel card that can only be used at that brand’s gas stations. This way, you’ll always receive the maximum discount on fuel purchases.
Do you want a co-branded fuel card?
Co-branded fuel cards offer more flexibility than private-label fuel cards because they can be used at any gas station that accepts the credit card brand. For example, the Chevron Visa fuel card can be used at any gas station that accepts Visa.
What type of benefits are you looking for?
Many fuel cards offer additional benefits such as rewards points, cash back, and more. Choose a fuel card that offers the benefits that are most valuable to your business.
How much does the fuel card cost?
Some fuel cards have an annual fee, while others do not. Be sure to compare the costs of different fuel cards before choosing one.
Do you need a business credit card?
If you’re using a personal credit card to pay for business expenses, you may want to consider getting a business credit card instead. Business credit cards offer many benefits such as rewards points, cash back, and more.
The Bottom Line
Fuel cards are a convenient way to pay for gasoline or diesel fuel, and they can also offer discounts and other benefits. When choosing a fuel card, be sure to consider your preferred gas station brand, the type of benefits you’re looking for, and the cost of the fuel card.
If you’re not sure which fuel card is right for your business, you can compare fuel cards side-by-side to find the best one for your needs.