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

The best fuel cards for small businesses in 2024 offer rebates between 2 to 8 cents per gallon of gas and come in both prepaid and credit card formats.

Our research has led us to crown the WEX FlexCard as the best fuel card for small businesses in the US. Its low fees, attractive rebate rates, and wide acceptance at 95% of US fuel stations better all the competition.

Depending on your needs though, another fuel card may better suit your fleet. Read on for a comparison between four other fuel cards from providers such as ExxonMobil and Shell, detailing the benefits and drawbacks of each option.

Best Fuel Cards For Small Businesses

In the table below, we’ve broken down the best fuel cards for small businesses by card feeds, rebate savings, and network coverage. Scan for an overview comparison or scroll down for an in-depth look at what each fuel card could offer your small business.

Prices correct as of October 2024

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

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

Unlike Wex’s Fleet card and other alternatives like the Edenred Essentials fuel card, it offers no setup or card fees. Coupled with up to 3¢ per gallon rebates during the first 180 days, (higher initial guarantees than all other cards on this page) the Wex FlexCard 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 the WEX FlexCard?

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

• No fees
  • No setup, annual, or monthly card fees.
  • Interest penalties apply if the balance isn’t paid on time (see below).
• Fuel rebates
  • Up to 3¢ per gallon rebate on fuel purchases during the first 180 days.
  • After 180 days, rebates are based on the number of gallons purchased monthly at WEX-accepting locations (balance must be paid in full).
• Wide acceptance
  • Accepted at 95% of retail fuel locations.
  • Unlike brand-specific gas cards (e.g., Shell, Exxon-Mobil), you get more flexibility.
• Vehicle maintenance
  • Use at 45,000 WEX maintenance stations for vehicle maintenance, engine lubricants, and cleaning fees.
  • Consolidate vehicle-related expenses onto one card.
• WEX ClearView data tool
  • Gain detailed insights into fuel expenses and purchasing trends.
  • Set custom spending limits per card.
  • Both help manage budgets and control spending effectively.
• 24/7 customer support
  • Round the clock support for WEX fuel card customers when required.

What are the downsides to the WEX FlexCard?

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

• Lower rebate rates than some competitors
  • Higher rebate rates are available elsewhere, like ExxonMobil’s BusinessPro Card, which offers up to 6¢ per gallon (but with fewer station options).
• No loyalty points or extra discounts
  • Unlike ExxonMobil and WEX’s Fleet Card, the WEX FlexCard doesn’t provide loyalty points or additional discounts.
• Limited usage besides gas
  • The card can’t be used for parking and toll fees, unlike some competitors, like Edenred’s Essentials Visa card.
• Potential fees
  • Carrying a balance over to the next month forfeits your rebate and may result in extra fees depending on how long the balance is carried.
  • Late payment fees: $39 or 2.5% (whichever is greater).
  • Returned payment fee: $50.
  • International transaction fee: 1% on currency conversions.
  • For a full list of fees, contact WEX directly, as other fees 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, as it says it considers those with lower credit ratings, unlike Wex for instance.

With tiered rebates of up to 6¢ per gallon, the joint-highest alongside the ExxonMobil BusinessPro Universal Card, flexible revolving credit, and this easier qualification, it has some significant advantages – although, with fewer stations in particular parts of the US, it won’t be as easy to benefit from its rates if you are regularly traveling through certain states and wider regions.

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

What are the benefits of the Shell Small Business Card?

• Tiered rebates
  • Average rebate of 3¢ per gallon.
  • Potential savings of up to 6¢ per gallon depending on monthly fuel purchases.
  • As such, we would say it is better for high gas-volume small businesses purchasing over 5,000 gallons per month. In this case, the rebate rates will be more cost-effective than the WEX FlexCard.
• Revolving credit
  • Allows you to carry a balance to the next month, offering flexibility for managing cash flow.
• Easier qualification
  • Ideal for those with low or poor credit ratings, as it may be easier to qualify for than other cards. Credit approval time is reportedly instant and then you will receive the card within 7 to 10 days.
• Robust security and monitoring
  • Track card activity reports with Driver IDs to monitor who is responsible for each purchase.
  • Can easily cancel missing or stolen cards online.
• No rebate time limit
  • Unlike WEX, Shell doesn’t limit certain rebate rates to a certain time period, offering ongoing savings.
• Additional discounts
  • Enjoy a 15% discount at Jiffy Lube, perfect for businesses using this provider for fleet maintenance.

What are the downsides to the Shell Small Business Card?

• Fees for carrying a balance
  • Fees apply if you carry a balance, so be sure to understand these costs before committing.
• Smaller acceptance network
  • The Shell card is accepted at nearly 15,000 Shell stations, but this network is smaller compared to WEX-branded cards which have a 95% acceptance rate across US retail fuel locations (although it is larger than Chevron and Texaco’s coverage).
• Coverage gaps
  • There are not just fewer stations than WEX, but there are station coverage gaps in some areas of the US. Namely, Midwest and Southwest, as noted in our Shell Fleet Cards review.

3. Wex Fleet Card – Best WEX Card for Network Coverage

For network coverage, the WEX Fleet Card is WEX’s best option. With 95% of the US covered, it is a solid choice for use anywhere in the country, only matched by the ExxonMobil BusinessPro Universal Card and Edenred Essentials card.

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 that the FlexCard doesn’t require. Here’s a quick overview of the WEX Fleet Card’s features.

What are the benefits of the WEX Fleet Card?

• Fuel rebates
  • Up to 3¢ per gallon rebate when purchasing more than 5,000 gallons in a month.
  • This rebate rate is ongoing, unlike the WEX FlexCard which is limited to the first 180 days.
• Wider acceptance
  • Accepted at 95% of US fuel locations, which is more extensive than the Shell Small Business Card’s network.
• WEX EDGE Savings Network
  • Access to exclusive discounts on auto parts at AutoZone, tire stores, and hotel stays.
• Consolidation of fleet expenses
  • Use the card for various expenses like vehicle maintenance, lubricants, and cleaning.
  • Helps consolidate costs, making it easier to identify areas to reduce spending and balance your budget.
• ClearView analytics platform
  • Get comprehensive insights into fuel consumption and spending.
  • Track metrics like miles per gallon and overall fuel expenditure.
• 24/7 customer support
  • Like the WEX Flex Card, WEX offers all-day customer support, every day of the week, for its fuel card customers.

What are the downsides to the WEX Fleet Card?

• Monthly card fees
  • The card is not free to use, with monthly fees up to $4.
  • Replacement card fee: $2 per card.
  • Truck-stop fee: Up to $3 per swipe.
• Rebate limitations
  • You’ll get its 3¢ per gallon rebate indefinitely, longer than the WEX FlexCard’s six-month limit. But that still may not offset the extra fees, depending on how much fuel your fleet purchases.
• Lower rebate rates compared to competitors
  • Those rebate rates are potentially lower (depending on purchase volume) than other providers too, such as the Shell Small Business Card and ExxonMobil BusinessPro Card (though those cards have more limited fuel station options).
• No balance carryover
  • Unlike the WEX FlexCard, you cannot carry a balance to the next month. The full balance must be paid at the end of each month to avoid penalties.
• Less convenient security measures
  • The card requires drivers to enter a PIN and odometer readings for each purchase, enhancing security but making it less convenient for frequent use.

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. The likes of the ExxonMobil BusinessPro Universal Card can’t provide as extensive or customizable reporting tools.

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 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.

• Widespread acceptance
  • Backed by Visa, this card can be used anywhere card payments are accepted, offering the largest network coverage compared to other options.
• Fuel rebates
• • Rebates range from 1¢ to 4¢ per gallon, depending on your fuel usage and billing cycle.
  • While these rebates are smaller compared to the Shell Small Business Card and WEX cards for low fuel spend, they become more valuable with higher fuel usage.

See the exact rebate rates below:

• Comprehensive vehicle expense management
  • Pay for fuel, vehicle maintenance, engine lubricants, tolls, parking, and cleaning fees. That’s more spending options than many competitors.
• Extensive reporting features
  • Access color-coded data dashboards for a clear, detailed overview of your fuel expenses.
  • Available on both desktop and smartphone, making it easy to manage on the go.

What are the downsides to the Edenred Essentials Card?

• More monthly (and other) fees
  • $3 monthly fee per card.
  • $50 fee for late payments or returned checks.
  • $10 charge for paper invoices.
  • 3% charge on foreign transactions.
• Lower rebate rates
• • The rebate rates are less generous compared to the Shell Small Business Card, especially for smaller fuel purchases.

5. ExxonMobil BusinessPro Universal Card – Best Fuel Rebates

If high rebate rates are top of your agenda, the ExxonMobil BusinessPro Universal 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). Certainly, it’s higher potential rates than you’ll ever get with the Edenred Essentials card or either WEX card, which are all limited to 4¢ and 3¢ per gallon respectively.

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 Universal Card?

• Competitive fee structure
  • $2 monthly fee per card.
  • One-time $40 fee for new customers.
  • Cheaper than the Edenred Essentials Visa Fleet Gas Card.
• Wide-acceptance network
  • 95% of US gas stations coverage on this paid plan.
• Fuel rebates
  • Rebates range from 1¢ to 6¢ per gallon, often higher than the Shell Small Business Card.
• ExxonMobil Rewards+ program
  • Earn points for fuel purchases and in-store items, providing extra value for your business.
• 24/7 US-based customer care
  • Around-the-clock support for any issues or questions.
• Tax-exempt billing
  • Eligible businesses can set up tax-exempt billing with assistance from a qualified tax advisor.
• App-based management
  • Manage cards, employee data and payments, plus track fuel expenses through the web and smartphone app for easy fuel accounting and reporting.

What are the downsides to the ExxonMobil BusinessPro Universal Card?

• Hefty penalties
  • $75 late fee if the balance isn’t paid by the due date.
  • Other fees include reactivation fees ($50 per occurrence), foreign currency fees (2% of value for conversion), and truck stop fees ($1.25 per swipe) for diesel pumps. See here for full details.
• Fuel-only usage
  • The card is limited to fuel purchases only and cannot be used for other expenses like tolls, vehicle maintenance, or parking.
• Limited compared to competitors
  • By comparison, the Edenred Essentials Visa Gas Fleet Card allows broader usage other than just fuel purchases and offers more comprehensive data tracking via interactive dashboards.
• Modest rewards program
  • While the ExxonMobil Rewards+ program is a perk, it’s not very generous. 100 points = $1, and you earn a 2¢ discount per dollar spent on in-store items like snacks.

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 fuel 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.

Fuel cards for small businesses 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.

How Much Does a Fuel Card Cost For Small Businesses?

Fuel cards for small businesses 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 business 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 We Rank Fuel Cards for Small Businesses