Best Fuel Cards for Truckers (2023)

What is a Fuel Card?

A fuel card is a payment card that allows truckers to purchase fuel at a discounted rate.

Fuel cards are usually accepted at gas stations and other retailers associated with the specific brand of the card, such as Shell or ARCO.

Fuel cards provide convenience for truckers who frequently have to fill up their vehicles on long-distance trips.

They also allow truckers to save money on fuel and other expenses associated with the trip. In addition, many cards offer fraud protection and discounts on merchandise, food, and services at select locations.

Fuel cards can be invaluable for truckers who want to get the most out of their trips.

They are a great way to save money and avoid fraud.

However, it is important to choose the right fuel card for your needs as not all cards offer the same features and benefits (why we made this list)!

Are Fuel Cards Worth It for Truckers?

Fuel cards are worth it for truckers!

They can help you save money on fuel and make life a lot easier. After all, fuel cards are in a lot of ways, a modern solution to an everyday problem.

But there are a few things to consider before you choose a fuel card vendor.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Fuel Card Vendor

First, you need to decide what type of fuel card you want. There are three main types of cards:

• Fleet cards
• Prepaid cards
• Secured cards

Fleet Fuel Card

A fleet fuel card is an excellent choice for truckers with a fleet of vehicles. These cards allow you to track and manage fuel purchases from multiple drivers while still providing the same discounts and benefits as other types of fuel cards.

Fleet cards are usually co-branded with major oil companies like Shell or ExxonMobil, so they can be used at almost any gas station.

Prepaid Cards

Prepaid cards are another popular option for truckers. They can be used just like a debit or credit card, but you load them up with money in advance. This can help you avoid overspending and keep track of your fuel expenses.

Secured Cards

Finally, secured cards are a good option for truckers with bad credit. They require a security deposit but can help you build or rebuild your credit.

Once you’ve decided what type of fuel card you want, you need to research different fuel card vendors. There are many of them out there, so it’s important to compare features and prices before choosing one.

Some things to look for in a fuel card vendor include:

• Terms and conditions
• Discounts
• Connectivity
• Rewards
• Location
• Controls
• Customer Service

We’ll go through each of these in-depth to give you a better understanding of what to look for.

Terms and Conditions

The first thing you should look at is the terms and conditions of the fuel card. Every vendor has different terms and conditions, so it’s essential to read through them carefully before you choose a fuel card.

Some things to look for in the terms and conditions include:

• Annual fee
• Monthly fee
• Transaction fee
• Minimum spend
• Late payment fee

Annual Fee

Some fuel cards have an annual fee, while others don’t. If there is an annual fee, you’ll want to ensure it’s worth it based on the discounts and rewards you’ll receive.

Monthly Fee

Most fuel cards have a monthly fee, but it’s usually very small . You’ll want to ensure the monthly fee is worth it based on the discounts and rewards you’ll receive.

Transaction Fee

Some fuel cards have a transaction fee, while others don’t. If there is a transaction fee, you’ll want to ensure it’s worth it based on the discounts and rewards you’ll receive.

Minimum Spend

Some fuel cards have a minimum spend, while others don’t. If there is a minimum spend, you’ll want to ensure it’s worth it based on the discounts and rewards you’ll receive.

Late Payment Fee

Some fuel cards have a late payment fee, while others don’t. If there is a late payment fee, you’ll want to ensure it’s worth it based on the discounts and rewards you’ll receive.

Discounts

Most fuel cards offer some sort of discount, so you’ll want to compare the discounts offered by different vendors.

Some things to look for in the discounts are:

• Fuel type discounts
• Location discounts
• Quantity discounts

Fuel Type Discounts

Certain fuel cards offer discounts on certain types of fuel costs. If you have a preference for a specific fuel type, such as diesel, you’ll want to make sure the fuel card you choose offers a discount on that fuel.

Location Discounts

Location discounts are another type of discount offered by some fuel cards when you’re looking at saving money. If you frequently travel to certain areas, you’ll want to make sure the fuel card you choose offers discounts in those

areas.

Fuel Purchases Discounts

Quantity discounts are discounts that you get when you purchase a certain amount of fuel. If you buy a lot of fuel, you’ll want to ensure the fuel card you choose offers quantity discounts.

Connectivity

Next, you should look at the fuel card’s connectivity. Most fuel cards are connected to a network of gas stations, so you’ll want to ensure the fuel card you choose is connected to a gas station that’s convenient for you.

Some things to look for in the connectivity include:

• Number of gas stations
• Location of gas stations
• Type of fuel offered

Number of Gas Stations

The first thing you should consider is the number of gas stations the fuel card is connected to. You’ll want to make sure the fuel card you choose is connected to a gas station that’s convenient for you.

Location of Gas Stations

Next, you should look at the location of the gas stations that the fuel card is connected to. You’ll want to make sure the fuel card you choose is connected to a gas station that’s convenient for you.

Type of Fuel Offered

The last thing you should look at is the type of fuel offered by the gas stations connected to the fuel card. You’ll want to ensure the fuel card you choose is connected to a gas station that offers the fuel you prefer.

Rewards

Most fuel cards offer some rewards, so you’ll want to compare the rewards offered by different vendors.

Some things to look for in your card’s rewards include:

• Cashback
• Points
• Discounts

Cash Back

These cards offer a percentage on all purchases, typically 1-5%.

If the fuel card you choose offers cash back, you’ll want to make sure it’s worth it based on the card’s other features.

Points

Certain cards offer the ability to earn points when making purchases. These points can then be redeemed for rewards such as cashback, merchandise, or travel.

Some cards offer bonus points for spending in specific categories, such as restaurant purchases or travel.

Fuel Costs Discounts

Fuel discounts are one of the main reasons truckers use fuel cards. The best fuel cards offer discounts of at least 5 cents per gallon at major truck stops and nationwide chains like Pilot Flying J and Love’s.

Location

Next, you should look at the fuel card’s location. Most fuel cards are accepted at a wide variety of areas, but some are only accepted at specific locations.

If you have a preferred gas station, you’ll want to ensure the fuel card you choose is accepted at that location.

Controls

Next, you should look at the controls that the fuel card offers. Most fuel cards offer some control, so you’ll want to compare the controls provided by different vendors.

Some things to look for in the controls include:

• Transaction limits
• Spending limits
• PIN required

Transaction Limits

Transaction limits are essential for both the trucker and the fuel company. For the trucker, it is essential to have a card that has a high limit to avoid having to stop at multiple locations during a trip.

This can save time and money. For the fuel company, it is essential to have a card that has a low limit to prevent fraud.

Spending Limits

Most fuel cards have a spending limit, the maximum amount that can be charged to the card in a day, week, or month. This limit can help control expenses and prevent overspending.

Some fuel cards also have a purchase limit, the maximum amount that can be charged to the card in a single transaction. This limit can help keep track of larger expenses.

PIN Required

Some fuel cards require a PIN, while others don’t. If the fuel card you choose requires a PIN, you’ll want to make sure it’s worth it based on the card’s other features.

Customer Service

The next thing you should look at is the customer service of the fuel card. Most fuel cards offer some sort of customer service, so you’ll want to compare the customer service offered by different vendors. Customer service is very important to consider when selecting your fuel card.

Some things to look for in customer service include:

• Phone support
• Email support
• Live chat support

Phone Support

The best fuel cards for truckers offer excellent phone support. Representatives are knowledgeable and helpful and always willing to go the extra mile to help you solve your problem. They’re available 24/7, so you can get help whenever needed.

Email Support

Email support is a great way to get help with your card. Often, you can find answers to your questions on the company website, but if you need more assistance, you can email customer service. They will help you resolve any issues you’re having with your card.

Live Chat Support

Live chat support is an excellent customer service feature that allows customers to speak with a representative in real-time.

This is an excellent option for customers who need help with their order or have questions about the product. It’s also a convenient way to get help without waiting on the phone or sending an email.

Conclusion 

Fuel cards are definitely worth it for truckers! They can help you save a lot of money on fuel and make it convenient to pay for gas. Plus, many fuel cards offer additional benefits like rewards points or cash back. If you’re a trucker, we highly recommend getting a fuel card to help you save money and make your life easier.

Do you have a favorite fuel card? Let us know in the comments below!