How Could a Fuel Card Save You Money?

By FleetCardsUSA

June 2, 2023

Everyone wants to save money. For truckers and trucking companies, fuel costs are near the top of the list of targets for cost savings. That’s a no-brainer when you spend most of your time driving or paying people to drive.

Fleet fuel cards save businesses money on gas by offering per-gallon discounts and significant time savings on the administrative side of managing fuel costs. Read on for more details about exactly how they work.

What are the benefits of a fuel card?

Fuel cards are designed to reduce fuel costs, and their issuers continue to add more features that dig deeper for further fuel savings. There are many players in the fuel card business, but they’re all out to save drivers and fleet owners money.

These are the top ways fuel cards save large and small businesses as much money as possible on maintenance and fuel purchases.

Fuel discounts

The most straightforward fuel card benefit is savings by the gallon. This discount per gallon will vary and may come in the form of a rebate, but almost every card will offer one. To get the discount, drivers just need to use their fuel cards at in-network locations, and the bills must be paid on time. Drivers usually will need to use identification protocols to confirm the purchaser is authorized to use the fuel card.

Fraud and theft protection

Identification protocol is one way fuel cards provide security. Even if someone stole a fuel card, they wouldn’t be able to use it without identification credentials.

Another way fuel card companies can help businesses prevent theft is by eliminating cash transactions. When you fill up with a wad of cash in your pocket, it’s easier for someone to notice. A fuel card is more discreet.

Spending limits to control fuel costs

Fuel cards can be set up by businesses to limit spending or the number of gallons that can be purchased. When set appropriately, this still allows truckers to fill up completely while keeping everyone honest.

Simplify fuel expense management with cost controls, alerts, reporting and tracking, and compliance tools.

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Savings on vehicle maintenance

Many fuel cards include discounts on the most popular maintenance costs. Regular maintenance might even allow you to modify or eliminate your current roadside assistance solution. How’s that for fleet management that benefits everyone?

Fuel card management tools

Besides being more discreet than cash, fuel cards help with things like expense and International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) reporting. Fuel card companies’ account management capabilities provide quick and efficient ways to turn off lost or stolen cards, often through a mobile app where the driver and administrator can see fuel purchase information in real -time.

Does a fuel card help your credit?

Fuel cards can defer expenses and help with cash flow issues like credit cards do. They can also help your credit score when you keep the balance within the set limits and pay your bills on time.

How do fuel cards help you save money?

Fuel cards are like credit cards, that are specifically used for maintenance and fuel expenses. Where fuel cards differ is that they provide deeper fuel discounts on fuel prices and real-time reporting about the relevant costs. Some fuel cards are co-branded with major credit cards like VISA® and Mastercard® and can be used within the major credit card’s fuel location network.

When drivers fill up at a gas station or truck stop, they can save money and the business has a streamlined way to manage fuel costs.

How to choose the best fuel card for your business?

Fuel cards may also have fees, such as monthly fees, annual fees, or a per-transaction fees to offset the fuel card provider’s expenses or to offer a larger benefit, like a universal card that can be used anywhere. Choose the best fuel card that works for you with the right combination of benefits and costs that fit your business to get the most savings on your fuel spend.

Not Sure Where to Begin?

Let us call you back

Let one of our experienced consultants contact you to discuss your specific situation and business needs. We’ll recommend the best fuel card program for your fleet.