Are Additional Services & Discounts Offered by Fuel Cards Worth It?

Fuel cards are a popular tool for Australian businesses looking to manage their fuel expenses efficiently. Beyond the basic benefit of fuel discounts, many fuel card programs in Australia offer a range of additional services and perks. Often-times these added services & discounts are included in the monthly membership fee, but sometimes they’re an add-on feature. So what kind of services and discounts are available? And are they worth it? Let’s break it down.

What Extra Services & Discounts Can You Get with a Fuel Card?

• Access to mobile apps and in-app rewards & discounts
• Points for every dollar spent on fuel (redeemable for groceries, flights, or cash back).
• Specific rewards with loyalty programs with retailers like Woolworths and Coles.
• Discounts on services such as car washes, maintenance, repairs & roadside assistance.
• Hotel and other accommodation discounts.

Comparing Fuel Card Providers & Added Services / Discounts

The Cost of Adding on Extra Services to Your Fuel Card

Adding extra services to your fuel card can come with some additional costs, and it really depends on the card you choose. Here are a few examples:

• AmpolCard: If you want to add services like repairs and maintenance, it costs an extra $2.00 per month per card.
• WEX Motorpass: You can add roadside assistance for $8.25 (+ GST) per month.
• FleetCard: Roadside assistance is available for $4.99 per month (excluding GST).

So, while the base cost of a fuel card covers the essentials, adding more features to make your business run smoother can be a bit more – but it depends on the fuel card program.

It’s always a good idea to consider what additional services you might need and check the costs associated with them for your specific card.

It’s often the case that fuel card providers will offer your business unique benefits and discounts based on your monthly fuel usage, so it’s always worth having a conversation with your fleet account manager to see if they can add any services to your fuel card.

Are Extra Services & Discounts Worth It?

Whether the extra services & discounts you receive with your fuel card membership are worth it really depends on what you value most. While fuel discounts and rewards are great, many businesses find the other perks of fuel cards even more valuable, like:

• Time Savings: Fuel cards streamline refuelling by eliminating the need for employees to pay out-of-pocket and then submit reimbursement requests. This can save a lot of administrative time and hassle.
• Consolidated Invoicing: With fuel cards, all expenses are on one consolidated invoice. This means no more juggling multiple receipts, making it much easier to manage and reconcile fuel expenses.
• Enhanced Expense Tracking: Fuel cards provide detailed transaction reports, offering valuable insights into fuel consumption patterns. This helps identify inefficiencies and optimise fuel usage, which can save money in the long run.
• Fraud Protection: Fuel cards often come with security features like PIN protection, transaction monitoring, and real-time alerts. These features help prevent unauthorised use and minimise financial losses.
• Cash Flow Management: Many fuel cards offer interest-free credit periods, giving businesses more flexibility in managing their cash flow. This can be especially helpful for financial planning and budgeting.

Ultimately, whether these extra services are worth it depends on your specific needs and how they can benefit your business.

In most cases, these added services and discounts are an added perk for your business, but not the main reason you’d join a fuel card program.

Ready to Boost Your Business?

Explore your fuel card options with Fuel Card Report and discover how the right fuel card can transform your business’s efficiency and bottom line. From saving time to simplifying expenses, the right fuel card can make a big difference. Start exploring today and see the benefits for yourself!

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FAQs

How can fuel cards improve my business’s cash flow?

Fuel cards often come with interest-free credit periods, allowing you to delay payments and manage your cash flow better. This means you can cover your fuel costs without needing to pay immediately, which is great for budgeting and financial planning.

Are fuel card expenses tax-deductible?

Yes, expenses from fuel cards are generally tax-deductible as business expenses. The detailed transaction reports from fuel cards make it easier to claim these deductions and stay compliant with tax regulations.

Can I set spending limits on fuel cards?

Yes, most fuel card providers let you set spending limits for each cardholder. This helps you control expenses, prevent overspending, and keep fuel purchases within your budget.

How do I choose the right fuel card for my business?

When picking a fuel card, consider these factors:

• Your fuel consumption patterns: How much fuel do you use?
• Network coverage: Does the card work at fuel stations where you usually fill up?
• Additional features and benefits: Are there any extra perks or services?
• Costs: What are the fees, including any for extra services?

Evaluating these factors will help you find the fuel card that best fits your business needs.