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Managing small business expenses, especially fuel, can be challenging. Luckily, fuel cards offer a solution by providing savings, rewards, and convenient online tools. However, choosing the right one for your business’s needs can be tough.
We’ve reviewed the best fuel cards for small Australian businesses in 2024, covering Shell, BP, Ampol, and 7-Eleven options. Let us help you find the right card to manage your fuel costs, streamline your operations and keep your business moving forward.
The 6 Best Fuel Cards for Small Australian Businesses in 2024
| Brand | Rating | Best for | Premium card? | Locations (Aus wide) |
| FleetCard | 5/5 | Most widely accepted | Yes | 6,000+ sites |
| Shell Card | 5/5 | Best for new businesses | No | 1,250+ sites |
| WEX | 4.5/5 | Best for tradies | Yes | 6,000+ sites |
| AmpolCard | 4/5 | Best transport & logistics | No | 1,900 sites |
| BP Plus Fuel Card | 4/5 | Best for scalability | Yes (for under 2 cards) | 1,400 sites |
| 7-Eleven Card | 4/5 | Best budget | No | 700 sites |
The Best Fuel Cards Overview
If your fleet travels extensively, it can be hard to predict which petrol station will be available when the fuel light turns on. That is where FleetCard comes in. The Fleet Card is widely accepted at 90% of fuel sites in Australia, comprising 6,800 multi-branded fuel stations.
In addition, the card can be used at over 6,000 non-fuel partners, including repair centres and motor dealerships.
This high level of acceptance makes Fleet Card a top choice for small businesses that value convenience above all else. Fleet Card also streamlines business management with its consolidated tax invoicing for all transactions.
As a new small business, it can be frustrating to face rejection from premium fuel card providers like Fleet Card due to a lack of financial history.
However, the Shell Card offers a welcoming solution to help get your business on the move. Unlike other providers that reject new businesses that don’t meet the 12-month criteria, Shell is much more accommodating.
They often introduce shorter credit terms for newer businesses, giving them the flexibility they need to manage their fuel expenses.
As you build a stronger credit history with Shell, you’ll gain the ability to extend the credit terms, further helping your business grow. So if you’re looking for a fuel card solution that supports new businesses, the Shell Card is an excellent choice.
As a tradie, your daily routine likely involves managing a fleet of 1-5 vehicles, with your team hitting the road every day to get to various job sites. Ensuring they have access to fuel is essential, especially when you have young apprentices on your team.
However, managing the paperwork for fuel costs can become increasingly complicated as your workforce and fleet grow. That’s where the Motorpass fuel card comes in handy. As a multi-branded fuel card, it can be used to cover all vehicle-related expenses, from fuel costs to maintenance and repairs.
By consolidating all your vehicle expenses on one card, you’ll save valuable time, and money, and reduce paperwork. So if you’re a tradie looking to streamline your fuel expenses and manage your fleet more efficiently, the Motorpass fuel card is a wise investment.
In the fast-paced world of transport and logistics, time is of the essence, and fleet managers are always on the lookout for ways to streamline operations.
Enter the AmpolCard (previously known as Caltex StarCard), an excellent option for those small businesses in transport and logistics who are seeking to optimise fleet management. With the AmpolCard, managing a small fleet of transport trucks is made easy through the use of their user-friendly online dashboard.
This interface provides the tools necessary to track vehicle spending and maintenance, ensuring that your fleet is always in tip-top shape. So, if you’re in the transport and logistics industry and looking for an efficient way to manage your fleet, the AmpolCard is a must-have tool.
If you’re looking to scale your small business, the BP Plus fuel card is an excellent option to consider. With an impressive network of 1,400 national fuel stations, this card is particularly appealing to businesses that rely heavily on BP stations.
While really small businesses may face a premium fee for using the card, costing over $4.95 per card per month, the fees drop significantly (to $2.20 per card) if you have more than 2 cards. This means that it’s more cost-effective to have three cards than just two.
Moreover, the BP Plus fuel card offers substantial discounts based on volume, meaning that the more fuel you purchase, the more significant the savings. So, if you’re looking to expand your small business and reduce fuel expenses, the BP Plus fuel card is an excellent tool to have in your arsenal.
For small businesses looking to save on fuel costs without breaking the bank, the 7-Eleven Fuel Pass is an excellent option. This budget-friendly fuel card provides a simple way to track fuel expenses and offers some compelling introductory offers.
With an ongoing minimum discount of 2c/l, the 7-Eleven Fuel Pass is tough to beat, and it can be used across the entire WEX Motorpass network.
Best of all, there are no transaction fees associated with using the fuel card at any location, making it an attractive option for businesses of all sizes.
However, it’s worth noting that the fuel discount is only applicable at 7-Eleven sites. But, if you’re looking for a cost-effective way to manage your fuel expenses and regularly use 7-Eleven stations, the 7-Eleven Fuel Pass is an excellent choice.
The Major Australian Fuel Card Providers
WEX Motorpass
As one of Australia’s largest multi-branded fuel card providers, WEX Motorpass has designed its fuel card with convenience in mind. It is one of the most widely accepted fuel cards in Australia, with the ability to use it at 93% of fuel sites countrywide. As a premium card, it does have a higher monthly cost per card (over $4), and you’ll pay a 1.5% transaction fee at Coles Express sites.
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Shell Card
With access to over 1,250 sites, the Shell Card Fuel Card is an excellent choice for Australian businesses that already use Shell-branded fuel stations. It’s also the ideal card for new businesses as there is no minimum time you need to be in business before applying. With a simple monthly fee structure of less than $4 per card, with the Shell Card your business can save time, reduce costs, and earn great rewards. You can’t use AMEX to pay your fuel card bill, however.
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Why Your Small Business Needs a Fuel Card
Every dollar matters in business, particularly when handling fuel costs. A fuel card is an effortless solution that not only saves time but also money. A fuel card operates like a credit card but is exclusively for fuel purchases. This means employees can fill up without needing cash or to file expense claims.
It also acts as an organised financial assistant, centralising all fuel transactions. Every fill-up is documented in a clear, single statement, eliminating the hassle of keeping track of receipts. Plus, with frequent discounts and savings, your business’s budget stretches further.
Basically, a fuel card streamlines your fuel management efficiently and cost-effectively, making it a wise choice for enhancing your business operations and boosting savings.
All-Brand or Single-Brand Fuel Cards?
Fuel cards in Australia fall under two major types: all-brand and single-brand.
All-Brand
All-brand fuel cards, like Fleet Card and WEX Motorpass, allow you to fill up at almost any fuel station across the country. This provides great flexibility for you and your employees. The downside is that these cards often don’t offer substantial pump-price discounts, and monthly card fees can be higher with transaction fees potentially applying.
Single-Brand
Single-brand fuel cards, like the Shell Card Fuel Card or BP Fuel Card, are dedicated to one fuel station. These cards have lower monthly card fees, better pump price discounts and typically no transaction fees unless used outside of the network. Some single brand fuel cards can also be used at other fuel sites, but you may be charged a transaction fee.
Which is Best for Your Business?Â
Choosing between an all-brand or single brand fuel card ultimately depends on your business’s fuel needs and preferences.
- All-brand cards are more flexible but may come with additional fees
- Single brand-cards offer better discounts and lower fees but restrict you to a specific fuel station.
Considerations When Choosing a Small Business Fuel Card
When choosing a small business fuel card, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. Here are a few:
- Fuel station coverage: It’s important to choose a fuel card that offers coverage at the fuel stations and brands your team uses the most. Some fuel cards may only be accepted at specific fuel stations or within specific regions, so it’s important to check the network coverage before selecting a fuel card.
- Discounts and savings: Many fuel cards offer discounts or rebates on fuel purchases, which can help your business save money on fuel expenses. It’s important to be wary of how long these discounts last – oftentimes it’s an attractive promo period to lure you in, which ends after 6 or 12 months. Some fuel card providers offer ongoing savings, however, so shop around and find the best fit for your small business.
- Fees and charges: Fuel cards may charge monthly fees, transaction fees, or other charges. Be sure to read the fine print and understand all the fees associated with a fuel card before signing up.
- Payment options: Some fuel cards may require direct debit payments, while others may offer more flexible payment options. Consider what payment options work best for your business and choose a fuel card that meets those needs.
- Reporting and analytics: Many fuel cards offer reporting and analytics tools that can help your business track fuel expenses and identify areas where you can save money. Be sure to consider what reporting features are important to your business and choose a fuel card that provides those capabilities.
Corporate Credit Card Vs Fuel Card
Choosing between a corporate credit card and a fuel card depends on your business’s specific needs. Here’s how they differ:
| CREDIT CARDS | FUEL CARDS |
| Allow your drivers to carry only one card for all their business expenses | Specifically designed for purchasing fuel for a fleet, rather than a credit card designed for entertainment purchases |
| The card will be accepted almost everywhere | Offer better fuel spending controls |
| Credit cards can offer rebates for a wide variety of expenses | Often provides reports with helpful data, such as fuel type, cost per unit, vehicle data, etc |
| If you use a credit card that offers frequent flyer miles, you can use those miles to cover your holidays, or offer trips as incentives for your team | Can provide information such as cost per km, km per litre. This information helps you to better manage fleet expenses |
| Can offer additional features such as travel insurance and interest-free periods | Fleet fuel costs are kept separate rather than lumped together with other expense data |
| Corporate card programs can be more susceptible to fraud and cloning than fleet fuel cards, which used closed merchant networks | Fuel card offers you more control and allows you to impose spending limits |
Choosing the Right Option for Your Small Business
When deciding between a fuel card and a corporate credit card for your business, consider the following factors:
Expense Management
- Fuel Cards: Ideal if a large chunk of your expenses is fuel-related. They simplify tracking and managing fuel expenses with detailed reports and monitoring tools.
- Corporate Credit Cards: More versatile, suitable for a variety of expenses. However, this can make it harder to track specific types of spending like fuel.
Rates and Fees
- Fuel Cards: Generally have lower interest rates and fees compared to corporate credit cards.
- Corporate Credit Cards: May have higher rates and fees, but if balances are paid monthly, these may not be a major concern.
Rewards Programs
Both card types might offer rewards, but they differ:
- Fuel Cards: Rewards typically focus on fuel discounts and related savings.
- Corporate Credit Cards: Offer a broader range of rewards including cashback, points, or travel perks.
Acceptance
- Fuel Cards: Accepted mainly at specified fuel stations or networks, which could limit usage if wide-ranging travel is needed.
- Corporate Credit Cards: Generally accepted by a broader range of merchants, offering greater flexibility for various business purchases beyond fuel.
How to Pay Your Fuel Card
Managing fuel card payments effectively is key to maximising benefits while avoiding unnecessary costs. Here’s how to handle your fuel card payments smartly:
- Payment Methods: Choose from direct debit, credit card, or BPAY. Be mindful that paying by credit card might attract additional surcharges.
- Payment Frequency: Options usually include weekly, fortnightly, or monthly. Select what best aligns with your cash flow.
- Payment Terms: Decide between fixed or variable payments. This can depend on your predicted monthly spend and can help in budgeting.
- Avoid Late Fees: Late payment fees can be steep, often over $60 for even a day’s delay. To avoid these, consider setting up a direct debit, which is a common and reliable option to ensure timely payments.
Is Your Business Ready for a Fuel Card?
Check if your small business is eligible for a fuel card today with Fuel Card Report’s eligibility checker. Simply enter your details, and our tool will align you with the most suitable fuel card options tailored to your business needs.
Don’t delay in streamlining and economising your fuel expenses. Check today and find the perfect fuel card to help your small business save both time and money.
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