How Do Fuel Card Discounts Work? (& Tips to Get a Better Discount)

Not all fuel card discounts are created equal. Here’s how to cut through the marketing and figure out what you’ll actually save.

If you’ve spent any time comparing fuel cards, you’ve probably noticed that everyone’s promising savings. “Save up to 10c per litre!” “No monthly card fees!”

But here’s what the marketing doesn’t always make clear: fuel card discounts come in very different forms, and the headline number rarely tells the full story. Some discounts are locked in…others vanish after a few months. And some of the best rates aren’t advertised at all – you have to ask for them.

Understanding the difference can mean hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year for your business. Let’s break it down.

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The Three Types of Fuel Card Discounts

When we look at fuel card pricing, we generally see three categories of discounts:

1. Fixed ongoing discounts — A set cents-per-litre discount that applies to every transaction, for as long as you hold the card. This is your baseline saving.

2. Promotional discounts — A higher discount offered for a limited time, usually to attract new customers. These typically last 3-6 months before reverting to the standard rate.

3. Negotiated rates — Custom pricing based on your fuel volume, fleet size, or business relationship. These aren’t advertised—you have to ask.

Each has its place, and the smartest businesses often use a combination of all three.

Fixed Ongoing Discounts: The Reliable Baseline

Fixed discounts are exactly what they sound like: a consistent cents-per-litre saving. These may change, but you’ll be notified ahead of time from your provider.

What to expect: Most multi-brand fuel cards offer fixed discounts in the range of 1-2 cents per litre, depending on the network and any partnerships they have with specific fuel brands. Single-brand cards sometimes offer slightly more at their own stations.

Examples:

• Shell Card offers up to 4c/L ongoing at Shell and Coles Express locations
• FleetCard offers around 2-3c/L ongoing across their network
• WEX Motorpass typically offers around 1c/L as a base discount

The upside: Predictability. You know exactly what you’re getting, and you can factor it into your fuel budgeting with confidence. There are no nasty surprises when a promo period ends.

The downside: Fixed discounts tend to be more modest than promotional rates. If you’re only looking at the headline number, they can seem less attractive than a competitor’s short-term offer.

Our take: Fixed discounts are the foundation of your fuel card savings. They’re what you’ll actually receive. When comparing cards, always look at the ongoing rate – not just the promo.

Promotional Discounts: The Hook

Promotional discounts are the big numbers you see in fuel card advertising. “Save 7c per litre!” “Up to 10c off for new customers!”

How they typically work: You sign up, enjoy an elevated discount for a set period (usually 3-6 months), and then revert to the standard ongoing rate. Some promos apply to all purchases; others are limited to specific fuel brands or locations within the network.

Examples:

• Shell Card currently offers 7c/L for the first 6 months, then reverts to up to 4c/L ongoing
• FleetCard offers 6c/L at Shell and 3c/L at 7-Eleven/Ampol for the first 6 months
• Some providers offer $0 management fees for a period rather than fuel discounts

The upside: If you’re signing up anyway, promo discounts are essentially free money. A business spending $5,000/month on fuel could save an extra $150-250 during a 6-month promo period compared to the standard rate.

The downside: They end. And when they do, some businesses feel the pinch – especially if they signed up based on the promo rate without paying attention to what comes after.

Our take: Take advantage of promos, but don’t let them be the only reason you choose a card. A card with a great 6-month offer but poor ongoing rates will cost you more in the long run than a card with modest promos but solid fixed discounts.

Do the maths: If Card A offers 10c/L for 6 months then 1c/L ongoing, and Card B offers 4c/L from day one, Card B wins after about 18 months, and keeps winning every month after that.

Negotiated Rates: The Rates They Don’t Advertise

The rates on a fuel card provider’s website are often just the starting point. If you have decent volume or multiple vehicles, you can frequently negotiate something better.

What’s negotiable:

• Per-litre discounts (especially if you’re spending $5k+ monthly on fuel
• Credit terms and payment flexibility

How to get better rates:

1. Know your numbers — Before you call, know your monthly fuel spend, number of vehicles, and which brands/locations you use most. Providers want volume, so give them a clear picture of what you’re bringing to the table.
2. Get competing quotes — Nothing motivates a sales rep like knowing you’re talking to their competitors. Get quotes from 2-3 providers and don’t be shy about mentioning them.
3. Ask directly — It sounds obvious, but many businesses never ask. A simple “Is this the best rate you can offer for a fleet our size?” can open the door to discounts that aren’t on the website.
4. Leverage associations and buying groups — Trade associations, industry groups, and member organisations often have pre-negotiated fuel card deals. NRMA, Master Builders, various trade groups—check if your memberships come with fuel card benefits.
5. Review annually — Even if you negotiated a good deal when you signed up, your leverage may have increased. If your fuel spend has grown, use that as a reason to renegotiate.

What kind of improvements can you expect?

It varies, but we’ve seen businesses secure:

• An extra 1-2c/L on top of advertised rates
• Card fees reduced or waived entirely
• Better credit terms (longer payment windows, higher limits)
• Dedicated account management for larger fleets

Our take: If you’re spending more than $5,000-10,000 per month on fuel, you should absolutely be negotiating. The published rates are for small fleets that don’t ask questions.

Which Fuel Cards Offer the Best Value Right Now?

Based on current pricing (January 2026), here’s how the main fuel cards stack up:

Ongoing Discounts (What You’ll Pay Long-Term)

Note: Offers change regularly. Always confirm current deals when applying.

Current Promo Discounts (Limited Time Offers)

Note: Promo offers change regularly. Always confirm current deals when applying.

TLDR: Best Fuel Card Discounts

• Best for ongoing savings at a single brand: United Card and StarCard both offer 4c/L ongoing, which is hard to beat if their network coverage works for you.
• Best promo right now: 7-Eleven Fuel Card at 10c/L for 6 months with no card fee is the strongest headline offer—but you’re limited to 640 locations.
• Best combination of promo + ongoing + coverage: Shell Card offers 6c/L for 6 months with $0 card fees, then reverts to 2-4c/L ongoing across 1,500 Shell and Coles Express locations. If you want a solid promo and decent long-term savings with good metro coverage, it’s hard to go past.
• Best for flexibility: FleetCard and WEX Motorpass give you 6,000+ locations across all major brands. The trade-off is lower discounts (1-3c/L), but you can fill up almost anywhere.

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