A fuel card is a credit card most commonly used to buy gasoline, diesel, and other fuels at gas stations. It can help business owners manage their company vehicles and provide online expense tracking, discounts, and rewards. The best business fuel card for small business options offer affordable fees, low APRs, and wide network availability.
Top 7 Fuel Cards for Small Business August 2019
Fuels Cards | Best for |
|---|---|
(Best Overall) Earning rewards at the most stations | |
Flexible spending on fuel purchases | |
Driving farther distances | |
Filling up at Chevron or Texaco stations | |
Gas rebates for larger fleets | |
A fuel card alternative that provides introductory rewards | |
Earning gas rewards with a business credit card |
When to Use a Traditional Business Credit Card
Business owners can use a traditional business credit card for their fuel expenses. There are multiple Chase business credit cards, but one of the best alternatives for fuel cards is Chase’s cash rewards card, Chase Ink Business CashSM. It gives business owners the ability to issue employee cards and set spending limits. You’ll also earn a $500 sign-up bonus when you spend $3,000 in the first three months and 2% cash back on gas purchases.
What’s Changed With the Best Fuel Cards for Small Business
This article was originally published in May 2018. We regularly update the list of the best fuel cards for small businesses because small business credit cards occasionally update their costs, including the annual percentage rate they charge. In this month’s update, we added a traditional business credit card that pays 3% cash-back gas rewards to our list.
Recent changes with the largest impact on our list of the best business fuel card rankings are:
We Added a Bank of America Business Credit Card to Our List
In this update, we include the Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard®, which is best used for earning gas rewards through a traditional business credit card. It pays 3% cash back on gas purchases or in one of five other spending categories. Plus, you can earn a $300 statement credit when you make at least $3,000 in net purchases within 90 days of your account opening.
Federal Reserve Cut Short-term Interest Rates
On July 31, the Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate by 0.25 percentage points. We monitor Fed rate changes because they impact the APRs banks charge on small business credit cards. Credit card APRs are based on a set percentage rate over the prime rate. When the prime rate changes, credit card APRs typically change as well. Issuers on our list have not yet updated their rates.
Shell Small Business Fuel Card Offers Jiffy Lube Discount
In June, the Shell Small Business Fuel Card added a Jiffy Lube discount to its list of card benefits. This card remains our top pick for the best fuel card for small business. It offers gas rebates and rewards at 11,000 gas stations nationwide, which is the most on our list. Plus, you won’t have to pay a one-time setup or monthly card fee.
When using the Shell Small Business Fuel Card, you will receive a 15% Jiffy Lube discount on the posted retail price of oil changes and preventative services at participating locations. You can visit Jiffy Lube’s website to find a service center near you and view the services it offers.
How We Evaluated the Best Fuel Cards for Small Business
The seven best fuel cards for small businesses offer different benefits to business owners for gas-related expenses. Most business gas cards have a variety of rewards and a range of APRs and fees. The best business gas card for your business is likely determined by the card’s cost, network availability, and possible discounts or cash-back rewards you can receive on gas purchases.
The criteria we used to evaluate the best fuel cards for small business include:
- Ongoing APR: The ongoing interest rate charged on purchases for a fuel credit card. The lowest fuel card rate on our list is 23%. However, one card charges as low as 14.49%, but it’s a traditional business card. Still, most fuel cards for small business are charge cards, so they don’t charge ongoing interest because they’re due in full monthly.
- Ongoing fees: Monthly and one-time setup fees associated with each provider and their card. The best cards on our list charge no monthly or setup fees.
- Repayment terms: Whether a card acts as a credit card or a charge card and who is liable for any outstanding balances. The cards on our list either require you to pay off your bill in full each month or allow you to carry a balance and pay interest.
- Discounts and rewards: Possible rewards and discounts you can earn at participating gas stations. The best small business gas cards offer cash discounts of up to four cents per gallon or rebates of up to six cents per gallon.
- Qualifications: Application requirements, such as a good personal credit score (at least 640), time in business, and your business credit score, must be in good standing. Some cards offer either joint or company liability.
- Network availability: Where specific fuel cards are accepted and how they can be used. The best small business gas cards are accepted at as many as 45,000 gas stations nationally.
- Reviews: Whether online reviews from existing users are positive or negative.
Fuel cards are similar to fleet cards, which business owners can use to maintain company vehicles and manage fleet-related expenses. Fleet cards are best for businesses with at least two vehicles and that use between 1,000 and 5,000 gallons of fuel per month. In addition to rewards for gas purchases, fleet cards can earn you discounts on eligible vehicle-related purchases.
We recommend the Shell Small Business Fuel Card as the best fuel card for small business because of its choices for liability and inexpensive monthly fees. It’s also the most flexible fuel card that provides discounts and rewards at several locations nationwide.
Shell Small Business Fuel Card: Overall Best Fuel Card for Small Business
The Shell Small Business Fuel Card is the best fuel card for small business because of its widespread rewards program and choices for liability. This card has no monthly setup fee or additional card fee, and has a regular APR of 23%. Other cards on our list charge an account and card fee. This is also an excellent option for business owners looking to have a rewards program that is widely accepted at 14,000 locations.
Shell Small Business Fuel Card APR
Fuel cards generally don’t offer introductory 0% APR periods. The Shell Small Business Fuel Card is no exception. Instead, cardholders will have a fixed APR of 23% from the moment they open their account. Although this is the same for the other credit cards on our list, the Shell Small Business Fuel Card gives users access to the widest range of stations at which to earn rewards.
The expected APR and related fees of the Shell Small Business Fuel Card are:
- Introductory APR: None
- Regular APR: 23% fixed
Keep in mind that only credit cards will carry a regular APR. In comparison, fuel charge cards won’t have an interest rate because they’re required to be paid in full every month, including the Chevron Texaco Business Access Fuel Card. If you’re looking for a card that offers interest-free financing, consider a 0% APR business credit card. Some of these cards pay up to 3% cash back on gas station purchases.
Shell Small Business Fuel Card Ongoing Fees
Some fuel cards, similar to small business credit cards, carry fees including a monthly fee or cost for additional cards. However, the Shell Small Business Fuel Card is one of the most affordable options, with no monthly or additional card fee. You can issue as many cards as you’d like to your employees at no additional charge.
The typical fees you can expect on the Shell Small Business Fuel Card are:
- Monthly fee: None
- Setup fee: None
- Minimum late fee: $75
When you first open your corporate account, you can request up to 14 employee cards. After you’ve been approved, you can request as many cards as you need at no additional charge. If you decide to request additional employee cards, it’s worth having a corporate credit card policy to help set expectations and protect yourself.
Shell Small Business Fuel Card Repayment Terms
The Shell Small Business Fuel Card works like a traditional business credit card, which means you’ll have to make monthly payments. Although you should pay your balance in full, it’s not required. Instead, you’ll only be required to pay a monthly minimum. Other cards on our list, like the Chevron Texaco Business Access Fuel Card, are charge cards and must be paid in full monthly.
Shell Small Business Fuel Card Discounts & Rewards
The Shell Small Business Fuels Card offers a straightforward 3 cents discount on a gallon of gas purchased at one of Shell’s 14,000 locations. In comparison, the 76 Universal Fuel Card, which is also on our list, only offers rewards at 7,600 participating locations. Shell’s 14,000 participating locations are the most on our list.
The Shell Small Business Fuel Card also can be used at participating Jiffy Lube locations. You will receive a 15% Jiffy Lube discount on the posted retail price of oil changes and preventative services at participating locations.
Shell Small Business Fuel Card Qualifications
The Shell fuel card has two ways to qualify, which is uncommon and is one reason why it’s the best business gas card. The first is through a typical joint application, where the credit score of both the owner and the company are checked for approval. The second is through a company-only application, which protects the owner’s personal credit score and personal assets.
The qualification requirements for the Shell fuel card are:
- Joint liability: Personal credit score of at least 640
- Company liability: In operation for at least three years, at least $1 million in revenue annually, and have good business credit
If you choose joint liability, the issuer will use your personal credit score to qualify you for your card. While the card won’t appear on your personal credit report, you will be held personally liable for the account with the business, as you must offer a personal guarantee. This means you agree to repay the debt personally if the business fails to do so.
Conversely, choosing company liability is a good option if you want to protect your personal credit score and personal assets. In addition to the issuer not using your personal credit score to qualify you, the provider won’t require a personal guarantee from the business owner.
Shell Small Business Fuel Card Network Availability
You can only use the Shell Small Business Fuel Card at Shell gas stations. Shell has roughly 14,000 gas stations available nationally, and its fuel card offers a discount at all of them. However, other cards on our list have a larger station network. The 76 Universal Fuel Card, for example, is accepted at 45,000 gas stations nationally. We ranked that card lower on our list because it only offers rewards at 7,600 locations.
What the Shell Small Business Fuel Card Is Missing
The Shell fuel card doesn’t provide the best rewards and discounts compared with other fuel cards, which provide discounts up to six cents per gallon. However, we still recommend this as the best because it has the most locations that participate in a rewards program (14,000). This is roughly double what the 76 Universal Fuel Card offers.
Shell Small Business Fuel Card Reviews
Online reviews of the Shell Small Business Fuel Card are excellent. Cardholders especially like that Shell has a wide network availability and that every location participates in the rewards program. Also, a discount on every gallon is a plus to those who have this fuel card. Some users complain that even though it’s accepted at 14,000 Shell locations, you can’t use this card at non-branded gas stations.
Where to Get the Shell Small Business Fuel Card
You can apply online for the Shell Small Business Fuel Card by filling out a basic application containing both business and personal information (depending on if you apply jointly or as a company). You can be approved and receive your card in the mail within seven to 10 days.
76 Universal Fuel Card: Best for Flexible Spending at Non-branded Stations
The 76 Universal Fuel Card is best for businesses that don’t want to be limited to a specific gas company or station. There are roughly 45,000 stations that accept this fuel card, but rewards only work at participating 76, Conoco, and Phillips 66 gas stations (7,600 total participating locations). Similar to the Shell Small Business Fuel Card, it does not offer interest-free financing and has an ongoing APR of 23%.
76 Universal Fuel Card APR
Similar to the Shell Small Business Fuel Card, the 76 Universal Fuel Card does not offer an introductory interest-free period and has the same ongoing fixed APR of 23%. The 76 Universal Fuel Card also acts like a credit card—not a charge card—so interest applies to any unpaid balances.
The expected APR and related fees are:
- Introductory APR: None
- Regular APR: 23% fixed
If you need to finance your gas purchases or want a lower ongoing APR, consider a small business credit card. Some of the best small business credit cards offer interest-free financing up to 12 months on purchases and balance transfers. Plus, you can earn up to 3% cash back on gas purchases.
76 Universal Fuel Card Ongoing Fees
The 76 Universal Card is one of the few fuel cards that actually carries a monthly, recurring card fee. The 76 Universal Card has a $2 per card monthly fee. The Shell Small Business Fuel Card has no setup fee or monthly card fee.
The typical fees you can expect on the 76 Universal Fuel Card are:
- Monthly fee: $2 per card
- Setup fee: One-time $40 setup fee
- Minimum late fee: $75
The 76 Universal Fuel Card also charges a one-time $40 account setup fee when you apply. There are other fuel cards on our list with more affordable fee structures. For example, the Shell Small Business Fuel Card does not charge a setup or monthly card fee.
76 Universal Fuel Card Repayment Terms
The 76 Universal Fuel Card’s payment terms are net-30, with a monthly minimum payment of $20 or 2.5% of the total balance, whichever is greater. Net-30 means that your credit card payment is due within 30 days of receiving your statement. Since this works like a credit card, any unpaid balances that carry over to the following billing cycle will accrue interest until they are paid off.
76 Universal Fuel Card Discounts & Rewards
The 76 Universal Fuel Card offers several levels of discounts at 7,600 participating gas stations. The discounts are valid at any 76, Conoco, and Phillips 66 location. Rewards are based on a tiered structure of monthly gallon usage, and they range from 1 cent to 4 cents per gallon.
The tiered discounts for the 76 Universal Fuel Card are:
- 1,000 to 2,499 monthly gallons: 1 cent discount per gallon
- 2,500 to 4,999 monthly gallons: 1.5 cents discount per gallon
- 5,000 to 6,999 monthly gallons: 2 cents discount per gallon
- 7,000 to 9,999 monthly gallons: 3 cents discount per gallon
- 10,000 or more monthly gallons: 4 cents discount per gallon
The 76 Universal Card is accepted by 45,000 gas stations, but only about 7,600 of those locations participate in its rewards program. This means that you can only earn, as well as use, the card’s gas discounts at select locations. The Shell Small Business Fuel Card offers rewards and discounts at all of their 14,000 national gas stations.
76 Universal Fuel Card Qualifications
The 76 Universal Card requires the joint qualification of the business and the business owner. You also must have a personal credit score of at least 640 and a good business credit rating to qualify. The card doesn’t show up on the business owner’s personal credit, but you’ll be held liable for the credit card bill, which includes any fees or delinquent payments.
76 Universal Fuel Card Network Availability
The 76 Universal Fuel Card is accepted at the largest number of gas stations compared to the Shell and ExxonMobil cards, which includes about 45,000 gas stations (90% of U.S. gas stations). However, out of these 45,000 locations, rewards are only available at 7,600 locations.
What the 76 Universal Fuel Card Is Missing
The 76 Universal Fuel Card is lacking locations that participate in its rewards program, with only 7,600 locations that accept the card and offer discounts. You may want to consider a card that offers rewards and discounts at more locations, like the Shell Small Business Fuel Card (14,000 participating locations).
76 Universal Fuel Card Reviews
The 76 Universal Fuel Card reviews we found online are mixed. Users say the main drawback is the scarcity of locations that participate in the rewards program. Although there are tens of thousands of national locations, cardholders complain that only 7,600 give you rewards, and that these cards only work at gas stations owned by the card’s brand. Cardholders appreciate the overall network availability.
Where to Get the 76 Universal Fuel Card
Applying for the 76 Universal Fuel Card is similar to most business credit card applications, and can be completed online in a matter of minutes. All you need to provide is basic personal and business information and you can receive a decision instantly. After you’re approved, you will receive your card within seven to 10 business days.
Chevron Texaco Business Access Fuel Card: Best for Fleets That Drive Far & Often
The Chevron Texaco Business Access Fuel Card is best for small businesses that have a fleet of cars they drive far and often. You’ll pay a monthly fee of $2 per card, but will earn up to six cents per gallon. This card acts like a charge card, which means you’ll pay no interest and have to pay the balance in full each month. Any unpaid balances will be hit with a minimum $75 late fee.
Chevron Texaco Business Access Fuel Card APR
The Chevron Texaco Business Access Fuel Card acts as a charge card instead of a credit card, which means you’ll have to pay the balance in full each month. The 76 and Shell cards allow you to carry balances, but you’ll pay interest on the unpaid balance. If you don’t pay your Chevron Texaco balance in full, you’ll be charged a late fee.
The expected APR and related fees are:
- Introductory APR: None
- Regular APR: None
Charge cards typically don’t have preset spending limits. This means you and your employees can make gas purchases without having to worry about hitting your credit card limit. Your balance must be paid in full monthly.
Chevron Texaco Business Access Fuel Card Ongoing Fees
Chevron Texaco Business Access Fuel Card charges fees similar to the 76 Universal card. This card has a $40 one-time setup fee for new accounts and a monthly charge of $2 per card.
The typical fees you can expect on the business access card are:
- Monthly fee: $2 per card
- Setup fee: One-time $40 setup fee
- Minimum late fee: $75
The Chevron Texaco Business Access Fuel Card is generally a more expensive option compared with the Shell card because of its setup fee and monthly card fee. Keep in mind that card fees may be offset by the rewards and discounts a fuel card offers. The Chevron Texaco card offers cash rebates that may offset the monthly fee.
Chevron Texaco Business Access Fuel Card Repayment Terms
The Chevron Texaco Business Access Fuel Card is a charge card and is required to be paid in full every month. If you need to carry a balance, consider the Shell or 76 fuel cards. You’ll be charged a minimum $75 late fee on any unpaid balances on this Chevron Texaco card.
Chevron Texaco Business Access Fuel Card Discounts & Rewards
The Chevron Texaco Business Access Fuel Card offers a rewards program that benefits small businesses that use 500 to more than 10,000 gallons per month. Cardholders can earn up to 6 cents per gallon starting at 500 gallons when they fuel up at a Chevron or Texaco station.
The tiered discounts for the Chevron Texaco Business Access Fuel Card are:
- 500 to 2,000 monthly gallons: 1 cent rebate per gallon
- 2,001 to 4,000 monthly gallons: 2 cents rebate per gallon
- 4,001 to 6,000 monthly gallons: 3 cents rebate per gallon
- 6,001 to 8,000 monthly gallons: 4 cents rebate per gallon
- 8,001 to 10,000 monthly gallons: 5 cents rebate per gallon
- 10,000 or more monthly gallons: 6 cents rebate per gallon
This rewards program offers rebates starting at 500 monthly gallons compared to 76’s 1,000 monthly gallons, making this an ideal choice for businesses with moderate fuel demands. These gas rebates are not applied at the time of purchase, but will appear as a credit on your monthly statement. This is common among most business gas cards.
Chevron Texaco Business Access Fuel Card Qualifications
Chevron and Texaco will look at your business credit report and business score from Dun & Bradstreet and Experian when deciding whether to extend you credit. These scores range between 0 and 100; a score of at least 80 is considered good.
Chevron Texaco offers company liability for firms that have been in business for at least three years. Otherwise, you’re required to have joint liability between you and the business. In this case, the issuer will use your personal credit score to qualify you, and you’ll have to provide a personal guarantee. This means if the business fails to pay the debt, you become personally liable. We recommend having a score of at least 640 to qualify.
Chevron Texaco Business Access Fuel Card Network Availability
The Chevron Texaco Business Access Fuel Card is accepted in every state at nearly 8,000 Chevron and Texaco stations nationwide. You also can use the card at any major U.S. gas station, which makes it a good option for small businesses that drive further distances. Keep in mind that you can only earn gas rebates when you use the card at a Chevron or Texaco location.
What the Chevron Texaco Business Access Fuel Card Is Missing
The Chevron Texaco Business Access Fuel Card earns rewards at about 8,000 locations that participate in this rewards program, which is a smaller footprint than other cards on our list. Consider the Shell Small Business Fuel Card as a good alternative. It offers rewards at 14,000 locations.
Chevron Texaco Business Access Fuel Card Reviews
Despite its small monthly and one-time setup fee, cardholders love that they can earn gas rebates as soon as they purchase 500 gallons of gas per month. Some users complain about the card’s monthly repayment terms. If you think you’ll need to carry a balance, consider the Shell Small Business Fuel Card or 76 Universal Fuel Card.
Where to Get the Chevron Texaco Business Access Fuel Card
You can apply online for a Chevron Texaco Business Access Fuel Card by providing basic business and personal information. You’ll typically receive a decision in two to four business days. Once approved, your card will arrive in the mail within seven to 10 days.
Chevron Texaco Business Fuel Card: Best for Chevron & Texaco Customers
The Chevron Texaco Business Fuel Card is best for small businesses that are existing Chevron or Texaco customers and want a card with no fees. This fuel card works like a charge card, meaning you’ll be charged no interest. This card has no monthly or setup fees, and you can use it at nearly 8,000 Chevron and Texaco stations nationwide.
Chevron Texaco Business Fuel Card APR
The Chevron Texaco Business Fuel Card functions like a charge card, similar to the Chevron Texaco Business Access Fuel Card. This card carries no introductory or ongoing APR because you have to pay the balance in full every month.
The expected APR and related fees are:
- Introductory APR: None
- Regular APR: None
If you can’t afford to pay off your balance in full every month, you should consider applying for a credit card instead of a charge card. The Shell Small Business Fuel Card is a good alternative, which charges an ongoing APR of 23% and offers rewards at all 14,000 Shell locations.
Chevron Texaco Business Fuel Card Ongoing Fees
The Chevron Texaco Business Fuel Card is the more affordable of the two Chevron gas cards on our list. With no monthly, annual, or setup fee, this business gas card matches up evenly with the Shell and ExxonMobil gas cards.
The typical fees you can expect on this card are:
- Monthly fee: None
- Setup fee: None
- Minimum late fee: $75
The Chevron Texaco Business Access card is the more affordable option compared with the Chevron Texaco Business Fuel Card. However, because there are no card fees, you’ll also enjoy no rewards or discounts with the Chevron Texaco Business Fuel Card.
Chevron Texaco Business Fuel Card Repayment Terms
You must pay off your Chevron Texaco Business Fuel Card balance in full every month because it’s a charge card. The Shell Small Business Fuel Card allows you to carry a balance from month to month, but you’ll pay interest on those balances. The Chevron Texaco card instead charges a minimum late fee of $75.
Chevron Texaco Business Fuel Card Discounts & Rewards
This Chevron Texaco card offers no discounts or rewards program. Many of the best fuel cards on our list offer an incentive program that allows cardholders to earn discounts. If you’re looking for a card that offers discounts and one you can use at Chevron or Texaco, we recommend the Chevron Texaco Business Access Card.
Chevron Texaco Business Fuel Card Qualifications
You’ll need to meet the same qualification requirements for both Chevron Texaco small business gas cards on our list. The issuer will evaluate your business credit from Dun & Bradstreet and Experian, and it will make a decision based on your business credit history. This method of company-only liability protects your personal credit score and personal assets.
If you’ve been in business for three years or less, Chevron Texaco will require joint liability. This means the issuer will use your personal credit score to qualify you and require that you offer a personal guarantee. A personal guarantee means if the business fails to pay off the debt, then you become personally liable. We recommend having a personal credit score of at least 640 to qualify.
Chevron Texaco Business Fuel Card Network Availability
You can use the Chevron Texaco Business Fuel Card at 8,000 Chevron and Texaco stations in the U.S., which is the smallest network among the cards on our list. That’s only 6% of all gas stations across the United States. When compared to the other cards on our list, including the 76 Universal card and Shell card, this card ranks the worst in this category.
What the Chevron Texaco Business Fuel Card Is Missing
If you’re a small business owner looking to earn rewards or discounts on your gas purchases, this card doesn’t fit your needs. Although it’s an affordable option, it offers no opportunity to earn cash back or rebates. For existing Chevron or Texaco customers, consider the Chevron Texaco Business Access Fuel Card, which offers gas rebates up to 6 cents.
Chevron Texaco Business Fuel Card Reviews
Online reviews suggest that businesses that operate in many states find this card restrictive because of its small network availability. Existing Chevron or Texaco customers enjoy this inexpensive option because there is no cost to open the account or add employee cards.
Where to Get the Chevron Texaco Business Fuel Card
You can apply for the Chevron Texaco Business Fuel Card online by providing your basic business and personal information. After you submit your application, the issuer will evaluate your business credit. It usually takes about two to four business days for a decision. If you’re approved, you will receive your card within seven to 10 days.
BP Business Solutions Fuel Card: Best for Larger Fleets That Want Gas Rebates
The BP Business Solutions Fuel Card is best for larger fleets seeking a large network and the opportunity to earn discounts at BP stations. This fuel card acts as a charge card, which means you won’t face interest payments. If you can’t pay your balance in full each month, the issuer will charge a late fee of at least $75.
BP Business Solutions Fuel Card APR
Similar to the two Chevron Texaco gas cards, the BP Business Solutions Fuel Card is a charge card. This means there is no introductory APR or ongoing APR. Instead, any unpaid balances are penalized by a minimum late fee ($75).
The expected APR and related fees are:
- Introductory APR: None
- Regular APR: None
If your business can’t afford to repay its entire balance every month, we recommend the Shell Small Business Fuel Card. That card acts as a credit card and only requires a monthly minimum payment.
BP Business Solutions Fuel Card Ongoing Fees
The BP Business Solutions Fuel Card has a small monthly account fee, but the issuer will waive this fee when you purchase at least 5,000 gallons per month, unlike the other cards on our list. BP charges this fee per account, not per card. You can activate as many cards as you need for just the $10 account fee.
The fees that come with the BP Business Solutions Fuel Card are:
- Monthly fee: $10 account fee, waived for purchasing at least 5,000 gallons per month
- Late fee: $75 or 9.99% of the outstanding balance, whichever is greater
Fuel cards typically charge a fee if they provide cardholders with discounts or rewards programs. With the discounts you earn on this card, you can earn that $10 account fee after purchasing 300 gallons in one month. The Shell Small Business Fuel Card charges no monthly fee and still offers a discount on each gallon (3 cents).
BP Business Solutions Fuel Card Repayment Terms
Similar to the Chevron Texaco Business Fuel Card, the BP Business Solutions Fuel Card functions as a charge card. This means you’ll have to pay the outstanding balance in full at the end of the month. You’ll incur a $75 late fee on any unpaid balances that carry over to the following billing cycle.
Business fuel cards that act like a charge card aren’t the best option if you think you won’t be able to pay the full balance every month. This can cause many issues with accruing unnecessary late fees. If you need to carry a balance and want interest-free financing, consider a 0% APR business credit card.
BP Business Solutions Fuel Card Discounts & Rewards
Much like the 76 Universal card, the BP Business Solutions Fuel Card offers tiered discounts for its cardholders. You can save up to 6 cents per gallon on fuel purchases at 7,200 available BP and ARCO-branded stations nationwide.
The tiered discounts for the BP Business Solutions gas card are:
- 300 to 2,999 monthly gallons: 3.5 cents rebate per gallon
- 3,000 to 7,999 monthly gallons: 4 cents rebate per gallon
- 8,000 to 9,999 monthly gallons: 5 cents rebate per gallon
- 10,000 or more monthly gallons: 6 cents rebate per gallon
When considering a card that offer discounts or rewards, examine how many stations participate in the rewards program. There are 7,200 BP and ARCO-branded gas stations nationwide, and they all accept the rewards program. In comparison, Shell has 14,000 locations that participate in its rewards program.
BP Business Solutions Fuel Card Qualifications
You’ll need to be in business for two or more years to qualify, have a steady business credit history, and no fraud activity on your business credit. If your business has been in operation for at least two years, your personal credit score and personal assets will be protected.
However, joint liability between the business and the business owner is required if your business is less than two years old, This means your personal credit score will be taken into account and you’ll need to provide a personal guarantee. A personal guarantee means if the company fails to repay the debt, you will become personally liable. We recommend having a personal credit score of at least 640 to qualify.
BP Business Solutions Fuel Card Network Availability
The BP Business Solutions Fuel Card is accepted at any gas station that takes Mastercard. Keep in mind that cardholders can only earn rewards at the 7,200 BP and ARCO-branded stations nationwide. The only other card on our list that ranks well with this is the 76 Universal Fuel card, which is accepted at 45,000 stations nationwide.
What the BP Business Solutions Fuel Card Is Missing
The BP Business Solutions Fuel Card has fewer stations that participate in its gas rebates program than the other cards. There are only 7,200 locations that participate, compared to Shell’s 14,000 locations. If rewards are your main concern in a card, we recommend considering the Shell Small Business Fuel Card.
BP Business Solutions Fuel Card Reviews
Online reviews suggest cardholders love that they can use their card at any major gas station that accepts Mastercard. Some cardholders complain about the scarcity of locations around the country that participate in the rebate program.
Where to Get the BP Business Solutions Fuel Card
You can apply online for the BP Business Solutions Fuel Card, which can be done in a few minutes. After providing your basic personal and business information, it usually takes 24 to 48 business hours to run your business credit and deliver an approval decision. Once approved, you will receive your card within five to seven days.
ExxonMobil Business Fleet Card: Best Alternative for Fleets That Want Introductory Rewards
The ExxonMobil Business Fleet Card is the best alternative to a fuel card because it offers introductory rewards of 25 cents per gallon, along with ongoing rebates. It’s ideal for small business owners looking to make gas and vehicle-related purchases, and is an inexpensive alternative option because it carries no monthly or setup fees. This card also acts as a charge card and carries no interest.
ExxonMobil Business Fleet Card APR
Similar to the BP Business Solutions Fuel Card, the ExxonMobil Business Fleet Card is a charge card, so it doesn’t charge introductory or ongoing APR. Instead of accruing interest, any balances that carry over to the next billing cycle will be hit with a late fee.
The expected APR and related fees are:
- Introductory APR: None
- Regular APR: None
Remember, you’ll have to pay this charge card off in full each month, which is why it carries no interest. If you need to carry a balance, consider the Shell Small Business Fuel Card or 76 Universal Fuel Card.
ExxonMobil Business Fleet Card Ongoing Fees
The ExxonMobil Business Fleet Card is similar to the Shell Small Business card in that it has no monthly, annual, or new card fees. There is also no limit to the number of cards you can distribute to your employees.
The typical fees you can expect on the ExxonMobil Business Fleet Card are:
- Monthly fee: None
- Minimum late fee: $20 or 2.5% of the account balance, whichever is greater
Keep track of employee spending on each card, especially if your fleet has multiple cards. As a business owner, you’ll be held liable for your employees’ transactions and responsible for making timely payments. You should create a corporate credit card policy to help protect yourself and clearly define the expectations you have with your employees.
ExxonMobil Business Fleet Card Repayment Terms
Similar to the BP Business Solutions Fuel Card, the ExxonMobil Business Fleet Card acts as a charge card. This means the balance is due in full on a monthly basis. Any unpaid balances from a billing cycle will be penalized by a minimum late fee of $75.
If you’re looking to carry a balance or don’t know if you can pay your balance in full every month, consider a fuel card that acts as a credit card. This will help you avoid any late fees and keep you from falling into a cash trap. The Shell Small Business Fuel Card is a good alternative because it’s not due in full.
ExxonMobil Business Fleet Card Discounts & Rewards
The ExxonMobil Business Fleet Card is part of a tiered discount program, which is similar to the BP and 76 cards. However, with the ExxonMobil Business Fleet Card, you can earn rebates for purchasing 499 or fewer gallons of gas per month. In comparison, BP requires you to purchase at least 300 gallons and 76 requires you to purchase at least 1,000 gallons to earn your first tier of rewards.
The tiered discounts for the ExxonMobil Business Fleet Card are:
- 0 to 499 monthly gallons: 1 cent rebate per gallon
- 500 to 3,999 monthly gallons: 3 cents rebate per gallon
- 4,000 to 6,999 monthly gallons: 4 cents rebate per gallon
- 7,000 to 9,999 monthly gallons: 5 cents rebate per gallon
- 10,000 or more monthly gallons: 6 cents rebate per gallon
The ExxonMobil Business Fleet Card also offers an introductory bonus, which sets it apart from the rest. For the first three months, cardholders can save 25 cents per gallon. After the promotional period ends, cardholders will continue to earn rebates on every gallon you pump at Exxon and Mobil-branded stations.
ExxonMobil Business Fleet Card Qualifications
The ExxonMobil Business Fleet Card is similar to the 76 Universal Card in that it requires joint qualification and doesn’t allow for company-only qualification. Both your Social Security number and the business’ Employer Identification Number (EIN) are required at application.
The business owner must have a personal credit score of at least 640, and the business credit must be in good standing in order to qualify. Like the 76 Universal Card, the business owner is jointly liable with the business. This means if the business fails to repay any outstanding balances, the business owner must personally repay the bank.
ExxonMobil Business Fleet Card Network Availability
The ExxonMobil Business Fleet Card is accepted at any Exxon or Mobil gas station or service station. There are roughly 10,000 locations across the U.S, which is roughly 12% of all national gas stations. The fleet card discount and rewards program is valid at any of these stations. If you need to use your card at non-branded stations, you may want to consider the 76 or Chevron Texaco Business Access Fuel Card.
What the ExxonMobil Business Fleet Card Is Missing
Cardholders can’t use the ExxonMobil business card at any station other than Exxon and Mobile. Companies that drive far distances may find this to be a roadblock and should consider a card that they can use at more stations, such as the 76 Universal Fuel Card or the Chevron Texaco Business Access Fuel Card.
ExxonMobil Business Fleet Card Reviews
Online reviews suggest that cardholders enjoy that they can earn gas rebates on their first gas purchase, which separates it from other discount programs. Reviews also show that people are generally enticed by the card’s introductory promotional period. This is a perk most cards don’t offer. Some users complain that they can’t use this card at non-branded stations.
Where to Get the ExxonMobil Business Fleet Card
You can apply for the ExxonMobil Business Fleet Card in a matter of minutes. You will be required to enter basic personal and business information to submit your application for review. Generally, you will hear back within 24 hours and receive your card within seven to 10 days.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard®: Best for Earning Gas Rewards With a Business Credit Card
The Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® is best for earning gas rewards through a traditional business credit card. This card pays 3% cash back on gas purchases or in one of five other categories. You can use it at any gas station that accepts Mastercard. Plus, you can earn more rewards if you enroll in the Preferred Rewards for Business program. Ongoing variable APR starts at 14.49%.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® APR
This limited liability company (LLC) credit card charges no interest on purchases for nine months. This is the only introductory 0% APR credit card on our list. Once the introductory period ends, it charges an ongoing variable APR between 14.49% and 24.29%.
The expected APRs on the Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® include:
- Introductory APR: 0% for nine billing cycles on purchases
- Ongoing APR: 14.49% to 24.49% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
If your main concern in a business credit card is a balance transfer offer, consider a balance transfer business credit card. Those cards charge no interest on balance transfers for up to 15 billing cycles.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® Ongoing Fees
Similar to most cards on our list, this Bank of America business credit card is a business card with no annual fees. Plus, the issuer will apply a late fee up to $49 if you miss a payment.
Costs and fees on the Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® include:
- Annual fee: None
- Late payment fee: Up to $49
- Balance transfer fee: $10 or 4% of the transfer, whichever is greater
Be careful if you’re using this card to transfer a balance from a business credit card with a higher interest rate. It charges a balance transfer fee of 4%, which can cost you hundreds of dollars if you’re transferring a large balance.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® Repayment Terms
This Bank of America business credit card acts as a traditional credit card compared to a charge card. The issuer will send you your bill every 30 days, but it will only require a monthly minimum payment. In comparison, charge cards require that you repay the balance in full monthly and charge no interest.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® Discounts & Rewards
This Bank of America business credit card pays 3% cash back on gas purchases or in one of five other spending categories. You can also earn a $300 statement credit after you spend $3,000 within the first 90 days.
The introductory and ongoing rewards you’ll earn include:
- $300 statement credit after spending at least $3,000 within the first 90 days
- 3% cash back on your choice of one of the following six categories: gas stations (default), office supply stores, travel, TV and telecommunications services, wireless, computer services or business consulting services (for the first $50,000 in combined choice category or dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter)
- 2% cash back at restaurants
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
Compared to the best fuel cards for small business, this card offers a unique rewards structure. Instead of offering discounts at branded gas stations, you’ll earn cash back on all purchases. For example, you can earn 3% cash back on gas purchases at all stations that accept Mastercard.
Additionally, if you enroll in the Preferred Rewards for Business program, you can earn an additional 25% to 75% rewards bonus on all spending. To earn the maximum bonus rate of 75%, you must have at least $100,000 in deposits or investments with Bank of America.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® Qualifications
To qualify for the Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard®, you’ll need an excellent personal credit score (670 or more). This card is a bit more difficult to qualify for compared to the other fuel cards on our list that only require a score of 640 or more. If your credit score is less than 670, consider a business credit card for fair credit.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® Network Availability
Unlike most fuel cards on our list, the Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® is not restricted to a single merchant or gas station. You’ll be able to use this card at stores that accept Mastercard and online by entering your credit card information. You will earn rewards up to 3% of the purchase price.
What the Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® Is Missing
The Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® doesn’t offer financing on balance transfers. However, most business owners who use this card do so for its rewards structure. This is the only traditional business credit card on our list, and you can earn 3% cash back on your fuel purchases.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® Reviews
Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® reviews are mixed. Cardholders suggest they enjoy the lack of an annual fee and the ability to choose the 3% reward category. However, some users complain the introductory rewards are significantly lower than other business credit cards.
Where to Get the Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard®
You can apply for the Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® online. Once you fill out the application with your basic business and personal information, you can be approved instantly. Once approved, you’ll receive a card in the mail within seven to 10 days.
Alternatives to the Best Fuel Card for Small Business
If your business has recurring expenses in addition to gas purchases, a fuel card is not the best option for you. Instead, consider a traditional business credit card with a major credit card provider that pays rewards at gas stations and other merchants. Each business credit card in the table below offers an ongoing rewards structure that includes gas stations as a reward category.
5 Best Alternatives to Fuel Cards for Small Businesses
Business Credit Card | Gas Rewards | Sign-up Bonus |
|---|---|---|
3% cash back | $300 statement credit when you spend $3,000 within the first 90 days after account opening | |
2% cash back | $500 bonus when you spend $3,000 within the first three months | |
1.5% cash back | $500 bonus when you spend $3,000 within the first three months | |
2% cash back | None | |
2x points | None |
Bottom Line
Each card we covered on our list of the best fuel cards for small business offers several benefits and features for gas-related purchases. The best business gas card for your business comes down to its monthly cost, where you can use the card, and how much money you can save across your entire account.
Our pick for the best fuel card for small business is the Shell Small Business Fuel Card. It’s the best card on this list when comparing its liability options, qualifications, and discounted locations. You can apply online in a matter of minutes.
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