6 Best Fuel Cards for Small Business 2020

The best fuel cards for small business owners offer affordable fees, low APRs, and wide network availability. 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 fuel cards for small businesses of 2020 are:

• Shell Small Business Fuel Card: (Best Overall) Best for earning rewards at the most stations
• 76 Universal Fuel Card: Best for flexible spending on fuel purchases
• Chevron Texaco Business Access Fuel Card: Best for driving farther distances
• Chevron Texaco Business Fuel Card: Best for filling up at Chevron and Texaco stations
• BP Business Solutions Fuel Card: Best for gas rebates for larger fleets
• U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard®: Best for 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 fuel expenses. There are multiple U.S. Bank business credit cards, but one of the best alternatives for fuel cards is U.S. Bank’s business gas card, U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard®. You’ll earn 3% cash-back rewards on gas purchases and have interest-free financing for nine billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers. The issuer also will provide free employee cards.

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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 26.74%. 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 Costs

• Introductory APR: None
• Regular APR: 26.74% 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, which can help you maximize your rewards.

Shell Small Business Fuel Card Ongoing Fees

• Monthly fee: None
• Setup fee: None
• Minimum late fee: $75

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. Its fuel card services let you issue as many cards as you’d like to your employees at no additional charge.

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 rebates up to 6 cents per 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 can also 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 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 the other best fuel cards, which provide discounts up to 6 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.

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). It is a charge card, so the balance is due in full monthly and it carries no interest.

76 Universal Fuel Card Costs

• Introductory APR: None
• Regular APR: None; it’s a charge card and the balance is due in full monthly

If you need to finance your gas purchases, 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

• 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 best 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 acts as a charge card, which means the issuer requires you to repay your balance in full monthly. Charge cards do not let you carry a balance to the next billing cycle. If you can’t afford to repay your balance in full, consider a fuel card that acts as a credit card.

76 Universal Fuel Card Discounts & Rewards

• 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).

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 6 cents per gallon. It’s a charge card with net-22 repayment terms, which means you’ll pay no interest and have to pay the balance in full within 22 days of receiving your statement. Any unpaid balances will be hit with a minimum $75 late fee.

Chevron Texaco Business Access Fuel Card Costs

• Introductory APR: None
• Regular APR: None; it’s a charge card and the balance is due in full monthly

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

• 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 has net-22 repayment terms. This means you must pay off your balance in full within 22 days after your statement. 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

• 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 your 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.

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 farther 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 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 and has net-22 repayment terms, meaning you’ll be charged no interest and your balance is due within 22 days after receiving your statement. 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 Costs

• Introductory APR: None
• Regular APR: None; it’s a charge card and the balance is due in full monthly

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 offers rewards at all 14,000 Shell locations.

Chevron Texaco Business Fuel Card Ongoing Fees

• 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 within 22 days of receiving your statement because it’s a charge card with net-22 repayment terms. 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 doesn’t offer discounts or a 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 Fuel 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 that 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.

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 Costs

• Introductory APR: None
• Regular APR: None; it’s a charge card and the balance is due in full monthly

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

• 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

The best fuel cards typically charge a fee if they provide cardholders with discounts or rewards fuel card 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 (up to 6 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 as 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

• 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 offers 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 at least two 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 that 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—more than 175,000 locations. Keep in mind that cardholders can only earn rewards at the 7,200 BP and ARCO-branded stations nationwide, though. 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.

U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard®: Best Business Credit Card for Earning Gas Rewards

The U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard® is best for earning gas rewards through a traditional business credit card. This card pays 3% cash back on gas purchases, and you can use it at any gas station that accepts Mastercard. Plus, you’ll have 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for nine billing cycles. Ongoing variable APR starts at 13.74%.

U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard® Costs

• Introductory APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for the first nine billing cycles
• Ongoing APR: 13.74% to 24.74% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate

This is the best introductory financing offer on our fuel cards for small business list. No other business credit card offers better introductory financing terms.

U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard® Ongoing Fees

• Annual fee: None
• Late payment fee: $19 on balances up to $100; $29 on balances between $100 and $250; $39 on balances above $250
• Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3% of the transfer during application, 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 3%, which can cost you hundreds of dollars if you’re transferring a large balance.

U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard® Repayment Terms

This U.S. Bank business credit card acts like 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.

U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard® Discounts & Rewards

• $200 cash back after you spend $1,000 during the first 150 days
• 3% cash back on cellphone purchases and service
• 3% cash back on gas purchases up to $200 per single purchase
• 3% cash back at office supply stores
• 1% cash back on all other eligible 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. Choose a card that pays rewards in categories where your business spends the most each month to maximize your rewards.

U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard® Qualifications

To qualify for the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard®, you’ll need an excellent personal credit score (at least 670). 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 at least 640. If your credit score is less than 670, consider a business credit card for fair credit.

U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard® Network Availability

Unlike most fuel cards on our list, the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ 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 U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard® Is Missing

U.S. bank business card reviews indicate this card offers lower ongoing category rewards compared to other cash-back rewards business credit cards. Some of the best small business credit cards, for example, offer ongoing rewards of up to 5% of your purchase price.

How We Evaluated the Best Fuel Cards for Small Business

The six best fuel cards for small business 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 card’s cost, network availability, and possible discounts or cash-back rewards you can receive on gas purchases likely determine the best business gas card for your business. SEE METHODOLOGY IN DETAIL.

Bottom Line

The best fuel cards for small business offer several benefits and features for gas-related purchases, such as fuel rebates and employee cards. The card’s monthly cost, where you can use the card, and how much money you can save across your entire account likely determine the best business gas card for your firm.