Editor’s note: This is a recurring post with regularly updated card details.
When you use a fuel card, you can either save immediately with discounts or rebates at gas stations, or with cash back you’ll receive at the end of each billing cycle. You also have the option to select a charge card or a credit card with a revolving balance. We’ve looked at a variety of fuel cards and selected the best ones for your business.
The best fuel cards for small businesses are:
- 76® Universal Fuel Card: Best overall fuel card for small businesses
- Shell Small Business Fuel Card: Best fuel card for large fleets
- Chevron Texaco Business Access Fuel Card: Best fuel card for fleets that drive long distances in the Northwest, Southwest, and Southeast
- Chase Ink Business Cash®: Best for sole proprietorships
- U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards World EliteTM Mastercard®: Best for small businesses looking to earn fuel and restaurant rewards
Want to compare the features of one card to another? We’ve made it easy for you to do just that! Simply check off up to three cards on this page to add them to your cart. This will allow you to view the details in a side-by-side comparison.
76® Universal Fuel Card: Best Overall Fuel Card for Small Businesses
76® Universal Fuel Card
BEST FOR:
Earning Up to 7 Cents per Gallon
- Save up to 7 cents per gallon at over 6,800 76®, Conoco®, and Phillips 66® locations
- With the 76 Universal Card, you can save up to 7¢ a gallon (based on monthly gallons purchased at 76®, Phillips 66® and Conoco® locations).
Pros
- Accepted at 95% of U.S. gas stations
- 24/7 roadside assistance and 24/7 customer service
- One-click reports include:
- Purchase activity
- Exception, transaction summary, and transaction deals
- Financial summary, site summary, and exception summary
- Tax exemption (for qualified fleets)
Cons
- Not a credit card, but a charge card so the balance is due in full each billing cycle
- Rebates only available at 76®, Conoco®, and Phillips 66® locations
- Unique driver IDs help prevent unauthorized purchases
- Manage spending by card or driver
- Restrict card use to times of day or days of week
- Limit card use by product type, location, or amount
- Discounts at 76®, Conoco®, and Phillips 66® locations
- 500 to 2,499 monthly gallons: 3 cent discount per gallon
- 2,500 to 4,999 monthly gallons: 4 cents discount per gallon
- 5,000 to 6,999 monthly gallons: 5 cents discount per gallon
- 7,000 to 9,999 monthly gallons: 6 cents discount per gallon
- 10,000 or more monthly gallons: 7 cents discount per gallon
- Save up to 7 cents per gallon at over 6,800 76®, Conoco®, and Phillips 66® locations
- With the 76 Universal Card, you can save up to 7¢ a gallon (based on monthly gallons purchased at 76®, Phillips 66® and Conoco® locations).
Pros
- Accepted at 95% of U.S. gas stations
- 24/7 roadside assistance and 24/7 customer service
- One-click reports include:
- Purchase activity
- Exception, transaction summary, and transaction deals
- Financial summary, site summary, and exception summary
- Tax exemption (for qualified fleets)
Cons
- Not a credit card, but a charge card so the balance is due in full each billing cycle
- Rebates only available at 76®, Conoco®, and Phillips 66® locations
- Unique driver IDs help prevent unauthorized purchases
- Manage spending by card or driver
- Restrict card use to times of day or days of week
- Limit card use by product type, location, or amount
- Discounts at 76®, Conoco®, and Phillips 66® locations
- 500 to 2,499 monthly gallons: 3 cent discount per gallon
- 2,500 to 4,999 monthly gallons: 4 cents discount per gallon
- 5,000 to 6,999 monthly gallons: 5 cents discount per gallon
- 7,000 to 9,999 monthly gallons: 6 cents discount per gallon
- 10,000 or more monthly gallons: 7 cents discount per gallon
The 76® Universal Fuel Card is a charge card, not a credit card, and it’s our choice for the best overall fuel card for small businesses. It’s accepted at 95% of all US gas stations, and you can save up to 7 cents per gallon if you fill up at 76®, Conoco®, and Phillips 66® locations at about 6,800 locations. As a special offer, you can save 10 cents on every gallon at 76®, Conoco®, and Phillips 66® locations for the first three months—for new accounts only. There’s no annual fee—only a $2 monthly fee and a $40 one-time setup fee. Since it’s a charge card, the balance is due in full each billing cycle.
Whether you have one vehicle or 100, you can manage card or driver spending with online account management. You can limit card use by product type, location, and amount as well as times of day or days of the week. Reporting features include purchase activity and financial summaries, and reports are customizable. Customer service is available 24/7 as is roadside assistance for cardholders.
Shell Small Business Fuel Card: Best Fuel Card for Large Fleets
Shell Small Business Card
BEST FOR:
Larger businesses
- Earn rebates of up to 5 cents per gallon
Pros
- Zero card fees
- Discounts at Jiffy Lube locations
Cons
- Businesses need to earn at least $1 million annually to qualify
- Total savings capped at $300 per billing cycle
- Online and mobile account management
- Cancel stolen or lost cards in real time online
- 24/7 customer service available
- Payment flexibility – revolve your balance or pay in full each billing cycle
- Earn rebates of up to 5 cents per gallon
Pros
- Zero card fees
- Discounts at Jiffy Lube locations
Cons
- Businesses need to earn at least $1 million annually to qualify
- Total savings capped at $300 per billing cycle
- Online and mobile account management
- Cancel stolen or lost cards in real time online
- 24/7 customer service available
- Payment flexibility – revolve your balance or pay in full each billing cycle
If your small business earns at least $1 million in annual revenue, you’ll qualify to apply for the Shell Small Business Fuel Card. You can earn rebates of up to 6 cents per gallon at Shell Stations, and get discounts at participating Jiffy Lube stations for oil changes and preventative maintenance. If you have a large fleet, your business can save significantly when your fleet fills up at 14,000 Shell stations nationwide.
You have access to detailed reports online that include purchase controls and data analytics. Customer service is available 24/7 if needed. There’s no annual fee, and you can revolve your credit card balance each month if you need additional time to make a full payment.
To apply for the card, you’ll need a good to excellent credit score. It’s also a card that doesn’t require a personal guarantee, so you as the business owner won’t be held personally liable. Additionally, payments are flexible. You can pay the balance in full with each billing cycle or revolve your balance.
Chevron Texaco Business Access Fuel Card: Best Fuel Card for Fleets That Drive Long Distances in the Northwest, Southwest, and Southeast
Chevron Texaco Business Access Fuel Card
BEST FOR:
long distance driving
- Save up to 6 cents per gallon at nearly 8,000 Chevron and Texaco locations
Pros
- Accepted at 95% of U.S. gas stations
- 24/7 customer service and 24/7 roadside assistance available
- One-click reports include:
- Purchase activity
- Exception, transaction summary, and transaction deals
- Financial summary, site summary, and exception summary
- Tax exemption (for qualified fleets)
Cons
- Not a credit card, but a charge card so the balance is due in full each billing cycle
- Rebates only available at Chevron and Texaco locations
Discounts of up to 6 cents a gallon at nearly 8,000 Chevron and Texaco locations
- 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
- Save up to 6 cents per gallon at nearly 8,000 Chevron and Texaco locations
Pros
- Accepted at 95% of U.S. gas stations
- 24/7 customer service and 24/7 roadside assistance available
- One-click reports include:
- Purchase activity
- Exception, transaction summary, and transaction deals
- Financial summary, site summary, and exception summary
- Tax exemption (for qualified fleets)
Cons
- Not a credit card, but a charge card so the balance is due in full each billing cycle
- Rebates only available at Chevron and Texaco locations
Discounts of up to 6 cents a gallon at nearly 8,000 Chevron and Texaco locations
- 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
If your fleet drives long distances in the Northwest, Southwest, or Southeast, you can save up to 6 cents per gallon at nearly 8,000 Chevron and Texaco stations with the Chevron Texaco Business Access Fuel Card.
Like the 76® card, it’s a charge card and not a credit card, so a personal credit check isn’t needed. There’s no annual fee—only a $2 monthly fee and a one-time $40 setup fee. You’ll be invoiced monthly for your purchases, and you get 24/7 roadside assistance and customer service. With online account management, you can set spending limits for employees and view reports on purchase activity and financial summaries.
If you need to fill up between Chevron or Texaco stations, the card is accepted at 95% of United States gas stations across the country.
Chase Ink Business Cash®: Best for Sole Proprietorships
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
BEST FOR:
Office-based businesses that want top cash back rewards
- Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
- Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
- With Fraud Protection your card transactions will be monitored for possible signs of fraudulent activity using real-time fraud monitoring.
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
Pros
- Top rewards for office supply spending
- Introductory APR on purchases
- Cash sign-up bonus
Cons
- 0% APR doesn’t apply to balance transfers
- High balance transfer fee of 5%
- Designed mainly for office-oriented companies
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: Coverage is primary—meaning it replaces any coverage your personal insurance might offer—when renting for business purposes. It provides reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most cars in the United States and abroad.
- Purchase protection: Covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account per year.
- Extended warranty protection: Extends the time period of the US manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year on eligible warranties of 3 years or less.
- Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
- Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
- With Fraud Protection your card transactions will be monitored for possible signs of fraudulent activity using real-time fraud monitoring.
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
Pros
- Top rewards for office supply spending
- Introductory APR on purchases
- Cash sign-up bonus
Cons
- 0% APR doesn’t apply to balance transfers
- High balance transfer fee of 5%
- Designed mainly for office-oriented companies
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: Coverage is primary—meaning it replaces any coverage your personal insurance might offer—when renting for business purposes. It provides reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most cars in the United States and abroad.
- Purchase protection: Covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account per year.
- Extended warranty protection: Extends the time period of the US manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year on eligible warranties of 3 years or less.
The Chase Ink Business Cash® card gives you 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent at gas stations each account anniversary year. Plus you get 5% cash back on office supply stores, internet, cable, and phone each account anniversary year. We’ve named it one of our best small business credit cards.
If you don’t need reporting features or employee purchase controls that come with fuel cards (as a sole proprietorship, for example), the Chase Ink Business Cash® card is a good choice. You still get all the security and wide acceptance that comes with a Visa® card. Plus you get a welcome bonus of $750 cash back if you spend $7,500 in the first 90 days of card ownership.
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard®: Best for Small Businesses Looking to Earn Fuel and Restaurant Rewards
U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard®
BEST FOR:
0% APR for 12 Billing Cycles
- Limited Time Offer: Earn $500 cash back after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days of opening your account
- Earn up to 3% cash back on eligible gas station, office supply store, and cellphone/service provider net purchases
- 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases
- No limit on total cash back earned
- Rewards never expire
- 25% annual bonus based on your prior year's cash rewards, up to $250
- 0% Intro APR* on balance transfers for 12 billing cycles; after that, a variable APR that's currently 13.99% to 22.99%
- No annual fee*
- Great offer from U.S. Bank, a 2021 World's Most Ethical Company®―Ethisphere Institute, February 2021
Pros
- A 0% APR period on purchases on balance transfers
- 25% annual cash rewards bonus
Cons
- Small introductory bonus offer
- Balance transfer fee
- MasterRental car rental collision damage waiver: When you rent a car using your U.S. Bank credit card, you’re covered in case of accident or theft on all rentals made worldwide. Coverage is primary, which means you won’t need to use your personal auto insurance or accept the insurance offered by the rental agency. Coverage is capped at $50,000.
- Purchase assurance: U.S. Bank may repair or reimburse for items purchased with your U.S. Bank business credit card that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per loss, up to $25,000 per year per account. Lost items and items left out of reach that others can see are not covered.
- Extended warranty protection: U.S. Bank will double the manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional 1 year from the expiration of warranties of 5 years or less. An item with a 6-month warranty would be backed for an additional 6 months, for example. The issuer will replace the item or reimburse you up to the amount charged on your U.S. Bank card up to $10,000.
- Limited Time Offer: Earn $500 cash back after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days of opening your account
- Earn up to 3% cash back on eligible gas station, office supply store, and cellphone/service provider net purchases
- 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases
- No limit on total cash back earned
- Rewards never expire
- 25% annual bonus based on your prior year's cash rewards, up to $250
- 0% Intro APR* on balance transfers for 12 billing cycles; after that, a variable APR that's currently 13.99% to 22.99%
- No annual fee*
- Great offer from U.S. Bank, a 2021 World's Most Ethical Company®―Ethisphere Institute, February 2021
Pros
- A 0% APR period on purchases on balance transfers
- 25% annual cash rewards bonus
Cons
- Small introductory bonus offer
- Balance transfer fee
- MasterRental car rental collision damage waiver: When you rent a car using your U.S. Bank credit card, you’re covered in case of accident or theft on all rentals made worldwide. Coverage is primary, which means you won’t need to use your personal auto insurance or accept the insurance offered by the rental agency. Coverage is capped at $50,000.
- Purchase assurance: U.S. Bank may repair or reimburse for items purchased with your U.S. Bank business credit card that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per loss, up to $25,000 per year per account. Lost items and items left out of reach that others can see are not covered.
- Extended warranty protection: U.S. Bank will double the manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional 1 year from the expiration of warranties of 5 years or less. An item with a 6-month warranty would be backed for an additional 6 months, for example. The issuer will replace the item or reimburse you up to the amount charged on your U.S. Bank card up to $10,000.
This valuable card offers a few different ways to save money and earn cash back. Although this isn’t a fuel card, with the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard® you’re covered while you or your employees are on the road with 3% cash back at any gas station and any restaurant.
You also get 3% cash back at office supply stores and mobile phone service providers. Plus, there’s no annual fee, a 0% introductory APR for the first 15 months, and then a low starting APR of 13.99%. When you sign up, you can earn $500 cash back if you spend $4,500 within the first 150 days of opening your account.
If you don’t need reporting capabilities for your fleet, this card offers the most versatility of all the cards on our list. It’s one of our best business gas cards and best cash back business credit cards.
How We Evaluated the Best Fuel Cards for Small Businesses
When evaluating branded fuel cards, we considered each card’s fees, repayment terms, network availability, and any rebate programs. For nonbranded business credit cards, we looked primarily at gas discounts or rebates, ease of use, and additional rewards.
Bottom Line
You don’t need to own a large fleet to be eligible for a business fuel card. A fleet can be a single car used by a sole proprietorship or limited liability company (LLC) or thousands of vehicles owned by a large company. Detailed reports help keep track of employee spending and identify potential fraud or misuse and tax exemptions for qualified fleets. If you’d prefer not to use a card associated with a specific gas company, consider a cash back business credit card with strong rewards on fuel purchases.
