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 6 Fuel Cards for Small Business June 2019
| Fuels Cards | Best for |
|---|---|
| Shell Small Business Fuel Card | (Best Overall) Companies that want rewards at the most stations |
| 76 Universal Fuel Card | Small businesses that want flexible spending on fuel purchases |
| Chevron Texaco Business Access Fuel Card | Businesses with a fleet of cars that drive far and often |
| Chevron Texaco Business Fuel Card | Business owners who prefer to use Chevron or Texaco stations |
| BP Business Solutions Fuel Card | Business owners with larger fleets who want gas rebates |
| ExxonMobil Business Fleet Card | Best alternative to a fleet card that provides introductory rewards |
What’s Changed With the Best Fuel Cards for Small Business
This article was originally published in May 2018. We update our content on a regular basis because business credit cards occasionally update their costs, including the annual percentage rate they charge. Two cards on our list that charge interest kept their rates steady. In addition, one card on our list changed its offerings.
Recent changes with the largest impact on our list of the best business fuel card rankings are:
Shell Small Business Fuel Card Offers Jiffy Lube Discount
The Shell Small Business Fuel Card recently 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.
When to Use a Traditional Business Credit Card
Business owners also can use a traditional small business credit card for their fuel expenses. There are multiple Chase business credit cards, but the best alternative for fuel cards is their cash rewards card, Chase Ink Business CashSM. It gives business owners the ability to issue employee cards and set spending limits on those cards. You’ll also earn a $500 sign-up bonus when you spend $3,000 in the first three months, and you can earn up to 5% cash back beyond that reward.
How We Evaluated Fuel Cards
The six fuel cards for small business we evaluated all offer different benefits to small 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 small business gas cards include:
- APR: The ongoing interest rate charged on purchases for a fuel credit card. The lowest rate on our list is 23%. Still, most fuel cards for small business are charge cards, so they don’t charge ongoing interest.
- 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 (640 or higher), 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 the online reviews from existing users are positive or negative.
We recommend the Shell Small Business Fuel Card as the best business gas card because of its choices for liability and inexpensive monthly fees. It’s also the most flexible fuel card that provides discounts 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 Features at a Glance
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 are 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, Shell’s fuel card is one of the most affordable options, with no monthly or additional card fee. This means you can pass out as many cards as you’d like to your employees at no additional charge.
The typical fees you can expect on the Shell 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 three cent 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 is the most on our list.
The 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 (check yours for free)
- 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, your personal credit score is used 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’ll be required to offer a personal guarantee. This means you agree to repay the debt personally if the business fails to do so.
In contrast, choosing company liability is a good option if you want to protect your personal credit score and personal assets. In addition to your personal credit score not being used to qualify, the provider won’t require a personal guarantee from the business owner.
Shell Small Business Fuel Card Network Availability
The Shell Small Business Fuel Card can only be used 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, this is lower than some cards. 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 as some of the 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, this card can’t be used 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. Similar to the Shell Small Business Fuel Card, it offers no interest-free financing and has an ongoing APR of 23%.
76 Universal Fuel Card Features at a Glance
76 Universal Fuel Card APR
Similar to the Shell Small Business Fuel Card, the 76 Universal Fuel Card offers no 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 instead of a late fee.
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 even 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 monthly fee per card. The Shell 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 bill is due on or before the thirtieth day of the month. 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 one cent to four cents per gallon.
The tiered discounts for the 76 Universal Fuel Card are:
- 1,000 to 2,499 monthly gallons: One cent discount per gallon
- 2,500 to 4,999 monthly gallons: 1.5 cents discount per gallon
- 5,000 to 6,999 monthly gallons: Two cents discount per gallon
- 7,000 to 9,999 monthly gallons: Three cents discount per gallon
- 10,000 or more monthly gallons: Four 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 least 640 and a good business credit rating (check yours for free) 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 when 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.
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 card will be 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 Business 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 but will 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 Features at a Glance
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 similar fees compared with the 76 Universal card. This card has a 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 six 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: One cent rebate per gallon
- 2,001 to 4,000 monthly gallons: Two cents rebate per gallon
- 4,001 to 6,000 monthly gallons: Three cents rebate per gallon
- 6,001 to 8,000 monthly gallons: Four cents rebate per gallon
- 8,001 to 10,000 monthly gallons: Five cents rebate per gallon
- 10,000 or more monthly gallons: Six 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 an account credit on your monthly statement, which 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 when applying (check yours for free).
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, making 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 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. Users said they disliked that the card must be paid in full every month. 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, you card will arrive in the mail within seven to 10 days.
Chevron Texaco Business Fuel Card: Best for Local Businesses Using Chevron & Texaco
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. You’ll be charged no monthly or setup fees for this card, and it can be used at nearly 8,000 Chevron and Texaco stations nationwide.
Chevron Texaco Business Fuel Card Features at a Glance
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, which charges an ongoing APR of 23% and offers rewards at all 14,000 Shell locations, is a good option.
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 pretty 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 when compared with the Chevron Texaco Business Fuel Card. However, because there are no card fees, you’ll also enjoy no rewards or discounts.
Chevron Texaco Business Fuel Card Repayment Terms
You’re required to pay off your Chevron Texaco Business Fuel Card balance in full every month because this is 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 that’s accepted 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 examine your business credit from Dun & Bradstreet and Experian and 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 (check yours for free).
Chevron Texaco Business Fuel Card Network Availability
The Chevron Texaco Business Fuel Card is accepted at 8,000 Chevron and Texaco stations in the U.S., which is the smallest network of most 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, like 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 six 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 a 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 Businesses With 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, meaning you won’t face interest payments. If you can’t pay your balance in full each month, you’ll be charged a late fee of at least $75.
BP Business Solutions Fuel Card Features at a Glance
BP Business Solutions Fuel Card APR
Similar to the two Chevron Texaco gas cards, the BP Business Solutions 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 gas card has a small monthly account fee, but this can be waived 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 (three 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 Business Solutions gas card offers tiered discounts for its cardholders. You can save up to six 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: Four cents rebate per gallon
- 8,000 to 9,999 monthly gallons: Five cents rebate per gallon
- 10,000 or more monthly gallons: Six 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. On the other hand, 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 reporting to 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 be required 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 (check yours for free).
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 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 to Earn Rewards Early On
The ExxonMobil Business Fleet Card is the best alternative to a fuel card. 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. It offers introductory rewards of 25 cents per gallon, along with ongoing rebates.
ExxonMobil Business Fleet Card Features at a Glance
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 are carried 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 you won’t be charged 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 fleet card are:
- Monthly fee: None
- Minimum late fee: $75
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.
ExxonMobil Business Fleet Card Discounts & Rewards
The ExxonMobil Business Fleet Card is part of 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: One cent rebate per gallon
- 500 to 3,999 monthly gallons: Three cents rebate per gallon
- 4,000 to 6,999 monthly gallons: Four cents rebate per gallon
- 7,000 to 9,999 monthly gallons: Five cents rebate per gallon
- 10,000 or more monthly gallons: Six 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’ Employee Identification Number (EIN) are required at application.
A personal credit score of at least 640 (check yours for free) is required for the business owner, and the business credit has to be in good standing in order to be approved. 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 can be accepted 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 like that you can earn gas rebates on your 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 this card can’t be used 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.
Alternatives to the Best Fuel Card for Small Business
The best fuel card for small business allows businesses to manage employee gas expenses while earning rewards on gas-related purchases. If you need access to more capital, then you should consider an alternative such as a small business credit card, a prepaid card, or a corporate credit card.
Some alternative options to fuel cards for small business are:
Small Business Credit Card
Small business credit cards are best for accessing capital if your business has little to no revenue, and they help to build business credit. The best credit cards offer high reward payouts, specific rewards categories, and low introductory and ongoing APRs. However, the card that is right for your business is typically determined by your personal and business situation.
Business Prepaid Card
Business prepaid cards help manage employee expenses and have fewer qualifications than normal small business credit cards. This is a great option if you want to distribute multiple cards to your employees. However, you shouldn’t use this if you need additional capital because they must be preloaded with funds.
Corporate Credit Card
Corporate credit cards are right for growing small businesses with $4 million in annual revenue, good business credit, at least 15 credit card users, and expected annual credit card expenses of at least $250,000. Corporate cards offer benefits like financial controls, lower annual fees, cash rebates, enterprise perks, and sometimes no personal liability.
Bottom Line
Each card we covered in 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.
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