Shell vs. BP fuel cards

Shell and BP are two of the biggest fuel brands in the UK and they each offer a selection of fuel cards which are designed to streamline operations and maximise savings. With expansive networks and competitive prices for petrol and diesel, their fuel cards are a popular choice for businesses.

Although Shell fuel cards and BP fuel cards offer many of the same benefits, they have key differences, including where they can be used and how much you’ll be charged. Understanding these nuances will help ensure you find the Right Fuel Card for your business.

Benefits and features of Shell and BP fuel cards

Shell and BP both offer 4 different fuel cards, which can be used by businesses to save time and money. Their fuel cards can be directly compared:

Shell CRT Fixed weekly price for diesel Accepted at over 1,200 Shell fuel stations, including all Shell motorway sites	BP Bunker Fixed weekly price for diesel at bunker sites Accepted at over 1,200 BP fuel stations
Shell Fleet Total network coverage of 3,900 fuel stations Accepted at all Shell motorway sites Pump price for petrol and diesel at Shell sites	BP Plus Total network coverage of 3,400 fuel stations Accepted at all BP motorway sites Pump price for petrol and diesel at BP sites
Shell Flexi Total network coverage of 3,900 fuel stations Fixed weekly price for diesel	BP Flexi Total network coverage of 3,400 fuel stations, including all BP motorway sites Fixed weekly price for petrol and diesel
Shell Fuel and EV EV network with over 23,000 charge points Fuel network of 3,000 petrol stations Fixed weekly price for petrol and diesel Retail price plus a transaction fee for EV charging	BP Fuel and Charge EV network with over 12,000 charge points and a roaming network with 35,000 chargers Expansive fuel network, including all BP petrol stations Fixed weekly price for petrol and diesel Retail price plus a transaction fee for EV charging

BP and Shell fuel cards can be used as payment for petrol, diesel, and even electric vehicles, making them the ideal choice for mixed fleets. Their networks are expansive, and include petrol stations with high canopies, benefitting HGV drivers.  

Regardless of whether of you choose a Shell or BP fuel card, all transactions will be displayed on one invoice which you can access through our online account management system. This means you no longer need to keep hold of receipts and you can easily reclaim VAT that’s owed to you.

Shell and BP fuel cards also have a range of security features, including unique PINs and spending limits, so your business will be protected from fuel card fraud.

Network coverage

Shell and BP have expansive fuel and EV networks. Drivers can access thousands of petrol stations and EV charging points across the UK, using their fuel card as a convenient payment solution.

You can find your nearest petrol station through our site locator app. For EV chargers, please go to the Shell or BP site locator, depending on your fuel and charge card.

Shell and BP fuel networks

With access to over 3,900 sites, Shell fuel cards have a slightly larger fuel network than BP.  However, with a network of over 3,400 sites, BP still offer excellent coverage across the UK.

Shell and BP fuel cards can be used at their own motorway sites, making them a practical choice for drivers that travel nationwide. Depending on the card, you can also refuel at hundreds of third-party sites, including Texaco, Esso, and Gulf (surcharges apply).

For greater accessibility, the Shell CRT and BP Bunker fuel cards are designed specifically for fleets with HGVs. Most fuel stations that accept these cards have truck friendly facilities, such as high canopies and dedicated parking.

Shell and BP EV networks

Shell and BP each have their own EV networks and EV charge cards. Their networks are Shell Recharge and BP Pulse.

Drivers only need to download one app (Shell Recharge or BP Pulse, depending on your EV charge card) and payments are contactless, simplifying the recharging process.

Both EV networks have fantastic coverage across the UK with over 23,000 EV chargers and 35,000 EV chargers respectively. They include fast, rapid, and ultra-fast charging points, so drivers can conveniently recharge whilst on the move.

BP have a clear size advantage over Shell in terms of their EV network coverage. With the BP Fuel and Charge card, you can access both the Shell Recharge and BP Pulse network, plus Osprey, Ionity and more. So, if you’re looking for the most convenient EV payment solution, BP is probably the superior option.

Pricing structures

With Shell and BP, you have the option of pump price fuel cards and fixed price fuel cards. If saving money on fuel is a priority for your business, then we’d recommend one of our fixed price fuel cards. They have competitive rates for diesel and can save you money at the pump. To help you keep track of what your drivers are spending on fuel, you’ll receive weekly price notifications by text or email.

On the other hand, Shell and BP pump price fuel cards are designed for convenience and can be used at thousands of petrol stations across the UK. Drivers simply pay the price at the pump, using their fuel card (it’s important to note that surcharges apply at third-party sites).

Although they operate on similar pricing structures, our BP fuel cards do tend to be cheaper for petrol and diesel than Shell. However, this can change depending on movements in the market.

For EVs, charging prices are similar for the Shell Fuel and EV and BP Fuel and Charge cards as you’ll pay the retail price. With these cards, drivers will pay a transaction fee, and this can differ between Shell and BP. Unlike Shell, BP also have an overstay fee which you’ll be charged after 90 minutes of charging.

Fuel quality

When comparing the fuel quality of Shell and BP, both companies are renowned for their high standards and advanced fuel technologies. Shell V-Power and BP Ultimate are premium fuels which are designed to clean and maintain engine health. This enhances performance and improves fuel economy, saving you money in the long run.

Ultimately, the choice between Shell and BP fuel often comes down to personal preference and accessibility, as the quality of their fuel is relatively equal.

Fuel card reward programmes

In addition to cheaper fuel, drivers can utilise Shell and BP’s individual reward programmes. Every time you refuel, you’ll receive points, and these can be exchanged for discounts and rewards. This benefits drivers on the move and helps them save money on their daily purchases.

Shell GO+ 

Drivers using a Shell fuel card can benefit from the Shell GO+ reward programme. This includes:

Guaranteed fuel reward on every 10th visit

10% off hot drinks and food

10% off car washes and Shell Helix Motor Oils

BPme

The reward programme for BP fuel cards provides many benefits to drivers, including:

BPme Rewards Price on products in participating stores

1 point for every litre of regular fuel, or 2 points for every litre of Ultimate fuel

Mobile fuel payment app that connects to your fuel card

Pros and cons of BP and Shell fuel cards

When deciding between a BP and Shell fuel card for your business, it’s important to carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks.

As every business is different, your requirements will vary, and you may be better suited to one brand over the other. So, we’ve collated the pros and cons for BP and Shell fuel cards to help inform your decision.

Pros of Shell fuel cards Larger fuel network than BP Fuel network includes additional third-party sites, such as Morrisons, Total, Gleaner and Topaz. Access to all Shell motorway sites Cheaper rates at core HGV-friendly sites. High quality fuel	Pros of BP fuel cards Larger EV network than Shell Generally cheaper fixed prices for petrol and diesel Can be used as payment for HVO Virtual card payments through BPme Access to all BP motorway sites High quality fuel
Cons of Shell fuel cards Smaller EV network than BP More expensive fixed prices for petrol and diesel	Cons of BP fuel cards Additional surcharges for EV charging Smaller fuel network than Shell

The similarities between these fuel cards are clear, and they both offer benefits to businesses. It’s likely that location and price will have the biggest impact on whether you choose a Shell fuel card or a BP fuel card, as this is where they differ most. However, you could use a fuel card from both brands if you wanted maximum coverage and flexibility.

Explore our guide to Shell fuel cards and our guide to BP fuel cards for more information. Alternatively, you can contact our friendly team to discuss your options further. Our quick comparison tool can also be used to receive an instant fuel card recommendation for your business.   

David James Sales Director David has worked in the fuel card industry since 2008. His financial insights have been featured in various publications, such as The Sun, the Daily Express and The Yorkshire Times where he provides money-saving tips for motorists. David is passionate about charity work and regularly raises money through running events, including the London Marathon and the Leeds Abbey Dash.