Can anyone get a fuel card? In most cases, fuel cards are available to businesses of all sizes, including limited companies, sole traders, partnerships and businesses operating anything from a single vehicle to a large commercial fleet. However, eligibility and the type of fuel card available can depend on factors such as your business, fuel usage and credit history.
Fuel cards can help businesses manage fuel expenses, simplify administration and keep track of spending. Whether you're a sole trader, taxi driver, small business owner or fleet manager, there are fuel card options designed for different types of businesses and driving requirements.
In this guide, we'll explain who can get a fuel card, what you need to apply and how different types of businesses can use fuel cards to manage their fuel costs.
Can anyone get a fuel card?
Every business can use a fuel card to save money and time. The eligibility criteria for a fuel card typically include factors such as your credit history and fuel usage.
Businesses of all sizes
Businesses of all sizes
You don't need a large fleet to use a fuel card. Whether you operate one vehicle or hundreds, a fuel card can help you manage fuel spending and keep business fuel purchases separate from personal expenses.
The right option will depend on where your vehicles travel, which fuel stations you need access to and how much fuel your business uses. Right Fuel Card works with major fuel brands including Shell, BP, Esso, and Texaco, alongside a wider network of participating stations across the UK.
For larger commercial fleets, access to HGV-friendly sites can also be an important consideration when choosing a fuel card.
Fleet managers
Fuel cards can make it easier for fleet managers to control and monitor fuel spending across multiple vehicles. Centralised billing, transaction records and online account management can provide greater visibility of fuel purchases and reduce the amount of manual administration involved.
Taxi companies
Taxi companies can save time and money on their fuel expenditure by choosing to use a fixed-price fuel card. Whether you operate in a large city or mainly travel in rural areas, you’ll never be far from a participating petrol station.
As many taxi drivers are now switching to hybrid or electric vehicles, we’ve expanded our product range. With our EV charge cards, you can pay for petrol, diesel, and EV charging, with all transactions clearly displayed on one invoice. This makes it simple for you to monitor your expenses and reduces admin costs.
Find out more about taxi fuel cards and how they can help you manage fuel and charging costs.
Sole traders and self-employed drivers
Sole traders can use fuel cards to manage business fuel expenses just like larger businesses. A fuel card can be particularly useful for tradespeople, contractors, couriers and other self-employed drivers who regularly use a vehicle for work.
Using a fuel card can help keep business fuel purchases organised, with transactions recorded digitally rather than relying on individual receipts. Depending on the fuel card, you may also be able to access fixed or discounted fuel prices and reporting tools.
Which industries can use fuel cards?
Fuel cards can be used across a wide range of industries where vehicles or equipment require regular refuelling. Examples include:
Logistics and transportation: Fuel cards can help businesses with HGVs, vans and delivery vehicles manage fuel spending, monitor consumption and consolidate transactions.
Construction: Construction businesses can use fuel cards for vehicles and machinery, helping them track fuel usage and control spending across different vehicles or sites.
Agriculture: Fuel cards can support businesses operating tractors, harvesters and other agricultural equipment, particularly where vehicles regularly travel long distances or operate in rural areas.
Delivery and courier services: Fuel cards can help delivery businesses monitor fuel consumption across their vehicles, manage driver spending and simplify fuel administration.
The type of fuel card that suits your business will depend on factors such as where your vehicles operate, how much fuel you use and which fuel stations you need access to.
If you're new to fuel cards and want to understand how they work, take a look at our complete guide to fuel cards, which covers how fuel cards work, the different types available and how businesses can use them.
Benefits of applying for a fuel card
Applying for a fuel card can offer numerous benefits, including cost savings, improved fuel management, and simplified expense tracking for businesses.
Financial control and expense management
Fuel cards can give businesses greater visibility over fuel spending. Online account management and transaction reporting make it easier to monitor purchases, identify unusual spending and understand how much each vehicle is costing to run.
Businesses can also use features such as product restrictions and spending limits to help control how fuel cards are used.
Convenience and flexibility
Fuel cards can simplify the way businesses pay for and manage fuel. Instead of keeping track of individual fuel receipts, transactions can be recorded digitally and consolidated into an invoice, making administration and expense management easier.
Fuel cards also provide access to networks of participating fuel stations, allowing drivers to refuel across the UK.
Fuel cards work differently from traditional credit cards. If you're considering which option is right for your business, read our guide to fuel cards vs credit cards.
Discounts and savings
Depending on the type of fuel card you choose, you may be able to access fixed or discounted fuel prices at participating stations. This can help businesses make fuel costs more predictable and identify potential savings.
Fuel card reporting can also help you understand fuel consumption and identify opportunities to improve vehicle efficiency and reduce unnecessary fuel use.
How to apply for a fuel card
Applying for a fuel card for your large or small business is simple. You can use our fuel card comparison tool to assess your options or contact our team to find out more.
To process your application, we’ll need proof of address (x2) and proof of identification (x1), plus your business will need to pass a credit check.
Whether you’re a small business, a fleet manager, or a taxi operator, a fuel card can simplify fuel management, offer cost savings, and provide valuable convenience. With access to thousands of petrol stations across the UK, a fuel card offers complete flexibility for you and your drivers.
Apply for a fuel card today and start saving time and money.
