What Are the Top-Rated Fuel Cards for Businesses Operating Nationwide

Fuel expenses can eat into operational costs and profits if left unchecked. The bigger the fleet a company has, the more significant the loss. Specialized fuel cards emerge as a viable solution to boosting fuel savings, security, and streamlining expense management.

This raises the question: “What are the top-rated fuel cards for businesses operating nationwide?” Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the best five fuel cards available in the market.

1. P-Fleet

Supporting large operations and small fleets since 1986, P-Fleet is a top-rated fuel card for brands operating nationwide. The enterprise's impressive statistics speak volumes, over 30 years in the industry, over 100,000 cardholders in the U.S. only, 88% five-star customer reviews and 97% customer retention rate. P-Fleet offers enterprises of all sizes three options with a mission to "fuel better business" through convenience, savings and flexibility without the hidden fees that plague many competitors.

Voyager cards are for universal acceptance across brands, and CFN cards are for access to discount cardlocks. The Voyager network spans over 320,000 locations, while CFN provides access to 3,000 locations with discounted diesel prices and the Fleetwide network of 65,000 truck stops and gas stations. The Owner-operator fuel cards offer discount pricing options, including cost-plus or retail-minus pricing, allowing companies to save money upfront rather than waiting for rebates.

P-Fleet’s online account management system enables users to manage cards, check transactions, download invoices, and run detailed reports to track expenses and compare driver usage. Its streamlined reporting solutions simplify processing and dedicated customer service, making it easier to account for every purchase.

Key Features

• No hidden fees: P-Fleet stands out by eliminating setup fees, transaction fees and late fees for standard customers. This transparency in pricing provides businesses with predictable costs and better budget management capabilities.
• Industry-leading controls: Comprehensive purchase controls and fraud alerts prevent unauthorized fueling through PIN requirements, odometer tracking, and customizable fueling time restrictions. These security measures help minimize waste and avoid misuse of corporate resources.
• Multiple billing options: Flexible billing periods of three, seven, 15 or 30 days accommodate various needs. This adaptability makes P-Fleet suitable for operations of all sizes, from small start-ups to large corporations and independent contractors.

2. WEX Cards

With over 40 years in the industry, WEX has established itself as a trusted provider of fleet management solutions. For small set-ups, the WEX FlexCard provides a 3¢ per gallon rebate with no setup fees and the option to pay in full each month or carry a balance.

It offers the Fleet Card for larger fleets with automatic fuel expense tracking and reports featuring real-time data. The online account management system allows leaders to view transaction details as purchases happen, access invoices and download comprehensive reports for better decision-making.

WEX cards have earned an impressive 4.8 out of 5 rating from over 7,700 customers, demonstrating high satisfaction among entities of all sizes. Both card options offer enhanced security features and 24/7 customer support to resolve issues promptly, regardless of when they arise.

Key Features

• Widespread acceptance: WEX cards are accepted at 95% of U.S. gas stations, offering exceptional convenience and eliminating the need for drivers to search for specific locations. This extensive network ensures your fleet stays moving regardless of location.
• Customizable purchase controls: Driver PINs and purchase limits by amount, location, time, and product type help prevent misuse. WEX even enforces your fueling policy by directly detecting and stopping transactions outside your spending limits at the pump.
• Comprehensive reporting: Real-time data access allows tracking all transactions with detailed purchase information. Reports include purchase activity, account and site summaries, tax exemptions, and custom reports tailored to your needs.
• Mobile management: The app enables payments, credit checking and card management.
• Exclusive discounts: WEX offers savings on fuel, auto parts, hotel rooms and more. The mobile app helps drivers find the lowest fuel prices at nearby locations, maximizing savings on every tank.

3. Shell Fleet Cards

Shell provides comprehensive fleet card solutions with access to its extensive nationwide network. The Shell Cards Business option caters to brands of all sizes with tailored benefits and features designed to optimize fleet management. The Shell Card Business Flex offers universal acceptance at non-Shell locations, covering 95% of gas stations nationwide.

These fleet cards have additional security features that allow companies to limit purchases, quantities and timing. Its online and mobile tools enable managers to access detailed fueling activity reports and manage cards with just a few clicks. The Shell Card mobile app puts fleet management at your fingertips, allowing for payments, card management and account oversight from anywhere.

For large fleets with more than 200 vehicles, Shell provides a dedicated Shell Account Manager and access to specialized mobility services. The DriverDash app facilitates both fuel and EV roaming networks with virtual cards, saving time while contributing to reducing global plastic waste. Shell also provides expert guidance for fleets exploring electrification options, with simplified EV charging on the go and mixed fleet management capabilities.

Key Features

• Substantial rebates: New customers can earn up to 13¢ off per gallon for the first six months, with ongoing rebates up to 6¢ per gallon. Shell Card Business Flex offers 12¢/gallon at Shell for the first six months, then up to 5¢/gallon afterward.
• Maintenance savings: Shell cardholders save 15%-20% on essential upkeep at participating Jiffy Lube locations, helping reduce overall fleet maintenance expenses.
• Fuel rewards program: Additional savings opportunities through its loyalty program turn every fill-up into a chance to save, keeping more money in your pocket.
• Robust management tools: Shell Account Manager and ClearView analytics offer comprehensive insights into spending patterns. The ClearView system provides options for full data analytics or simplified email reports.

4. ExxonMobil Fleet Cards

ExxonMobil, the largest publicly traded international oil and gas company, offers competitive fuel card solutions backed by extensive refining and marketing operations. They feature no setup, annual or card fees, and provide the option for flexible monthly payments through the entity’s revolving credit option.

The BusinessPro Card for general use and the FleetPro Card for diesel-driven fleets automatically track fuel expenses with up-to-the-minute visibility of purchases across your staff, eliminating lost receipt issues. These single-card solutions for mixed and heavy-duty fleets come equipped with Mastercard acceptance for non-fuel purchases.

Fleet managers benefit from ExxonMobil's Synergy fuels, which are engineered to help improve gas mileage, enhance engine protection and maintain performance. Its network includes over 12,000 Exxon and Mobil stations nationwide, with more than 800 commercial fueling stations, more than any other branded network.

The Exxon Mobil Rewards+ program allows drivers to earn points on fleet card purchases for personal savings on fuel, store items and more. When drivers fill up with 100 gallons monthly, they earn bonus points that enhance savings opportunities.

Key Features

• Rebate structure: Earn up to 6¢ per gallon at Exxon and Mobil stations, with increasing rebates based on volume. The program rewards loyalty by offering more savings as fuel consumption increases.
• Enhanced security: Secure PINs, spending controls and detailed reporting protect fuel budgets. Custom prompts capture driver identification and odometer readings, while the system automatically flags transactions outside authorized parameters.
• DriverDash mobile payment: Contactless, seamless, and secure transactions at the pump eliminate physical cards and reduce fraud risk. This mobile payment system uses fingerprint ID or facial recognition, eliminating forgotten PINs while improving data capture.

5. Fuelman

Since 1985, Fuelman has built strong relationships with locally owned stations to provide competitive rebates and comprehensive fleet management solutions. Its cards work with specific industry applications, including home services, local construction, local delivery, catering, distribution, and utilities companies. The Mixed Fleet Card provides nationwide access through its Discount Network, while the Mastercard option offers universal acceptance with a 3¢ per gallon rebate.

All have tiered service plans ranging from Enterprise, Pro, and Basic based on fleet requirements. The Enterprise plan includes dedicated account management, enhanced reportin,g and customizable dashboards. Pro and Basic plans offer scaled features at lower price points.

The business's mobile app makes operations management effortless, allowing users to monitor purchases with robust controls that give an advantage over traditional credit cards. Fuelman's 24/7 customer service and roadside assistance ensure enterprises receive support whenever necessary, minimizing fleet downtime and keeping operations running smoothly, earning it a spot on the list.

Key Features

• Significant rebates: Save 8¢-12¢ per gallon on fuel at over 40,000 locations in its Discount Network. The Fuelman Mixed Fleet Card offers 8¢ per gallon on unleaded and diesel fuel, while the Diesel Fleet Card provides 12¢ per gallon diesel rebates.
• Fraud prevention: Real-time alerts for potentially fraudulent transactions and enhanced fraud coverage up to $10,000 per card and $25,000 annually. Its system allows decision-makers to manage driver profiles and turn cards on/off with just a few clicks.
• Reward programs: Earn points per gallon for redemption on gift cards, merchandise, and more. Enterprise plan members earn two points per gallon, while Pro and Basic plan members earn one point.

Summary Table of the Top-Rated Fuel Cards for Businesses Operating Nationwide

Find the Top-rated Fuel Cards for Your Nationwide Business

Implementing the right fuel card solution can provide the financial edge companies need to thrive while maintaining precise control over one of their most substantial operational expenses. This, like any other, is an asset. Choose wisely, and watch both savings and control grow.