How To Find the Best Fuel Card Company
Looking to invest in a company fuel card, but unsure which fuel card company is best? If so, this guide will help you understand everything you need to know about choosing a fuel card company. We will also explain how iCompario’s trusted free comparison service can help you make an informed decision on which fuel card supplier is right for your business.
Where Should I Look For a Fuel Card Company?
Looking for a fuel card company can be difficult, as there are so many options available. An obvious way to start would be with a quick Google search, which will give you an endless list of companies, or you could even ask around for recommendations. You could also flick through fuel station leaflets, where you will most likely find fuel card company adverts.
Another quick and easy way to find the best provider is through iCompario, which offers free comparisons on the best fuel card companies in the industry. This includes independent providers such as UK Fuels or well-known brands, such as Shell, Esso and BP, which all offer excellent packages and competitive prices.
What To Look For In a Fuel Card Company
Once you have found one or two potential fuel card companies, you should take your time to consider what they offer to see if it fits with your business. Below are some questions you should ask yourself before committing to a fuel card provider:
Do they offer access to a good selection of brands?
One of the benefits of using a company fuel card is that they allow you to access a variety of brands. For instance, top card fuel providers offer access to well-known fuel brands, including Esso, Shell, Texaco and more, as well as independent fuel providers. You know you are getting a great deal if supermarket fuel stations are also included, as this will offer complete convenience to your drivers, and will prevent any disruption to your day to day operations.
Do they offer a large network of fuel stations?
If you have a network of drivers that travel across the country, one of your main priorities when looking for a fuel card is to make sure that they have quick access to a range of fuel stations. Many card providers offer access to around 2000 to 3000 fuel stations across the UK, which will ensure that your company vehicles never run out of fuel during working hours.
Do they offer discounted fuel?
Another advantage of company fuel cards is that some providers offer significant discounts on fuel, which will help your company save in the long run. If the company you are interested in does not provide this benefit, then you may want to continue your search.
Do they offer cards for international use?
If your company operates across Europe, then it’s best to direct your attention to a European fuel card. This will ensure you benefit from fuel discounts across continental Europe. Some even offer added extras that allow your drivers to pay for toll payments with a fuel card when they are travelling to different countries.
Do they have any additional charges?
One thing to be aware of when choosing a fuel card provider is any additional charges you may incur, such as non-usage fees, surcharges on premium fuel and transaction fees. Some companies may also charge an annual fee on top of the fuel cost itself, while others add on invoicing fees for weekly or monthly payments.
Before committing to a provider, you should ask them about any additional charges, as this will ensure you are aware of any hidden fees before you invest.
How are their reviews?
Before making your final decision, you should also take a look at company reviews to ensure previous or current customers are happy with the service.
There are various review outlets you can use, including Google Reviews, Trust Pilot, Yell and more which will all help you understand how each fuel card provider works and how the company values its customers.
Do they offer other services?
Some fuel card providers also offer additional services that will benefit your business significantly. For example, many companies provide customers with access to online software for invoicing and fuel tracking purposes. Some also offer telematics technology, which allows business owners to keep track of company vehicles in real-time.
If your employees regularly pay toll fees, you should consider looking at a fuel card that can also be used for toll payments, as this will make it much easier to pay without them having to claim back the money.
When To Change Fuel Card Company
If you find that you are not benefiting financially from your current fuel card provider, then it may be time to switch. Before changing to a different fuel card company, you should look out for offers to see which provider offers the best deal to suit your business.
You may also want to consider changing providers if you are expanding your business on a national or international basis. This will increase access to well-known, independent and supermarket fuel stations.
How Do Fuel Card Companies Make Money?
Before investing in a company fuel card, you may want to know more about how fuel card companies make money. While most of them offer similar services, there are two main types of fuel card providers – fuel focused and payment processing focused companies.
Fuel focused providers typically own fuel stations and provide fuel cards to existing customers for extra revenue, while payment processing companies do not own any stations and make their money through transactions only.
Fuel companies also generate profit by charging fees for transactions, yearly memberships, card replacements and account maintenance. They may also charge interest on any outstanding or late fees.
iCompario Can Help You Find The Best Fuel Card Company
Now you know what to look for when choosing the right fuel card company, why not streamline the process and use iCompario’s free fuel card comparison tool to find the right provider for you.
Here at iCompario, we look at everything mentioned in this guide to help you compare only the best fuel card providers to ensure our users get the best deal possible.