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.
