What is a Fuel Card?
An RAC fuel card is an alternative payment method for drivers that allows you to track spend, limit usage and file expenses more efficiently.
What is a fuel card?
A fuel card is a convenient payment method that allows businesses to manage fuel expenses more efficiently. Much like a credit card, it’s used by drivers to pay for fuel at designated petrol stations. But beyond just payments, fuel cards help businesses monitor fuel usage, track spending, and cut costs across their fleet.
With a fuel card, businesses gain more control over fuel expenses, making it easier to manage vehicle operations, minimise administrative tasks, and benefit from potential savings at the pump.
Who uses fuel cards?
Fuel cards are widely used by businesses that operate fleets of vehicles, especially those in industries with high mileage such as logistics, construction, and courier services. Large fleets benefit most, but even businesses with a few vehicles can take advantage of fuel cards to better manage costs.
Self-employed individuals and smaller companies can also use fuel cards, making it easier to keep track of fuel expenditure and reduce the hassle of processing receipts and expense claims. It’s a practical solution for any company or individual who needs to streamline fuel management.
How do fuel cards work?
Fuel cards work similarly to debit or credit cards but are specifically designed for business fuel purchases. Drivers use the card at petrol stations, filling up their vehicles and paying directly using the card. The transaction is then processed through the fuel card provider, with all the details recorded, including the fuel amount, location, and cost.
The key difference from regular payments is that fuel cards consolidate all fuel purchases into a single, HMRC-compliant invoice. This means no more chasing receipts or logging individual expenses—everything is captured automatically, allowing businesses to track fuel usage, monitor driver behaviour, and reduce paperwork.
Additionally, with the RAC Fuel Card, businesses can take advantage of discounts, saving up to 8p per litre of diesel at over 7,700 fuel sites across the UK.
Is it worth having a fuel card?
Absolutely. Fuel cards provide several benefits that make them a smart choice for businesses:
- Cost savings: Many fuel cards offer discounts at specific petrol stations. The RAC Fuel Card, for example, can save businesses up to 8p per litre of diesel at selected sites.
- Improved efficiency: With all fuel purchases recorded and invoices generated automatically, businesses save time on administration and accounting.
- Control over spending: By setting limits on fuel cards, businesses can ensure that drivers are only purchasing fuel and not other products. This helps prevent misuse.
- Better fleet management: The data collected through fuel cards gives businesses insights into fuel consumption, route efficiency, and vehicle performance, helping them make informed decisions to reduce costs further.
Can you get a fuel card if you're self-employed?
Yes, self-employed individuals can benefit from fuel cards just as much as larger businesses. If you’re registered for VAT, a fuel card can simplify your fuel expenses, making it easier to track mileage and claim back VAT. Many providers, including the RAC, offer fuel cards tailored to businesses of all sizes, including self-employed professionals who rely on their vehicles for work.
Where can you use fuel cards?
The RAC Fuel Card offers extensive coverage, accepted at over 7,700 fuel sites across the UK, including major oil brands and supermarket petrol stations. This means your drivers won’t need to stray off-route to find an authorised station, keeping journeys efficient and reducing downtime. The card also provides access to 1,300 discount diesel sites for even more savings.
Additionally, the Allstar One Electric Card provides businesses with the flexibility to pay for both fuel and electric vehicle (EV) charging. With more fast-charging points and fuel sites than any other combined network, it simplifies refuelling and recharging for businesses transitioning to electric fleets.
Benefits of the RAC Fuel Card
- Save up to 8p per litre of diesel: Through the RAC’s exclusive Discount Diesel network, businesses can make substantial savings at selected stations.
- Wide coverage: Accepted at over 7,700 fuel stations, covering 90% of the UK.
- Fleet management: Track driver behaviour, fuel consumption, and miles per gallon to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
- Reduced paperwork: With HMRC-compliant invoices, there’s no need to gather receipts. Simplified fuel administration ensures more accurate VAT reclaims and less hassle for your accounting team.
- EV charging integration: For businesses operating electric or hybrid vehicles, the Allstar One Electric Card offers a seamless way to manage both fuel and charging needs, simplifying expenses with one combined invoice.
How do you get a fuel card?
Getting started with a fuel card is simple. Businesses can apply directly through the RAC Business Club to access the RAC Fuel Card or the Allstar One Electric Card. With flexible options for businesses of all sizes, it’s easy to find a fuel card solution that fits your needs.
