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Fleet credit cards for business can be a game-changer for companies with vehicles on the road. They offer a convenient way to manage expenses and keep track of fuel, maintenance, and other costs.
With the right fleet credit card, you can earn rewards, enjoy purchase protection, and even get cashback on your business purchases. For example, some fleet credit cards offer 1% cashback on gas purchases, while others offer 2% cashback on dining and entertainment.
To choose the best fleet credit card for your business, consider your company's specific needs and budget. Think about the types of purchases you'll be making most often, and look for a card that offers rewards or benefits in those areas.
Some fleet credit cards also offer additional perks, such as roadside assistance or travel insurance. These benefits can be a valuable addition to your business's fleet management strategy.
What Are Fleet Credit Cards?
Fleet credit cards are designed for businesses with multiple employees who use company vehicles for work purposes.
These cards allow companies to monitor and control employee spending on fuel, maintenance, and other expenses.
A fleet credit card can be issued to each employee, enabling them to make purchases on behalf of the company.
This type of card is often used by companies with a large fleet of vehicles, such as delivery services or taxi companies.
Fleet credit cards can help businesses manage their expenses more efficiently, as all transactions are tracked and recorded in one place.
Companies can also set spending limits and restrictions on individual cards to prevent overspending.
Fleet credit cards often come with rewards and benefits, such as cashback on fuel purchases or discounts on vehicle maintenance.
Benefits and Features
Fleet credit cards offer numerous benefits for businesses, including reduced administrative work and improved efficiency.
By using fleet credit cards, companies can eliminate the need to review expense reports and receipts, and provide reimbursement to employees each month.
Fleet credit cards also provide real-time tracking of fuel expenses, allowing businesses to identify areas for improvement and increase efficiency.
Fleet cards have been around since the 1980s and are commonly used by trucking companies and delivery services.
Businesses can issue fleet cards to employees who use company vehicles, reducing administrative expenses and allowing for better management of expenses.
Fleet cards can be customized to prevent fraud and misuse, and provide real-time alerts for potentially fraudulent transactions.
Some fleet cards, like the Voyager universal gas card, offer universal coverage with over 320,000 gas stations and truck stops across the US.
Companies can also choose from multiple brands and locations, giving cardholders flexibility and convenience.
Here are some key features of fleet cards:
- Save 10¢ on diesel & unleaded at Pilot, Speedway & Kwik Trip, and 2¢ on diesel & unleaded at all other Fuelman locations*
- Help prevent fraud & misuse by customizing fuel controls
- Manage driver profiles and turn cards on/off
- Real-time alerts for potentially fraudulent transactions
- Track fuel expenses by driver and vehicle – no more cash or lost receipts
- Simplified reports for easy vehicle expense accounting and tax reporting
- Product-level data lets you see what drivers purchase by fuel type
- Save at the pump with rebates at preferred stations nationwide on the Fuelman Network
Fleet cards can also be used to save up to 6¢ per gallon with volume rebates and up to 15% on fuel management costs.
Cost and Control
Using fleet credit cards can give you much greater control over expenses, such as setting limits on spending per transaction or based on the day or week.
You can also choose whether the cards can only be used for gas or other expenses like car washes. This level of control can help you manage your company's finances more effectively.
Fleet credit cards allow you to track spending on fuel in real time, making it easier to tally and analyze fuel costs. This can help you identify ways to increase efficiency and save money.
Cost Tracking and Control
Cost tracking and control are crucial aspects of managing a company fleet. Using fleet credit cards can give you much more detailed and timely information on spending. With some fleet cards, you can track spending online day-by-day instead of waiting until receipts are collected at month's end.
You can set limits on spending per transaction or based on the day or week, or choose whether the cards can only be used for gas or other expenses such as car washes. This level of control allows you to tailor your spending limits to each driver's unique needs.
For example, you might assign personalized spending limits for every driver based on vehicle size, route, and cargo type. Each of your drivers might have varying fuel requirements, so it's essential to set limits that reflect their individual needs.
Using fleet credit cards also gives you the ability to track maintenance costs more effectively. You can use your fleet fuel card to pay for maintenance, giving you even more control over every cost and expense.
Here are some key benefits of cost tracking and control:
- Real-time tracking of spending
- Ability to set limits on spending per transaction or day/week
- Control over expenses, including gas and other expenses like car washes
- Personalized spending limits for each driver
- Effective tracking of maintenance costs
Personal Guarantees
Getting a fleet credit card for your business isn't as simple as just signing up - it requires an application process with varying requirements from card to card.
Many fleet credit cards require a personal guarantee, which means your personal credit history is considered in the application process and you're personally responsible for repaying the business credit account.
This can be a smart decision from a business standpoint, but it's essential to understand the requirements beforehand to make an informed choice.
Your personal credit history is a significant factor in getting approved for a fleet credit card, so make sure your credit score is in good shape.
The application process for a fleet credit card is more involved than just signing up for a regular credit card, so be prepared to put in the extra effort.
Security
Security is a top priority for any company using fleet credit cards, especially when handing out cards to dozens of employees. You'll want peace of mind knowing how to handle a lost or stolen card.
Make sure to research the security features available for each fleet card option you're considering. This includes alerts for unusual transactions and the steps necessary to lock or deactivate a card.
A universal fuel card can enhance security for your employees compared to paying with cash. Once cash is stolen, it's typically irretrievable.
Using a fuel card simplifies expense tracking and eliminates the need for employees to pay for fuel and seek reimbursement.
Choosing a Fleet Credit Card
Coast fleet and fuel cards offer features and flexibility, making them suitable for fleets of any size.
The Coast fleet card has no minimum purchase for rebates and no rebate caps, so you can take advantage of rebates without worrying about limits.
Business Fleet Fuel cards can be used as a payment card for gasoline, diesel, and other fuels at gas stations, and some can even be used to pay for vehicle maintenance and expenses.
You'll want to consider factors like security and merchant networks when narrowing down your fleet credit card options.
Some fleet credit cards charge per-transaction fees or fees for processing certain types of payment, so it's essential to find out about fees before you apply.
You should also think about whether you need a card that can be used for expenses beyond fuel, such as car washes and parking.
Companies like Voyager offer universal coverage with their fleet cards, accepted at over 320,000 gas stations and truck stops across the US.
With a Voyager universal gas card, you can choose from a wide range of locations and brands, giving you flexibility and convenience.
Some fleet cards, like Voyager, also offer comprehensive fleet fuel card controls to limit employee purchases and prevent misuse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fleet credit card limit?
Fleet credit cards have a micro-purchase limit of $10,000 for goods and $2,500 for services. These limits apply to both fleet and purchase cards.
What is the most accepted fleet card?
The WEX Fleet Card is widely accepted at 95% of fueling stations across the U.S., making it a convenient option for fleet management. Its real-time transaction tracking features also provide valuable insights into fleet operations.
Are fleet fuel cards worth it?
Fleet fuel cards can help reduce costs and improve efficiency, making them a worthwhile investment for many fleets. They simplify expense tracking and management, leading to better returns on investment.
Which fleet card has no monthly fee?
The Shell Fleet Plus Card has no monthly fee, allowing you to save up to 6¢ per gallon at Shell. This fee-free fleet card is a convenient option for businesses looking to reduce fuel expenses.
Sources
- https://coastpay.com/blog/fleet-credit-card/
- https://www.gsa.gov/buy-through-us/products-and-services/transportation-and-logistics-services/fleet-management/vehicle-leasing/gsa-fleet-card
- https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/fleet-cards.asp
- https://www.pfleet.com/fleet-cards
- https://www.creditcards.com/fleet-fuel/
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