AtoB vs Fuelman Fuel Card: 2025 Comparison for Fleet Managers

Managing fuel expenses can make or break a transportation business. With fuel costs eating up 30-40% of most fleet budgets, choosing the right fuel card isn't just about convenience – it's about making smart decisions that drive real results.

AtoB has brought fresh innovation to the fleet fuel card industry by combining universal acceptance with modern technology and transparent pricing. While established providers like Fuelman have built extensive networks over decades, AtoB designed their platform specifically for today's diverse fleet operations.

This AToB vs Fuelman fuel card comparison has become increasingly relevant as fleet managers evaluate whether universal acceptance or network-focused discounts better serve their operations.

Key Takeaways

• Universal Acceptance Wins: AtoB works at 95%+ of fuel stations while Fuelman restricts you to their 40,000+ network locations, giving AtoB a clear advantage for operational flexibility
• Technology Makes a Difference: AtoB's modern mobile app and real-time expense tracking outperform Fuelman's more traditional reporting systems, especially for tech-forward fleet managers
• Fee Structures Vary Significantly: AtoB charges about $3 per active card/month with no setup fees, while Fuelman ranges from $5-15+ monthly plus potential setup fees of $0-50
• Discount Approaches Differ: Fuelman offers higher per-gallon discounts (up to 20+ cents) but only at network locations, while AtoB provides 3-15 cents per gallon savings with complete flexibility
• Best Fit Depends on Fleet Type: AtoB works better for small to medium fleets with variable routes, while Fuelman suits large fleets with consistent routes who can maximize network-based savings

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What Is AtoB and How Does It Work?

AtoB operates as a modern financial technology platform specifically designed for trucking companies and transportation businesses. Unlike traditional fuel cards that process fuel transactions, AtoB combines fuel management with comprehensive fleet financial services, including payroll, credit, and expense tracking.

The platform operates through partnerships with major fuel retailers and national truck stops. Fleet managers receive physical cards powered by Mastercard, ensuring acceptance at virtually any fuel station in the U.S. The system integrates with telematics to detect impossible scenarios — such as fuel purchases exceeding a vehicle's tank capacity — and automatically blocks fraudulent transactions before they are processed.

Key features include:

• Universal acceptance at 99%+ of U.S. fuel stations
• Real-time fuel price mapping to find the cheapest stations
• Automated fraud detection with $250,000 protection
• Integration with accounting systems like QuickBooks
• Instant driver payroll capabilities
• IFTA tax reporting automation

AtoB's modern fuel card platform serves over 30,000 large fleets, ranging from single-truck operations to large enterprise carriers, with a focus on transparency and customer service that has consistently earned high satisfaction ratings.

What Is Fuelman and How Does It Work?

Fuelman operates as a traditional fleet fuel card provider, owned by FleetCor Technologies, and offers fleet management services primarily through its proprietary network of approximately 40,000 to 50,000 locations. It operates on a subscription-based model, offering three service tiers tailored to serve different fleet sizes and requirements.

The system provides fleet fuel cards that work at participating network stations, offering per-gallon rebates of 8¢ for mixed fuel or up to 12¢ for diesel-only operations. Fleet managers access web-based dashboards for transaction monitoring, spending controls, and reporting functions typical of traditional corporate fuel card programs.

Service structure includes:

• Three monthly subscription tiers ($39-$99/month)
• Network coverage at 40,000+ participating stations
• Basic fraud monitoring with limited coverage
• Traditional web portal for account management
• Maintenance network access at additional locations
• Volume-based rebate programs

However, Fuelman faces significant challenges, including FTC regulatory action for allegedly misleading customers about setup fees and fuel savings, as well as consistently poor customer satisfaction ratings that indicate systemic issues with service delivery.

How Wide Is the Network Coverage for Each Fuel Card Provider?

Network coverage represents a critical operational factor that directly impacts your drivers' ability to purchase fuel efficiently along their routes.

AtoB Network Coverage

AtoB offers universal acceptance through Mastercard partnerships, ensuring drivers can fuel at 99% of U.S. fuel stations, including major brands such as Exxon, Shell, and BP, as well as thousands of independent stations. This comprehensive coverage eliminates route restrictions, ensuring your drivers never encounter situations where their card is not accepted.

The platform includes partnerships with major truck stop chains:

• TA Petro locations
• Circle K and Speedway stations
• Maverik and Casey's General Store
• Kwik Trip and Sheetz locations
• Independent truck stops nationwide

Geographic coverage analysis shows AtoB's universal acceptance provides comprehensive service across all 50 states, including rural areas and remote locations where proprietary networks often have gaps.

Fuelman Network Coverage

Fuelman operates through a proprietary network of 40,000-50,000 participating locations, with coverage concentrated in major metropolitan areas and along primary transportation corridors. The network includes partnerships with select major brands but excludes many fuel stations that accept universal payment cards.

Network partners include:

• Limited Exxon and Mobil station locations
• Select major truck stops
• Walmart fuel centers
• Some Circle K locations
• Regional chain partnerships vary by area

Coverage gaps exist in states such as Massachusetts, Montana, Minnesota, and New Mexico, according to customer reports, which may create operational challenges for fleets with multi-state routes. The extended network transaction fees of $3 per transaction apply when drivers fuel outside the primary network.

For businesses operating nationwide routes or in areas with limited Fuelman presence, AtoB's universal acceptance provides superior operational flexibility without network restrictions.

How Do the Fees and Pricing Structures Compare?

Fee transparency has become a major differentiator between fuel card companies, especially following regulatory investigations into hidden charges.

AtoB Pricing Structure

AtoB's pricing model emphasizes transparency and predictability with a straightforward fee structure that eliminates surprise charges:

Core pricing:

• $3 per active card per month
• No transaction fees at any setupion
• No setup fees or enrollment charges
• No hidden account maintenance charges
• No minimum fuel purchase requirements

The company offers credit enablement options with clearly disclosed terms, and their "no hidden fees" guarantee provides peace of mind for budget planning. According to the FMCSA's small business guidance, predictable fee structures help owner-operators manage their cash flow more effectively.

Fuelman Pricing Structure

Fuelman operates on a subscription-based model with three tiers but faces ongoing scrutiny over fee disclosure practices:

Tier structure:

• Basic: $39/month account fee
• Pro: $59/month with enhanced features
• Enterprise: $99/month with premium support

Additional fees may include:

• $3 extended network transaction fees
• Account maintenance charges for low usage
• Various administrative annual fees

The Federal Trade Commission's administrative complaint alleges that FleetCor (Fuelman's parent company) charged customers "hundreds of millions of dollars in mystery fees" while falsely setting up "no set-up, transaction, or membership fees." This ongoing regulatory action highlights concerns about fee transparency that fleet managers should carefully consider.

For fleets prioritizing transparent, predictable pricing, AtoB's straightforward fee structure eliminates billing surprises and supports accurate budget forecasting.

Which Card Offers Better Fuel Discounts and Savings?

Fuel discounts directly impact your fleet's profitability, making a comparison of discounts a critical decision factor.

AtoB Fuel Savings Performance

AtoB delivers industry-leading competitive fuel discounts averaging 45¢ per gallon with maximum discounts reaching up to $2.00 per gallon at select locations. The platform's Fuel Map technology helps drivers locate the cheapest stations along their routes, optimizing both operational costs and time efficiency while reducing fuel consumption.

Fuelman Fuel Savings Performance

Fuelman provides structured rebates based on fuel type, with rates that vary by card selection:

Savings rates:

• Fuelman mixed fleet card: 8¢ per gallon on both diesel fuel and unleaded fuel
• Diesel fleet card: Up to 12 cents per gallon on diesel purchases
• Fuelman Mastercard: 3¢ per gallon universal option

However, the FTC investigation revealed that FleetCor's own records show that customers generally have not achieved the advertised per-gallon savings promised during marketing, raising questions about the actual realization of savings based on fuel volume purchased.

The comparison shows AtoB providing significantly higher maximum savings potential — up to 17 times higher than Fuelman's top rate — with technology that actively helps drivers optimize their fuel purchases.

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What Tools and Features Stand Out?

Modern fleet management requires sophisticated tools that go beyond basic payment processing to provide operational insights and control.

AtoB Advanced Features

AtoB's platform integrates cutting-edge technology with practical fleet management needs:

Technology highlights:

• Fuel Map real-time pricing shows the cheapest nearby gas stations
• Telematics integration detects impossible transactions
• Automated IFTA mileage tracking and tax calculations
• QuickBooks integration for seamless accounting
• Mobile app with full management capabilities

Operational tools:

• Real-time spending controls and alerts
• Driver performance metrics and fleet efficiency tracking
• Route optimization based on fuel pricing
• Instant payroll capabilities for driver payments
• Comprehensive fuel theft prevention with GPS validation

The Department of Transportation's efficiency guidelines emphasize the importance of real-time data for fleet optimization, which AtoB's integrated approach supports effectively.

Fuelman Traditional Features

Fuelman offers established fleet management capabilities through its web-based platform:

Key features include:

• Customizable spending limits and controls
• Account dashboard with transaction tracking
• Basic fraud monitoring and alerts
• Maintenance network access (20,000+ locations)
• Standard reporting for expense management

Limitations noted by customers:

• Outdated mobile application design
• Inaccurate gas station location data
• The complex reporting system is difficult to navigate
• Limited integration with modern fleet management systems

For fleets seeking modern, integrated technology solutions, AtoB's advanced platform offers superior operational capabilities and a user-friendly experience.

What Are the Payment and Credit Terms for Businesses?

Access to credit and flexible payment terms can significantly impact cash flow management for growing fleets.

AtoB Credit and Payment Options

AtoB provides flexible financial solutions designed to support fleet growth and cash flow management:

Credit capabilities:

• Credit available commensurate with fuel usage and business revenue
• No hard credit check required for the application
• Free monthly reporting to business credit bureaus for credit building
• Working capital solutions for operational expansion

Payment flexibility:

• Multiple payment methods accepted
• Instant transfer capabilities for driver payroll
• Integration with factoring companies for improved cash flow
• Terms that accommodate seasonal business fluctuations

Customer testimonials highlight how AtoB's flexible payment options helped businesses maintain operations during cash flow challenges while waiting for invoice payments.

Fuelman Credit and Payment Terms

Fuelman operates on traditional commercial credit models with standard payment terms:

Credit structure:

• Standard commercial credit evaluation process
• Traditional monthly billing cycles
• Limited payment flexibility options
• Rewards program with points redemption

The National Association of Small Trucking Companies reports that flexible payment terms become increasingly important for smaller fleets managing irregular cash flow patterns.

How Do Security Features and Fraud Protections Stack Up?

Fraud protection capabilities can mean the difference between minor inconvenience and major financial losses for fleet operations.

AtoB Security Advantages

AtoB implements sophisticated multi-layered fraud prevention that goes beyond traditional monitoring:

Advanced security features:

• Telematics integration validates vehicle location vs. purchase location
• Tank capacity verification prevents over-fueling fraud
• Real-time GPS correlation with fuel card data
• Automated blocking of impossible scenarios
• Up to $250,000 fraud protection coverage

Control capabilities:

• Granular spending limits by driver, vehicle, or time period
• Geographic restrictions to prevent unauthorized fuel purchases
• Merchant category controls for expense management
• Instant card locking/unlocking through the mobile app

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration notes that fleets can save an average of $1,200 per incident of fraud with proper prevention systems in place.

Fuelman Security Limitations

Fuelman offers traditional fraud monitoring with basic protection measures:

Protection features:

• Standard transaction pattern monitoring
• Basic spending limit controls
• Fraud loss coverage up to $10,000 per card (Pro/Enterprise plans)
• Account alerts for unusual activity

Customer-reported issues:

• Fraudulent charges are ultimately charged to customer accounts
• Difficulty obtaining promised fraud protection coverage
• Inconsistent fraud resolution processes
• Limited advanced detection capabilities

Multiple customer complaints describe situations where clearly fraudulent transactions were not covered despite initial assurances from customer service representatives.

For comprehensive fraud protection, AtoB's advanced security features provide superior protection and peace of mind for fleet operations.

What Additional Services Do Different Fuel Card Companies Offer?

Comprehensive fleet services, encompassing those beyond fuel management, can streamline operations and simplify administrative tasks.

AtoB Comprehensive Platform

AtoB positions itself as a complete financial platform rather than just a fuel card provider:

Integrated services:

• Instant driver payroll processing (24/7 availability)
• Working capital solutions for business growth
• Vendor payment processing for maintenance and repairs
• IFTA tax reporting automation saves hours quarterly
• Integration with factoring companies for cash flow improvement

Partner ecosystem:

• Telematics integration with major fleet management systems
• Accounting software connections (QuickBooks, etc.)
• Merchant partnerships for expanded savings opportunities
• Broker and factoring partner programs

Fuelman Traditional Services

Fuelman provides established fleet support services through its network partnerships:

Service offerings:

• Maintenance network access (20,000+ locations)
• Basic rewards program with point redemption
• Traditional fleet reporting and analytics
• Customer service support (availability issues reported)

Network partnerships:

• Select truck stop maintenance facilities
• Limited integration with third-party systems
• Basic accounting export capabilities

The Transportation Intermediaries Association notes that integrated service platforms reduce administrative burden and improve operational efficiency for busy fleet managers.

Which Fuel Card Is the Better Choice for Your Business?

The evidence strongly favors AtoB for most fleet operations seeking reliable, transparent, and technologically advanced fuel management solutions.

When AtoB Is the Right Choice

AtoB suits fleets that prioritize:

• Superior customer service and support quality
• Universal acceptance for operational flexibility
• Maximum fuel savings potential
• Transparent pricing without hidden fees
• Advanced fraud protection and security
• Modern technology integration capabilities
• Comprehensive fleet financial management

Ideal for:

• Growing fleets need scalable solutions
• Operations requiring nationwide coverage
• Businesses prioritizing customer service quality
• Fleets seeking integrated financial platforms
• Technology-forward operations

When to Consider Alternatives

Consider other options if:

• Your operation is heavily concentrated in Fuelman network areas
• You specifically require maintenance network integration
• Traditional business credit cards feature all your needs
• Price is the only consideration (ignoring service quality risks)

However, given Fuelman's regulatory issues and customer satisfaction problems, exploring AtoB's comprehensive solution provides better long-term value and reliability for most fleet operations.

Also read: AtoB vs WEX

FAQs

Can I use AtoB or Fuelman at any gas station?

AtoB can be used at virtually any gas station in the United States through its Mastercard partnership, providing 99%+ acceptance nationwide. This includes major brands, as well as the brand's gas stations, truck stops, and independent stations, without network restrictions.

Fuelman works only at participating network locations (approximately 40,000-50,000 stations), with a $3 fee for extended network use when drivers fuel outside the proprietary network.

Do both cards offer expense tracking and reporting?

Both providers offer expense tracking, but with different levels of sophistication. AtoB offers real-time expense tracking with advanced analytics, automated IFTA reporting, and seamless integration with popular accounting systems, including QuickBooks.

Fuelman offers traditional reporting through its web portal, but customers frequently report difficulties accessing and utilizing the reporting system effectively.

Is AtoB more widely accepted than Fuelman?

Yes, AtoB provides significantly broader acceptance through its universal Mastercard network access (over 99% of U.S. fuel stations) compared to Fuelman's proprietary network, which covers 40,000-50,000 participating locations.

This universal acceptance eliminates route restrictions, ensuring drivers can always find an acceptable fuel location, particularly important for operations in rural areas or when following unpredictable routes.

Are Fuelman and AtoB fuel cards worth having?

The AtoB fuel card demonstrates clear value through superior fuel savings (up to $2.00/gallon), excellent customer service (4.6/5 stars), transparent pricing, and universal acceptance that eliminates operational constraints. These business fuel cards offer substantial cost savings and operational efficiency improvements.

Fuelman's value proposition is questionable, given its poor customer satisfaction rating (2.2/5 stars), an ongoing FTC investigation for alleged misleading practices, hidden fees, and network limitations that restrict operational flexibility.

The DOT highlights selecting partners with a history of customer satisfaction and transparent business practices as key to small business success.

Final Verdict

AtoB emerges as the clear winner in this comprehensive comparison of the best fleet fuel cards, offering superior customer satisfaction, transparent pricing, advanced technology, and universal acceptance that eliminates operational constraints.

Fuelman's significant challenges — including ongoing federal investigation, poor customer reviews, hidden fees, and limited network coverage — create substantial risks that outweigh potential benefits for most fleet operations.

For most modern fleets, AtoB's combination of universal acceptance, competitive pricing, and modern technology provides the best overall value. The flexibility to fuel anywhere eliminates operational constraints while still delivering solid savings and superior user experience.

The bottom line: While both cards can serve fleet needs effectively, AtoB's approach aligns better with how most businesses operate today – with flexibility, transparency, and technology that actually helps rather than restricts your operations. Ready to experience the difference? Get started today.

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Citations:

[1] https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/

[2] https://truckingresearch.org/

[3] https://www.natso.com/

[4] https://www.ooida.com/

[5] https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2021/08/ftc-sues-fleetcor-its-ceo-fleecing-small-businesses-mystery-fuel-card-fees