Best Gas Card for Small Business: Options & Guide (2026)

Small businesses spend thousands of dollars each year on fuel—and without the right tools, those expenses can quickly eat into your bottom line. The best gas card for small business operations does more than just pay at the pump. It helps you track spending, control employee spending, earn rebates, and manage cash flow all from one platform.

Unlike standard business credit cards that offer generic rewards, fleet fuel cards offer specialized fuel rewards and driver spending controls tailored to companies with vehicles on the road.

This guide compares the top fleet fuel cards for small businesses in 2025, breaking down acceptance, savings, fees, and features to help you find the right fit.

Key Takeaways

• Universal acceptance matters: The best small business fuel card works at nearly all gas stations nationwide, so drivers spend time on the job—not searching for "in-network" fuel stations
• Per-gallon savings add up: Fleet fuel cards offer rebates ranging from 3¢ to $2.00 per gallon, depending on where you fill up and what type of fuel you purchase
• Spending controls prevent misuse: Set spending limits, restrict purchases to fuel only, and receive real-time alerts when employees use their cards
• Business credit building: Some fleet cards report to business credit bureaus, helping small businesses establish credit without personal guarantees
• Cash flow flexibility: Choose between prepaid cards (Unlimited) or credit options (Flex) based on your business needs
• Beyond fuel: The best cards also cover vehicle expenses like maintenance, repairs, and even discounts at participating Jiffy Lube locations

{{CTA}}

What Makes a Great Small Business Fuel Card?

Before comparing specific cards, it's worth understanding what separates a good fleet card from a great one. Small business owners need solutions that balance savings with convenience—and that means looking beyond headline rebate numbers.

Acceptance and coverage determine whether your drivers can fuel up on their normal routes or need to make time-wasting detours. Some cards work only at Shell stations or within the Fuelman network, while others are accepted anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted.

Actual savings per gallon vary by fuel type, location, and monthly volume. A card advertising "up to 15¢ per gallon" might only deliver 3¢ for most small businesses. Look for transparent pricing that tells you exactly what you'll save at the gas stations you actually use.

Fees and costs can quickly offset your rebates and rewards. Monthly card fees, setup charges, transaction fees, and late payment penalties all affect your real ROI. The best fleet fuel cards for small businesses keep pricing simple and predictable, with no hidden charges that surprise you at the end of your billing period.

Expense management tools save time beyond just fuel purchases. Look for fuel cards that let you track spending by driver, vehicle, or project—eliminating manual expense reports and simplifying your accounting at the end of each billing period. The best fleet cards give employees clear guidelines and allow fleet managers to review all expenses from a single dashboard.

Top 6 Fleet Fuel Cards for Small Businesses in 2025

1. AtoB — Best Overall for Small Businesses

AtoB stands out as the top choice for small businesses seeking deep discounts, universal acceptance, and modern expense management tools. Unlike legacy fleet card providers, AtoB was built specifically for today's fleet operations with technology that actually works.

Acceptance: 99% of U.S. gas stations and fuel stations. AtoB cards work anywhere Mastercard is accepted, meaning drivers never waste time hunting for "approved" locations. This universal acceptance eliminates the frustration of network restrictions that plague branded cards.

Savings: Average savings of $0.45 per gallon on diesel at truck stops, with discounts reaching up to $2.00 per gallon at participating locations. For regular unleaded, small businesses save an average of 5¢ per gallon across AtoB's discount network spanning over 30,000 gas stations.

Fees: $3 per card monthly for the Unlimited (prepaid) plan, or $15 minimum monthly for up to 5 Flex (credit) cards. One-time $35 setup fee. No transaction fees, no swipe fees, and no hidden charges buried in your account agreement.

Spending Controls: The AtoB app gives fleet managers complete control over employee cards. Set spending limits per transaction or time period, restrict operational hours, whitelist or blacklist specific merchants, and receive real-time alerts for all fuel purchases. Monitor driver spending in real-time and review fuel expense data by vehicle, project, or location. Premium subscribers ($6/card/month) unlock advanced features including app-based card unlock and telematics-based fraud prevention.

Cash Flow Benefits: Choose between the prepaid Unlimited card for budget control or the Flex credit card for improved cash flow. AtoB extends credit to small businesses without requiring personal guarantees—a major advantage for business owners who want to keep personal and business finances separate.

Business Credit Building: AtoB reports to all three major business credit bureaus (Dun & Bradstreet, Experian, and Equifax), helping small businesses establish credit history with every purchase.

Additional Perks: IFTA tax reporting automation, driver payroll features, 24/7 multilingual support, and up to $250,000 in fraud protection. The AtoB app provides instant access to fuel discounts, station locator features, and real-time spending alerts. The non-fuel discount network includes savings and rewards on vehicle maintenance, tires, and repairs—extending your rewards beyond just fuel expense management.

Best For: Small businesses wanting the combination of deep discounts, universal acceptance, modern technology, and no personal guarantee credit access. Drivers appreciate the easy-to-use mobile app, while fleet managers get all these features in one streamlined platform. Employees can fill up at virtually any gas station nationwide without worrying about network restrictions.

Learn more about AtoB fuel cards →

2. WEX Fleet Card — Best for Broad Network Coverage

WEX operates one of the largest fleet card networks in the country, making it a solid choice for businesses that prioritize acceptance over maximum savings.

Acceptance: 95% of U.S. gas stations (approximately 180,000 locations), including most major brands and independent stations.

Savings: The WEX FlexCard offers 3¢ per gallon for the first 180 days, with ongoing rebates based on fuel volume. Branded WEX cards can earn rebates up to 15¢ per gallon at participating network locations.

Fees: $2-4 per card monthly, depending on the product. No setup fees for the FlexCard.

Spending Controls: Real-time monitoring, driver profiles, and customizable purchase restrictions. Track spending by driver and vehicle with detailed transaction data. Monitor driver spending patterns and generate fuel expense reports for accounting. Employees get easy access to the network while fleet managers maintain full control over expenses.

Best For: Small businesses needing wide acceptance, cash flow flexibility (FlexCard allows carrying a balance), and reliable rewards on fuel purchases. Ideal when drivers need to fill up at various locations.

3. Fuelman — Best for Established Rebate Programs

Fuelman, owned by FleetCor, offers competitive rebates for businesses willing to fuel within their network.

Acceptance: Over 40,000 gas stations in the Fuelman network, plus acceptance at Chevron/Texaco, ARCO, Pilot, Love's, and other major brands (though rebates may not apply outside the discount network).

Savings: 8¢ per gallon rebate at Fuelman Discount Network locations for the first 12 months. Rebates vary based on your billing period volume.

Fees: Monthly membership fees ranging from $39 to $99, depending on plan tier. Additional fees for extended network transactions and certain payment types.

Spending Controls: Customizable fuel controls, driver profiles, real-time alerts, and the ability to restrict cards to fuel only or allow maintenance purchases. Track driver spending and fuel expense by vehicle.

Best For: Small businesses with predictable routes near Fuelman network stations, higher monthly fuel volume, and those who want consistent rewards at branded locations.

4. Shell Card Business — Best for Shell Loyalists

Shell's small business card works well for fleets that regularly fuel at Shell stations and want simple, no-fee pricing.

Acceptance: Over 12,000 Shell stations nationwide. The Shell Card Business Flex option expands acceptance to 95% of U.S. fuel stations.

Savings: Up to 6¢ per gallon at Shell stations based on monthly volume. The Flex version offers up to 5¢ per gallon at Shell locations. New accounts can access a 25¢-per-gallon promotional discount for 6 months.

Fees: No monthly, annual, or setup fees for the Shell Card Business.

Spending Controls: Set limits by transaction amount, fuel type, time of day, or location. Real-time purchase tracking and detailed reporting through the online portal.

Additional Perks: 15% off vehicle maintenance at participating Jiffy Lube locations.

Best For: Small businesses located near Shell stations that can fuel consistently within the brand network and want straightforward rewards.

5. Coast — Best for Tech-Forward Operations

Coast takes a fintech approach to fleet cards, offering Visa acceptance anywhere with modern expense management tools. This fuel card works differently from traditional fleet fuel cards, functioning more like business credit cards with specialized fleet controls.

Acceptance: Universal acceptance anywhere Visa is accepted—virtually every gas station in the country. Drivers never need to search for approved locations.

Savings: Coast focuses on controls and automation rather than per-gallon rebates. Small businesses may see indirect savings of around 5¢ per gallon through operational efficiencies and prevented misuse.

Fees: Transparent pricing without hidden charges. No volume requirements or minimum spend.

Spending Controls: Real-time notifications, driver-level controls, and automated receipt capture. Integration with accounting software simplifies reconciliation. Employees access funds through a streamlined app while fleet managers track all expenses in real time.

Best For: Tech-savvy small businesses prioritizing automation, universal acceptance, and clean reporting over maximum per-gallon rebates. Works well when drivers cover unpredictable routes.

6. Voyager — Best for Maximum Station Coverage

U.S. Bank's Voyager fleet card offers the broadest acceptance in the industry, making it ideal for fleets that truly need to fuel anywhere.

Acceptance: 97% of U.S. gas stations (over 320,000 locations)—the highest coverage available among all fuel cards.

Savings: Per-gallon rebates vary by distributor and volume. Rebates typically range from 3-8¢ per gallon.

Fees: No monthly fees, setup fees, or card replacement fees in many programs.

Spending Controls: Comprehensive card controls and detailed reporting for vehicle expenses across fuel and maintenance. Drivers access stations nationwide while employees follow established spending policies.

Best For: National fleets or businesses with unpredictable routes needing guaranteed acceptance at virtually any station. Good when drivers and employees travel across multiple states.

{{CTA}}

How to Choose the Right Fuel Card for Your Small Business

Consider your routes and locations. If your drivers operate in a specific region with consistent Shell stations nearby, a branded fleet card might maximize savings. If routes vary or you operate across multiple states, universal acceptance fuel cards like AtoB save time and eliminate the frustration of network restrictions. Think about where employees typically fill up during their workday.

Calculate actual savings. Don't chase the biggest rebate number on paper. Compare what you'll actually save at the stations you use. A card offering 45¢ per gallon on diesel beats one offering 8¢ per gallon—even if the latter advertises "up to 15¢" in marketing materials. Use tools like the AtoB app to compare real-time fuel prices and maximize your rewards.

Factor in all fees. Monthly card fees of $4 per card add up quickly with 10 employee cards. A $35 one-time setup fee is often more economical than $39-99 monthly membership fees over time. Calculate total expenses, including fees, against expected savings.

Evaluate cash flow needs. Prepaid cards enforce budget discipline but require funds upfront. Credit cards improve cash flow but may require personal guarantees with some providers. AtoB's no-personal-guarantee credit is a significant advantage for small business owners.

Think beyond fuel. Cards that cover vehicle expenses, including maintenance, repairs, and parts, consolidate spending onto one platform. Integration with accounting software saves hours on expense reports. Unlike general business credit cards, fleet cards provide specialized controls and reporting designed for vehicle operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fuel cards worth it for small businesses?

Yes. Fleet fuel cards lock in per-gallon discounts that add up quickly across your vehicles, with larger fleets seeing the most significant savings. They also reduce administrative costs by consolidating scattered expense reports and credit card receipts into a single invoice for all fuel purchases—simplifying tax reporting and cutting paperwork for your team.

How do fuel cards help small businesses save money?

Fleet fuel cards provide per-gallon discounts (ranging from 5¢ to $2.00 depending on location and fuel type), eliminate reimbursement processing, prevent unauthorized purchases through spending controls, and consolidate vehicle expenses for easier tax deductions. By centralizing your fuel expense management, many small businesses save thousands annually through a combination of discounts, reduced fraud, and rewards on every purchase.

Can I get a fleet card with bad business credit?

Yes. AtoB offers prepaid Unlimited cards with no credit check required, allowing any small business to access fuel discounts and expense management tools. The prepaid option also helps businesses build credit by reporting on-time payments to business credit bureaus.

Do small business fuel cards require a personal guarantee?

Many legacy providers require personal guarantees for credit accounts. AtoB stands out by offering credit without personal guarantees for qualified small businesses, keeping your personal and business finances separate. This gives owners access to fleet fuel cards without risking personal assets. Unlike traditional business credit cards that often require cash collateral or personal liability, AtoB's approach helps small business owners manage fleet expenses without personal risk.

Final Thoughts: Put More Money Back in Your Business

The right fleet fuel card does more than pay for gas—it transforms how you manage vehicle expenses across your entire operation. For small businesses, every dollar saved per gallon adds up across thousands of fill-ups each year.

AtoB delivers the best combination of savings, acceptance, controls, and modern technology for today's small business fleets. With average diesel discounts of 45¢ per gallon, 99% station acceptance, and no personal guarantee credit options, it's designed to help small businesses save money while simplifying operations.

Ready to stop overpaying at the pump? Get started with AtoB →

{{CTA}}

Citations

1. https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/manage-your-business/manage-your-finances
2. https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations
3. https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/safetyfirst/federal-motor-carrier-safety-administration

‍