What are the best fleet fuel cards?

The best fuel card for small business is the U.S. Bank Business Edge Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard because it offers 3% cash back on fuel purchases at any station. That 3% rate applies up to $200 spent on each fill-up, with amounts above that yielding 1% back. The U.S. Bank Business Edge Cash Rewards card has a $0 annual fee.… read full answer

Some people might think that the best fuel cards for small businesses are those partnered with a certain gas station, like the Shell Business card. But those cards restrict fuel purchases that earn rewards to specific stations too.

Many general business credit cards offer rewards at least as good, while letting you make purchases anywhere. For example, the American Express SimplyCash Plus Business card gives 3% cash back in the spending category of your choice, including fuel purchases.

Here are the best fuel cards for small businesses:

• Best overall: U.S. Bank Business Edge Cash Rewards World Elite. Unlimited 3% cash back on single gas purchases of $200 or less (1% on purchases in excess of $200); cell phones and accessories; and office supplies. $0 annual fee. Excellent credit required.
• Best fuel store card: Shell Small Business Card. Pay at the pump at more than 14,000 stations. No personal guarantee needed for businesses open for at least 3 years and with more than $1 million in annual sales. $0 annual fee. Good credit required.
• Best for office supply rewards: SimplyCash Plus Business Card from American Express. 3% cash back on the spending category of your choice, including fuel purchases. 5% back on up to $50k in telephone and office supply purchases per year. $0 annual fee. Good credit required.
• Best for wholesale shopping: Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card. 4% cash back on fuel purchases, up to $7,000 annually; 1% after. 3% on restaurants and travel and 2% at Costco. $0 annual fee. Excellent credit required.
• Best for introductory 0% APR: Chase Ink Business Cash. 2% cash back on first $25k per year on fuel and restaurant purchases. 5% on first $25k spent on office supplies and phone/internet/cable. $0 annual fee. Good credit required.
• Best cash back: Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard. $200 cash back for spending $500 in the first 60 days. 3% cash back on fuel and office supply purchases, up to $250,000 spent annually. 2% back at restaurants. $0 annual fee. Excellent credit required.

The best fuel cards for small business are more flexible that you might realize. In addition to the cash back and rewards that come with fuel and business-related purchases, all the cards give at least 1% cash back or 1 bonus point/mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. You’ll be able to use your fuel card in a pinch for emergencies or other unexpected expenses and earn additional cash back or rewards in the process.

The first step in getting a gas card is to check your credit score because it will tell you what types of gas cards you are likely to qualify for. People with good or excellent credit can pick from the best overall credit cards with gas rewards, including cards that work anywhere Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover is accepted. People with lower credit scores may be limited to gas cards that work only at one chain of gas stations. … read full answer

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of possibilities, you can compare their rewards and fees to find the best deal. When you find the right gas card for you, you can apply for it online, over the phone, or by mailing an application. You can usually apply at the gas station, too.

Here’s how to get a gas card:

1. Check your credit score. Your score will give you a general idea of which gas cards offer high odds of approval.
2. Consider committing to a specific gas-station chain. If always getting the same brand of gas is convenient for you, using that gas station’s credit card could provide extra savings.
3. Compare cards based on estimated earnings. Calculate how much each card would save you, based on the rewards it provides on the types of purchases you plan to make as well as any fees you’re likely to incur.
4. Apply. You can apply online, by phone or with a paper application. In some cases, you can apply inside the gas station.

It’s important to take personal preference into account when shopping for a gas card. For example, do you always fill up at the same station? Could you easily commit to a single chain? The answers to those questions will help lead you to the right type of gas card for your needs.

Co-branded gas credit cards partnered with a certain chain can be used anywhere if they are on one of the major credit card networks: Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express. But they will only provide maximum rewards on fuel purchases at affiliated gas stations. Many gas stations also offer cards that are not on a major network and can only be used at chain they’re affiliated with. Plus, plenty of credit cards that are not tied to any gas station chain still offer good rewards on gas.