What are the best fleet fuel cards?

The best fuel card for small business is the U.S. Bank Business 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 Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard® card has a $0 annual fee.… read full answer

Best Fuel Cards for Small Businesses

• Best Overall: U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard®
• Best Fuel Store Card: Shell Small Business Credit Card
• Best Initial Bonus: Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
• Best for Cash Back: Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
• Best for Costco Members: Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi

Some people might assume that the best fuel cards for small businesses are just those partnered with a certain gas station chain. But those cards restrict fuel purchases that earn rewards to affiliated stations. Many general-purpose business credit cards offer gas rewards that are at least as good, while letting you make purchases anywhere.

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.