In the ever-changing landscape of the trucking and transportation industry, finding the best diesel fuel cards for truckers is crucial for optimizing your expenses. From owner operators to large commercial fleets, a high-quality diesel fuel card can offer valuable fuel discounts and robust reporting tools.
Top Diesel Fuel Card Options
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the top options available this year, helping you make an informed choice tailored to your needs.
- Best for national network: WEX Fleet Fuel Cards
- Best for simple controls: OTR Fuel Card
- Best for total rewards: Coast Fuel Card
- Best for eliminating fraud: AtoB Fuel Cards
- Best for small and medium-sized companies: TCS Fuel Card
- Best for new businesses: Comdata Fuel Card
- Best for integrations: EFS Fleet Cards
Why Trust FreightWaves Checkpoint
At FreightWaves Checkpoint, our goal is to give readers clear, data-backed insights into the tools and services that keep the trucking industry moving, including fuel cards.
We reviewed dozens of fuel card providers across the U.S., assessing key factors like average fuel discounts, network coverage, fees, security features, and account management tools. We also analyzed real-world driver and fleet feedback to understand how these cards perform on the road — from customer service responsiveness to ease of use and fraud protection.
Our in-house team of experts routinely reviews all content to ensure it is accurate, up-to-date, and genuinely helpful for truckers and fleet owners.
WEX Fleet Fuel Cards
- Best for: National network
- Pricing: No setup fees; fees for other services not shared publicly
Known for its expansive national coverage, WEX offers one of the best fleet cards accepted at 95% of fuel stations in the U.S. Automatic accounting features, like fuel expense tracking and purchase alerts, optimize efficiency. With custom reports and multiple forms of account access, streamlining your operations is always a breeze with WEX. The company offers several different fleet card solutions, making it easy to get one that suits your business needs.
Special Features
- Robust reporting on fuel spending
- Mobile payments
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Accepted at every major U.S. fuel station and more than 45,000 service locations
- Ease of payment
- Control of spending
- Great app for drivers
- Specialized cards for different fleet sizes
Cons
- Not the best option for savings
- Unknown fees for certain cards
OTR Fuel Card
- Best for: Simple controls and broad acceptance
- Add authorized users: Yes (admins can set per-driver spending limits & product restrictions)
The OTR Fuel Card is built for diesel buyers who prioritize easy controls, route flexibility, and clear visibility into spending. It requires no credit check and is accepted at more than 8,000 stations nationwide, with exclusive pricing at 3,000-plus in-network locations. OTR advertises average savings of about $0.50 per gallon, and its mobile app tools, like Fuel Finder, help compare diesel prices along your route while real-time transaction visibility and driver limits keep purchases on track.
Special Features
- Fuel Finder in the OTR Mobile App helps locate in-network truck stops and compare diesel prices along your route.
- Funding options include prepaid loading or a fuel credit line when eligible, giving fleets flexibility as they scale.
- Real-time spend tracking, transaction visibility, and customizable driver limits keep diesel purchases within policy.
- An in-house support team assists with onboarding, card issues, and account management.
- Nationwide acceptance at more than 8,000 fuel stations provides dependable coverage for long-haul and regional routes.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- No credit check at signup, which makes access easier for new owner-operators and growing fleets.
- Accepted at 8,000+ locations nationwide (per OTR), supporting consistent diesel access on most lanes.
- Robust controls and real-time tracking help prevent misuse and simplify manager oversight for diesel purchases.
- Tools like Fuel Finder streamline route planning around in-network stops and advertised diesel prices.
Cons
- Public fee details are limited; you may need to speak with sales for a complete schedule.
Coast Fuel Card
- Best for: Total rewards
- Pricing: $4 per user each month
The Coast Fuel Card is a convenient gas card for truckers that is accepted anywhere that takes Visa. You can use it for gas, restaurants, hotels and more. Along with fuel discounts, you can even get cash back on non-fuel purchases. Coast offers an intuitive platform that allows you to track spending, set controls and manage your fleet cards.
Special Features
- Universal rebate of $0.01 per gallon
- $0.04-.10 off per gallon on your statement at 30,000+ partner stations nationwide, including Exxon, Mobil, 7-Eleven, Casey’s, Circle-K, and others
- Rewards on non-fuel purchases
- Easy controls and security settings for all fleet cards and users
- Spending reports
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Centralized fleet spending on one account
- No personal guarantee
- Efficient customer service
- Purchase and expense tracking
Cons
- No published APR
AtoB Fuel Cards
- Best for: Eliminating fraud
- Pricing: $35 account setup fee and up to $3 per active card per month
AtoB Fuel Cards are extremely popular because of the savings they provide through security, station selection tools, and other software. Customers save an average of $0.46 per gallon between their discounts, security savings, and savings from their Optimal Station Selection tool. It's also accepted anywhere, and the dashboard allows you to set spending limits, track live usage and generate reports to manage your expenses.
Special Features
- No out-of-network stations
- Get discounts on repairs at Pep Boys, tires at Discount Tire and more through AtoB Perk
- Spend on more than just fuel — oil changes, tolls, lodging and more
- Net seven-day payment terms
- Universally accepted anywhere that accepts Visa
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Telematics integration to validate every purchase in real time
- Secure Card Unlock through the AtoB Driver App to ensure cards are only used by authorized drivers
- Optimal Station Selection to enforce drivers to fuel at the most affordable stations
- Allows small businesses to build credit
Cons
- Must pay balance within seven days
TCS Fuel Card
- Best for: Small and medium-sized companies
- Pricing: $0 activation, membership, monthly, or annual fees
The TCS Fuel Card offers several compelling benefits to users seeking the best fuel cards for truckers. First, it offers significant diesel fuel discounts, which is particularly beneficial for owner operators and small fleets looking to optimize fuel costs. Furthermore, cardholders can access cash advances at truck stops, a unique feature not commonly found in other cards. The card was designed with the needs of smaller operations in mind, offering a tailored solution for small to medium-sized trucking companies.
Special Features
- Mobile app shows nearby discount fuel stations
- Allows for cash advances at some truck stops
- Roadside assistance
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Significant savings for cardholders
- Real-time expense tracking
- Zero transaction fees in-network
Cons
- Doesn’t offer a rewards program, so no points or miles are earned on diesel purchases
Comdata Fuel Cards
- Best for: New businesses
- Pricing: Subject to an $8/card per month fee after a one-time $50 account setup fee; no transaction fee at in-network locations; $3 transaction fee at out-of-network locations; additional fees may apply for optional services, late payments, and/or credit risks
Comdata Fuel Cards offer discounts and rebates on fuel purchases at thousands of gas stations across the U.S. But their truck fueling cards also offer access to a network of maintenance and repair service providers. Pricing options on these fuel cards can vary depending on the size of your fleet. With customized solutions for small fleets, their offering is among the best for new businesses.
Special Features
- Truck fuel card is accepted at more than 8,000 locations nationwide
- Savings up to 65% on tires and retreads at over 3,000 locations
- 24/7 driver support
- Online account management and fast track gas station membership
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Cash price plus additional $0.25 off per gallon at TA Petro
- $0.10 off per gallon at Pilot Flying J
- Up to $0.08 off per gallon at Love’s, AMBEST, Speedway and 7-Eleven locations.
Cons
- Subject to a $8/card per month fee after a one-time $50 account setup fee
- Additional fees may apply for optional services, late payments, and/or credit risks
EFS Fleet Cards
- Best for: Integrations
- Pricing: Pricing details not publicly available
The EFS Fuel Card offers robust real-time monitoring and control features, allowing fleet managers to set specific purchasing limits, track fuel efficiency, and prevent unauthorized purchases. Additionally, EFS's integration with fleet management software and its ability to handle other fleet-related expenses like maintenance and repairs makes it a comprehensive solution for transportation companies, as opposed to just a fuel payment method.
Special Features
- Accepted at over 12,000 truck stops across North America, ensuring widespread usability
- Set real-time purchase limits and customize controls at the individual card level to enhance security and prevent unauthorized transactions
- Integrates with leading third-party software, providing greater visibility and control through a user-defined interface
- Manage accounts and monitor transactions via the EFS CarrierControl mobile app, offering flexibility and convenience
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Offers superior authorization and fraud prevention tools, ensuring secure transactions.
- Provides up-to-date transaction data, facilitating efficient financial management.
- Enables drivers to access cash when needed, enhancing operational flexibility
Cons
- Specific fee structures are not publicly disclosed
What is a Diesel Fuel Card?
A diesel fuel card is a specialized payment card that enables the cardholder to purchase diesel and sometimes other vehicle-related expenses. Unlike regular credit cards, diesel fuel cards are tailored for the needs of commercial truck drivers, including owner operators and small trucking companies. These cards often come with benefits such as fuel discounts, detailed reporting features, and expense controls to manage trucking fuel costs more effectively.
Diesel cards help streamline the administrative aspects of fueling a fleet of trucks. They typically allow truckers to fuel up at various stations, providing flexibility and ease of use. Understanding how fuel cards work and what they are can help businesses make an informed choice between various options.
Who Uses Diesel Fuel Cards?
A wide range of users benefit from diesel fuel cards. They're commonly used by truckers, particularly owner operators and commercial truck fleets, to manage fuel expenses.
Commercial fleets often use them to streamline costs and reporting. Heavy construction/machinery operators find these cards helpful for fueling large, diesel-powered equipment.
Waste management companies use them to fuel their collection vehicles, making it easier to manage expenses. Reefer truck trailer owners also rely on these cards to purchase both fuel for the truck and power for the refrigeration unit. Even RV owners, who travel long distances, can use them to manage their fuel costs more effectively.
So, the best fuel card for trucking companies serves a broad audience that needs to manage diesel purchases efficiently.
Advantages of a Diesel Fuel Card vs. a Traditional Fuel Card
A diesel fuel card offers specialized advantages tailored for fuel purchases, making it ideal for industries that rely heavily on diesel. Compared to a traditional fuel card, diesel cards often have partnerships with diesel-specific fuel stations, providing better rates on diesel fuel.
Because they're designed with truckers and commercial fleets in mind, diesel fleet cards often come with added features like advanced reporting tools for tracking trucking fuel expenses in detail. These reports can segregate diesel fuel costs from other expenses, making accounting easier.
In some cases, diesel fuel cards for trucks also offer additional perks, like reward points or more extensive coverage of diesel gas stations. So, while traditional truck fueling cards offer general benefits, a diesel fuel card for truckers provides targeted advantages that can be more valuable to specific users.
FAQ
What is a fuel card?
A fuel card is a specialized payment card used for purchasing fuel and other vehicle-related expenses at gas stations. It offers benefits like expense tracking, detailed reporting, and often comes with fuel discount card rates or rewards.
Do gas cards work for diesel?
Gas cards can sometimes be used for diesel, but they are generally tailored for gasoline purchases and may not offer the same diesel-specific benefits or discounts. It's better to use a diesel fuel card for trucking to maximize advantages.
How do gas cards work?
Gas cards work by allowing cardholders to purchase gasoline at specific or multiple fuel stations, often providing rewards or discounts on fuel purchases. They usually come with features like expense tracking and reporting, making it easier for individuals or businesses to manage their fuel costs.
