Choosing a fuel card doesn’t have to be complicated, WEX is our top option for owner-operators, offering potential savings plus helpful spend-tracking and management tools.
11 Best Fuel Cards for Owner-Operators
Learn about the benefits some of the best fuel cards for owner-operators have to offer your operation today.
- Best for nationwide coverage: WEX CrossRoads Freight Card
- Best for easy onboarding: OTR Fuel Card
- Best for simple controls: Coast
- Best for smaller fleets: Fuelman Mixed Fleet Card
- Best for minimal fuel card fees: Shell Fleet Plus Card
- Best for prepaid fuel cards: Shell Refillable Card
- Best for lowering overall fuel costs: AtoB
- Best for medium and large fleets: BP Business Solutions Mastercard
- Best for fuel card customization: ExxonMobil BusinessPro Card
- Best for fleet efficiency: Comdata Card
- Best for discounts: RTS Fuel Card
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 CrossRoads Freight Card
- Best for: Nationwide coverage
- Fees: Unavailable publicly
- Add authorized users: Yes
Accepted at a growing number of gas stations and truck stops throughout the country, the coverage of the WEX CrossRoads Freight Card is unmatched. With a large discount network, you can find the savings and make this card work for your fleet, no matter the size.
Rewards options:
- Rebates of up to 15 cents per gallon at more than 3,400 locations
Discounts available:
- Discounts on tires, wireless plans, office supplies and more
Special features:
- Accepted at more than 16,000 truck stops nationwide
- Accepted at more than 95% of gas stations nationwide
- Transaction consolidation
Benefits:
- 24/7 customer service support based in the U.S.
- Customizable purchase limit settings are available
- Daily savings reports
- Station finder app
Disadvantages:
- Disappointing customer service
- Fees Not Available to The Public
OTR Fuel Card
- Best for: Easy onboarding, and tight spend control
- Add authorized users: Yes (admins can set per-driver spending limits and product restrictions)
The OTR Fuel Card suits owner-operators who need quick access without a credit check, broad nationwide acceptance, and simple tools to manage fuel spend solo. It’s 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 you compare diesel prices and route to in-network stops. Real-time transaction visibility, spend alerts, and driver limits keep purchases within policy as your business grows.
Rewards options:
- OTR does not advertise a points-based rewards program; value primarily comes from negotiated diesel pricing and partner offers that reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Discounts available:
- Average savings of about $0.50 per gallon (as advertised) at participating locations can materially lower fuel expense over time.
- Exclusive pricing at 3,000-plus in-network truck stops helps maximize savings on common lanes.
- Additional advertised discounts on maintenance, tires, and roadside services can trim non-fuel operating costs.
Special features:
- Fuel Finder in the OTR Mobile App helps locate in-network stops and compare diesel prices along your route.
- Funding options include prepaid loading or a fuel credit line when eligible, giving you flexibility as cash flow changes.
- Real-time spend tracking, transaction visibility, and configurable driver limits help prevent misuse.
- An in-house support team assists with onboarding, card issues, and day-to-day account questions.
- Nationwide acceptance at more than 8,000 fuel stations supports both regional and long-haul operations.
Benefits:
- No credit check at signup, making access easier for new or credit-light owner-operators.
- $0 in-network transaction fees can reduce per-swipe costs at participating stops.
- Accepted at 8,000+ locations nationwide (per OTR), providing dependable coverage on most routes.
- Average savings near $0.50 per gallon (as advertised) can compound into meaningful annual fuel savings.
- App-based controls and real-time tracking streamline solo bookkeeping and help keep purchases within policy.
- Fuel Finder simplifies planning around in-network pricing so you can optimize stops without extra admin work.
Disadvantages:
- Public fee details are limited; you may need to speak with sales to understand the full schedule and any edge-case charges.
Coast
- Best for: Simple, Transparent Controls
- Fees: $4 per active card per month (no setup fees)
- Add authorized users: Yes
Built for small teams that want clarity over complexity, the Coast Fuel Card pairs Visa-driven acceptance with real-time spend controls. Managers can set rules, budgets, and alerts from a clean dashboard while drivers fill up almost anywhere Visa is accepted. The flat monthly pricing keeps costs predictable, and consolidated reporting makes reconciliation painless.
Rewards options:
- Statement savings of ~$0.03–$0.09 per gallon at 30,000+ partner stations
- 1% back on eligible non-fuel purchases
Discounts available:
- Per-gallon network discounts at participating stations (applied as statement credits)
- Value emphasis on clear savings via controls and budgeting rather than a bulky discount marketplace
Special features:
- Works anywhere Visa is accepted for fuel
- Real-time spend tracking, alerts, and category/merchant controls
- Transaction consolidation with exportable reports
- Role-based permissions for cards and users
Benefits:
- Centralized fleet spending on one account
- No personal guarantee required
- Straightforward pricing; easy to forecast costs
- Responsive customer support and quick onboarding
- Purchase and expense tracking that reduces admin time
Disadvantages:
- Rewards are lighter than top rebate programs
- May be less ideal for very large fleets with complex needs
Fuelman Mixed Fleet Card - Pro Package
- Best for: Smaller fleets
- Fees: $59 per month for all the fuel cards your business needs1
- Add authorized users: Yes
The The Fuelman Mixed Fleet Card is one of several options. The Enterprise and Basic packages are also available at different price points with varying rewards and benefits.
Rewards:
- Save 8¢ on every gallon of diesel or unleaded fuel at the 40,000+ fueling locations included in our Discount Network.2
- Earn 1 point per gallon to redeem gift cards, merchandise, and more.3
Special features:
- Accepted at 60,000+ stations nationwide4
- Real-time fraud monitoring and alerts1
- Customizable dashboards & data visualizations1
- Enhanced fraud loss coverage, $10K per card, up to $25K per year1
Disclaimers:
- 1See Feature Plan Benefits and Rules for complete details www.fuelman.com/terms/fuelman-pro.
- 2Fuelman discount sites can be found at http://www.fuelman.com/sitelocator. Not valid on off-road diesel, high-speed diesel, aviation, bulk fuel, propane or natural gas purchases. To receive rebates, invoice must be paid in full and on time. Rebates subject to change beginning 12 months after account setup.
- 3To receive points, your Statement must be paid in full and on time.
- 4Fuelman sites can be found at www.fuelman.com/sitelocator.
Shell Refillable Card
- Best for: Prepaid fuel card
- Fees: No dormancy fees
- Add authorized users: No
While Shell’s Refillable Card may not boast any rebate options, it offers the invaluable perk of convenience. You can pay the cash price at most gas stations while avoiding the hassle of handling or carrying cash. You’ll be able to easily manage your spending online and have knowledge of how much is on your card at all times.
Rewards options:
- N/A
Discounts available:
- Avoid credit card charges. You’ll generally pay the cash price with your pin-enabled card.
Special features:
- Instantly load up to $300
- Instant access
- Easy to control and manage spending
- Speedy payment at the pump
Benefits:
- Can be refilled online
- Can be used at Shell stations in all 50 states
- More than 14,000 Locations Nationwide
- No expiration dates
- Track usage and spending online
Disadvantages:
- Like cash
- No access if lost or stolen
- No rebates available
- Basic account management
Shell Fleet Plus Card
- Best for: Minimal fuel card fees
- Fees: No monthly or annual fees
- Add authorized users: Yes, authorized users can be added to your initial application by phone or by logging in to your online banking
The Shell Fleet Plus Card is a leading fuel card for owner-operators. With no monthly or annual fees, you’ll have less overhead to worry about while on the road. With the possibility to earn rebates of up to 6 cents per gallon, as well as the perk of vehicle maintenance discounts, this card is an appealing option.
Fees (details):
- Replacement cards: $2 or $3 for chip-enabled cards
- Reproduce reports: $25 per request
- General research fee: $15 per hour
- Returned payment fee: $50
- Reactivation fee: $50
- Paper delivery fee: $10 per month
- Late fee: $75 or 6.99% of total outstanding balance
Rewards options:
- Rebates can be upwards of 6 cents per gallon. This will vary depending on the number of gallons purchased during each billing cycle.
- $0.00 for 0-299.99 gallons
- $0.03 for 300-3,499.99 gallons
- $0.04 for 3,500-7,999.99 gallons
- $0.05 for 8,000-9,999.99 gallons
- $0.06 for 10,000 or more gallons
Discounts available:
- 15% discount at select Jiffy Lube locations for oil changes and other preventative maintenance services
Special features:
- Built-in reports with fuel activity details
- Easy to manage cards online or via the mobile app
- Accepted at more than 14,000 Shell Stations and Jiffy Lube locations nationwide
- U.S.-based customer service available 24/7 every day
Benefits:
- Real-time account availability
- Ability to cancel lost or stolen cards immediately
- Purchase controls
- App includes station finder
Disadvantages:
- Rebates are ideal for fuel purchases in large quantities
- Station coverage in 47 states, excluding Montana, Hawaii and Alaska
AtoB
- Best for: Lowering overall fuel costs (AtoB customers save on average 43¢ per gallon)
- Fees: No out-of-network fees. A late fee of 3% of the overdue balance is automatically charged if it occurs.
- Add authorized users: Fully manageable with AtoB admin portal.
A no-hidden-fee platform in the fuel card space, AtoB touts itself as Stripe for Transportation. AtoB fuel cards don’t need to be used in-network, and are taken anywhere that accepts Visa. With its built-in security suite, cards can be given caps, tracked and monitored, while also segmenting purchases for your tax write-offs. AtoB also regularly reports to Experian, which can help your company build credit.
Rewards options:
- Discounts on repairs, tires, vehicle washes and more
Discounts available:
- Savings average 10 to 25 cents per gallon
Special features:
- App to find discounts along routes
- Exclusive discounts on fuel
- Integrates with management software and telematics
- Automated payroll with instant transfers
- Business credit bureau reporting
Benefits:
- Telematics integration to validate every purchase in real time
- Universally accepted Visa-backed card
- 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
- Fleet-management tools
- 24/7 support
BP Business Solutions Mastercard
- Best for: Medium and large fleets
- Add authorized users: Yes
If your fleet is always purchasing large amounts of fuel, then the BP Business Solutions Mastercard may be the best fuel card option for you. With rebates of up to 7 cents per gallon, the savings can add up quickly. With trusted security measures in place, you can have the peace of mind you deserve.
Fees:
- Membership/account fee:
- $10 per month
- Waived each month if more than 5,000 gallons isi purchased
- High credit-risk fee
- Up to 2% of credit or spend limit per billing cycle
- Out-of-network fee
- Up to $2 per transaction at locations other than BP and Amoco
- Paper report ree
- Up to $15 per month per account
- Online reports available at no cost
- Tax-exempt reporting fee
- 1% of the invoice amount (certain exceptions may apply)
- International acceptance fee
- Up to 1.1% of purchase amount
- Late-payment fee
- Varies between standard accounts and high-credit-risk accounts
- Standard: $75 or 7.25%
- High-risk credit: 12.25%
- Varying check fees may apply depending on payment options
- Returned payment fee
- $50 per occurrence
- Expedited card delivery
- Varies
- Based on need
Rewards options:
- Rebates can be upward of seven cents per gallon, depending on the purchase volume.
- $0.00 for 0-299.99 gallons
- $0.03 for 300-2,999.99 gallons
- $0.04 for 3,000-4,999.99 gallons
- $0.05 for 5,000-9,999.99 gallons
- $0.07 for 10,000 gallons or more
Discounts available:
- N/A
Special features:
- Accepted at gas stations that accept Mastercard
- Customizable reports by driver, vehicle, MPG, and exceptions are available
- Easy to monitor daily and/or after-hours use
- 24/7 account access and management
Benefits:
- Can be used to pay for vehicle maintenance services
- Card prompts to avoid fraudulent use
- Requires driver ID and odometer reading for each purchase
Disadvantages:
- Rebates only for fuel purchases at BP and Amoco stations
- No app for finding gas stations
ExxonMobil Business Pro Card
- Best for: Fuel card customization
- Add authorized users: Yes
If you like the option of carrying a balance or having a revolving balance, the ExxonMobil Business Pro Card is calling your name. With flexible payment options and the ability to extend your network if necessary, you can make sure this card will work for your fleet in the ways you need it to.
Fees:
- Monthly card fee: $2
- One-time card set-up fee: $40
Rewards options:
- Rebates up to six cents per gallon
- Valid at select Exxon/Mobil stations only
- $0.01 for 0-500 gallons
- $0.03 for 500-3,999 gallons
- $0.04 for 4,000-6,999 gallons
- $0.05 for 7,000-9,999 gallons
- $0.06 for 10,000-plus gallons
- Earn additional points with Exxon Mobil Rewards+
Discounts available:
- N/A
Special features:
- More than 12,000 locations nationwide
- Extended network coverage is available
- Automatic accounting
- Flexible payment options
Benefits:
- 24/7 customer support 365 days a year
- Mobile app for payments and more
- GPS tracking option
Disadvantages:
- Additional fees apply
- Lacks nationwide station coverage
Comdata Card
- Best for: Fleet efficiency
- Add authorized users: Yes
With enhanced analytical tools, enhancing your fleet is easy with the Comdata Card. Save time and money when you use the tools the app has to offer. Per-gallon savings are appealing, but the hefty discount on tires and retreading is incredible.
Fees:
- $5 monthly fee per card
- One-time account set-up fee of $50
- Additional fees apply for the following:
- Late payments
- High credit
- Credit risks
- Additional optional services
Rewards options:
- Cash price payments
- 10 cents off per gallon at Pilot Flying J
- Eight cents off per gallon at Love’s
- Up to 25 cents off per gallon at TA Petro
Discounts available:
- Up to 65% savings on tires
- Retreads at more than 3,000 locations
Special features:
- Enterprise credit line available
- Analytical tools for both drivers and fleets
- Mobile control with Fleetadvance app
- Accepted at more than 8,000 locations
Benefits:
- Flexible payment options
- Easy-to-find mobile fueling vendors for fuel-delivery services
- Time-saving app features and tools
Disadvantages:
- Potential for monthly cost to add up per card
- Limits on applicable locations
RTS Fuel Card
- Best for: Discounts
- Add authorized users: Yes
Looking for discounts? The RTS Fuel Card is for you. While locations may be minimal, the discounts are anything but that. With flexible payment options and credit lines available, this card remains an appealing option for truckers using Pilot Flying J locations.
Fees:
- No annual fees
- No contract required
- Additional fees may apply
Rewards options:
- Rebates of up to 25 cents per gallon are available at more than 1,800 participating locations.
Discounts available:
- Point-of-sale discounts are available at more than 750 Pilot Flying J locations
- Discounts on tires, preventative maintenance and more at over 90 locations
Special features:
- $2,500 line of credit per truck each week
- Flexible payment options
- Integrates with Protransport fleet-management software
Benefits:
- Mobile app available
- Can be used to find the lowest fuel prices, parking and more en route
- Fuel-tax software discounts of up to 35%
Disadvantages:
- Much smaller network
- Lacking card-use control
How Fuel Cards for Owner Operators Help with Cash Flow
Fuel cards can enhance cash flow for owner-operators in several ways:
- Expense consolidation: By using fuel cards, all fuel-related expenses are on one bill, making tracking easier.
- Volume discounts: Some fuel cards offer discounts at certain fuel stations, saving money on every gallon.
- Detailed reporting: Fuel cards offer reports on spending, making budgeting and financial planning more precise and efficient.
- Unauthorized spending control: By setting limits and controls on the fuel cards, you can prevent misuse and unexpected expenses.
- Credit terms: Some fuel card programs offer credit, allowing more time to pay, which can help with cash flow management.
- Integration with accounting software: Many fuel cards can integrate with accounting systems, reducing administrative time and improving accuracy.
- Tax benefits: Fuel cards often track IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement) requirements, making tax reporting easier and potentially saving on taxes.
- Global acceptance: Fuel cards can be used internationally, providing flexibility for cross-border operations and consolidating various currency expenditures.
By combining these factors, owner-operators can streamline their financial processes and have a more predictable and positive cash flow.
Fuel Card Perks to Look For
Owner-operators can run their operations efficiently and without any hassles when they have the right fuel cards backing them. When you know about the perks that matter and what to look for when comparing fuel cards for owner-operators, you’ll be able to find the option that makes the most sense to you.
Interest rates
Are you looking to carry a balance on your fuel card? Then you should pay attention to the interest rates. While intro annual percentage rates (APRs) may be appealing, what does the long haul look like?
The best fuel cards for owner-operators will come with varying rates, and while they can help immensely with savings, they can also be a major additional cost. Knowing which rates you’re agreeing to before committing to a card is key.
Credit limits
The credit limit for your company matters. How much coverage do you and your drivers need?
As an owner-operator, you have to ensure your credit limit will cover your entire operational team. Don’t hinder your drivers when they’re on the road. Keep fueling up and driving a breeze with a credit limit that works for everyone.
Mobile apps
Tracking fuel usage and spending habits generally don’t require the old-fashioned approach of using pen and paper anymore. You can simplify your accounting, budgeting and more with the right apps.
They will assist you as you track and record the data or create the reports you need to make. With mobile apps, you can understand how your fuel card is performing while making it easy to find gas stations, truck stops, parking and more.
Bookkeeping and financial tracking
As an owner-operator, you already understand that it can be costly to operate a trucking company. When spending is limited, finding the best fuel cards for owner-operators with the right accounting and tracking features is a must.
Many of the best fuel cards come with user-friendly apps that allow you to use the features you need with ease. You should be able to track the cost per mile, pay attention to overall spending, compare fuel costs at varying locations and tend to all of your other necessary tasks. Look for opportunities to save anywhere and everywhere.
Locations
The locations where your fuel card will be accepted are incredibly important. While you may see great savings for in-network locations, you could also be paying hefty additional fees for out-of-network locations. Be sure to research the accepted locations before committing to one of the best fuel cards for owner-operators.
FAQ
Do truckers get fuel discounts?
With no shortage of fuel cards available from varying companies, truckers can get fuel rebates and discounts all over the country.
Is it worth getting a fuel card?
Both the savings and the convenience that fuel cards have to offer can make them worthwhile for owner-operators. Managing your fuel use and spending can be effortless with the best fuel cards for owner-operators.
How do I use a fuel card?
When approved, you can use your fuel card just as you would with any credit card at the pump.
