EFS Fleet Card Review (2026 Guide)

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

EFS earns our top pick for best diesel fuel card for truckers when it comes to integrations. The program offers over-the-road fleets a trucking-first platform with enterprise-grade controls, CAT Scale and Weigh My Truck integration, and powerful tools for both drivers and managers. EFS’s broad truck-stop network (12,000+ sites) supports mixed operations and scales up with Mastercard and CrossRoads options for broader acceptance. If you keep gallons in-network and secure a favorable agreement, EFS can pair meaningful savings with real operational efficiency.

At a Glance

  • Backed by WEX: As a WEX-owned platform, EFS benefits from strong integrations, industry-wide relationships, and robust infrastructure, giving fleets access to advanced controls, nationwide acceptance, and enterprise-grade customer support.
  • Truck-stop network scale: Accepted at over 12,000 truck stops nationwide, including major brands like TA, Petro, AMBEST, and others, with additional options for retail and maintenance spend through Mastercard and CrossRoads programs.
  • Published discounts for growing fleets: The Fleet One EDGE program markets average savings of $.12–$.15 per gallon at 4,500+ discount locations and waives fuel transaction fees at 4,000+ in-network stops.
  • Wide acceptance when needed: Options like the EFS Fleet Mastercard and CrossRoads Freight expand coverage to maintenance shops, travel spend, and approximately 95% of U.S. retail gas stations, while retaining fleet-level controls.
  • Strong app ecosystem: Fleet managers and drivers get access to tools like CarrierControl, WEX CardControl, and CAT Scale integration to simplify routing, approvals, and day-to-day compliance.

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.

EFS Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Truck-first network & driver apps
  • Advanced cash‑&‑fuel payout tools
  • Card‑by‑card prompts, limits & authorization rules

Cons

  • Most fees vary by contract
  • Limited merchant acceptance on closed-loop cards

EFS Fuel Card Costs

Most EFS card fees are agreement-based. Always get a full fee schedule in writing. Here are the typical structures by card type:

Card Option Setup/Monthly Fees* Fuel Transaction Fee* Published Discount/Savings
Fleet One EDGE $0 setup • Monthly fees vary by agreement $0 at 4,000+ in‑network sites Approx. $.12‑$.15/gal average (4,500+ discount sites)
EFS Fleet Card Contract-based • Monthly, per‑card & other fees vary Contract-based • May vary by in- & out-of-network use Not publicly published
EFS Fleet Mastercard/CrossRoads Freight Agreement-based (varies by card & usage Varies by merchant network (EFS vs. Mastercard) Vary by network & location

*Fees vary by contract and network. Always request a full fee schedule in writing to understand true program costs.

How Much Fuel You Need To Break Even

Break-even math varies based on card choice and usage. For EDGE, the equation is simple:

  • Assume $0.12–$0.15/gal savings: With no monthly fees at EDGE in-network stops, savings = gallons × discount. Example: 1,500 gallons/month × $0.13 = $195.
  • Factor in out-of-network fees: If fees are $2 per swipe and drivers go out-of-network 10 times a month, subtract $20 from savings

EFS Fuel Card Options

  • EFS Fleet Card: Truck-stop-only closed-loop card with robust controls and cash/check services for mid-to-large OTR fleets
  • Fleet One EDGE: Discount-forward card for small fleets with built-in network savings and no in-network transaction fees
  • EFS Fleet Mastercard: Adds nationwide retail/shop access while retaining truck stop controls and reporting
  • CrossRoads Freight: Offers 16,000+ truck stops and ~95% retail station coverage for mixed light/heavy vehicle fleets

EFS Card Features

  • Driver mobile app: The WEX CardControl app gives drivers real‑time access to card balances, nearby station pricing and discounts, and fuel‑stop amenities
  • Manager portal for controls and reporting: The CarrierControl dashboard enables fleet managers to set card‑by‑card spending limits, monitor transactions, issue checks or MoneyCodes, and generate IFTA‑ready reports with ease
  • Dual-network maintenance and repair coverage: With the EFS Fleet Mastercard and CrossRoads Freight options, fleets can use a single card for both fuel and non‑fuel purchases (maintenance, travel, employee expenses), while retaining EFS‑style controls
  • Driver cash and payout support: Fleets can issue driver cash advances, MoneyCodes, and manage settlement payments directly through the platform. This reduces the need for separate check handling or third‑party services.

Should You Use EFS Fuel Cards?

EFS cards offer a flexible path for fleets with different routing, integration, and control needs. If you want savings, controls, and expandability, the right EFS card likely fits.

EFS might be best for these kinds of fleets:

  • Small fleets that want discounts without fees: Fleet One EDGE removes transaction fees at 4,000+ stops and offers solid savings for teams that stay in network
  • Enterprise fleets that want granular controls: The EFS Fleet Card supports cash advances, time/product limits, and high-volume purchase tracking
  • Mixed fleets needing broad coverage: CrossRoads Freight handles both truck and retail sites under one card and keeps transactions within EFS-style guardrails

Things To Do Before You Sign Up

  • Confirm which stops are truly in network. Use the EFS or Fleet One mobile app to identify whether your primary fuel stops qualify for EDGE discounts or will incur out-of-network fees. This determines your real cost per gallon.
  • Get the complete fee table in writing. Ask your rep to provide a full breakdown of monthly fees, per-card charges, transaction fees, cash access costs, and payment method surcharges so you can build an accurate savings model
  • Choose the right network type for your fleet. Decide whether closed-loop EFS, dual-network Mastercard, or retail-plus truck-stop CrossRoads rails best match your vehicle mix, purchase needs, and reporting expectations
  • Verify any required merchant approvals. Some major truck stop chains and retailers may require EFS approval before discounts apply or transactions are authorized. Clarify these policies so drivers aren’t caught off guard.
  • Map out fallback options for non-fuel spend. If your fleet pays for maintenance, hotels, or emergency services on the road, confirm which card options provide broad acceptance beyond truck stops without sacrificing controls
  • Review how card controls and reporting integrate. Ensure the tools offered (like CarrierControl, card limits, MoneyCodes, and IFTA reporting) fit with your current workflows and that you’ll be able to manage activity in real time without manual workarounds

Our Take

EFS delivers smart coverage, solid integrations, and real flexibility through its multiple card types. EDGE gives small fleets access to discounts without monthly overhead. CrossRoads and Mastercard options expand access without losing visibility or control. Lock in your fees and match the card to your route map, and EFS can deliver steady savings and smoother operations.

FAQ

What kind of back-office integrations does EFS support?

EFS supports integrations with popular TMS, ELD, and accounting platforms, making it easier for fleets to automate reconciliation, track expenses, and generate IFTA-friendly reports. The CarrierControl portal also exports transaction data that can feed directly into back-end systems.

Can EFS cards be used to issue MoneyCodes and Comcheks?

Yes. Fleets using EFS can issue MoneyCodes, Comcheks, or one-time funds directly through CarrierControl or the driver app. These funds are backed by SmartFunds and can be tracked and reconciled alongside regular fuel purchases, simplifying both dispatch and accounting workflows.

Is a credit check required?

Most EFS cards are credit-based, so a credit check may be required. Prepaid or cash-secured options may be available depending on the program.

Can I use EFS for maintenance and repairs?

Yes, if you're using the EFS Fleet Mastercard or CrossRoads Freight card. Both enable non-fuel purchasing like repairs and travel while maintaining EFS-style controls.

Do EFS cards support cash advances?

Yes. The EFS Fleet Card and Fleet Mastercard support driver cash access via checks, MoneyCodes, and ATMs depending on program setup.


Mike Marshall
Mike Marshall is a senior contributor at FreightWaves with nearly a decade of focused experience in the trucking, car shipping, and moving industries. His work focuses on breaking down complex logistics topics into clear, practical guidance for consumers and industry professionals alike. Drawing on years of hands-on research and analysis at FreightWaves, Mike brings an insider’s perspective to every article, helping readers understand costs, processes, risks, and best practices across the transportation and relocation space.