Fuel cards cut costs and admin for UK businesses. With lower prices per litre, easy VAT reclaims, and access to thousands of stations, they’re a smart move for anyone buying fuel regularly, even if you have just one van!
If you're running a business in the UK – whether with just one van or a whole fleet – fuel is probably one of your biggest ongoing expenses. So, you might be wondering:
Is it cheaper to use a fuel card?
With fuel prices constantly changing and admin piling up, many small business owners, fleet managers, and sole traders in the UK need smarter ways to save money on fuel. That’s where fuel cards come in.
But are they cheaper? Or is it just another bit of business admin you don’t need? Let’s take a look.
Let’s start with the big question: How do fuel card prices compare to pump prices?
When you pay at the pump, you get charged whatever the sign says on the forecourt that day. If prices spike, you’re stuck with it. There's no room to plan ahead or manage fuel budgets easily. With a fuel card, you usually get either:
That means you’re often paying less per litre, especially if you use a lot of diesel or petrol regularly.
|
Cost per litre |
Weekly usage (500L) |
Weekly saving |
Annual saving |
|
|
Pump Price |
£1.55 |
£775 |
— |
— |
|
Fuel Card Price |
£1.49 |
£745 |
£30 |
£1,560 |
Fuel cards help you save money and time, cut admin, and improve control over your spend. Here’s how fuel cards help UK businesses:
Set fuel pricing
Most fuel card providers offer fixed weekly prices or a capped rate, so you always know what you’re paying, which is ideal for budgeting and cash flow.
VAT reclaim made easy
No more chasing paper receipts. Your fuel card gives you one single HMRC-approved VAT invoice, so reclaiming tax is simple and accurate.
Admin-free tracking
Every litre of fuel is tracked. No more lost receipts, confusing statements, or spreadsheet headaches.
Access to thousands of stations
Depending on the card, you’ll have access to a wide UK fuel network – from major fuel brands to local supermarket forecourts.
Many people assume fuel cards are just for big fleets, but actually, small businesses can benefit just as much, if not more! If you’re a sole trader, contractor, or small business owner juggling logistics and customers, a fuel card can help you take back major control over your fuel.
Here are some of the biggest fuel card benefits for small businesses:
You don’t need 20 vehicles to benefit. Even one van can make it worthwhile.
If you'd like expert and impartial advice on the best fuel card for your business, give us a call on 0330 005 0055 or email service@interfuels.co.uk.
The best fuel card for your business depends on how, where, and how often you buy fuel. Here’s a quick look at some of the fuel cards we cover and what they offer:
Perfect for HGV and commercial users. With access to over 3,400 sites, the Key Fuels card offers competitive weekly fixed pricing and strong motorway and main road coverage.
Accepted at more than 3,500 locations, including many supermarket forecourts, this card is great for businesses looking for a wide-reaching option that blends price control with convenience.
Accepted at over 1,300 UK supermarket sites, including Tesco and Morrisons, this card offers pump pricing with the added perk of supermarket loyalty points.
While fuel cards suit most businesses, they’re not for everyone. Fuel cards work well if you:
But they might not be for you if you:
For most businesses, the answer is yes – it’s cheaper, simpler, and more efficient to use a fuel card. You’ll save money on every litre, reduce admin costs, and see how your business uses fuel. Add in the VAT benefits and driver control, and the value stacks up quickly.
Our fuel cards are built for today’s fleets. With discounted wholesale pump prices, access to over 7,600 sites, and support for multiple major brands, we make it easy to manage fuel costs without the usual headaches. You’ll also get full control through our online account portal, plus clear reporting to help you spot trends, track spending, and make smarter decisions.
Find the perfect fuel card for your fleet. Get your free quote now!