Ranking of the best fuel cards for 2024

A popular way to save on the ever-increasing fuel prices is to purchase a fuel card. It is especially relevant for large enterprises. The article describes the basic recommendations for purchasing a card, which company is better and how much this or that model costs. Advice is given on how to choose a suitable card, what are the varieties, and how to order online.

Characteristics and description

Fuel cards have become firmly established in the lives of not only large transport companies, individual entrepreneurs and small businesses, but also ordinary motorists. Everyone benefits, from the manufacturing company to the vehicle driver. Gas station companies receive a loyal regular customer, the customer benefits from VAT and credit refunds.

Such means of payment are also provided for gas stations (at filling stations). They can be used not only in Russia, but also abroad. Such models are more focused on large customers, so there are more benefits for them, but a certain discount is also provided for individuals.

A fuel card is a plastic means of payment that can be used to pay at gas stations, at CNG stations. The average registration price is 300 rubles.

All cards are rectangular, equipped with a microchip, magnetic stripe and barcode.

Selection criteria (what to look for)

To avoid mistakes when choosing, you need to pay attention to the following indicators:

1. The number of companies serving the card. The popularity of models is mainly determined by this indicator. The larger the network of gas stations, the more you have the opportunity to use the card anywhere when traveling within the country and abroad. It is better to purchase generic models with which different service providers work.
2. Credit limit. Many firms provide their clients with an interest-free grace period. This is very convenient if you run out of fuel on the road, there is no free money, you can refuel on credit and pay the amount later. On average, the installment plan is valid from 14 days to 1 month.
3. Discounts, bonuses, the possibility of VAT refund. If you have a large enterprise, you will be interested in such additional opportunities as a 20% VAT refund. Even for individual entrepreneurs and individuals, some companies provide various bonuses and discounts with a limited duration. The bonus can apply to one type of service or several at once.
4. The presence of a personal account on the company's website or in a mobile application. In addition to ease of use, it provides security for firms in the event of fuel theft. At any time online, you can track the filling time and the number of liters.You can install a service (program) in your smartphone to track and replenish your balance at any convenient time. Also, a virtual model will allow you to find out how much fuel costs for individual regions. To automate payment, you will need to contact the office, where all the necessary services will be connected to you.
5. Support service. For large companies, a separate hotline is provided, which you can contact at any time of the day, without waiting for a long time for the operator's response.

Classification

They are divided into types according to different criteria.

1. By operating mode:

• Online. You will receive as a gift a smart personal account working through the application. Works online. With lock function. Locking on loss is instant.
• Offline. Works even if there is no connection on a separate terminal. What is relevant on remote sections of the route. Of the minuses, only the delay in the processing of up-to-date information (updating occurs within 24 hours). Blocking or changing limits can be made for a fee by visiting the office.

2. By the legal status of the holder:

• legal entities;
• individuals.

3. By the way information is stored:

• with a microchip;
• with a barcode.

4. By the number of gas station networks:

• single-brand (serviced by one network);
• multi-brand (serve several gas station networks).

5. By methods of accounting for fuel consumption:

• liter (accounting is carried out in liters). Received the greatest distribution;
• cash (expenses are recorded in cash).

6. By availability of credit limits:

• with a credit limit;
• no credit limit.

• there is no need to pay in cash;
• fast service at gas stations;
• services are provided by the best fuel producers;
• theft and other fuel fraud are practically excluded;
• deferred payment for up to 1 month;
• in some companies it is possible to plot a route to the nearest station and calculate the cost of fuel.

• one card does not cover all gas station networks;
• additional fee for restoration upon loss;
• the need to visit the office for verification, setting a limit, signing an agreement.

Where can I buy

You can order the issue of a card directly at the company's office or on the company's website, where you can also see new items, all the terms of service. The consultant will describe in detail all the bonuses, discounts and opportunities of individual models, will guide you on the price, tell you which package is better to buy for your company. Offer inexpensive (budget) options if you purchase for personal use.

Use and reporting

It is very easy to use such cards. You need to follow 5 simple steps:

1. When providing the service you need, you must inform the seller about your intention to pay with a fuel card.
2. Depending on the type of card, attach it to the terminal or insert it into a special hole.
   Enter the required PIN code.
3. Sign the check issued by the cashier. (one copy of the check remains with the driver for reporting).
4. Use the required service (refueling the car, repairing, washing).

Reporting

At the end of the flight, the driver must submit for the accounting department, together with the waybill, the check that was issued to him by the cashier. The driver does not need to provide additional reporting.

Information analysis

The carrier will store all information about the actions performed (time, date, type of operation, cost, amount of fuel poured, discount on services). To exclude cases of fraud on the part of drivers, it is recommended to pay attention to some details:

• Refueling frequency. If the driver refills the car too often, it can arouse suspicion among management.
  Fuel volume. It must be correlated with the capacity of the vehicle tank (if the volume of the poured fuel exceeds the volume of the vehicle's tank, this makes the driver suspicious of theft).
• Route. If the driver refueled at a gas station that is not located on his route, this can also lead to certain thoughts.
• Refueling time.It is worth making sure that the refueling time coincides with the working time, otherwise there is a possibility that the driver refueled his personal car. To exclude this possibility, you need to link the card to a specific state number of the car.

Quality fuel cards rating

Material, review, description of cards, customer reviews were taken as a basis. The rating includes popular models.

For legal entities

This type is suitable for large and medium-sized businesses. The presence of such TCs for large business significantly reduces the company's expenses for fuel and lubricants, and simplifies control over expenses. Allows you to keep operational records and, in most cases, to return VAT. Suitable for businessmen, for individual entrepreneurs, for large businesses. Fuel savings become noticeable after just a few months of use.

EXPRESS CARD

You can pay with a card not only in the Russian Federation, but also abroad. Has constant access to the online office. It is possible to set limits for fuel or payment. A convenient mobile application will show you how to get to the nearest gas station as well as the price of fuel. You can get advice on your questions free of charge around the clock. You can get a loan without overpayments for up to 1 month. Depending on the number of liters used per month, the program provides for bonuses, discounts for service. You can apply for a card issue in the online store.

• long term interest-free lending;
• prompt service;
• the convenience of use.

• not identified.

Parameters	Specifications
Mobile app	there is
Lending opportunity	up to 31 days
Coverage area	Russia, Europe

Shell Card (Shell)

She can pay not only in the Russian Federation, but also when traveling in Europe. It is possible to return VAT 20%. Suitable for payment of travel on toll roads, any car service works. There is also the possibility of obtaining an interest-free loan for a period of 2 weeks. There is a personal account, reports on the card are sent by e-mail regularly.

• VAT refund;
• prompt service;
• availability of a credit limit.

• small time interval for lending.

Parameters	Specifications
VAT refund	there is
Lending opportunity	for up to 14 days
Coverage area	Russia, Europe

Off-Road Vehicle Online (Petrol Plus)

Works at several gas stations. You can get a discount of up to 2% about it, depending on the need for fuel. VAT refundable. It operates in Russia and Europe. It is possible to set limits for use.

• VAT refund;
• large coverage area;
• efficiency of use and maintenance.

• no credit limit.

Parameters	Specifications
VAT refund	there is
Personal account	there is
Coverage area	Russia, Europe

United (Masters)

It has united all the leading gas station networks in Russia, in the CIS countries. Free service for 3 months after signing the contract. Save up to 12% due to tight cost control. Returns VAT. No additional fees or hidden interest. Has a mobile application for convenience, the hotline operator will help you solve any issue around the clock.

• there is a mobile application;
• round-the-clock hotline;
• reporting by e-mail and SMS.

• no significant.

Parameters	Specifications
VAT refund	there is
Availability of a mobile application	there is
Coverage area	Russia and Europe
service charge	not

TransCart

It unites in itself almost 11,000 filling stations throughout the country. VAT is returned 20%. There is a mobile application, in addition to reporting, in it you can find the nearest gas station and find out the cost of fuel and lubricants on it.

• convenient, practical mobile application;
• a large number of gas stations in the network.

• valid only on the territory of the Russian Federation.

Parameters	Specifications
VAT refund	there is
Availability of a mobile application	there is
Coverage area	Russia

BP + Aral (BP Plus)

International card, provides favorable conditions for flights in Europe. It is possible to pay for toll roads, ferries, tolls and fines, as well as repair work and car parking. The company's website has the ability to quickly view all the necessary information.

• a large number of opportunities;
• operational accounting and control of expenses.

• VAT is not refundable;
• works mainly in Europe.

Parameters	Specifications
VAT refund	not
Live view	there is
Coverage area	Europe

For individuals

Universal model for personal use. Such payment systems for individuals, unlike business models, do not have extended functionality, they only offer a specific percentage of a fuel discount or a cashback option. But they are also very popular among motorists.

Rosselkhozbank-Rosneft

Allows you to purchase fuel at a significant discount. There is a system for accumulating bonuses. The service will cost 900 rubles. in year.

• has a multi-faceted loyalty program;
• has cashback.

• the annual service will be 900 rubles.

Indicators	The values
Bonuses and discounts	there are discounts, cashback for purchases
Annual maintenance (rub)	900
Coverage area	Russia

Autodrive Platinum (Gazpromneft)

There are 2 service options. First: 4188 rubles per year. Second: free service subject to the following conditions: 200,000 rubles. on the balance or 100,000 and purchases in the amount of 35 thousand per month or crediting salaries to it from 100 thousand and 35 thousand for purchases per month. At the first purchase, the program “on our way” is connected for free, and accumulates bonuses automatically after each purchase.

• several loyalty programs;

• quite expensive service, under normal conditions.

Indicators	The values
Bonuses and discounts	2 bonus programs
Annual maintenance	RUB 4188 on normal terms
Coverage area	Russia

Neste

Has a discount system. You can buy it in the office or at a gas station, the cost of issue is 150 rubles. The first installment is 2000 rubles. Discounts apply to different categories of services:

• at a gas station for each liter of fuel - 50 kopecks;
• in shops and cafes - 10%;
• at car washes - 15%.

The company often holds additional promotions, discounts and bonuses.

• the discount system works immediately, there is no need to accumulate points;
• the company often holds additional promotions.

• paid issue and additional conditions for replenishment for 2000 rubles.

Indicators	The values
Bonuses and discounts	discount system + additional one-time bonuses
Issue cost (rub)	150
Coverage area	Russia

Discount card (Tatneft)

Registration costs 150 rubles, it has a contactless payment function. Not named, no personal account and no mobile application. It has no additional bonuses.

• discount system (no need to accumulate bonuses).

• unnamed;
• there is no way to check the balance promptly.

Indicators	The values
Bonuses and discounts	percentage discounts
Issue cost (rub)	150
Coverage area	Russia

When choosing a suitable fuel card, be guided not only by the rating, but also indicate the needs of the company in a particular case. It is important to determine the availability of gas station networks offered when working with a map along the routes of vehicles, whether additional functions and mobile applications are needed, etc. To choose the best card, analyze the possibilities of several, contact consultants, perhaps some companies will be able to offer a card on special conditions. And only after that, proceed with the execution of an agreement for the issue of fuel cards specifically for your business.