Top Fuel Cards Every Small Business Owner Needs to Know About [2024]

If your small business has you driving more miles than a NASCAR driver, you probably want to get the most out of the money you spend on gas. And if this sounds like you, then picking up one of the best fuel cards might make sense.

For the most part, these cards work the same as any other credit card. The key difference is that these cards give you some of the highest cashback rates available when you spend on gas. They also have other perks and rewards, but those are just icing on the cake, given how much extra you’ll be earning on your fuel purchases.

What is a fuel card?

A fuel card, also known as a gas credit card, is a type of card that earns rewards or cash back when you spend money on gas or fuel. These credit cards are often co-branded with specific gas station chains but can also be more general, offering rewards at any available gas station. In addition, some fuel cards offer cash back or rewards for electric vehicle (EV) charging, reflecting the move in the auto industry toward low-emission vehicles.

Typically, the rewards you earn from fuel cards come in the form of cash back or points. For instance, fuel cards might offer 3% cash back or 3 points per dollar on every purchase of gas. In this example, every $100 you spend would yield $3 cash back or 300 points. There are usually several redemption options, including statement credits, cash back, or the option to redeem for travel.

Fuel cards often come with additional benefits, such as discounts or rebates on in-store purchases at gas stations. They might also include rewards for other major spending categories, such as groceries, entertainment, or travel.

Small business credit cards with gas rewards

A small business credit card is a type of credit card designed for businesses rather than individuals. Small business owners can use these cards to manage business expenses and separate them from personal expenses. They might also offer rewards and perks geared toward common business expenses.

The difference between small business credit cards and fleet cards is that the latter is designed for businesses that own and operate multiple vehicles (a “fleet”). If you are a driver who uses Uber, you may not need a fleet fuel card. However, if you decide to start a taxi company, a fleet card might be useful.

Fleet cards

As mentioned, a fleet card is a credit card designed for businesses with multiple vehicles. These cards help businesses manage costs related to fuel and maintenance. They might offer detailed reporting on fuel costs and can sometimes be used to restrict purchases to only fuel and other vehicle expenses. These cards may offer cash back, rewards, or discounts on purchases of gas or fuel.

The best fuel cards for small business cards

U.S. Bank Business Altitude™ Connect World Elite Mastercard^®: Best for frequent business trips

• Reward rate: 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Rewards Center; 4X points on travel, gas and EV charging stations (on the first $150,000 in combined annual spend); 2X points on dining, takeout, restaurant delivery, and cell service providers; and 1X points for all other eligible purchases

• Annual fee: $95 (waived first year)

If you are regularly on the road to attend businesses and conferences, this card might be an ideal choice. In addition to 4X points on travel, gas and EV charging stations (on the first $150,000 in combined annual spend), it also earns 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Rewards Center. Currently, you can earn 60,000 bonus points if you spend $6,000 on the account owner's card in the first 180 days from account opening.

The card has a $95 (waived first year). You can also transfer points between Altitude cards, and you get an annual membership to Priority Pass.

The main downsides to this card are the annual fee after the first year and the lack of transfer partners. It also has no intro APR for balance transfers or purchases.

Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Card: Best for Wyndham customers

• Reward rate: 8X points on eligible Wyndham Hotel and gas purchases; 5X points on eligible marketing, advertising, and utility purchases; and 1X points on all other purchases

• Annual fee: $95

If you regularly stay at one of Wyndham’s 20+ hotel brands and buy a lot of gas for your business, this card might be worth considering. It earns 8X points on eligible Wyndham Hotel and gas purchases. It also earns 5X points on eligible marketing, advertising, and utility purchases and 1X points on all other purchases.

Currently, you can also earn 50,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 90 days, plus earn an additional 50,000 points after spending $15,000 within the first 12 months. Plus, cardholders get 15,000 bonus points on their cardmember anniversary. However, there is a $95 annual fee for this card.

Costco Anywhere Visa^® Business Card by Citi: Best for Costco customers

• Reward rate: 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases (on the first $7,000 per year, then 1%); 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases; 2% cash back on all purchases from Costco and Costco.com; and 1% cash back on all other purchases

• Annual fee: $0

If you want a no-annual-fee card that earns a lot on gas, you might consider the Costco Anywhere Visa Business. After all, it earns 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases (on the first $7,000 per year, then 1%). It also earns 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases and 2% cash back on all purchases from Costco and Costco.com.

The biggest downsides to the Costco card are the lack of a sign-up bonus and the fact that it requires a Costco membership. However, it’s possible to redeem for cash back, so at least this card’s usefulness extends beyond purchases at Costco.

Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card: Best for everyday business spending

• Reward rate: 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year; 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year; and 1% cash back on all other purchases

• Annual fee: $0

The Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card is among the best choices for business owners who want a versatile credit card. While it earns 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year, its best earnings come from office expenses. For instance, you get 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year.

There is also a up to $750 welcome offer with a reasonable spending requirement of $6,000 in the first 6 months of account opening.

The biggest downsides of this card are its spending caps and the limited scope of categories. While 5% cash back is nice, not all businesses will have significant spending in those areas. In addition, there is a foreign transaction fee if you use the card abroad.

CitiBusiness^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® Mastercard^®: Best for American Airlines customers

• Reward rate: Earn 2X miles per dollar on all eligible American Airlines purchases and on purchases at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants and at gas stations; plus 1X miles on other purchases

• Annual fee: $99 (waived first year)

With this American Airlines card from Citi, you can earn 2x miles per dollar on all eligible american airlines purchases and on purchases at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants and at gas stations; plus 1x miles on other purchases. It also has a number of interesting benefits, including the potential to earn a companion certificate for domestic travel after spending $30,000 or more in purchases each year. This could be quite useful if, for example, you have a business partner with whom you travel often.

This card also carries a valuable welcome offer: Earn 75,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $5,000 in purchases within the first 5 months of account opening. On domestic flights, you and up to four travel companions can also get your first checked bag free. In addition, you can get a 25% discount on in-flight purchases of food and drinks when you use your card.

The biggest downsides of this card are the annual fee after the first year and the lack of an intro APR. In addition, balance transfers aren’t allowed with this card.

Marriott Bonvoy Business^® American Express^® Card: Best for Marriott customers

• Reward rate: 6X points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels; 4X points at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, U.S. purchases on shipping, and wireless telephone services purchased from U.S. providers; and 2X points on all other eligible purchases

• Annual fee: $125

The Marriott Bonvoy Business^® American Express^® Card is perfect if you regularly stay at Marriott properties. It earns 6X points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 4X points at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, U.S. shipping, and U.S. wireless telephone services. In addition, it earns 2X points on all other eligible purchases.

This card will also give you automatic Gold Elite status at Marriott, with benefits like room upgrades and bonus points on hotel stays. (Terms apply.) It’s also worth noting that Marriott has more than 40 different airline transfer partners.

Phillips 66® Conoco® 76® Business Universal Card: Best for customers of participating gas stations

• Reward rate: 10-cent discount per gallon for the first 6 months, then save up to 7 cents per gallon at participating gas stations.

• Annual fee: Undisclosed

If you’re looking for discounts on gas and regularly fill up at Phillips 66, Conoco, or 76 fueling locations, this card will let you save up to 7 cents per gallon. Plus, you can save 10 cents per gallon in the first 6 months. While the card is branded, it’s accepted at 95% of gas stations in the U.S.

Unlike most of the cards on this list, this card is a charge card, not a credit card. That means you must pay your balance in full every month to continue using it.

This card has additional useful features, such as automatic account — details like driver ID, fuel grade, and sales tax are captured automatically for every purchase. You can also get purchase activity reports and set purchase limits. In addition, customer service and roadside assistance are available 24/7.

Chevron and Texaco Business Access Card: Best for Chevron and Texaco customers

• Reward rate: Up to a 6-cent discount per gallon starting at 500 gallons of fuel when you fuel up at Chevron and Texaco stations.

• Annual fee: Undisclosed

The Chevron and Texaco Business Access Card can help you earn a significant discount of up to 6 cents per gallon starting at 500 gallons. While this card is also accepted at the majority of major fuel stations in the U.S., the discount only applies to Chevron and Texaco stations. Similar to the previous card, this is a charge card, not a credit card.

Similar to the previous card, you can set purchase controls to limit spending on this card. It, too, generates automatic paperwork and accounting. There are also 24/7 U.S.-based advisors available to answer any questions you might have. In addition, the card includes special discounts on auto parts, tires, hotels, and more.

What are the benefits of fuel cards for small businesses?

If you have a small business with a vehicle fleet, there can be many benefits to applying for a small business fuel card. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Cost savings: Fuel cards often give you cash back on fuel purchases and related categories like travel, restaurants, and office supplies.

• Expense management: Fuel cards make it easier to manage expenses, as they often provide real-time reports on fuel consumption and purchases.

• Limit purchases: These cards often give you the option to set spending limits, both on the amount of spending and on the types of spending. This can help ensure the card is used only for fuel and vehicle-related expenses.

• Credit terms: Some fuel cards have interest-free credit terms, allowing businesses to manage expenses more effectively.

• Other benefits and perks: Fuel cards often come with a variety of other benefits and perks that you may find beneficial.

Generally, fuel cards have perks that can help you save money and manage your expenses more effectively. These are all benefits you wouldn’t have if you were to pay with cash.

FAQs about fuel cards for small businesses

Bottom line

Fuel cards, or gas credit cards, offer rewards and discounts on gas, with some offering discounts for EV charging. These cards often have discounts on related categories, like travel, restaurants, and flights. Often, these cards have other benefits, like automatic reporting and the ability to set purchase limits. However, they can sometimes have annual fees, so be sure to check the card’s fees and terms before you sign up.

Methodology

To choose the best fuel cards for small businesses, we considered the rewards rate available for gas purchases and how easy it is to earn the rewards. We also considered the additional benefits available for small businesses. We did not include all possibilities.

Up to 5% Cash Back

Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card

4.8

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card

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Current Offer

Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year; 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year; and 1% cash back on all other purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening
• $0 annual fee
• 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months (then 18.49% - 24.49% Variable)
• Up to 5% cash back

Drawbacks

• Capped spending on bonus cash back categories
• Has foreign transaction fee

Card Details

• Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening
• Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
• Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
• 10% Business Relationship Bonus If you have the Ink Business Cash card plus a Chase Business Checking account on your first card anniversary
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• No Annual Fee
• Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
• 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
• Member FDIC