Wondering whether you can get a fuel card just for yourself or your family? Fuel cards are incredibly handy: they promise savings, easy tracking, and less admin. But here’s the thing:
You can’t get a traditional fuel card in Australia unless you have an ABN.
Fuel cards in Australia are built for businesses and sole traders. That said, if you don’t have a business setup, there are still ways to manage fuel spend smarter. This guide will walk you through what fuel cards actually are, who can get one, and what to do instead if you’re just looking for personal-use options.
What is a Fuel Card?
A fuel card is a payment card designed for businesses to buy fuel and vehicle-related products. You use it at specific service stations, and instead of paying cash or using a credit card, the spend is charged back to your business account.
Here’s what makes fuel cards different from normal cards:
- You often get discounted fuel prices at participating stations
- All purchases show up on one monthly invoice
- You can track spending by driver, vehicle or card
- You can set controls like PINs or purchase limits
These cards are only available if you’re a registered business or sole trader with an ABN. If that’s not you, the major fuel providers won’t approve your application.
Can You Get a Fuel Card Without an ABN?
No. All major fuel cards in Australia – including FleetCard, Shell Card, BP Plus, AmpolCard and United Card – require an active ABN to apply.
If you’re a freelancer, side hustler, or small business owner with an ABN, you’ve got options. If you’re an individual looking to save on fuel or help your teenager manage their first car expenses, you’ll need to look at other options.
If You Have an ABN: Business Fuel Cards
If you’re a sole trader or freelancer with an ABN, you can absolutely get a business fuel card. You don’t need to run a big operation. Even if it’s just you and your own car, these cards can make life easier.
Popular business cards include:
- Shell Card – accepted at Shell and Coles Express stations, and you can collect Flybuys
- FleetCard – gives you access to over 6,000 stations across brands like Ampol, BP, Shell, United and 7-Eleven
What you’ll need to apply:
- An active ABN
- Some trading history (typically 6 –12months but it depends on the provider)
- Business and contact details
- Your bank or card payment info
What you’ll get in return:
- Ongoing fuel discounts (somewhere between 2 to 8 cents per litre depending on the provider and promo discount)
- Access to promotions and bonus offers
- A monthly tax invoice with GST clearly shown
- The ability to track fuel spending and set controls per card
This is the best option if you want proper reporting and real savings.
If You Don’t Have an ABN: Prepaid and Gift Card Options
Even if you’re not a business, you can still get a kind of “fuel card” – just not the full-featured kind. Prepaid fuel cards are available at most supermarkets and fuel stations, and they work a bit like a gift card.
You load money onto the card, and then use it at the pump or in-store. You won’t get fuel discounts or monthly reporting, but you will get control over how much is spent.
Some popular prepaid options:
Caltex StarCash: Available in fixed amounts (like $20, $50, $100) and accepted at over 1,900 locations. You can grab one at a Caltex or online.
AmpolCash: Works at Ampol and EG Ampol stations and can be used for fuel or in-store items.
BP Gift Cards: Use them to pay for fuel and shop purchases at BP. Available online or in-store.
7-Eleven Gift Cards: Accepted at all 7-Eleven petrol stations for fuel or convenience items.
Coles Express Gift Cards (Shell): Buy online or in Coles and use at Shell stations. Also works for car washes and in-store items.
What’s good about these cards:
- No ABN required
- No monthly fees or credit checks
- Great for budgeting fuel spend or giving to family members
- With some, you can preload with only what you want to spend
What’s not so good:
- No fuel discounts
- You won’t get a tax invoice or transaction reports
- Some cards may expire or can’t be replaced if lost
Other Personal Options: Fuel Apps and Debit-Linked Cards
If you prefer digital options, there are a few mobile apps and debit-linked fuel cards designed for everyday drivers.
BPme App: You can link your debit or credit card to the app and pay from your phone at the pump. It’s handy for keeping fuel spend separate, but you won’t get business-level reporting or discounts.
Ampol App: You can add your preferred debit or credit card and pay at over 600 Ampol FuelPay locations directly from the app. This includes Visa and MasterCard debit cards.
OTR App: You can use the OTR app to pay for fuel at the pump, and it accepts standard debit cards as payment methods.
My 7-Eleven App: Pay for fuel at 7-Eleven stations and participate in price lock and rewards offers. It supports standard debit and credit card payments linked to your account
These are nice middle-ground options if you don’t need a full-on fuel card but still want some convenience.
Choosing the Right Option: A Quick Comparison
| If you… | Then… |
| Have an ABN | Apply for a business fuel card like FleetCard or Shell Card |
| Don’t have an ABN | Try a prepaid card like AmpolCash or StarCash |
| Want to manage teen or family fuel spend | Use gift cards or a fuel app like BPme |
| Need tax invoices or BAS support | You’ll need a business fuel card |
| Prefer one fuel brand | Look for that brand’s gift card or business card |
Summary
In Australia, if you want a real fuel card with proper discounts and reporting, you’ll need an ABN. These cards are designed for businesses, but that includes sole traders and freelancers. Even if it’s just you and your laptop, you qualify.
If you’re not a business, prepaid fuel cards and mobile apps are still useful for budgeting and basic control. You won’t get the same features, but they’re better than mixing fuel costs into your everyday spending.
Whether you’re setting up a small business or just trying to take charge of your car budget, the key is to pick the option that works for you. If you’ve got an ABN, it’s worth applying. If not, grab a prepaid card, keep your receipts, and stay in control.
Check Your Eligibility
If you’ve got an ABN, you could be saving on every litre, cutting down admin, and making tax time a whole lot easier. Whether you’re a sole trader, freelancer, or small business owner, the right fuel card can help you manage costs without the paperwork headaches. Not sure which card suits your setup? It only takes 2 minutes to find out.
Check Your Fuel Card Eligibility
Fuel Cards for Personal Use in Australia FAQs
Can I get a fuel card without an ABN?
No. In Australia, all traditional fuel cards are for businesses only. You’ll need an active ABN to apply for cards like Shell Card, FleetCard, or BP Plus.
Why do fuel cards require an ABN?
Fuel cards are built for business use. They offer features like GST invoicing, fuel tracking, and account-level reporting, which are designed to help with business expenses and tax.
What’s the closest thing to a personal-use fuel card?
Prepaid fuel cards like AmpolCash, Caltex StarCash or Shell/Coles Express gift cards. These don’t give you discounts or monthly reports, but you can preload funds and use them at the pump.
Can I use a prepaid fuel card for my family or kids?
Yes. Prepaid cards are great for managing family fuel costs. You can load a fixed amount and avoid handing over your main bank card.
Are there fuel discounts for personal users?
Not really. Prepaid and gift cards don’t come with cents-per-litre savings. Fuel discounts are typically only available through business fuel cards.
What if I’m a freelancer or side hustler?
If you have an ABN – even for a small side gig – you can apply for a business fuel card and access full benefits like discounts and monthly invoices.
Do any fuel apps help with personal fuel tracking?
Apps like BPme let you link a card and pay from your phone, which is helpful for separating fuel spend, but they don’t offer tax features or ongoing discounts.
Can I use a business fuel card for personal fuel?
Technically yes, but it’s not ideal. Business cards should be used for business expenses. Mixing personal and business fuel makes tax time more complicated.
How long does it take to get a fuel card if I apply with an ABN?
Most providers approve applications within 1–2 business days, and cards are mailed out soon after. Some offer digital cards so you can start using them right away.
Is it worth getting a fuel card as a sole trader?
Yes, even if you only drive one car. Fuel cards help you track expenses, claim GST, and get consistent fuel savings without the hassle of chasing receipts.
*Fuel discounts and any fees listed are indicative only and subject to change. Actual savings often depend on factors such as business usage, monthly spend, card type, and provider terms. Always check with your chosen fuel card provider for the most up-to-date rates and eligibility criteria.
