If you run a business that involves driving (whether it’s one van or a fleet of 20) fuel cards can save you serious money, simplify your admin, and give you better control over expenses.
This guide explains exactly how to get a fuel card for your business in Australia or New Zealand, what you’ll need to apply, and how to compare your options to find the best fit.
What is a fuel card?
A fuel card is a payment card your team uses to buy petrol or diesel, often at discounted rates. Instead of reimbursing drivers or keeping paper receipts, all transactions are linked to one account, with a single GST-friendly invoice at the end of each month.
Can Any Business in Australia Get a Fuel Card?
Yes, most businesses in Australia are eligible for a fuel card. Whether you’re a sole trader, part of a partnership, running a company, or managing a government or not-for-profit organisation, you can apply for a fuel card.
Many fuel card providers only require basic trading history, usually around 6 to 12 months and you don’t need a large fleet either. Some cards are available for businesses with just one or two vehicles.
What You Need to Apply for a Fuel Card
The process is usually fast and online. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Business Details
You’ll need to provide:
- Your ABN/NZBN
- Business name and contact details
- Number of vehicles or drivers you want cards for
2. Proof of Identity
Most providers will require ID for the primary account holder (e.g. driver’s licence or passport).
3. Bank or Credit Card Details
Some fuel cards operate on a post-paid system (like a line of credit), while others use direct debit. You can also pay via credit card with interest free repayment periods varying between providers.
How to Choose the Right Fuel Card for Your Business
Not all fuel cards work the same way. Some are flexible and multi-brand, while others tie you to a specific station. Some offer generous discounts but higher fees, while others are simple and low-cost. The best card for your business depends on how you drive, where you refuel, and what kind of control you need. Here are some questions to consider to help you compare your options.
1. Where Can You use the Fuel Card?
This is the big one. Some fuel cards lock you into one brand, while others give you multi-brand access.
- Shell Card, for example, gives you access to Shell and Coles Express locations across Australia, making it a solid choice for businesses that want a consistent, high-quality network.
- FleetCard is a multi-brand option, accepted at over 6,000 stations including BP, Shell, Ampol, Mobil and more, great if your vehicles are on the road across metro and regional areas.
Tip: Use the provider’s station locator to check coverage along your regular routes.
2. What Are the Fuel Discounts?
Fuel cards can give you cents-per-litre discounts, but those savings aren’t always consistent.
Here’s what to check:
- How much can you save per litre? Savings typically range from 2c to 8c per litre depending on brand and card type.
- Are promotional rates offered? Many providers offer an introductory discount (e.g. 6c off per litre for the first 6 months), then revert to a lower ongoing rate.
- Does the discount apply to all fuels? Some discounts only apply to standard unleaded or diesel. Premium fuels or LPG may not be included.
- Is the discount fixed or variable? Variable discounts may depend on fuel type, location, or volume purchased each month.
Always look beyond the headline rate – read the terms to see where and how the discount is applied.
3. Are There Any Fees?
Most fuel cards come with fees, but the structure varies widely. Some have lower monthly costs but fewer perks, while others bundle in extras like roadside assistance or maintenance tracking.
Typical fees to check:
- Monthly card fee: Usually between $2 and $7 per card.
- Account management fee: Some providers charge a monthly admin fee, others don’t.
- Out-of-network fee: If you fill up at a station that’s not in the card’s network, you may be hit with a surcharge.
Watch out for:
- Hidden fees for paper invoices, late payments, or minimum spend thresholds.
- Tiered pricing models that only unlock bigger savings once you reach a certain fuel volume.
Sometimes, a lower discount with no fees is better than a big discount that costs you more in the long run. Do the maths based on your actual fuel usage.
4. What Can You Buy With the Fuel Card?
Some fuel cards are strictly for fuel purchases. Others let you buy:
- Oil and lubricants
- Car washes
- Road tolls
- Servicing or tyres
- Snacks or drinks (if you allow it)
The best fuel card for your business is one that gives you control. Most providers let you set rules, so you can allow or block certain types of purchases per card or driver.
If you want tighter spending limits or better tracking, look for a card that offers a user portal or mobile app for easy management.
5. What Reporting and Controls Are Available?
One of the biggest advantages of using a fuel card over a regular credit or debit card is visibility. Ask these questions:
- Can you view reports by vehicle or driver?
- Is GST clearly shown on each invoice?
- Can you download data to integrate with accounting tools like Xero or MYOB?
- Can you set daily or weekly spend limits?
This kind of visibility helps reduce fuel fraud, manage costs, and makes tax time far easier.
6. Does the Card Offer an App or Online Portal?
Digital tools can make a huge difference, especially if you’re managing multiple vehicles.
Look for providers that offer:
- A mobile app for drivers (to check station locations or view balances)
- An admin dashboard for you (to track spending, download invoices, or change card limits)
A user-friendly dashboard can save you hours each month—and give you better visibility across your operations.
For example: Shell Card & Shell Card GO App
The Shell Card Portal lets you manage everything online, assign cards to drivers, set or change PINs, order replacements, and control what each card can be used for. You can also download reports, track invoices, and set up alerts to keep spending in check.
The Shell Card GO app makes life easier for drivers. They can pay at the pump using their phone, skip the queue, track their fuel spend, and find the nearest Shell or Coles Express. You can add up to 10 cards to one account, and even earn Flybuys points.
For example: FleetCard & FleetCard App
The FleetCard online portal gives you full control over your account. You can manage cards, set spending limits, track usage by vehicle or driver, download GST-friendly invoices, and integrate with accounting tools like Xero or MYOB.
The FleetCard App helps drivers on the go, showing nearby service stations, filtering by fuel type or brand, and giving directions via Google Maps. It also shows approved repair partners if a vehicle needs servicing.
Together, the app and portal make it easy to manage fuel spend, reduce admin, and keep your team moving.
Popular Business Fuel Card Options in Australia
| Feature | FleetCard 🔥 | Shell Card 🔥 | BP Plus | 7-Eleven Fuel Pass |
| Accepted Fuel Brands | Shell, BP, Ampol, 7-Eleven, Mobil, United & more | Shell, Coles Express, Reddy Express, OTR | BP only | 7-Eleven only |
| Total Accepted Sites | 6,200+ | 1,500+ | 1,400+ | 640+ |
| Ongoing Fuel Discount | 1c at 7-Eleven/Ampol, 3c at Shell | 2c (reg) / 4c (premium) | 2c (reg) / 3c (premium) | 1c (reg) / 2c (premium) |
| Promo Discount (if available) | Up to 6c Shell / 3c 7-Eleven | Up to 7c per litre | Up to 6c per litre | Up to 7c per litre |
| Rewards Program | None | Flybuys points | Qantas Business Rewards | Everyday Rewards |
| Monthly Card Fee | $5.99 (promo $2.99) | $2.50 (promo $0) | $2.95 | $2.50 |
| Non-Fuel Purchases | Yes (configurable per card) | Yes (servicing, car wash, in-store if enabled) | Yes (extras allowed) | Yes (basic in-store spend) |
| Mobile App | FleetCard | Shell Card GO | BP Plus App | My 7-Eleven App |
| Ideal For | Mixed-brand fleets, wide access | Shell loyalists, reward seekers | BP customers, Qantas earners | Budget-focused micro fleets |
Is a Fuel Card Better Than a Business Credit Card?
| Feature | Fuel Card | Business Credit Card |
| Fuel Discounts | Yes – typically 2c to 8c per litre, depending on brand and volume | No standard fuel discounts |
| Accepted Purchases | Fuel, oil, tolls, car washes, servicing (depending on controls set) | Any business expense (fuel, travel, subscriptions, office supplies, etc.) |
| Spend Tracking | Track by driver, vehicle, or card – often with detailed reporting | Only shows total spend unless manually categorised |
| Invoicing & GST | Monthly invoice with GST clearly itemised – ideal for BAS and tax time | GST may be buried in receipts or statements; harder to reconcile |
| Payment Terms | Post-paid (14–30 day terms), no interest if paid on time up vayring interest-free days depending on provider | Up to 55 interest-free days, then interest applies on outstanding balances |
| Control Features | Set spend limits, block categories, control per driver or vehicle | Limited control – may need manual expense policies/enforcement |
| Rewards or Perks | Some cards offer Flybuys or volume-based loyalty bonuses | Many cards offer points, cashback, or travel perks |
| Admin | Less admin – single fuel invoice and usage report each month | More admin – often requires reconciling many different types of transactions |
| Eligibility | May require ABN and basic trading history (6–12 months); some prepaid options | Easier to get approved if you have a good credit history |
Bottom line: If your priority is controlling fuel costs and simplifying tax time, a fuel card is usually the better option.
How Long Does It Take to Get Set Up with a Fuel Card?
Most business fuel cards are approved within 1–3 business days. Once your account is active, cards are usually posted out within a week. Some providers offer digital cards or mobile apps so you can start using them sooner.
How Do Fuel Cards Help at Tax Time?
Instead of chasing receipts from different drivers or service stations, you get:
- A single monthly invoice
- Breakdown by card, vehicle, or driver
- GST clearly itemised
This makes it easier to:
- Claim GST
- Reconcile BAS
- Track expenses for deductions
Many providers even integrate with accounting software like Xero or MYOB.
Next Steps: Find the Right Fuel Card for Your Business
- Understand your needs. How many vehicles do you have? Do you need one card or many? Do your drivers stick to one brand?
- Compare cards. Look at fees, discount rates, coverage, and extra services. Use online comparison tools or contact providers directly.
- Apply online. Most cards have a quick online application. You’ll need your business and banking details handy.
- Set your controls. Decide who gets a card, what they can buy, and how much they can spend.
- Track and optimise. Review monthly reports to monitor fuel use, adjust limits, and spot savings opportunities.
Looking for a Fuel Card?
Check Your Fuel Card Eligibility
Getting a Business Fuel Card FAQs
1. Can I use a fuel card for more than one vehicle?
Yes. Most providers let you order multiple cards under one account and assign each to a specific vehicle, driver, or department. You can also set separate spending limits or purchase controls for each card.
2. What happens if a fuel card is lost or stolen?
You can log into your online portal or app and cancel the card immediately. Most providers allow you to reorder a replacement and track any unauthorised spend if needed.
3. Are there fuel cards with no monthly fees?
Some cards waive monthly fees as part of an introductory offer or based on usage. However, most cards charge a small ongoing fee to cover admin and reporting tools.
4. What’s the difference between a personal and business fuel card?
Business fuel cards are designed for companies and include features like GST invoicing, spending controls, and multi-vehicle reporting. Personal fuel cards are more limited and don’t usually include tax or accounting support.
5. Can I restrict what drivers can buy with a fuel card?
Yes. You can control what’s allowed on each card—whether that’s just fuel, or extras like oil, tolls, servicing or in-store purchases. These rules can usually be managed through the provider’s portal.
6. Will applying for a fuel card affect my business credit score?
Some providers run a credit check as part of the approval process, especially for post-paid accounts. This is typically a soft inquiry and has minimal impact, but it’s worth checking the provider’s terms before applying.
7. Can I earn rewards with a fuel card?
Yes. Some fuel cards offer reward programs like Flybuys (Shell Card) or Qantas Business Rewards (BP Plus). Others focus purely on savings rather than points.
8. Are fuel card discounts better than loyalty app discounts?
Generally, yes. While apps like My 7-Eleven offer occasional discounts, fuel card savings are applied consistently with each fill-up and are GST-deductible for businesses.
9. Can fuel card data integrate with accounting software?
Most business-grade fuel cards offer downloadable data in formats that sync with Xero, MYOB, or QuickBooks, reducing time spent on manual reconciliations.
10. What if my business is new or has limited trading history?
Some providers offer prepaid or direct debit options that don’t require long trading history. If you’ve been operating for less than 12 months, this may be the best place to start.
*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.
