If you’re applying for a business fuel card, you might come across the term “personal guarantee.” The good news is that this is a common part of the process, especially with reputable Australian fuel card providers. Let’s break down what it means, why it’s required, and why it can actually be a positive step for your business.
What is a Personal Guarantee?
A personal guarantee is a promise you make as a business owner, director, or trustee to personally cover any outstanding amounts on your company’s fuel card account if your business can’t pay. In other words, if your business hits a rough patch and can’t settle the bill, you agree to step in and cover the bill. Think of it like co-signing a loan – your support gives the fuel card provider confidence to extend credit to your business.
Why Do Fuel Card Providers Ask for This?
Fuel cards are a form of business credit. Providers want to make sure they’ll be paid for the fuel and services your business uses. By signing a personal guarantee, you’re showing the provider that you stand behind your business and are committed to meeting your obligations. This extra layer of trust can help your business access the fuel card you need to keep moving forward.
Australian Fuel Cards and Personal Guarantee Requirements
Fuel Card | Personal Guarantee Required? |
AmpolCard | Yes |
Shell Card | Varies |
Fleet Card | Yes (if requested) |
BP Plus | Varies |
WEX Motorpass | Varies |
7-Eleven Fuel Card | Varies |
United Card | Varies |
Mobil Card | Varies |
StarCard | Varies |
Metro Fuel Card | Varies |
AmpolCard
If you’re applying as a company or trust, you’ll be asked to sign a Deed of Guarantee, Indemnity and Charge. This means the provider wants a personal commitment from someone in your business to help secure the account.
Shell Card
Shell Card (issued by Viva Energy) sometimes asks for a personal guarantee, but not always. It really depends on your business’s situation. If you’re a newer company or your credit history is still growing, they might ask for a personal guarantee, a bank guarantee, or even a letter of credit. In some cases, they might just offer shorter credit terms instead.
Fleet Card
Fleet Card’s terms give them the option to ask for a personal guarantee, especially if your business is just starting out or is considered higher risk. For established businesses with a strong track record, this might not be required.
BP Plus
BP Plus doesn’t publicly state whether a personal guarantee is needed. However, like most business credit providers, they may ask for one if you’re a new or small business, or if your credit profile needs a little extra support.
WEX Motorpass
WEX Motorpass doesn’t spell out their requirements in public documents, but as a major provider, they can request a personal guarantee for new businesses or those with limited credit history.
7-Eleven Fuel Card/Pass
These cards are backed by WEX, so their requirements are likely similar to WEX Motorpass. There’s no clear mention of a personal guarantee, but it’s possible for newer or higher-risk applicants.
Mobil Card
Mobil Card is also underwritten by WEX, so the rules are probably the same as WEX Motorpass. There is no explicit mention, but a guarantee could be requested if needed.
United Card, Metro Fuel Card & StarCard
For these cards, there’s no specific mention of a personal guarantee in their public-facing terms. However, as with most business credit products, providers may ask for one depending on your business’s credit profile and history.

Check Your Fuel Card Eligibility
How a Personal Guarantee Can Help Your Business
- Easier Approval: Many fuel card providers require a personal guarantee, especially for new or smaller businesses. By offering one, you increase your chances of approval, even if your business doesn’t have a long credit history.
- Builds Business Credit: Successfully managing your fuel card account helps establish your business’s creditworthiness, making it easier to access more credit or better terms in the future.
- Access to Essential Services: With a fuel card, your business can benefit from consolidated billing, discounts, and easier expense tracking, all of which can help your operations run more smoothly.
What Are You Agreeing To?
Here’s what a personal guarantee typically involves:
- You promise to pay any money your business owes on the card, including fees and interest, if your business can’t.
- Your guarantee lasts as long as your business owes anything on the account.
- If you own property, the provider may have the right to claim against it if the debt isn’t paid.
- If there’s more than one guarantor, each person is responsible for the full amount.
What Should You Consider?
Signing a personal guarantee is a serious commitment. It’s a good idea to:
- Read the form carefully and ask questions if you’re unsure about anything.
- Seek independent legal advice if you want extra peace of mind.
- Remember, this is standard practice for most business credit products.
A Personal Guarantee is a Positive Step for Business Growth
While a personal guarantee does mean taking on some personal responsibility, it’s also a sign of confidence in your business. It opens the door to valuable tools like fuel cards that can help your business grow, streamline expenses, and operate more efficiently. With responsible management, your business can build a strong track record, making it easier to access even more opportunities in the future.
Supercharge Your Business With the Right Fuel Card
If you’re wondering whether a fuel card is really worth it for your business, the answer is a resounding yes, and here’s why.
Save Money When You Fill Up
Fuel cards often come with built-in discounts or rebates on fuel purchases. Even a few cents off per litre adds up quickly, especially if you have multiple vehicles on the road. Many providers also offer extra savings on things like servicing, tyres, or vehicle accessories, helping your business stretch its budget even further.
Take Control of Your Fuel Spending
With a fuel card, you decide how and when the card is used. You can set daily or per-transaction limits, restrict purchases to fuel only, and even control which types of fuel your team can buy. This level of control helps prevent overspending and ensures every dollar is used for business purposes.
Simplify Your Admin and Reporting
Say goodbye to chasing receipts and sorting through stacks of paperwork. Fuel cards automatically track every transaction and provide you with a single, easy-to-read monthly statement. This means less admin for your team, fewer mistakes, and more time to focus on growing your business.
Boost Your Cash Flow
Most fuel cards give you up to a month of interest-free credit, so you don’t have to pay for fuel upfront. Instead, you get a consolidated invoice at the end of the month, making it easier to manage your cash flow and plan your expenses.
Protect Against Fraud and Misuse
Fuel cards come with built-in security features like PIN protection, driver or vehicle assignment, and real-time monitoring. If anything unusual happens—like a card being used outside of allowed hours—you’ll know about it straight away, helping you clamp down on fraud before it becomes a problem.
Gain Valuable Insights
Detailed reporting lets you see exactly where your fuel dollars are going. You can spot trends, identify inefficiencies, and even use the data to optimise routes or schedule vehicle maintenance, saving even more money in the long run.
Easy for Any Business to Access
Whether you’re a sole trader or running a large fleet, there’s a fuel card to suit your needs. Even businesses with limited credit history can get started, sometimes with a personal guarantee or a prepaid option.
Ready to Take Your Business to the Next Level?
Check your eligibility and find the perfect fuel card for your business in just minutes. Whether you’re looking to save on fuel costs, simplify expense management, or access exclusive discounts, the right fuel card can help keep your business moving forward smoothly and efficiently.
