For Aussie tradies, every dollar counts. You’re already juggling tight margins, unpredictable fuel prices, and the daily grind of running a business. The last thing you need is a fuel card that promises savings but drains your profits with hidden fees and fine print. Here’s how to avoid the traps and pick a card that genuinely works for your business.
Why Hidden Fees Can Hurt Tradies Most
Fuel cards are marketed as a way to save money and simplify admin (and they do), but the wrong card can cost you hundreds (or thousands) each year. Small business owners, sole traders and tradies with a few vehicles are hit hardest because:
- You may not have a dedicated accounts team to spot the sneaky charges.
- Your fuel usage can be unpredictable, making minimum spend traps easy to fall into.
- Every cent counts when you’re quoting jobs and chasing invoices.
The Most Common Hidden Fees
1. Monthly Card Fees
Many fuel card providers charge a flat monthly fee per card, which can range from $2.50 to $5.50 per card, per month. Some providers may waive this fee if you spend above a certain threshold, but not all cards offer this, and the criteria can change if you negotiate a fleet deal or custom arrangement. If you have multiple vehicles or staff, these fees add up quickly. For a small business with 5 cards, you could be paying $10–$25 per month just in card fees.
- How to avoid: Ask for a full breakdown of all card, account, and admin fees before you sign up. Check if the provider waives the fee above a certain spend, and if that matches your usual fuel usage. If you have a seasonal business, factor in quiet months where you might not meet the threshold.
2. Transaction Fees
Some cards charge a fee for every fill-up, or for using your card at “out of network” stations. These can range from $0.50 to $2.00 per transaction. These fees can quietly eat into your savings, especially if you or your team fill up frequently or work across different regions.
- How to avoid: Check whether the card charges per transaction, and if so, how much. Multiply the transaction fee by your average monthly fills to see the real cost. Use the provider’s network map to plan routes and fill up at partner stations where possible. If you work in regional or remote areas, consider a card like FleetCard that’s accepted at a wider range of stations, even if the monthly fee is slightly higher.
3. Late Payment & Admin Fees
Most major fuel card providers in Australia charge late payment and admin fees, which can quickly add up if you’re not careful. This often includes a fee for inactive card use and lost card fees which can cost as much as $15 per card. If you have a busy schedule, it’s easy to miss a payment or lose a card, and these fees can quickly eat into your savings, especially for businesses with multiple cards or drivers.
How to avoid:
- Always ask upfront for a full list of admin and penalty fees, including late payment, lost card, and account support charges.
- Set up direct debit or payment reminders to avoid missing due dates.
- If you have several cards, keep a simple log of who has each card and when they expire.
- If you lose a card, report it immediately to minimise risk and avoid extra charges.
Tip: If your business is seasonal or cash flow is sometimes tight, prioritise cards that offer flexible payment options or have lower penalty fees. Always read the Product Disclosure Statement or terms and conditions for the latest fee details.
Check Your Fuel Card Eligibility
5. Network Access
Not all fuel cards are accepted everywhere. For example:
- FleetCard offers the broadest network, accepted at over 90% of service stations (including BP, Ampol, Shell, and independents), which is a safer bet for tradies working across multiple regions.
- Shell Card is accepted at Shell, Reddy Express, OTR and some third-party sites.
- AmpolCard is accepted at over 1,900 Ampol and Caltex locations, but if you regularly fill up at BP or Shell, you’ll pay full price or may not be able to use your card at all.
- BP Plus cards work at BP stations nationwide, but not at Ampol, Shell, or independent servos.
If you’re often on remote or regional job sites, a card with a limited network could mean you’re forced to pay full price or miss out on discounts more often than you’d like. It could also mean you’re wasting time driving around to find a fuel station where your card is accepted.
- How to avoid: Before you commit, use the provider’s online site locator to map out coverage along your regular routes and near your job sites. If you work in regional or remote areas, prioritise cards with the widest acceptance.
Fuel Card Red Flags to Watch Out For
1. Intro Offers That Disappear
Some fuel cards lure you in with tempting introductory discounts or zero-fee periods for the first few months. After that period ends, fees can increase sharply or discounts can shrink without much warning. For example, a card might advertise “no monthly fee for the first three months” or “extra 4c per litre off for your first quarter,” but after that, you’re back to the standard rate or even paying higher fees than competitors.
Always check how long any special offer lasts and what the ongoing rates and fees will be once it ends. Ask the provider to confirm in writing what you’ll be paying after the intro period.
2. Locked-In Contracts
Some providers require you to sign up for a fixed contract, sometimes 12 months or longer. If you want to switch cards or your business needs change, you could be hit with exit fees or penalties for early termination.
Before signing, ask directly: “Is there a lock-in period or exit fee if I want to cancel?” Look for cards that offer month-to-month flexibility, especially if your business is growing or your fuel needs are unpredictable.
Actionable Checklist Before You Apply
- Get a full list of all possible fees (not just the headline rate)
- Confirm the discount applies to your preferred fuel type
- Check if there’s a minimum monthly spend
- Test the network coverage for your main work areas
- Ask about contract length and exit fees
- Ensure the reporting matches what you need for BAS/GST
- Read the most recent customer reviews for red flags
Ready to Stop Hidden Fees Eating into Your Profits?
With our instant Fuel Card Eligibility Check, you can quickly see which fuel cards you qualify for. Our partners are some of Australia’s largest providers, offering exclusive discounts, wide network coverage, and ATO-compliant reporting.
- Instant eligibility check using your ABN (no lengthy forms)
- See real offers from Australia’s top fuel card brands
- Compare features, fees, and networks side-by-side
- Enquire once: get matched with the right card for your business needs
Ready to save time, money, and admin headaches? Check your eligibility and compare Australia’s best fuel cards now. It’s free, fast, and could put real savings back in your pocket.
Check Your Fuel Card Eligibility
