Ranking of the best fuel cards for 2022

A popular way to save on ever-increasing fuel prices is to purchase a fuel card. It is especially relevant for large enterprises. The article describes the main recommendations for purchasing a card, which company is better and how much this or that model costs. Advice is given on how to choose the right card, what varieties there are, and how to order online.

Characteristics and description

Fuel cards have firmly entered the lives of not only large transport companies, individual entrepreneurs and small businesses, but also ordinary motorists. Everyone benefits, from the manufacturer to the driver of the vehicle. Gas station companies get a loyal regular customer, the customer benefits in the form of a VAT refund and a credit limit.

Such means of payment are also provided for gas stations (at gas filling stations). They can be used not only in Russia, but also abroad. Such models are more focused on large customers, so there are more benefits for them, but a certain discount is also provided for individuals.

A fuel card is a plastic means of payment with which you can pay at gas stations, at CNG filling stations. The average registration price is 300 rubles.

All cards are rectangular in shape, equipped with a microchip, magnetic stripe and barcode.

Selection criteria (what to look for)

To avoid mistakes when choosing, you need to pay attention to the following indicators:

1. Number of card companies. The popularity of models is mainly determined by this indicator. The larger the network of gas stations, the more you have the opportunity to use the card anywhere when traveling within the country and abroad. It is better to purchase universal models with which various service providers work.
2. Credit limit. Many firms provide their customers with an interest-free deferred payment. This is very convenient if you run out of fuel on the road, there is no free money, you can refuel on credit and pay the amount later. On average, installments are valid from 14 days to 1 month.
3. Discounts, bonuses, possibility of VAT refund. If you have a large enterprise, you will be interested in such additional opportunities as a VAT refund of 20%.Even for sole proprietorships and individuals, some companies provide various bonuses and discounts with a limited duration. The bonus can apply to one type of service or to several at once.
4. Availability of a personal account on the company's website or in a mobile application. In addition to ease of use, this provides security for companies in the matter of fuel theft. At any time online, you can track the time of refueling and the number of liters. You can install a service (program) on your smartphone to track and replenish your balance at any convenient time. Also, the virtual model will allow you to find out how much fuel costs for individual regions. To automate the payment, you will need to contact the office, where you will be connected to all the necessary services.
5. Support service work. For large companies, a separate hotline is provided, which you can contact at any time of the day, without waiting for a long time for an operator's response.

Classification

They are divided into types according to different criteria.

1. By mode of operation:

• Online. You get as a gift a smart personal account that works through the application. Works online. With lock function. Blocking in case of loss is carried out instantly.
• Offline. Works even if there is no connection on a separate terminal. What is relevant on remote sections of the route. Of the minuses, only the delay in processing up-to-date information (the update takes place within 24 hours). Blocking or changing limits can be done for a fee by visiting the office.

2. According to the legal status of the holder:

• legal entities;
• individuals.

3. How information is stored:

• with microchip;
• with a barcode.

4. By the number of gas station networks:

• single-brand (serves one network);
• multi-brand (serve several networks of filling stations).

5. According to the methods of accounting for fuel consumption:

• liter (accounting is carried out in liters). Received the most distribution;
• monetary (expenses are fixed in monetary terms).

6. According to the availability of credit limits:

• with a credit limit;
• no credit limit.

• no need to pay in cash;
• speed of service at gas stations;
• services are provided by the best fuel manufacturers;
• thefts, as well as other frauds with fuel, are practically excluded;
• deferred payment, up to 1 month;
• some companies have the ability to route to the nearest station and calculate the cost of fuel.

• one card does not cover all gas station networks;
• additional fee for restoration in case of loss;
• the need to visit the office for verification, setting a limit, signing an agreement.

Where could I buy

You can order a card issue directly at the company's office or on the company's website, where you can also see new items, all the conditions for the provision of services. The consultant will describe in detail all the bonuses, discounts and opportunities for individual models, orient on the price, suggest a package of services which is better to buy for your company. Will offer inexpensive (budget) options if you purchase for personal use.

Usage and reporting

Using these cards is very easy. You need to follow 5 simple steps:

1. When providing the service you need, you must inform the seller of your intention to pay with a fuel card.
2. Depending on the type of card, attach it to the terminal or insert it into a special hole.
   Enter the required PIN code.
3. Sign the check issued by the cashier. (one copy of the check remains with the driver for reporting).
4. Use the necessary service (car refueling, repair, washing).

Reporting

At the end of the flight, the driver must hand over for accounting, along with the waybill, the check that was issued to him by the cashier. Additional reporting to the driver is not required.

Information analysis

The media will store all information about the actions performed (time, date, type of operation, cost, volume of fuel filled, discount on services). To avoid cases of fraud on the part of drivers, it is recommended to pay attention to some details:

• Refueling frequency. If the driver refuels the car too often, this can make management suspicious.
  Fuel volume. It must be correlated with the capacity of the tank of the vehicle (if the volume of fuel being poured exceeds the volume of the tank of the car, this leads to suspicions of the driver of theft).
• Route. If the driver refueled at a gas station that is not located on his route, this can also lead to certain thoughts.
• Refueling time. It is worth making sure that the refueling time coincides with working hours, otherwise there is a possibility that the driver refueled his personal car. To exclude this possibility, you need to link the card to a specific state number of the car.

Rating of quality fuel cards

The material, review, description of cards, customer reviews were taken as a basis. The rating includes popular models.

For legal entities

This type is suitable for large and medium-sized businesses. The presence of such shopping malls for large businesses significantly reduces the company's costs for fuel and lubricants, and simplifies cost control. Allows you to keep operational records and in most cases return VAT. Suitable for businessmen, for individual entrepreneurs, for large businesses. Fuel savings become noticeable after just a few months of use.

EXPRESS CARD

You can pay with a card not only in the Russian Federation, but also abroad. Has permanent access to the online account. It is possible to set limits for fuel or for payment. A convenient mobile application will show you the distance to the nearest gas station and the price of fuel. Any questions you may have can be consulted free of charge 24 hours a day. You can get a loan without overpayments for up to 1 month. Depending on the number of liters used per month, the program provides for bonuses and discounts for maintenance. An application for issuing a card can be made in the online store.

• long term interest-free lending;
• operational service;
• Ease of use.

• not identified.

Options	Characteristics
Mobile app	there is
Possibility of lending	up to 31 days
Coverage area	Russia, Europe

Shell Card (Shell)

She can pay not only in the Russian Federation, but also when traveling around Europe. It is possible to refund 20% VAT. Suitable for paying tolls on toll roads, any car service work. It is also possible to obtain an interest-free loan for a period of 2 weeks. There is a personal account, map reports are sent by e-mail regularly.

• VAT refund;
• operational service;
• having a credit limit.

• small time interval of crediting.

Options	Characteristics
VAT refund	there is
Possibility of lending	up to 14 days
Coverage area	Russia, Europe

Off-Road Vehicle Online (Petrol Plus)

Works at several gas stations. About it you can get a discount of up to 2%, depending on the need for fuel. VAT is refundable. Operates on the territory of Russia and Europe.It is possible to set limits on usage.

• VAT refund;
• large coverage area;
• efficiency of use and maintenance.

• no credit limit.

Options	Characteristics
VAT refund	there is
Having a personal account	there is
Coverage area	Russia, Europe

United (Masters)

It united all the leading networks of gas stations in Russia and in the CIS countries. Free service within 3 months after signing the contract. Save up to 12% through tight cost control. Returns VAT. There are no additional fees or hidden interest. It has a mobile application for convenience, the hotline operator will help resolve any issue around the clock.

• there is a mobile application;
• round the clock hotline;
• reporting by email and SMS.

• no significant.

Options	Characteristics
VAT refund	there is
Availability of a mobile application	there is
Coverage area	Russia and Europe
service charge	No

TransKart

It unites almost 11,000 gas stations throughout the country. 20% VAT is refunded. There is a mobile application, in addition to reporting, it allows you to find the nearest gas station and find out the cost of fuel and lubricants at it.

• convenient, practical mobile application;
• a large number of gas stations in the network.

• valid only on the territory of the Russian Federation.

Options	Characteristics
VAT refund	there is
Availability of a mobile application	there is
Coverage area	Russia

BP + Aral (BP Plus)

International card provides favorable conditions for flights in Europe. It is possible to pay for toll roads, ferries, tolls and fines, as well as repairs and car parking.On the website of the company there is an opportunity to quickly view all the necessary information.

• a large number of possibilities;
• cost accounting and control.

• VAT is not refundable;
• operates mainly in Europe.

Options	Characteristics
VAT refund	No
Availability of live view	there is
Coverage area	Europe

For individuals

Universal model for personal use. Such payment systems for individuals, unlike models for business, do not have advanced functionality, they offer only a specific percentage of a discount on fuel or a cashback option. But they are also very popular with motorists.

Rosselkhozbank-Rosneft

Allows you to purchase fuel at a significant discount. There is a system of accumulation of bonuses. Service will cost 900 rubles. in year.

• has a multifaceted loyalty program;
• has cashback.

• annual maintenance will be 900 rubles.

Indicators	Values
Bonuses and discounts	there are discounts, cashback for purchases
Annual service (rub)	900
Coverage area	Russia

Autodrive Platinum (Gazpromneft)

There are 2 service options. First: 4188 rubles per year. Second: free service subject to the following conditions: 200,000 rubles. on the balance or 100,000 and purchases in the amount of 35 thousand per month or salary credited to it from 100 thousand and 35 thousand for purchases per month. With the first purchase, the program “on the way for us” is connected for free, and accumulates bonuses automatically after each purchase.

• several loyalty programs;

• rather expensive service, under normal conditions.

Indicators	Values
Bonuses and discounts	2 bonus programs
Annual maintenance	4188 rub under normal conditions
Coverage area	Russia

Neste

Has a discount system. You can buy at the office or at the gas station, the cost of issue is 150 rubles. The first installment is 2000 rubles. Discounts apply to different categories of services:

• at gas stations for each liter of fuel - 50 kopecks;
• in shops and cafes - 10%;
• at car washes - 15%.

Often the company holds additional promotions, discounts and bonuses.

• the discount system works immediately, no need to accumulate points;
• the company often holds additional promotions.

• paid issue and additional terms of replenishment for 2000 rubles.

Indicators	Values
Bonuses and discounts	discount system + additional one-time bonuses
Issue cost (rub)	150
Coverage area	Russia

Discount card (Tatneft)

Registration costs 150 rubles, has a contactless payment function. Not registered, no personal account and mobile application. There are no additional bonuses.

• discount system (no need to accumulate bonuses).

• unnamed;
• there is no way to check the balance quickly.

Indicators	Values
Bonuses and discounts	percentage discounts
Issue cost (rub)	150
Coverage area	Russia

When choosing a suitable fuel card, be guided not only by the rating, but also indicate the needs of the company in a particular case. It is important to determine the availability of gas station networks offered when working with the map along vehicle routes, whether additional functions and mobile applications are needed, etc. To choose the best card, analyze the possibilities of several, contact consultants, perhaps some companies will be able to offer a card on special conditions. And only after that proceed with the execution of an agreement for the issuance of fuel cards specifically for your business.