Fuel Cards
Getting One
Can anyone get a fuel card?
CheckFuelPrices Editorial
Expert Written • 4 industry sources
Not quite anyone — most UK fuel cards are primarily aimed at businesses, fleets, and sole traders rather than private individuals. That said, eligibility requirements vary by provider, and some cards are accessible to self-employed drivers or even single-vehicle operators.
Who Fuel Cards Are Designed For
Businesses and fleets:
The majority of fuel cards — including those from Shell, BP, and Allstar — are designed for companies managing one or more vehicles, from small vans to large HGV fleets.
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Sole traders and self-employed drivers:
Many providers accept sole traders and self-employed individuals as applicants, making fuel cards accessible to tradespeople, couriers, and freelancers with a single vehicle.
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Private individuals:
Most major fuel card schemes do not offer cards to private individuals with no business use. A few niche providers exist, but the mainstream products require some form of business registration or trading activity.
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Typical Eligibility Requirements
Business registration:
Most providers ask for a Companies House number, sole trader details, or VAT registration. Some accept informal self-employment supported by a bank account in the business name.
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Credit checks:
Because fuel cards are a form of credit — you pay at the end of the week or month — providers will usually run a credit check on the business or individual applying.
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Minimum fleet size:
Some enterprise-focused cards require a minimum number of vehicles, but many providers now offer single-card accounts specifically for sole operators.
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Is a Fuel Card Worth It?
Savings on pump price:
Fuel card holders often pay a fixed weekly price rather than the forecourt price, which can save several pence per litre depending on the provider and network.
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VAT reclaim benefit:
Businesses can reclaim VAT on fuel purchased through a fuel card more easily because itemised invoices replace individual paper receipts.
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Compare pump prices first:
Even with a fuel card, checking live pump prices via CheckFuelPrices helps you understand whether your card rate is genuinely competitive at stations near you.
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How to Find the Right Option
Match network to your routes:
Choose a card accepted at stations you already pass on regular journeys — a wide network card (like Allstar or BP) suits mixed routes, while a supermarket card suits local commuters.
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Check live prices alongside your card rate:
Use CheckFuelPrices to see what local stations are charging today, so you can judge whether your fuel card's fixed rate is saving you money or not.
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Sources
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