How do fuel cards work?

As the economy continues to fluctuate and react to global trade wars, economic uncertainty and the introduction of new tariffs, commercial vehicle managers are always looking for ways to build efficiencies. Part of that work is instructing employees on how to use the tools you’ve invested in. If your business uses commercial vehicles, the best tool to improve your bottom line is a company fuel card. Once you have a fuel card program, the next step is training your staff on how to use it. In this article we’ll help drivers become experts on how to use their fuel cards. Share with your drivers and start to see pay off.

If you drive a company vehicle and use a fuel card, here’s all you need to know to optimize use

Did you recently start driving a commercial vehicle for work and were given a fuel card for your job? Or did your company recently get fuel cards for the team? Welcome to the growing circle of fuel card users. 

This article will explain how to use your card, and what to do to ensure that you and your company get the most from the fleet card program you’re using. From now on, every time you fill your tank, use your fuel card. It’s convenient and easy to use, and if it’s a WEX fleet card, it’s accepted at nine out of ten fuel locations nationwide.

Watch our comprehensive video below on how to use a fuel card:

With your new fuel card you’ll never worry again about handling cash or managing expense receipts – and with WEX fleet cards your expenses are displayed online, eliminating the angst of lost receipts or manual tracking.

What’s the process for using my fuel card?

The process is simple: your fuel card works like a charge card with a few minor differences. Here are some simple things to remember:

• When you pull into an accepting fuel station to fill up, check your odometer reading and make a note of it.
• Before your first trip, get your unique driver ID number from your manager and have it handy for when you get fuel.
• Swipe the card that is assigned to your vehicle, enter the odometer reading, enter your driver ID number, then fill the tank.
• Just swipe and go.

What should I do if I have trouble at the pump using my fuel card?

Most transactions go without a hitch, but if you ever do have a problem with your WEX fuel card, just call the customer service number on the back of your card.

What about receipts and record-keeping with my fuel card?

By using a fuel card, all of the fueling receipt information and record-keeping is done automatically. The information about your fuel purchases goes directly to a data center for processing. Your company will have access to monthly vehicle analysis reports, detailing all purchases. They’ll be able to see where you bought fuel, the time, the vehicle’s odometer reading, and what you bought. It also provides other valuable information, including cost-per-mile and miles-per-gallon. The program only works if you use the fuel card for every fill-up and always enter accurate information prior to fueling (including accurate odometer readings).

Are fuel cards tied to the driver or to the vehicle?

Each vehicle in your company is assigned a card. Each card has your company’s account number on it, the vehicle card number, and an expiration date. While the card is tied to the vehicle, when you use your personal ID when fueling this ties the purchase to the driver.

Can I use my fuel card to buy things other than fuel?

Some companies provide their drivers with fuel cards that cover a variety of travel items besides just fuel.

If your manager has set your card up for service and maintenance purchases as well as fuel, they’ll tell you which service stations to use. They will set spending limits and limit what you can purchase with the card as well.

A service transaction works a lot like a fuel transaction: you can use the card for tires, parts, oil changes, and more. The service station attendant may ask you for some basic information, like your plate number, when you go to make such purchases. This will allow them to process the transaction. Then the attendant will swipe your card in the card reader, or call our customer service department for authorization. You’ll need to give your driver ID number and odometer reading to the customer service representative or key it into the phone for approval. Then you’re on your way. As with fuel purchases, your company will be able to obtain detailed reports about your service or maintenance purchases.

Your company may decide not to provide access to these products. It’s up to your company’s fleet manager to set fueling and service policies. If the card says “fuel only” in the lower right corner, it has been formatted to only be used for fuel purchases.

How should I store my fuel card?

To protect your card from damage, keep it in a safe place inside the card holder provided. Don’t put it near a magnet, and try not to scratch the black stripe on the back. It’s also a good idea not to leave it on the dashboard in direct sunlight.

How does my personal ID number work on my fuel card?

Your personal driver ID number identifies you as the authorized fuel purchaser, and you’ll use it every time you fill up. Your driver ID number has been set up in the system and sent to your company’s fleet contact person. Make sure you obtain your driver ID number before you start fueling. If you enter an invalid ID number, or do not have the number, you won’t be able to purchase fuel.

How can I help protect my company from fuel card fraud?

Here are a few simple precautions to help protect against fraud:

• Avoid giving your driver ID to anyone.
• Do not keep the card and your driver ID number together.
• Do not write your driver ID number on the card.
• Do not leave the card or receipts out in the open.
• If a card is lost, stolen, or damaged, report it immediately to your fleet manager or supervisor. Your supervisor has the ability to then deactivate the card so no fraudulent charges can occur.

Is there a document to help me when I first start using my fuel card?

There is a driver guide provided with each WEX fuel card to help you initiate use of your card. The first couple of times you make a purchase, refer to the guide. It walks you through the steps of making a purchase. It’s as simple as these four steps:

• Swipe your card.
• Enter your odometer reading.
• Enter your personal ID number.
• Fill up the tank.

Remember, you always have the WEX toll-free customer service number to rely on during any transaction.

The WEX fuel card will provide your company with valuable information, so remember to use it every time you purchase fuel at work.

All fuel cards are not the same, and different types of fuel cards suit the needs of different kinds and sizes of businesses. View WEX’s fuel card comparison chart to see which fuel card is right for you.

WEX is a leading, global fintech solutions provider, simplifying payments and back-end business processes in the fleet management, benefits management, and corporate payments areas. To learn more, please visit the company’s About WEX page.

Apply for a fuel card today!

Editorial note: This article was originally published on July 21, 2021, and has been updated for this publication.