WEX® Announces Esso Card™ UK Acceptance Network Expansion with New Welcome Break Sites

Fleets gain broader access to motorway service areas and roadside locations across key UK trucking routes

MANCHESTER, UK – August 20, 2026 – WEX^® (NYSE: WEX), a global leader in intelligent payment solutions, today announced the addition of 49 Welcome Break locations to the Esso Card™ acceptance network. This latest expansion extends the Esso Card coverage, giving customers access to Welcome Break’s motorway service areas and roadside locations, providing greater convenience for drivers on longer journeys. The new additions join over 3,600 UK filling stations already accepting Esso Card, including over 1,400 Esso sites, the UK’s largest branded network.

“Adding 49 Welcome Break sites fills a real gap for our customers, bringing the motorway coverage they’ve been asking for,” Kate Reichenbach, Managing Director, Europe Mobility at WEX Europe Services LTD. “With dedicated truck facilities at nearly all these locations, it makes Esso Card a more complete solution for HGV operators.”

Welcome Break sites are purpose-built to support commercial drivers and fleet operations. Offering 24/7 access across motorway service areas and roadside locations, the sites provide forecourt services alongside a range of driver amenities, including rest facilities, showers and HGV parking at selected locations, accessible toilets, free WiFi, and a variety of food and coffee brands on-site, making them a natural fit for fleets on longer national routes.

For fleet operators using Esso Card powered by WEX, expanded access to the Esso network supports more efficient journey planning, improved operational flexibility, and reduced need for off-route detours.

“I’m delighted to team up with Welcome Break. The addition of the Welcome Break sites significantly strengthens the Esso Car proposition, especially on the motorway,” said David Chilton, Esso UK Sales Manager. “We think that this will resonate particularly well with our HGV customers, allowing us to capture a greater share of wallet in this segment and ultimately drive loyalty to the wider Esso-branded network.” 

The addition of Welcome Break also strengthens the offering for HGV operators, with approximately 44 Welcome Break sites equipped with dedicated HGV facilities now accessible via Esso Card. This builds upon the momentum of the WEX announcement of the recently launched Esso Card Truck, a fuel card designed specifically for HGV fleets, offering fixed weekly pricing, HMRC-compliant digital reporting, PIN-protected secure transactions, and access to dedicated HGV lanes and high-speed pumps across the network. 

“Professional drivers play a vital role in keeping the UK moving, and we’re proud to support them through our extensive network of service areas,” said Adrian Grimes, Welcome Break Chief Operating Officer. “This partnership provides fleet customers with greater access to convenient refuelling locations and the facilities they need on the road.”

Together, these developments reflect the ongoing commitment of WEX to delivering smarter, more complete fuel management solutions, not just broader network access, but the technology and tools fleet operators need to control costs, streamline operations, and keep drivers moving efficiently.

About WEX
WEX (NYSE: WEX) is the global commerce platform that simplifies the business of running a business. WEX has created a powerful ecosystem that offers seamlessly embedded, personalized solutions for its customers around the world. Through its rich data and specialized expertise in simplifying benefits, reimagining mobility, and paying and getting paid, WEX aims to make it easy for companies to overcome complexity and reach their full potential. For more information, please visit www.wexinc.com.

About Welcome Break

Welcome Break: https://www.welcomebreak.co.uk/   

Welcome Break is one of the UK’s leading motorway service area operators, running 62 service areas and 31 hotels across the UK. Welcome Break fuel forecourts, EV charging and amenity buildings are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and attract 85 million customers annually.  

Formed in 1959, Welcome Break has over 6,000 team members who strive to provide a superior customer experience. It operates world class food and retail brands such as Waitrose, Starbucks, Subway, WHSmith, KFC, Pizza Express and Burger King, as well hotels under the Ramada and Days Inn brands. The business is majority owned by the Applegreen Group, the roadside convenience retailer, with operations across the UK, Ireland and the US.  

Media Contact
Johnston Farrow
+1 832-823-3044
johnston.farrow@wexinc.com