A fuel card (also known as a fleet card, or diesel card) is a payment card for businesses of all sizes - from sole traders and smaller companies operating with just one or two vehicles, to larger enterprises managing fleets. Fuel cards enable businesses to pay for fuel and vehicle related products, whilst keeping record of all payments on the business’ account.   

Radius offers fuel cards for various retailers, with each card offering its own pricing plans with a choice of weekly fixed rates or money off pump prices. Some cards are for individual fuel station brands (such as BP cards or Esso cards) whilst others, such as our own UK Fuels cards, cover multiple brands.  

Each fuel card is protected by its own unique PIN number known only to the user of the card. A stolen card cannot be used to buy fuel without this number, adding an extra layer of security to your fuel purchase.  

Typically, fuel cards are used by companies to manage fleets, although self-employed contractors with high fuel needs can also benefit from a fuel card.  

First, head over to the e-route station finder map to find your nearest participating fuel station. Once you’ve filled up as normal, simply hand the card over to the cashier who will ask for the vehicle mileage and registration, this is so that it can be included on your fuel invoice. Once this information has been recorded you will be asked to enter your PIN number to complete the transaction. 

The purchase will then be added to the company invoice. Using fuel cards in this way allows employees to purchase fuel without using personal cards and claiming expenses and reduces the paperwork for drivers and administration teams.  

The managing company can then access an online login to view the weekly invoice. This invoice displays details such as the cost of the fuel and the card that was used to make the purchase. 

If your company operates a fleet, a large amount of management time will be taken up with paperwork and organising fuel charges. A fuel card compiles these aspects into one easily manageable invoice every week, drastically reducing the time and money you spend managing fuel payments and expenses claims.  

Fuel card plans can also offer benefits for fleets and business vehicles. These range from discounts to chain supermarket loyalty points, and vary depending on the card you choose. Radius also offers fixed weekly rates that prevent fuel prices from fluctuating unexpectedly.