For businesses that operate a fleet of company cars fuel cards can be very useful in helping to lower the cost of fuel and lowering the amount of administration.

Before signing with any company for fuel cards used at filling stations it is a good idea to read the fine print. All companies do not offer the same terms and conditions. Some have lower credit limits than others and have different terms for repayment.

To compare fuel cards you can gather brochures or applications from several different filling stations. Every company that offers an account will explain the terms on the application. You should also consider whether the account will be used for personal or business expenses and if any employees will be using the account.

Lower credit limits on some cards may not be a problem for an individual user. It may become a problem for a business user who travels frequently or for a small enterprise with several mobile employees. Some cards may be accepted in places other than filling stations. If the accounts are being used by employees it may be too great a temptation to resist using the card on purchases other than fuel.

Many cards start out with low interest rates. Those who pay balances according to the terms of repayment will have no trouble keeping interest rates low. However, many cards have a much higher interest rate when balances are not paid in full by the due date. The higher rates vary from one company to another. Whether you are applying for a Shell, BP, or Marathon Oil account, the terms of repayment should be clearly understood before signing on the dotted line.

Other considerations in selecting the right credit account are account management features. A paper statement in the mail may be acceptable for an individual when nobody else will be using the account. For businesses, having a statement that itemizes all purchased made by every employee on one account is convenient and helps a business monitor expenses on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.

Some accounts limit purchases to fuel only. If you have a small fleet of vehicle and need to frequently have them washed and maintained, you may want to consider a card that allows the purchase of car washes and oil changes to be charged. It is always a good idea to understand the terms of each company before signing an agreement for fuel cards. Each has different interest rates and payment terms. Some have cash back offers for a specific purchase level. If travel by car is frequent such an offer might pay off over a period of time.