If you're wondering how to get a fuel card without a credit check, you're not alone. Many trucking businesses hit the same wall: fuel cards that require a personal or business credit check before you can get started. Whether you're a new carrier or an owner-operator still building your history, that barrier can make it harder to keep your trucks moving.
A fuel card without a credit check typically refers to a prepaid or factoring-backed credit program that does not require a credit score review for approval. In this article, we’ll explain how these programs work, how to apply, and what to watch for before choosing the right option.
Key takeaways
- You can get a fuel card without a credit check by applying for a prepaid or factoring-backed trucking fuel program.
- Most no-credit-check fuel cards for truckers require an EIN, DOT or MC number, business registration, and sometimes bank verification.
- These cards typically operate on a prepaid or factoring-backed credit model.
- Approval is often faster than credit-based fuel card programs, frequently within 24 to 48 hours.
- OTR's fuel credit program is built exclusively for trucking businesses and requires no credit review.
Table of contents
- What does "no credit check" really mean for fuel cards?
- How to get a fuel card without a credit check (step by step)
- Types of fuel cards available without a credit check
- Prepaid vs. factoring-backed-credit
- Who should consider a no-credit-check fuel card?
- What to watch for before applying
- How OTR's fuel credit program helps trucking businesses without perfect credit
- Frequently asked questions
- Choosing the right fuel card for your trucking business
What does "no credit check" really mean for fuel cards?
A fuel card without a credit check is typically a prepaid or factoring-backed program that does not require a credit score review for approval. For prepaid cards, no financial history or documentation is evaluated since funds are loaded by the carrier before use. For factoring-backed programs, providers evaluate business documentation or an existing factoring relationship rather than credit history.
Credit-based fuel cards typically operate on a revolving credit line. Prepaid fuel cards limit spending to the balance you load onto the account. Factoring-backed programs allow carriers to fuel first and settle the balance on a weekly billing cycle.
It's important to note that "no credit check" does not mean no approval requirements. Most providers still verify your EIN, DOT or MC number, and business registration before issuing a card.
How to get a fuel card without a credit check (step-by-step)
Getting a fuel card without a personal credit check is straightforward for most trucking businesses. Use these steps to choose the right program and get your account active.
Step 1: Gather your Documentation
For most programs, you will need your DOT number, company information, owner information, estimated monthly fuel spend, date of birth, home address, and a valid photo ID. Requirements may vary slightly by provider, so having these ready prevents delays once you submit your application.
Step 2: Choose the right type of program
The most common options for trucking businesses are prepaid fuel cards, secured or deposit-based cards, and factoring-backed fuel credit programs. The best fit depends on your cashflow, your routes, and whether you currently factor your invoices. Our guide to fleet fuel efficiency can help you think through how fuel costs factor into that decision.
Step 3: Complete the online application
Digital applications are standard across most no-credit-check fuel card programs, and approvals typically come through within 24 to 48 hours. Having your documentation ready before you start keeps things moving without delays.
Step 4: Fund or activate the account
Prepaid cards require you to load funds before first use, and the method for doing so varies by provider. Factoring-backed programs typically let you fuel first and settle balances on a weekly billing cycle. Programs like OTR's are designed for trucking cashflow and can be a flexible option without a credit review.
Types of fuel cards available without a credit check
Fuel cards without a credit check typically fall into one of three categories. The right option depends on your available cash, your credit profile, and how you manage cashflow.
1. Prepaid fuel cards
Prepaid fuel cards require you to load funds onto the account before use. Spending is limited to the available balance, and no personal guarantee is required.
These cards work well for new trucking businesses that want tight spending controls and minimal approval requirements without the need for a credit review.
2. Secured or deposit-based fuel cards
Secured fuel cards require an upfront security deposit, which determines your spending limit. Unlike prepaid cards, the deposit acts as collateral rather than a rolling balance you reload each time.
This option can work for carriers who have some capital available but do not yet qualify for credit-based fuel card programs.
3. Factoring-backed fuel credit programs
Factoring-backed programs tie fuel access to your freight factoring relationship instead of your credit score. Carriers can fuel first and settle the balance through factored invoice payments, typically on a weekly billing cycle.
This model offers more flexibility than prepaid options and aligns better with trucking cashflow. Learn more about how a fuel card line of credit works in our detailed guide.
Prepaid vs. factoring-backed credit
If you're looking for a fuel card without a credit check, the two most common options are prepaid fuel cards and factoring-backed credit programs. Both skip the credit review, but they work differently. Here's a breakdown of each to help you decide which fits your operation.
Prepaid fuel cards
Load funds before you fuel and spend only what's on the card.
Factoring-backed credit programs
Fuel now and settle your balance later through your factoring relationship.
With the OTR Fuel Card, you don't have to choose between providers. OTR offers both prepaid and factoring-backed credit options, so you can start with whatever works for your operation today and adjust as your business grows.
Who should consider a no-credit-check fuel card?
No-credit-check fuel cards are often a strong fit for new trucking companies, owner-operators with limited or imperfect credit history, and carriers rebuilding after a difficult financial period. They can also make sense for businesses that want to avoid placing a personal guarantee behind fuel expenses.
For many carriers, cashflow flexibility is the deciding factor. These programs can provide access to diesel discounts without the approval barriers that standard credit-based fuel cards require.
If your credit history is holding you back, explore options like fuel cards for truckers with bad credit or limited history to see what programs may fit your situation.
What to watch for before applying
Before choosing a fuel card without a credit check, review the fine print carefully. Fees are often the biggest differentiator, and monthly charges, transaction fees, or inactivity penalties can add up quickly.
Network coverage and contract terms are equally important. Make sure the card is accepted along your regular routes and confirm whether there are minimum usage requirements or cancellation penalties before signing.
It's also worth asking whether the provider reports payment activity to commercial credit bureaus. Many prepaid and factoring-backed fuel cards do not report at all, so confirm reporting practices with the provider directly if building business credit is a priority.
How OTR's fuel credit program helps trucking businesses without perfect credit
OTR's fuel credit program is built exclusively for carriers, and there is no credit check required. Your approval is based on your factoring relationship, not your credit score, and you can start saving an average of $0.50 per gallon with discounts reaching up to $2.25 per gallon at select locations.
You also get access to 3,000+ in-network locations with $0 transaction fees and weekly billing that fits how trucking cashflow actually works. Use the OTR Mobile App to tap into Fuel Finder, track invoices, and run 24/7 broker checks all in one place.
Get started with the OTR Fuel Card and keep your trucks moving without cashflow disruptions.
Frequently asked questions
How can I get a fuel card without a credit check?
You can get a fuel card without a credit check by applying for a prepaid or factoring-backed trucking fuel program. Most providers require your EIN, DOT or MC number, and business registration documents. Approval is typically based on your business information rather than your credit history.
Do fuel cards without a credit check require a deposit?
It depends on the model. Prepaid fuel cards require you to load funds in advance. Secured fuel cards require an upfront deposit tied to your spending limit. Factoring-backed fuel programs may not require a deposit, since payment is settled through your billing cycle.
If you want a deeper breakdown of how these models differ, see our explanation of how a fuel card line of credit works.
Can I build business credit with a no-credit-check fuel card?
Not always. Many prepaid and factoring-backed fuel cards do not report payment activity to commercial credit bureaus. Confirm reporting practices directly with the provider if building business credit is a priority.
Are no-credit-check fuel cards accepted everywhere?
Coverage varies by program. The OTR Fuel Card works with in-network discounts at 3,000+ locations.
How fast can I get approved?
Most no-credit-check fuel card programs approve applications within 24 to 48 hours, depending on documentation and verification requirements. Physical cards typically arrive within a few business days after approval.
Is a fuel card without a credit check the same as a prepaid card?
Not necessarily. A prepaid fuel card is one type of no-credit-check option, but factoring-backed fuel programs can also skip a personal credit review while allowing carriers to fuel first and settle payments later.
For a broader comparison, see our breakdown of fuel cards vs. credit cards.
Choosing the right fuel card for your trucking business
The right fuel card comes down to where your business is right now and how you manage cashflow. A prepaid card gives you tight spending control, while a factoring-backed fuel credit program offers more flexibility when timing between loads is a challenge.
Whatever your situation, the most important thing is finding a program built for trucking, not adapted from a generic business product. Get Started with the OTR Fuel Card.
