Fuel makes up 24% of the average carrier’s operating costs, and trucking expenses are up 7.7% year over year [1]. With diesel prices constantly changing, how you pay for fuel can mean the difference between turning a profit or just breaking even.
The choice between a fuel card vs. credit card isn’t just about convenience; it’s about saving money, gaining control, and protecting your bottom line. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences and explain why most successful truckers rely on fuel cards to keep their business moving.
Table of Contents
- The Difference Between Fuel Cards vs. Credit Cards
- Why Should Truckers Use a Fuel Card vs. a Credit Card?
- How OTR Fuel Cards Help Maximize Your Savings
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Difference Between Fuel Cards vs. Credit Cards
Fuel cards and credit cards both let you pay at the pump, but that’s where the similarities end. Each is built for a different purpose, and the right choice can significantly impact your cashflow and operational efficiency.
Fuel cards are purpose-built for trucking. They offer deep fuel discounts, driver-level controls, and expense tracking tools designed for fleets and owner-operators. Most don’t require credit checks and operate as prepaid cards, making them accessible to new carriers and those rebuilding credit.
Credit cards, on the other hand, are general-purpose financial tools. They offer broad acceptance and borrowing power but are designed for everyday consumers, not trucking businesses. They require credit approval, carry interest on balances, and lack the fleet-specific tools that fuel cards provide.
Here’s how they compare across key areas:
Purchasing Power & Approval
Credit cards typically require good to excellent credit for approval, making them a challenge for new carriers or owner-operators.
Fuel cards like the OTR Fuel Card don’t require a credit check, making them accessible no matter your credit history. That means you can start saving on fuel immediately, even if you’re just starting out or rebuilding credit.
Discounts & Cost Savings
Fuel cards offer deeper savings, while credit cards offer small rewards.
For example, with the OTR Fuel Card, you save an average of $0.50 per gallon at 2,500+ in-network stops, with some discounts reaching $2.25/gal. These savings add up fast, especially if you’re fueling up multiple times per week.
By contrast, credit card rewards typically max out at 1–3% cashback, often with spending limits and rotating categories [2].
Spending Control & Reporting
Fuel cards give you real-time control over spending. You can set limits by driver, restrict purchases to fuel only, and monitor transactions through your account dashboard.
This control helps reduce unauthorized purchases and simplifies fuel expense tracking for IFTA and budgeting.
Acceptance & Coverage
Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, making them a flexible payment option for a range of business expenses.
Fuel cards are limited to specific networks, but the OTR Fuel Card is accepted at over 8,000 locations nationwide. You also get the best discounts at more than 2,500 in-network truck stops, helping you save wherever your route takes you.
Fees & Interest Rates
Fuel cards typically don’t charge annual fees or interest. The OTR Fuel Card has no transaction fees at in-network locations.
Credit cards often come with annual fees, interest rates from 15-30%, and penalties for late payments [3]. For truckers managing tight margins, these costs can eat into profits fast.
Why Should Truckers Use a Fuel Card vs. Credit Card?
Fuel cards are designed for the unique needs of truckers and fleets. Unlike credit cards, they focus on savings, control, and fleet efficiency for your business. Here’s why fuel cards are a smarter choice and how the OTR Fuel Card takes it even further.
Save Money On Every Fill-Up
Most fuel cards offer negotiated discounts at partner truck stops, helping you reduce one of your biggest expenses. These savings can vary by provider and network size, but they often beat typical credit card cashback rates.
With the OTR Fuel Card, drivers save an average of $0.50 per gallon at over 2,500 in-network locations. Some stops offer up to $2.25 off per gallon, putting more money back in your business.
Real-Time Expense Tracking
Fuel cards help you track every transaction with detailed reporting, often through a web portal or mobile app. This makes it easier to manage fuel spend, monitor usage by driver, and simplify IFTA reporting. Many of these features are part of the broader wave of trucking technology that’s reshaping how carriers manage operations, reduce costs, and stay competitive on the road.
The OTR Fuel Card integrates with the OTR Mobile App, letting you view transactions instantly and optimize fuel routes for better margins.
No Credit Requirements
Some fuel cards don’t require a credit check, which makes them accessible for new owner-operators or carriers with limited credit history. This makes fuel cards an ideal option for businesses that need fast access to fuel without waiting for loan approvals.
OTR’s Fuel Card is credit-check free and easy to apply for, so you can get started right away, even if you’re just launching your business.
Eliminate Hidden Costs
Fuel cards often have fewer fees than credit cards. Many don’t charge annual or late fees and only apply minimal transaction fees, depending on the provider.
The OTR Fuel Card has no transaction fees at in-network stops, no setup fees, and no interest charges, helping you control expenses and avoid unnecessary costs.
Access Emergency Support
Some fuel cards come with added support features like cash advances, maintenance discounts, or customer service hotlines. These can be critical when you’re on the road and need quick help.
As an OTR Fuel Card user and factoring client, you can access cash advances through the OTR Mobile App, verify broker payments quickly, and rely on dedicated support to keep your operation moving.
How the OTR Fuel Card Can Help to Maximize Your Savings
The OTR Fuel Card is more than a payment method. It’s a tool built to reduce costs, improve control, and support truckers at every stage of their journey.
Here’s what sets it apart:
- Average savings of $0.50 per gallon at 2,500+ in-network locations
- Up to $2.25 off per gallon at select truck stops
- $0 transaction fees at in-network locations
- No credit check required
- Real-time spending controls and driver-level monitoring
- Dedicated customer support team
- Accepted at over 8,000 fueling locations nationwide
Whether you’re an owner-operator or managing a fleet, the OTR Fuel Card helps cut costs, simplify operations, and keep your trucks moving. When fuel price surges hit, having a smart payment strategy in place makes all the difference.
Apply for the OTR Fuel Card Today
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to common questions about fuel payment options for truckers.
Is a trucking fuel card the same as a gas card?
No. While a gas station card can be used to buy fuel, trucking fuel cards offer two key advantages: larger per-gallon discounts negotiated for truckers, and built-in fleet management tools like spending limits and transaction tracking.
Is it better to use a fuel card or a credit card?
Fuel cards are the better choice for most truckers. They offer immediate fuel discounts, don’t require a credit check, and include controls tailored to trucking operations. Credit cards may offer broad acceptance, but they typically come with interest charges and lower rewards on fuel.
What is the disadvantage of a fuel card?
Some fuel cards have limited acceptance compared to credit cards. However, cards like the OTR Fuel Card are accepted at over 8,000 locations, minimizing this concern for most routes.
Do fuel cards affect credit score?
Fuel cards like the OTR Fuel Card do not impact your credit score. Since you’re using preloaded funds rather than borrowing, there’s no credit reporting or debt involved.
References
- Trucking Topics: Operational Cost of Trucking Up 7.7%, ATRI Report Says
- U.S. News: Best Gas Credit Cards of April 2025
- Bankrate: What Is APR On A Credit Card?