Esso, in partnership with WEX Europe Services, offers fuel card solutions designed to help UK businesses manage fuel expenses efficiently. This review delves into the features, fees, and overall value proposition of Esso fuel cards for businesses.
Key features
- Extensive network coverage: Esso fuel cards are accepted at over 3,600 fuel stations across the UK, including more than 2,400 24-hour sites and over 110 motorway stations. Additionally, there are over 1,170 sites suitable for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).
- Loyalty rewards: Users can earn Nectar and Tesco Clubcard points when filling up at participating Esso forecourts, providing additional savings opportunities.
- Fixed weekly pricing: The Esso Card operates on a fixed weekly tariff pricing structure, allowing businesses to better forecast fuel expenditure.
- Online account management: Businesses can monitor fuel usage, manage cards, and access HMRC-compliant invoices through an online portal.
- Station locator app: The Esso app helps drivers locate nearby fuel stations and filter by specific criteria, such as stations offering loyalty points.
Esso fuel cards comparison
| Card name | Best for | Accepted locations | Fuel types | Network size | Key features | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Esso Card National | UK-based businesses seeking domestic coverage | Over 1,200 Esso stations across the UK | Petrol and diesel | 1,200+ stations | – Fixed weekly pricing – HMRC-compliant invoicing – Loyalty rewards (e.g., Tesco Clubcard points) | – £5 per month or £50 per year – £18 admin fee if monthly usage is below 300 litres – £45 inactivity fee after 3 months of no use – £20 late payment fee |
| Esso Card Europe | Businesses operating across Europe | Thousands of Esso stations in 8 European countries | Petrol and diesel | 20,000+ stations across Europe | – Fixed weekly pricing – HMRC-compliant invoicing – Suitable for international fleets | – £5 per month or £50 per year – Additional fees may apply for international transactions |
Each Esso fuel card caters to specific business requirements, whether it’s domestic operations or international coverage. It’s advisable to assess your business’s fueling patterns and needs to select the most suitable card.
Esso fuel card fees and charges
- Monthly fee: £5 per card, or £50 annually.
- Minimum usage requirement: Businesses must purchase at least 300 litres of fuel per month; failing to meet this threshold incurs an £18 administration fee.
- Inactivity fee: A £45 charge applies if no transactions are made within any three-month period.
- Late payment fee: £20 per occurrence.
- Additional charges: An £18 administration fee applies if the 300-litre monthly minimum is not met.
Advantages for UK businesses
- Cost savings: Fixed weekly pricing and loyalty rewards can lead to significant savings on fuel expenses.
- Wide acceptance: The extensive network ensures that drivers can refuel conveniently across the UK.
- Administrative efficiency: Features like HMRC-compliant invoicing and online account management reduce administrative tasks.
- Support for HGVs: With over 1,170 HGV-compatible sites, the Esso fuel card is suitable for businesses operating heavy goods vehicles.
Considerations
- Limited to fuel and engine lubricants: The Esso fuel card cannot be used for other vehicle-related expenses, such as parking or tolls.
- Potential fees: Businesses must be mindful of the various fees associated with the card, especially if minimum usage requirements are not met.
Conclusion
Esso fuel cards offer a robust solution for UK businesses seeking to manage fuel expenses effectively. With extensive network coverage, loyalty rewards, and fixed pricing, they provide both convenience and potential cost savings. However, businesses should carefully consider the associated fees and ensure that the card’s limitations align with their operational needs.
For more, see our guides to the best fuel cards comparison, and cheapest fuel cards.