BP offers a range of fuel card solutions designed to help UK businesses manage fuel expenses efficiently. This review delves into the features, fees, and overall value proposition of BP fuel cards for businesses.
Key features
- Extensive network coverage: BP fuel cards are accepted at over 1,280 fuel stations across the UK, including BP-branded stations and partner locations.
- Fixed weekly pricing: BP offers a Fuel Price Guarantee (FPG) that caps diesel prices for 12 months, 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.
- Security features: BP cards include security measures such as driver ID and odometer readings before each purchase, reducing the risk of fraud.
- Customisable purchase controls: Businesses can set spending limits and restrict purchases to specific fuel types or services.
BP fuel cards comparison
| Card name | Best for | Accepted locations | Fuel types | Network size | Key features | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BP Plus | Fleets requiring extensive UK coverage | Over 3,400 sites, including 1,200 BP stations and 2,200 partner stations (Esso, Texaco, Gulf) | Petrol and diesel | 3,400+ stations | – Pump-based pricing – HMRC-compliant invoicing – Access to BPme Rewards – Online account management | – £9.50 per card annually – 0.5% admin fee per invoice – 1p per litre surcharge at non-BP stations |
| BP Plus Bunker | Fleets with HGVs and larger vehicles | Over 1,200 BP stations, including 600+ BP bunker sites tailored for HGVs | Diesel | 1,200+ stations | – Fixed weekly diesel pricing – Access to high-speed pumps and high-canopy stations – HMRC-compliant invoicing – Online account management | – £9.50 per card annually – 0.5% admin fee per invoice |
| BP Fuel & Charge | Fleets transitioning to electric vehicles | Over 3,400 fuel stations and over 12,000 EV charging points, including BP Pulse and Osprey | Petrol, diesel, EV | 15,400+ locations | – Combined fuel and EV charging solution – Single consolidated invoice – HMRC-compliant invoicing – Online account management | – £9.50 per card annually – 0.5% admin fee per invoice – EV charging at retail price plus transaction fee |
| BP Supercharge | Fleets needing maximum coverage | Over 7,600 sites, including BP and 6,400 partner stations | Petrol and diesel | 7,600+ stations | – Extensive network coverage – No transaction fees – HMRC-compliant invoicing – Online account management | – £12–£24 per card annually (depending on fleet size) |
| BP + Aral | International fleets operating in Europe | Over 24,000 sites across 32 European countries | Petrol and diesel | 24,000+ stations | – Pan-European coverage – HMRC-compliant invoicing – Online account management – Access to BP and Aral networks | – Fees vary; contact BP for details |
Each BP fuel card is tailored to specific business requirements, whether it’s domestic operations, international coverage, or transitioning to electric vehicles. It’s advisable to assess your business’s fueling patterns and needs to select the most suitable card.
BP fuel cards fees and charges
- Monthly fee: £12 per account.
- Minimum usage requirement: Businesses must purchase at least 300 litres of fuel per month; failing to meet this threshold may incur additional fees.
- Late payment fee: £75 or 12.25% of the new balance, whichever is higher.
- Out-of-network fee: For the BP Business Solutions Mastercard, a £2 fee applies for each transaction made at non-BP stations.
Advantages for UK businesses
- Cost savings: Fixed pricing and fuel rebates 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.
- Flexibility: With options tailored to different business sizes and needs, BP cards offer flexibility for various operational requirements.
Considerations
- Limited to fuel and engine lubricants: BP fuel cards 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 cards, especially if minimum usage requirements are not met.
Conclusion – BP fuel cards review
BP fuel cards offer a robust solution for UK businesses seeking to manage fuel expenses effectively. With extensive network coverage, fixed pricing, and administrative benefits, 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.