If you’re self-employed or a sole trader in the UK, managing travel and fuel expenses efficiently is key to keeping your business costs down. One of the best ways to do this is by using fuel cards—a simple tool that allows you to purchase fuel on credit, claim VAT easily, and often benefit from discounted rates.
But not all fuel cards are ideal for sole traders. Some are built for large fleets, while others come with fees or usage requirements that don’t suit smaller operations. In this guide, we explore the top fuel cards options for the self-employed, focusing on cost, ease of use, and network coverage.
Why use fuel cards if you’re self-employed?
Fuel cards offer several benefits to sole traders:
- Access to lower fuel prices (supermarket rates or pence-per-litre discounts)
- HMRC-compliant invoices, making VAT claims simpler
- No need to keep receipts or manually track mileage and fuel expenses
- Separation of business and personal fuel costs
- Online account management and spend reporting
Best fuel cards for sole traders in the UK
Here are five of the most suitable fuel cards for self-employed drivers in 2025:
| Fuel card | Monthly fees | Savings per litre | Where it’s accepted | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| fuelGenie | None | Supermarket pump prices | Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s | Low mileage, local routes |
| UK Business Buddy | None | Avg. 12p per litre | 4,500+ UK stations incl. supermarkets | General use, high savings |
| Allstar Supermarket+ | ~£3 | Up to 5p at supermarkets | Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s | Small business drivers |
| Esso National Card | Varies | Competitive pricing + Clubcard points | 1,300+ Esso stations | Brand loyalty, mixed use |
| Texaco Fast Fuel | Varies | Fixed weekly diesel pricing | 3,000+ stations | Diesel van drivers, regular use |
1. fuelGenie – Simple and free
Why it works for sole traders:
No fees, no fuss. You get access to supermarket forecourt prices (typically 3–5p cheaper than branded stations), with all your invoices automatically categorised and VAT-friendly. See our fuelGenie review.
- Fees: £0
- Accepted at: Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s
- Best for: Local, low-mileage drivers who want the cheapest fuel without any admin hassle
2. UK Business Buddy – Highest reported savings
This free card boasts average savings of up to 12p per litre, with access to a network of more than 4,500 stations, including many supermarkets. See our UK Business Buddy review.
- Fees: None
- Extras: Free mobile app for locating stations, HMRC-compliant invoicing
- Best for: Sole traders who want to maximise fuel savings without monthly costs
3. Allstar Supermarket+ – Discounted supermarket fuel
A good choice if you want access to low supermarket fuel prices plus additional admin features such as expense tracking and chargeable add-ons (e.g. vehicle maintenance). See our Allstar review.
- Fees: ~£3/month (plus optional bolt-ons)
- Best for: Drivers who value flexibility and extras with supermarket pricing
4. Esso National Card – Great for loyalty users
Perfect if you already fill up at Esso or Tesco sites. The Esso National Card offers Clubcard point collection and access to competitive pump pricing, with invoice support included. See our Esso fuel cards review.
- Fees: Varies (typically around £2–£4/month)
- Accepted at: Esso stations (some co-located with Tesco)
- Best for: Drivers who want loyalty perks and decent coverage
5. Texaco Fast Fuel – Budgeting on diesel
If you regularly use diesel, this card provides a fixed weekly price, helping you protect your budget against fuel price fluctuations. See our Texaco fuel cards review.
- Fees: Varies by provider
- Accepted at: 3,000+ stations including Texaco and Esso
- Best for: Sole traders using vans for long-distance work or deliveries
Things to consider before applying
- Do you need diesel or petrol – or both?
- Are your routes local or national? If you’re mainly driving locally, a supermarket card may be ideal.
- Can you commit to regular usage? Some cards charge if you don’t use them enough.
- Do you want reward schemes? Some cards let you collect supermarket or loyalty points.
Final thoughts on self-employed fuel cards
If you’re self-employed and looking for the cheapest, easiest way to manage your fuel costs, a fuel card tailored for sole traders can be a real asset. For most one-person businesses, fuelGenie or UK Business Buddy are the top contenders due to their zero fees and strong savings.
By selecting the right card, you can cut costs, save time on admin, and get a clearer picture of your business fuel spending. For more, see our guides to best fuel cards comparison and cheapest fuel cards.