Unauthorized fuel purchases can quietly erode a company’s bottom line. For fleet managers, business owners and companies that rely on vehicles, fuel expenses represent one of the largest recurring costs. Without proper controls in place, it’s easy for misuse, fraud and inefficiencies to slip through unnoticed. Fleet fuel cards offer a precise, technology-driven solution that prevents unauthorized purchases while optimizing fuel management for businesses of all sizes.
Unlike cash or credit cards, fleet cards are purpose-built for managing vehicle-related expenses and providing top-tier security.
Fleet Cards vs. Traditional Payment Methods: Why Security Matters
Unlike cash or credit cards, fleet cards are purpose-built for managing vehicle-related expenses and providing top-tier security. Traditional payment methods offer little oversight — there’s no easy way to track who spent what, where, when, or why. That lack of transparency opens the door to abuse. Employees may fill up personal vehicles, purchase non-fuel items or inflate mileage reports.
Fleet fuel cards solve this by embedding multiple layers of control. Each card is linked to a specific driver or vehicle, and transactions are validated by PIN and odometer entry at the pump. This level of verification drastically reduces the chances of fraud, misuse or accidental purchases.
Spending Controls that Match your Business Needs
With Speedway fleet cards, businesses can tailor spending limits to match operational goals. Customizable controls include:
- Transaction limits by amount, day, time or product type.
- Geographic restrictions based on fuel station locations.
- Driver-specific rules to manage individual fuel needs.
- Product-type enforcement to prevent non-fuel purchases.
These controls stop unauthorized transactions at the pump. For example, a card programmed for diesel only will automatically block gasoline purchases. Businesses can also restrict usage to work hours and specific fueling sites, enhancing security without sacrificing convenience.
Driver PINs: The First Line of Defense
The Speedway Business Fleet and Business Universal cards require entry of a driver PIN and odometer reading at the pump. This creates a clear digital trail for every transaction, ensuring accountability and eliminating ambiguity. If a card is lost or stolen, it can’t be used without the associated credentials, providing an extra layer of fraud prevention.
For added convenience, these controls can be adjusted in real time through the online dashboard or mobile app, allowing managers to respond quickly to changes or suspicious activity.
Centralized Reporting for Total Fuel Visibility
Visibility is critical for managing fleet expenses effectively. Speedway fleet cards deliver automatic reporting on every purchase. Managers can access reports that break down fuel expenses by vehicle, driver, product type, location and more. These insights help identify abnormal spending patterns, such as excessive refueling or purchases outside of authorized regions.
Custom reports and tax exemption summaries (for qualified businesses) are also available, simplifying accounting and compliance while supporting budgeting efforts. Businesses can even generate site-specific reports to see how much fuel is being used per location — a valuable feature for decentralized fleets operating in multiple regions.
Flexible Acceptance to Match Fleet Operations
One challenge fleets face is ensuring drivers can access fuel no matter where the road takes them. The Speedway Business Fleet Card offers targeted savings and control, with acceptance at over 7,500 Speedway and 7-Eleven gas stations, making it an ideal option for businesses operating within this network.
Speedway’s platform scales easily, giving businesses the control they need — whether it’s setting up daily fueling limits for delivery trucks or enabling multi-region access for long-haul drivers.
The Speedway Business Universal Card significantly expands this reach, with acceptance at 95% of gas stations across the U.S. and over 45,000 service locations. It’s perfect for fleets that need greater flexibility without sacrificing security. Both cards offer up to 5¢ per gallon in fuel rebates at Speedway and 7-Eleven branded locations, combining savings with expansive coverage.
Real-time Fleet Access with Mobile and Online Tools
Speedway makes it easy to manage fleet card accounts from anywhere. The mobile app and online portal provide:
- Instant card and driver management
- Real-time balance and credit info
- Report downloads and invoice access
- Alerts for unusual activity or out-of-policy transactions
This digital infrastructure ensures fleet managers are always connected to their fleet’s activity, making real-time decisions easy and effective.
Telematics Integration and Fraud Monitoring
While controls at the pump help prevent fraud, integrating telematics adds another layer of protection. Telematics enables fleet managers to cross-reference location, mileage, and driver behavior with fuel card transactions.
For example, if a card is used in Nevada but GPS shows the vehicle in Arizona, the transaction can be flagged for review. This kind of verification provides unbeatable transparency and helps deter both internal misuse and external theft.
Telematics also supports geofencing and automated alerts when vehicles deviate from assigned routes or stop at unapproved fuel locations. This transforms passive monitoring into active prevention, allowing businesses to enhance security without micromanaging every trip.
Customization for Fleets of all Sizes
No two fleets are the same. From small business owners managing a handful of vehicles to nationwide fleets and everything in between, the ability to configure card settings by fleet size, usage pattern, and business type is critical. Speedway’s platform scales easily, giving businesses the control they need — whether it’s setting up daily fueling limits for delivery trucks or enabling multi-region access for long-haul drivers.
Empowering Fleet Managers with Better Tools
At the heart of fuel card security is data. By capturing and analyzing detailed transaction information, fleet managers gain insights into fuel efficiency, driver behavior and spending patterns. These insights enable better decisions by identifying areas where costs can be reduced, improving driver compliance, and streamlining operations.
Fleet managers can also set up automated alerts, monitor spending trends over time, and even reward employees for cost-saving behaviors. With all the data consolidated in one place, managing fuel spend becomes proactive rather than reactive.
A Trusted Partner for Fleet Security
Speedway fleet fuel cards offer an edge that traditional credit cards and cash can’t match. From PIN protection to real-time controls and custom reports to mobile access, these cards give businesses the tools they need to stop fuel fraud before it starts.
By consolidating fuel purchases, automating accounting, and providing transparency into every transaction, Speedway fleet cards aren’t just a payment method — they’re a security and efficiency solution tailored for the road ahead.
Start Saving and Strengthening your Security
Whether you’re running a small fleet or managing hundreds of vehicles, the right fuel card program is a key part of keeping expenses under control. Choose from the Speedway Business Fleet Card for maximum savings at Speedway and 7-Eleven or the Business Universal Card for flexibility with broad network coverage. Both options deliver unmatched security, convenience and control.
Apply now to take control of your fleet’s fuel expenses, or reach out with questions — we’re here to help your business save smarter and drive farther.