THE VOICE OF INDEPENDENT
FUEL CARD PROVIDERS IN EUROPE
About Fleet Cards Europe
Fleet Cards Europe (FCE) is the voice of independent fuel card providers in Europe. It was established in 2021 as a non-profit association to represent the interests of its members.
Our membership includes key independent players in this market which are headquartered and operate across the continent. FCE members represent a major share of the fuel cards market. Approximately a quarter of all fuellings in the B2B segment in Europe are purchased by fuel cards issued by one of the members of FCE.
We monitor, evaluate and react to initiatives which affect our members and their clients, proactively engage with policymakers to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes and provide a forum for members to share research and best practice.
If you are interested in becoming a member of FCE or knowing more about our work, please contact us using the contact form.
EU Transparency register number: 642818244696-47
Board members
Working Group Chairs
What are fuel cards?
Fuel cards, whether physical or digital, are identification instruments for the purpose of obtaining vehicle-related goods and services, such as conventional and alternative energies, roadside assistance, toll charges, security services, parking and ferry fees.
Fuel cards have bespoke characteristics and special features that differentiate them from regular payment instruments. They specifically do not initiate the transfer of funds, and are not consumer focused but predominantly used on a business to business basis. Fuel cards are exempted under the Payments Services Directive as they give access to a very limited range of goods or services.
The benefits of fuel cards
Transport companies can make significant financial savings by using fuel cards, enjoying fixed prices, wholesale discounts, loyalty programmes
All transactions for fuel, tolls or related services are tied into one easy-to-read invoice and can be viewed on an account management tool.
Transport companies can monitor and track all on-the-road expenses in “real time”. This means greater efficiency and performance for haulage companies able to, for example, optimise route-planning and reduce “empty runs”, which signifies fewer emissions and less costs.
Companies can easily manage their VAT obligations and apply for refunds. The cards also lower the risk of tax fraud, as tax authorities can easily check the validity of the invoices
Fuel cards are based on a closed loop or limited network and can only be used to access a very limited range of goods within fuel and service stations, giving the customer more control. Fuel card issuers enable cardholders to block, limit and place customer orders 24/7, thereby providing a high-level of security. For the driver, it is a safer alternative to carrying cash.
Customers can use fuel cards for environmentally compatible fuels, like hydrogen, autogas (LPG), natural gas (LNG and CNG) and E-Fuels as well as the charging of electric vehicles, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse emissions.
Identification of the customer when obtaining goods and services related to on-the-road mobility.
Reconciliation of on-the-road costs enables the transport enterprise to optimise their working capital, which increases business competitiveness, which has wider implications for the European economy
Differences between payment cards and fuel cards
Fuel cards
- Acts as a buyer/seller/supplier of goods and services
- Does not need payments license from the authorities
- Is not subject to supervision by the EBA/national supervisors according to PSD2 (PSD2 includes an exemption for fuel card issuers)
Card holder
- Acts in the name and on behalf of the fuel card issuer
- Receives solely a delivery note at the “Point of Sale”
- Receives purchase invoice showing VAT exclusively from the fuel card issuer
Payment cards
- No seller/supplier of goods and services
- Needs payments license from the authorities
- Is subject to the supervision by the EBA/national supervisors (no utilization of the PSD2 exemption)
- Card holder
- Acts on his/her own behalf
- Receives a purchase invoice showing VAT exclusively at the “Point of sale”
- Receives debit notification/account statements from the payment card issuer