FAQs - Ask The Fuelcard People - The Fuel Card Experts
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about fuel cards. However, if you cannot find the answer to your question, please call us on 0844 870 9856 and we will be happy to help.
 What is the difference between fixed/commercial rate and pump price fuel card accounts? How do I choose the right fuel card supplier? What is the EU Sixth VAT Directive? How can my company comply with the new EU Sixth VAT Directive? Is using a fuel card more secure than other forms of payment? Can I insure my fuel card account against misuse? What is online account management? What is eBilling? I want to see details of my drivers' fuel purchases every day - can I do this? Can my invoices and reports be split into cost centres? How do I order additional fuel cards? How do I cancel lost, stolen or fuel cards no longer required? How do I apply for a fuel card account? How do I choose the right fuel card account for me and my business? What type of products can I purchase on a fuel card? Are individual fuel cards linked to a driver or to a vehicle? How can fuel cards help me and my business? What is the difference between fixed/commercial rate and pump price fuel card accounts? Steve Clarke answers: Fixed/commercial rate fuelcards provide the customer with a fixed nationwide price for their fuel. A nationwide diesel price is set weekly, based on the 'bulk' market prices, often referred to as the Platts price. This fixed 'bulk' price, sometimes called a 'bunker' price is usually lower than the diesel & petrol* pump price and can offer significant savings on fuel costs for commercial fleets. Examples of fixed/commercial rate fuel cards are BP Plus, euroShell, Esso Commercial Card, Total Card, Texaco Fastfuel card, Diesel Direct (Keyfuels) and UK Fuels. *fixed rate petrol only available with Texaco & Total fuelcard accounts. Pump price cards do what they say on the tin, the price charge relates to the price advertised at the individual pumps. Cost savings come through other service benefits, such as greater network coverage and reduction in administration costs. Examples of pump related price cards are: BP, Shell & Esso. 
How do I choose the right fuel card supplier?
Steve Gale answers:There are many fuel card suppliers working in the UK today. To identify which company would best be able to help you, we would strongly encourage you to follow our Six Golden Rules to find the best supplier and the best product to meet your individual needs:
What is the EU Sixth VAT Directive?
Sean Webb answers:The EU Sixth VAT Directive requires that all EU member countries impose a levy on VAT in the same way across Europe. This is due to be implemented in the very near future. The EU Sixth VAT Directive will stop UK companies being able to reclaim VAT on invoices that are not in the registered company name. UK companies currently reclaim VAT on many items - including fuel, which is usually invoiced to employees in the form of a till receipt, not in the registered name of the company reclaiming the VAT. Once this EU Directive is introduced in the UK this will no longer be allowed, and every litre of fuel will cost an additional 20% (or what ever the prevailing VAT rate is at the time). Therefore it is very good advice for businesses with fleets of vehicles, both in house or so called 'grey' fleets, to take a good look at their fuel management procedures and implement a VAT compliant solution, such as a fuel card account from The Fuelcard People.
How can my company comply with the new EU Sixth VAT Directive?
Tammy Brooks answers:
All of your business fuel purchases will need to be made using a purchasing device such as a company credit card or a company fuel card. There is an obvious security risk by using a company credit card as there are no purchase restrictions or easily transparent transaction details. For example, the purchase of diesel fuel and a packet of cigarettes will show up as a single purchase on a credit card statement, whereas with a fuel card from The Fuelcard People the driver will NOT be able to purchase sundry items from the service station. Purchases made on a fuel card are invoiced on a single, fully itemised, VAT-approved invoice in the company name, fully compliant with the EU Sixth VAT Directive.
Is using a fuel card more secure than other forms of payment?
Matthew Haskins answers:
Yes, as unlike credit cards and cash, fuel cards can only be used to purchase fuel products, they cannot be used to purchase sundries from the retail store at the service station. BP, Esso, Texaco, Total, Diesel Direct (Keyfuels), and Shell, UK Fuels fuel cards are all PIN protected. You are also able to ensure your drivers are using your fuel cards properly by logging into our online account management system, eServices. You can cancel lost or stolen cards easily and effectively online 24 hours, 7 days a week. We also provide an additional insurance product called Card Protect.
Can I insure my fuel card account against misuse?
James Richmond answers:
Through regular contact with our customers and following a review of questionnaires, it became clear that one of the major concerns of our customers was the possibility of card fraud and the significant effect it could have on their business. In response to this we have introduced a service called Card Protect. This service is designed to give you peace of mind when it comes to the security of your fuel cards. 1. When the card has been lost or stolen, contact us with the relevant details of the card. 2. During office hours (Monday to Thursday 9:00 - 17:00, Friday 9:00 - 16:00) you should report its loss by phoning 01282 838800 or faxing 01282 831023. You may also use our free internet service, eServices, 24/7, however, you must apply for a user password and logon number in advance, which can be activated by registering online here. 3. All transactions from this point will no longer be your liability. 4. You or your employees void this service if there is evidence of internal fraud or collusion. 5. The cost of the service is 40 pence per card per month. 6. The service covers you for losses of up to 5,000 litres on your account. Your cards will automatically be included in this service unless you specify otherwise. This option is in addition to our standard Terms and Conditions which are available for download from our website.
What is online account management?
Jack Flanagan answers:
Online account management will allow you and your approved members of staff to access your fuel card account, 24 hours, 7 days a week. Services include, ordering and cancelling fuel cards, printing copy invoices and statements, viewing on screen or downloading (in Excel or CSV format) detailed management reports that can help you better control your fuel costs. Here at The Fuelcard People we call this facility, eServices.
What is eBilling?
Llewellan Watkins answers:
eBilling enables you to receive your fuel card account invoices direct to your email account. No more delays in receiving invoices due to being caught up in the post. These are supplied in a PDF format. Adobe Reader® is required to view PDFs, which is available free of charge.
I want to see details of my drivers' fuel purchases every day - am I able to do this?
Brendan Saunders answers:
We can send you a detailed invoice every week that provides you with all the individual fuel card/vehicle fuel purchase details you require. Using our online account management system, eServices, you can also pull off transaction reports at any time, including purchases yet to be invoiced.
Can my invoices and reports be split into cost centres?
Louise Carr answers:
Yes - we can provide invoices and reports from our eServices online account management system, split into your different cost centres, so that you can easily apportion costs to your various depots and offices. Using eServices, it is very simple to re-allocate a fuel card from one cost centre to another as required.
How do I order additional fuel cards?
Samantha Booker answers:
Order online through your account management system, eServices, or email/fax your dedicated account manager.
How do I cancel lost, stolen or fuel cards no longer required?
Steve Clarke answers:
Simple, online through your account management system, eServices, or email/fax your dedicated account manager. For your own security please cancel lost or stolen cards immediately.
How do I apply for a fuel card account?
Steve Gale answers:
Just go to the apply for a fuel card section on our website and follow the instructions, or call one of our fuel card consultants on 0844 870 9856 and they can process your application over the phone today! If you're not sure which card you would like, our comparison tool may help you.
How do I choose the right fuel card account for me and my business?
Sean Webb answers:
Just go to the fuel card comparison section on our website and follow the instructions, or call one of our fuel card consultants on 0844 870 9856 and they will be pleased to help you find the best combination of service, savings & security for you and your fleet.
What type of products can I purchase on a fuel card?
Tammy Brooks answers:
You can use a fuel card to pay for a range of oil-based products, including diesel, petrol, oils and lubes, depending on the purchase category of your card. A different set of products can be selected for each card. Most cards allow the purchase of fuels and lubricants and some also allow you to purchase HGV truck wash, selected tolls and HGV parking.
Are individual fuel cards linked to a driver or to a vehicle?
James Richmond answers:
Fuel Cards can be linked to:
How can fuel cards help me and my business?
Matthew Haskins answers:
The advantages of a fuel card account can be grouped into three main areas: service, savings & security:
*subject to credit status
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