Whomever you call about fuel cards, you can expect them to tell you the truth. Unfortunately, you can not always rely on them also being honest. Yes, there is a difference between truth and honesty. If a supplier says that a particular fuel card can be used on any Esso forecourt, that might well be true. If they fail to mention that it will automatically attract a £2 transaction charge on top of the cost of the fuel, that is hardly being honest.

So, here are twenty questions to ask potential fuel card suppliers.

1. Where, exactly, can this card be used?
2. How much can I expect to save on pump prices with this card?
3. Do you have cards that offer savings on pump prices at BP forecourts?
4. Do you have cards that offer savings on pump prices at Esso forecourts?
5. Do you have cards that offer savings on pump prices at Shell forecourts?
6. Do you have cards that offer savings on pump prices at Texaco forecourts?
7. Do you have cards that offer savings on pump prices at independent filling stations?
8. Are there any motorway service stations where I would not be able to save on pump prices?
9. When, if ever, will I have to pay the full pump price?
10. Will I ever have to pay more than the full pump price?
11. Do you levy network fees, transaction charges or any other additional cost, on top of the fuel bill?
12. How much do the cards themselves cost?
13. Do you charge account management fees?
14. Can I reclaim the VAT on my fuel?
15. Do you have cards that can also be used for extras like oil and motorway tolls?
16. Can I always call the same named, dedicated account manager, with a direct line number?
17. If I have a query, will I have to ring a call centre and talk to a random stranger?
18. Can you offer me a written promise that you will not introduce additional fees?
19. Do you offer an emissions recording service?
20. Do you offer a mileage recording service?

If you do not like the answers to any of these, it could be that the potential supplier is telling the truth – but not being honest.