Are Fuel Cards Worth It for Uber, Ola, and Taxi Drivers in NZ?

If you drive for a living, fuel is one of your biggest costs. Whether you’re with Uber, Ola, or a local taxi service, even a few cents saved per litre can make a big difference over a year. Fuel cards promise discounts, GST-ready invoices, and simplified expense tracking. But do they actually pay off for rideshare drivers?

How Fuel Cards Work

A fuel card is a business payment card that gives you discounted fuel and consolidated billing. Instead of paying at the counter and keeping receipts, you fill up, swipe your card, and get one monthly invoice.

For Uber and Ola drivers, that means less paperwork and easier GST claims. Each statement shows litres, location, and cost, ready to upload to accounting software or hand to your accountant at tax time.

The Average Fuel Discount in NZ

Ongoing discounts across New Zealand fuel cards range between 8 and 15 cents per litre, depending on brand and region.

While the biggest headline discount comes from NPD’s periodic 20 c/L promotions, consistent everyday savings of 8–10 c/L from cards like Z Business Plus and NZ Fuel Cards tend to offer more reliable long-term value.

Where Can You Use the Fuel Card?

Coverage is probably the most important factor for full-time drivers. Here’s how each major card stacks up across New Zealand.

The Real Savings of a Fuel Card for Rideshare Drivers

Fuel cards don’t just save money at the pump. For full-time drivers, the biggest advantage is time and admin efficiency.

• Less record keeping: No need to collect and store paper receipts.
• Simpler GST claims: All fuel purchases appear on one ATO-compliant statement.
• Easier budgeting: Monthly summaries show total litres, average cost, and spending by station.

If you’re driving 1,500 km a week and using around 120 litres of fuel, an 8 c/L discount adds up to roughly $10 a week, or more than $500 a year in savings. Combine that with reduced admin time and it’s often worth the small monthly card fee.

Which Fuel Cards Work Best for Rideshare Drivers?

Each network offers different benefits depending on where you drive and what fuel you use.

• CardSmart: CardSmart has the strongest national coverage with 1400+ stations across NZ. Plus, they offer fuel discounts based on your spend history, so you can negotiate a good deal.
• Z Business Plus: Good for urban drivers and fleets using Z, Caltex, or Challenge stations. Offers around 9 c/L ongoing with no monthly fee.
• NZ Fuel Cards: Covers Mobil, BP, Z Energy, and Caltex, with 8–10 c/L savings and over 600 stations nationwide.
• BP Fuel Card: Popular for consistency — 8 c/L discounts and wide regional coverage.
• NPD Fuel Card: Runs regular text-based promos up to 20 c/L off for customers in the South Island.
• Kora Fuel Card: Stronger in smaller centres, offering 10 c/L with low fees.

For mixed-location drivers, a card accepted at multiple brands offers more flexibility than a single-brand option.

Fees and Terms to Watch

Most NZ fuel cards charge between $1.50 and $3.00 per card per month, with little or no transaction fees. A few (like Allied or Waitomo) remain completely fee-free.

If you drive full-time, even a modest 5–8 c/L discount easily covers the monthly card fee within the first few tanks.

Interest-free terms are common, though some networks (like Driveline or Allied) require payment at the time of transaction.

Are They Worth It for Uber, Ola, and Taxi Drivers?

Yes, but the value depends on how often you drive and where you fill up.

• For full-time drivers, the combination of per-litre savings, automatic invoices, and reduced paperwork almost always outweighs the small monthly fee.
• For casual or part-time drivers, a no-fee card like Waitomo or Allied might be enough to access fuel reporting without extra cost.

If you refuel more than twice a week, a fuel card will typically save you $400–$800 per year, not counting the hours saved on bookkeeping.

The Bottom Line

Fuel cards make sense for most professional drivers in New Zealand. They simplify record keeping, control fuel spend, and create predictable running costs.

Cards like CardSmart, Z Business Plus, BP Fuel Card, and NZ Fuel Cards provide consistent discounts with minimal fees.

For rideshare drivers, the small admin effort to set up a card is usually repaid within the first few months of use.

Compare New Zealand’s latest fuel card offers and check your eligibility today.

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FAQs

Can Uber or Ola drivers get a fuel card in New Zealand?

Yes. Most NZ fuel card providers accept applications from rideshare and taxi drivers as long as you have a valid NZBN or GST number. Sole traders can apply in their own name and link multiple cards if they operate more than one vehicle.

Do I need to run a company to qualify?

No. Sole traders and independent contractors are eligible. You just need to prove your driving income or rideshare registration and have an active bank account for billing.

Which fuel card has the biggest network in NZ?

CardSmart offers the widest coverage, accepted at over 1,400 stations, including Mobil, BP, Z Energy, Caltex, Challenge, Gull, and Waitomo. Driveline and Gull FleetCard also provide strong multi-brand access nationwide.

Which card is best for city drivers?

If you mainly work in Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch, Z Business Plus and NZ Fuel Cards are the most convenient. They cover major urban stations like Z, Caltex, and Mobil with reliable 8–10c/L discounts.

Do discounts apply to premium fuel or diesel?

Usually yes, but the rate may vary. Most cards offer the same discount on regular and premium petrol. Diesel rates can differ slightly by brand — for example, Z Business Plus gives 9c/L off diesel, while NPD can reach up to 15c/L during promo periods.

Can I use my fuel card at any station?

No. Each card has its own partner network. Always check the accepted sites list before applying — or use a multi-brand card like CardSmart or NZ Fuel Cards to cover most major brands

Do I pay interest on fuel card balances?

Not if you pay on time. Most NZ fuel cards work on monthly billing cycles with no interest, though late payments can attract admin fees.

*Fuel discounts and any fees listed are indicative only and subject to change. Actual savings often depend on factors such as business usage, monthly spend, card type, and provider terms. Always check with your chosen fuel card provider for the most up-to-date rates and eligibility criteria.