Best Fuel Card for Small Business NZ

CardSmart stands out as one of the best fuel cards for small business in New Zealand thanks to its nationwide coverage, multi-brand acceptance, and smart tools that make managing fuel costs simple. Here’s how it compares to other cards like BP, Z, and Kora.

One of the best fuel cards for small business in New Zealand is CardSmart. It’s accepted at thousands of stations nationwide, works across multiple brands, and comes with online tools that make fuel and vehicle expense management simple. For small businesses that want flexibility, savings, and easy reporting, CardSmart is a leading option. That said, it’s not the only choice. The right card depends on where your vehicles travel and how much control you want over spending. Let’s get into it.

What is a fuel card and why should you use one?

A fuel card works like a business payment card, but it’s designed for fuel and vehicle-related expenses. Instead of reimbursing staff or managing piles of receipts, drivers use the card at service stations. All transactions flow into one invoice, making GST claims and reporting easier.

For a small business, a fuel card helps with:

• Saving money on every litre of petrol or diesel.
• Cutting down admin and bookkeeping tasks.
• Reducing fraud or personal spend by setting card controls.
• Accessing online dashboards and reports.

Even saving just a few cents per litre adds up when you’re running several vehicles.

Why CardSmart stands out

CardSmart is issued by Corpay and has earned a strong reputation because it is a multi-brand card, not tied to just one fuel company. Here are just some of the benefits for small business in New Zealand.

• Nationwide coverage: Accepted at thousands of stations, including BP, Caltex, Z Energy, Mobil, and Gull. Your drivers don’t need to hunt for a specific brand.
• Flexibility: You can use it for more than fuel. Servicing, tolls, roadside assistance, and car washes can all be enabled if needed.
• Cost savings: Typical discounts are 2–6 cents per litre depending on usage and promotions.
• Control features: Set card limits, block certain purchases, and monitor spend in real time.
• Easy accounting: CardSmart integrates with accounting software like Xero and MYOB, making tax time less stressful.
• Clear invoicing: GST-compliant invoices save time and reduce errors.

For a business with only a few vehicles, the flexibility of using one card across multiple brands can save both money and time.

How does CardSmart compare with other NZ fuel cards?

Here’s a breakdown of how CardSmart stacks up against brand-specific fuel cards.

How much can you save with a fuel card in NZ?

Let’s work through an example:

• One vehicle drives about 25,000 km per year.
• Average fuel efficiency is 9L per 100 km.
• That equals around 2,250L of fuel per year.

For a small business with 3 vehicles, that’s 6,750L annually.

If your card saves you 4c per litre, that’s $270 saved per year. Add in time saved on paperwork and easier GST claims, and the total value is higher. If you run 5–10 vehicles, your savings can easily climb into the thousands annually.

What fuel card fees should you watch for?

Fuel cards often charge fees. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Monthly card fees: Usually $2.50 to $5.99 per card.
• Transaction fees: Some cards charge extra if you buy fuel outside their network.
• Payment surcharges: Paying your invoice by credit card may attract 1–2% fees.

CardSmart keeps fees competitive. Promotional offers often waive monthly fees for new customers or provide boosted discounts for 6 months. This makes it appealing for small businesses looking to trial a card without large upfront costs.

Is CardSmart worth it for small fleets?

Yes. Even if you only run two or three vehicles, CardSmart is still worth considering. The savings may not seem huge at first, but the real benefit comes from:

• Simpler admin and invoicing.
• Eliminating staff reimbursements.
• Stronger controls on spend.
• GST-ready invoices that save time during tax returns.

For many small businesses, time is just as valuable as money. CardSmart helps reduce time

Which fuel card has the biggest station network in NZ?

CardSmart has one of the largest networks because it is multi-branded. It covers BP, Z, Caltex, Mobil, Gull, and more. That means drivers don’t have to divert or waste time looking for one specific brand.

By contrast:

• BP Fuelcard is limited to BP.
• Z Card covers Z and Caltex.
• Kora Card only works at Mobil and Waitomo stations.

If your business travels nationwide, CardSmart gives you far greater flexibility.

Key questions to ask before choosing a fuel card

1. Do I need a card that works across multiple brands, or is my fleet loyal to one?
2. How many cards will I need, and what are the monthly fees?
3. What’s the average saving per litre, and are discounts promotional or ongoing?
4. Do I need extras like servicing, tolls, or car washes covered?
5. Does the reporting integrate with my accounting software?

Final Take

For small businesses in New Zealand, CardSmart is one of the best fuel card options. It offers nationwide coverage, multi-brand acceptance, and strong expense management tools.

Other cards like BP Fuelcard, Z Card, or Kora Fuel Card may suit businesses that stick to one brand or operate in specific areas. But if you value flexibility and want a card that works almost anywhere, CardSmart is a strong all-round choice.

CHECK ELIGIBILITY HERE

Maximize fuel savings for your business

Compare Cards

Best Fuel Cards in NZ FAQs

Which fuel card has the biggest station network in NZ?

Multi-brand cards like CardSmart generally provide the widest coverage because they are accepted across BP, Z Energy, Caltex, Mobil, Gull, and more. Brand-specific cards like BP Fuelcard or Z Card only work at their own stations.

Do small businesses really save with fuel cards?

Yes. Even a 4c per litre discount can add up. A small fleet using 6,750 litres per year could save around $270 annually, not counting admin time saved.

Can you use a fuel card for personal fuel in NZ?

In New Zealand you can use fuel cards for both business and personal use.

Do fuel cards affect your credit score?

Applying for a fuel card usually involves a credit check for the business. As long as you pay invoices on time, fuel cards should not negatively affect your credit score.

Are fuel card fees worth it for small fleets?

Most cards charge a monthly fee of $2.50–$5.99 per card. If your fleet uses enough fuel, the savings and admin efficiency usually outweigh the fees.

Can fuel cards be used for more than just fuel?

Yes. Many cards, including CardSmart, can be set up to cover servicing, tolls, car washes, and other vehicle expenses. You can customise controls to fit your business.

How do fuel card promotions work?

Promotions usually give higher discounts for the first 6–12 months or waive monthly card fees for new customers. Always check the fine print, as the standard discounts after the promo period may vary.

*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.