5 Essential Fuel Card Features for Gardeners and Landscapers

If you’re running a gardening or landscaping business in New Zealand, you already know that fuel is one of your biggest ongoing costs. But it’s not just about the price of fuel – admin, lost receipts, and keeping track of staff spending can all eat into your profits and your spare time. That’s where fuel cards come into play. The right fuel card can make life simpler, help you save money, and give you more control over your business. But with so many options out there, which features really matter? Let’s dig into the five essential features every NZ gardener and landscaper should look for in a fuel card

1. Big, Reliable Fuel Discounts

When you’re filling up at $2.50 a litre (on average), even a few cents off can make a real difference. Look for a card that offers a solid, ongoing discount, not just a flashy promo for new customers. For example, CardSmart offers up to 12c/l off petrol and 15c/l off diesel, while BP Fuel Card offers a minimum of 12c/l off fuel.

If your business uses 1,200 litres each month, that’s a saving of $144 a month with a 12c discount – or $1,728 over a year. If you’re using diesel and scoring the full 15c per litre off, your monthly savings jump to $180, which adds up to a massive $2,160 a year. That’s money you can reinvest straight back into your tools, team, or growing your landscaping business, all just by choosing the right fuel card.

No matter which card you choose, these savings stack up quickly and can make a real difference to your bottom line, especially when you’re filling up regularly for gardening and landscaping work all over New Zealand.

2. Wide Network and Brand Coverage

There’s nothing worse than needing fuel and finding your card isn’t accepted. The best fuel cards for Kiwi landscapers work at a wide range of stations, so you can fill up wherever your jobs take you. Z Business covers over 550 sites (Z, Caltex, Challenge), BP Fuel Card works at BP and G.A.S., and CardSmart is accepted at all the major brands (BP, Caltex, Mobil, Z, Gull, NPD, Waitomo, and more). NZ Fuel Cards can set you up with cards for multiple brands, so you’re never far from a participating station.

Where Can You Use Each Card?

3. Simple, GST-Ready Admin

Nobody gets into landscaping for the paperwork. The best fuel cards take admin off your plate by giving you one tidy, GST-ready invoice each month. No more chasing faded receipts or sorting through piles of paperwork at tax time. Fuel cards provide detailed monthly statements, making GST claims and expense tracking a breeze. Meanwhile, CardSmart also offers easy online account management and downloadable reports, so you can keep your books up to date without the hassle.

4. Smart Spend Controls and Security

Fuel cards aren’t just about savings – they’re about control. The right card lets you set limits on what can be purchased (fuel only, or add oil, car washes, etc.), track spending by vehicle or staff member, and get alerts for unusual activity. This is a huge win if you have a team or multiple vehicles, helping you prevent misuse and keep your business spending on track. Many cards offer customisable controls, real-time spend tracking, and fraud protection. Some, like CardSmart, let you manage all your cards and limits from an easy online dashboard.

5. Extra Perks: Rewards, Cash Flow, and Flexibility

The best fuel cards go beyond just discounts. Some, like Z Business, let you earn Flybuys or Airpoints on your fuel spend, so you can turn your everyday purchases into flights or rewards. Others, like BP Fuel Card, offer up to 41 days of free credit, giving your business extra breathing room. CardSmart and NZ Fuel Cards are known for low fees and no lock-in contracts, so you can scale up or down as your business changes. And if you’re keen on flexibility, NZ Fuel Cards can set you up with multiple brand cards and even a handy card wallet to keep them organised.

Final Tips for Choosing the Right Fuel Card

• Check the real, ongoing discount, not just the promo rate.
• Make sure the card is accepted where you actually fill up.
• Look for simple, GST-ready invoicing to save time at tax time.
• Choose a card with spend controls if you have a team.
• Consider rewards and payment flexibility for extra value.

For NZ gardeners and landscapers, the right fuel card isn’t just about saving a few cents at the pump, it’s about making your business run smoother, saving time on admin, and keeping more money in your pocket. CardSmart is a popular choice amongst landscapers thanks to its sizable discount and network size, but take a moment to compare all the main providers and features to find the card that fits your business best. With the right card in your wallet, you’ll spend less time worrying about fuel costs and paperwork, and more time doing what you love – growing beautiful gardens and happy customers.

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Ready to find the best fuel card for your gardening or landscaping business? Check your eligibility and compare options to discover the right fit for your team, your routes, and your bottom line.

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*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.