Murphy USA has introduced two new business fuel cards as part of its effort to expand fuel payment options for companies that may struggle to qualify for traditional fleet card programs.
According to a company announcement, the retailer launched the Murphy USA Business Fuel card and the QuickChek Business Fuel card through commercial fuel payments and technology platform AtoB. The cards are aimed at smaller or newer businesses and are expected to offer lower fees than traditional fleet cards.
Features included with the new fuel cards
Murphy USA says the new cards include several tools commonly found in established fleet fuel programs. These features include advanced reporting, real-time spending controls, and instant fraud alerts.
The cards also come with a fuel incentive during the first year. According to the announcement, users will receive a 20-cent-per-gallon fuel discount for that period.
The company stated that the cards are intended for smaller or newer businesses that may have difficulty qualifying for or affording traditional fleet fuel cards.
Prepaid and hybrid structure replaces traditional approval models
Rather than relying on a standard credit approval process, the new fuel cards are structured as prepaid and hybrid products. This approach allows businesses to access fuel payment tools without being approved for a full credit line at the outset.
As a business builds payment history and credit, the cards can transition into full credit accounts.
“Our new business card program has been upgraded with modern technology, and its affordability opens the door for every business, especially the local ones,” said Keith Emery, Murphy USA vice president of retail fuels.
Additional incentives for QuickChek cardholders
QuickChek Business Fuel card users who enroll in the QuickChek Rewards program will receive 1,000 points and 10 percent off select in-store merchandise.
Murphy USA also noted that businesses currently using the company’s previous business card program can reapply to receive the new benefits offered through the updated cards.
Fuel payment competition continues to grow.
Murphy USA’s expansion into new business fuel cards comes as fuel retailers continue to compete for fleet and professional driver spending.
The company joins other large fuel and convenience retailers, including EG America and BP, in adding fleet fuel cards to their offerings this year. Other operators, such as Maverik and TravelCenters of America, have pursued different strategies, including cardless payment solutions designed for fleet and professional driver use.
What this development means for trucking-related businesses
Fuel remains one of the largest operating expenses for trucking-related businesses. Payment tools that offer reporting, spending controls, and fraud protection without relying solely on traditional credit approval models may provide additional flexibility for companies managing fuel costs and cash flow.
As competition among fuel retailers increases, trucking businesses are likely to see continued changes in how fuel payment products are structured, priced, and made available.
Source: C-Store Dive
