What is a fuel card?
A fuel card is a business debit card that allows you to pay for fuel and often other car expenses. You use it just like your bank card, but the transactions all appear on a single invoice that you can easily process in your administration. This is nice for you as a self-employed person, because you do not have to keep separate receipts and you always have a correct invoice that meets the requirements of the tax authorities. This way, you keep a grip on your expenses and have direct insight into your business costs.
Why a fuel card?
A fuel card gives you peace of mind and structure in your administration. You refuel as usual, but you pay with a card specifically designed for business trips. The costs are automatically collected and periodically invoiced to your company. As a result, you no longer have to search for receipts and can easily reclaim VAT. It gives you control over your costs and ensures that your accounts neatly match what you have spent.
Benefits and discounts
With a fuel card, you often enjoy small benefits that make your administration and cost management easier. You'll especially notice it when you drive a lot or when tight accounting is important to you.
- You can sometimes fill up more cheaply at affiliated stations.
- You will receive one clear summary invoice.
- You will always have an accurate VAT statement for your tax return.
- You avoid mistakes by not having to keep loose receipts.
VAT with a fuel card
As a business owner, you can reclaim the VAT on fuel, provided the costs are business-related. Because a fuel card gives you an accurate invoice that clearly shows what you have refuelled and how much VAT you have paid, you can easily process this in your tax return. No matter how much you refuel or how often; the invoice gives you exactly the information you need. This makes it easier for you to keep your records balanced and make error-free VAT returns.
Invoice processing in your accounts
You include the invoice in your records, book the fuel costs and deduct the VAT as input tax. As it is one clear invoice, this is fast and hassle-free. So you avoid losing receipts or incomplete data.
Compare fuel cards (incl. costs)
| Provider | Monthly costs (indication) | Type |
| Tankpas.co.uk | From €4.95 per month | Universal pass, also suitable for business drivers |
| SME Fuel | €10.95 per month | Business pass with large network and additional services |
| Q8 / Tango Liberty Card | € 0 per month | Branded pass, often with no fixed costs |
| MoveMove Mobility Card | €7.50 per month | Fuelling, charging and parking in one card, focused on mobility |
Cheapest fuel card
The cheapest fuel card is usually a pass with no monthly fees that you use at a regular brand you already frequent. This means you pay no fixed charges and keep your costs down. It works especially well if you always fill up at the same places.
Best fuel card
The best fuel card is the one that matches your driving habits. If you drive across the country a lot, then a pass with broad coverage will come in handy. If you drive less, a cheap pass may be just right. The best choice is the one that suits your habits and operations.
Applying for a fuel card as a self-employed person
Applying for a fuel card is easy. You choose a provider, enter your company details and often receive the card within a few days. Once you have it, you can use it immediately when filling up and all transactions will automatically appear in your statement. As a result, you will spend less time on administration and be sure that your invoices are correct. As a self-employed person, you can almost always apply for a fuel card, even if you refuel very little.
Using a fuel card abroad
Not every fuel card works automatically abroad, so you check beforehand whether your card is accepted there. If so, it will work exactly as in the Netherlands and the fuel costs will appear on the same collective invoice. If not, you can simply fill up with your business bank card and keep the receipt for your records. Separate rules apply for VAT on fuel outside the Netherlands, so check carefully afterwards how you process it.
Charging card for self-employed workers
When you drive electric, you don't use a fuel card but a charge card. It works the same way: you charge at a charge point and all your transactions appear on one invoice. You can reclaim VAT on the electricity, as long as the trips are business-related. Many entrepreneurs opt for a combined card that allows you to charge as well as refuel. This makes your administration even easier and ensures that you can always charge or refuel where you need to be.
