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Launch of BSA Fuel Cards
Posted 27 October 2015 | 
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Nobody goes into business to do paperwork or have to spend time keeping on top of a key business expense like fuel, so by having a fuel card through the BSA Buying Group, you can be assured of the control, security and convenience of branded fuel sites, with the opportunity to make savings against pump prices combined with one simple invoice for all fuel purchases meaning no VAT goes unclaimed.
What is an Fuel Card?
A BSA Fuel Card is a secure method of payment for fuel (and oil etc, if required) and they are issued on behalf of fuel companies to businesses to control their refuelling.
One of the key developments within the fuel card arena is that as travel is changing, there is demand for more and more products and services, which will be included on cards, such as Tolls, tyres etc. These will be available soon.
How much do I pay for the fuel?
On a fixed price fuel card you are given a weekly fixed price for fuel, which is effective at the garages which accept that card (and not all do). The savings will be different, depending on the pump price at each site, so on the motorway, the price that you pay may be 15ppl cheaper than the pump price, but at a local site there may be 2ppl saving. It is not a discount, but a weekly fixed price and you do NOT pay the price that the pump displays, but the price which you are sent each week, in advance.
For fleet cards, you will pay pump price and for the Allstar network, you will pay pump price and a Network Service Fee of £2 per transaction, but in return you get access to 95% of fuel stations in the UK. It is traditionally used as an administration tool, to claim VAT and provide secure payment.
How does it work?
After a simple application process, where you speak to a dedicated BSA Fuel Card Consultant, who advises you on the best network for your requirements, you receive your cards, have the weekly fixed price sent to you on a Friday for the following week and then use the cards at the relevant stations as payment. You are then billed by the card issuer for your fuel, with a breakdown of all purchases - where, when, which card, fuel volume, price etc. and payment is then taken by direct debit a week later. Businesses (Sole Trader, Partnership or Limited) who apply will be put through a credit check.
How do I know where I can use the card?
We send you those details of where you use the cards and it depends on which card you chose. For example our Esso card can be used at all Esso branded stations. Shell, however, offer around 500 stations (about half of all Shell sites) at a weekly fixed price. We give you Satelite Navigation files which you can upload as points of interest, an online site locator and can send you a list of sites, as required. In reality, drivers tend to use a couple of local stations and a handful of others when out on the road.
What are the Benefits?
- There are many benefits for businesses by using fuel cards:
- Administration - no lost receipts, no cash floats - just one invoice and one payment.
- Control - you know where and when the cards have been used and by going online, you can see recent fill ups and monitor fuel use.
- Security - cards can be tied to vehicles - so you know the fuel is going into your vehicles.
- Savings - we offer a weekly fixed price at many sites, so you can save up to 3p per litre or as much as 15p per litre at motorway sites, which may be convenient, but at pump price you wouldn't use.
- Branded fuel - we offer BP, Shell, Esso & Texaco brands, as well as commercial networks such as UK Fuels and Keyfuels, so you know that you are getting a quality product.
- You know the price in advance, so you can budget and drivers are not making the price decision. Would your business buy anything else without knowing the price beforehand ?
- No dead mileage - how many times do drivers come off route to use a cheap supermarket site, so after extra mileage, driving and queuing time at a busy site, they have saved 2p per litre at the pump, but cost 10p per litre in lost time and extra mileage !
- A FREE Fuel Analysis Exclusive to BSA Buying Group Members - we will analyse your fuel spending patterns and make recommendations on your fuel usage, highlighting savings.
- A Dedicated Account Manager - you speak to a real person in the UK who knows your account and can solve issues there and then.
- Compliance - we hold all your invoices for six years, so you have no lost paperwork.
- Coverage - we give you a high percentage of main road and motorway sites, many open 24 hours, to meet your needs.
- Credit terms on your purchases
- No minimum spend, no low or non usage fees
- Free cards in the first year (then £4 per card per year thereafter) - a special discount for BSA Buying Group Members
- Online access to your account 24/7
- Sat Nav files with all the information that you need - 24 hours, HGV lane, Shop, WC etc.
- Free one year membership of The Gourmet Society (worth £72) giving savings at thousands of restaurants.
Summary
Fuel Cards are a flexible, secure payment method for businesses, which allow drivers access to fuel and vehicle related products (if required). There are different pricing policies and differing levels of coverage, depending on the network, so you must look at your requirements and priorities and assess what is the best option for your business.
How do I take advantage of this benefit?
To take up these benefits, you need to be a member of BSA Buying Group. To join, simply call 0800 254 0344 or complete the enquiry form. Joining is very quick and easy, and gives you immediate access to all 24 cost categories.
by M Roper | 27 October 2015
