Fleet Cards vs. Credit Cards and Which are Better for Plumbers?

For plumbing businesses managing multiple service vehicles, controlling fuel expenses, securing transactions and improving operational efficiency are critical to staying competitive. One key factor is managing fuel purchases — using traditional credit cards or opting for specialized fleet cards. While both offer access to fuel at gas stations across the country, only one delivers robust fleet management tools, security features and meaningful savings tailored to the needs of plumbers.

A fleet card tracks each purchase in real time, associating it with a specific vehicle, employee and location. This level of visibility ensures business owners know exactly where money is going and helps eliminate unauthorized transactions or misuse.

Why the Right Card Matters for Plumbing Businesses

Plumbing companies juggle multiple vehicles, scattered job sites, variable schedules, and fluctuating fuel costs. Tracking every gallon pumped, driver behavior and fuel card use isn’t just an accounting concern — it’s a foundational part of your business’s budgeting, operations, and logistics.

Credit cards may offer convenience, but they’re not designed for fleet-specific tracking, monitoring or control. On the other hand, a WEX fleet card provides tailored solutions that align with your team’s daily service demands.

Key Differences: Fleet Cards vs. Credit Cards

Before we get into the details, here’s a snapshot of the differences between fleet cards and credit cards:

Fleet Card Advantages for Plumbing Fleets

Now, let’s take a look at the advantages of fleet fuel cards in a little more detail — particularly those offered by WEX.

Real-time Fuel Tracking and Monitoring

Plumbers are constantly on the road, responding to residential homes, commercial buildings and emergency calls. A fleet card tracks each purchase in real time, associating it with a specific vehicle, employee and location. This level of visibility ensures business owners know exactly where money is going and helps eliminate unauthorized transactions or misuse.

With WEX’s fleet card options, each fuel transaction includes:

• Time of day and fuel location.
• Odometer readings (for advanced cards).
• Vehicle and driver identification.
• Fuel grade and sales tax details.

These details equip administration teams with actionable data to manage budgets, reduce risk, and support efficiency.

Enhanced Security and Purchase Control

With WEX fleet cards, every purchase has the potential to generate savings.

Plumbers can’t afford to lose time dealing with fraud or unauthorized card usage. Fleet cards provide powerful security features, including:

• Driver PINs at the pump.
• Purchase limits by dollar amount, time of day, fuel type and even location.
• Alerts and real-time blocking for out-of-policy transactions.

These controls help ensure your team follows approved fueling policies while preventing side jobs or personal vehicle fueling on the company’s dime.

Significant Cost Savings through Rebates and Discounts

With WEX fleet cards, every purchase has the potential to generate savings. Plumbers using the WEX FlexCard receive a promotional rebate of 3¢ per gallon for the first six months, while the WEX Fleet Card offers ongoing rebates of up to 3¢ per gallon, depending on fuel volume and usage.

With the WEX Fleet Card, users can get up to 15¢ per gallon fuel rebates when they fuel within the WEX service network.

In addition to fuel savings, approved WEX fleet card accounts have access to exclusive discounts on:

• Auto parts
• Tires
• Hotel stays
• Maintenance services

These added benefits can significantly reduce operational costs over time, offering a measurable return on investment.

Streamlining Reporting and Administration

Fleet managers often struggle with gathering invoices, categorizing expenses and generating clear reports. A credit card may show a charge was made, but it lacks the depth and fleet-specific context plumbing businesses need.

WEX fleet cards offer advanced reporting features, including:

• Purchase activity summaries.
• Custom tax exemption reports.
• Monthly, quarterly, or annual breakdowns by driver or vehicle.
• Exportable reports for bookkeeping software.

These tools reduce administration time and help companies respond to audits, optimize routes and manage vehicle maintenance.

Improved Driver Accountability
Plumbers work independently on the road. Fleet cards help enforce accountability by associating every fuel card transaction with a unique driver PIN, logging usage and restricting purchases outside work hours or approved areas.

With the WEX telematics integration, plumbing companies can even:

• Monitor route efficiency
• Verify time at job sites
• Detect vehicle idling or unauthorized stops

This level of oversight promotes honest behavior, supports driver coaching and enhances fleet operations overall.

Mobile App and On-the-go Management

The WEX mobile app provides plumbers and business owners instant access to account details — whether in the field or the office. Owners and employees can:

• Look up driver IDs or PINs
• Find the lowest fuel prices nearby
• Check available credit
• View transaction history

Managers can add or deactivate cards, set limits, and run reports — all from their phone or desktop dashboard. This real-time access enhances service speed and agility.

Where Credit Cards Fall Short

While traditional credit cards offer familiarity and possibly loyalty points, they simply don’t cater to the needs of field-based businesses like plumbing. They lack:

• Fleet-focused data like vehicle usage and driver accountability
• Control over what can be purchased and by whom
• Support for fuel policy enforcement
• Tailored discounts and rebates tied directly to fuel card usage

Moreover, credit cards expose businesses to higher risks of misuse, overspending, and time-consuming manual tracking that eats into administrative resources.

Choosing the Right Fleet Card for your Plumbing Business

WEX offers two leading options for plumbing companies:

The WEX FlexCard

• Ideal for small or growing fleets
• 3¢ per gallon for 6 months
• No setup fees
• Flexible payment options: pay in full or carry a balance
• Real-time expense tracking

The WEX Fleet Card

• Designed for established operations
• Ongoing fuel rebates up to 3¢ per gallon (up to 15¢ per gallon in the WEX savings network)
• Access to discounts on parts, lodging, services
• Advanced reporting and controls
• Integrated vehicle maintenance and tax exemption tools

Choosing the right card depends on your fleet size, cash flow preferences, and the level of control you need. Both cards are accepted at 95% of U.S. gas stations, providing nationwide access with unmatched purchase controls and efficiency.

The Clear Advantage for Plumbers

For plumbing businesses serious about improving operations, cutting fuel costs, and reducing administrative complexity, a WEX fleet card outperforms a traditional credit card in every meaningful category. From real-time tracking and reporting to driver-level controls and mobile app access, fleet cards are the smarter tool for managing on-the-go fuel expenses.

If your company is ready to streamline operations, secure purchases, and improve fleet management, it’s time to ditch the credit card and upgrade to a fleet card program built for your needs.