Comdata vs. Shell Fleet Plus – Business Fuel Cards Compared

(July 2024)

Comdata-vs.-Shell-Fleet-Plus

Table of Contents

Our Verdict

In this comparison between Comdata and Shell Fleet Plus business fuel cards, there is no clear winner.

Comdata suits trucking and OTR companies needing comprehensive payment solutions. It offers you significant fuel discounts, spending controls, and Mastercard acceptance. However, be aware of potential fee opacity and past customer service issues.

Shell Fleet Plus is ideal for your business if you seek fuel savings at Shell stations and Jiffy Lube. It has no monthly or annual fees, provides a 15% Jiffy Lube discount, and offers account management tools. But note its limited network coverage and potential hidden fees.

Evaluate your travel routes, fuel locations, and the importance of transparent fees and responsive service.

Make sure your choice aligns with your business goals and operations.

Why Choose Comdata Business Fuel Cards
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Who Comdata Is Best For

Comdata business fuel card is good for your business if you:

  • Want control and monitoring tools for driver spending.
  • Prioritize Managing cash flow and credit.
  • Prefer to stay compliant and access reporting tools
  • Require nationwide Mastercard® acceptance for fuel and maintenance purchases.

Who Comdata Is Not Right For

Comdata business fuel card is not suitable for your business if you:

  • Seek a clear fee structure.
  • Expect responsive customer service every time.
  • Need a versatile payment solution.
Why Choose Shell Fleet Plus Business Fuel Cards
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Who Shell Fleet Plus Is Best For

Shell Fleet Plus business fuel card benefits you if you:

  • Seek fuel savings at various stations
  • Prefer no monthly, annual, or card fees, plus discounts
  • Want online/mobile account management, purchase controls, and alerts
  • Value fraud prevention with driver IDs and purchase controls
  • Need the convenience of Mastercard® network acceptance

Who Shell Fleet Plus Is Not Right For

Shell Fleet Plus business fuel card may not be suitable if you:

  • Need Extensive Network Coverage
  • Require Transparent Fees
  • Value Reliable Customer Service
Main Differences

Ideal For

Comdata business fuel card is perfect for trucking and OTR businesses seeking a comprehensive payment solution for fuel and expenses.

Shell Fleet Plus business fuel card is for businesses needing flexible payments at Shell stations and Jiffy Lube.

Pricing

With Comdata business fuel cards, you need to contact for fees but watch out for potential hidden charges.

Shell Fleet Plus business fuel card requires no monthly, annual, or card fees, but look out for hidden fees also.

Accounting Integration

Comdata business fuel card comes with custom industry-leading tools for spending control, real-time alerts, and fraud prevention. You are also able to manage cash flow and credit with flexible terms.

Shell Fleet Plus business fuel card offers unique online tools for account management, purchase limits, and reports. Monitor purchases with driver IDs and controls.

Standout Features

With Comdata business fuel card, you can access fuel discounts at 8,000+ truck stops and nationwide acceptance on Mastercard network.

Shell Fleet Plus allows saving up to 6¢ per gallon at 13,000+ Shell stations, plus a 15%  Jiffy Lube discount.

Standout Features

Comdata Business Fuel Cards

Fuel Discounts

Access discounts on fuel at more than 8,000 truck stops within the Comdata national network. Save an average of up to $0.25 per gallon with a Comdata card.

Spending Control and Monitoring

Control and monitor your drivers’ spending effectively. Customize card limits, receive real-time alerts, and employ robust fraud prevention measures. Additionally, manage cash flow and enhance your credit profile.

Compliance Support

Ensure compliance with tax, licensing, and permit requirements using Comdata’s comprehensive services.

Nationwide Acceptance

Enjoy nationwide acceptance on the Mastercard® network for fuel and maintenance purchases at over 400,000 locations.

Shell Fleet Plus Business Fuel Cards

Fuel Savings

Enjoy savings of up to 6¢ per gallon on fuel purchases at over 13,000 Shell stations across the U.S., the largest retail fueling network in the nation.

Fee-Free

Benefit from a card with no monthly fee, no annual fee, and no card fee. Plus, receive a 15% discount at Jiffy Lube on the posted retail price of oil changes and preventative services.

Account Management

Set purchase limits, view reports, activate or cancel cards, and receive alerts.

Payment Flexibility

Shell Fleet Plus card enables you to accept payments on the widely accepted Mastercard® network, spanning over 400,000 locations nationwide.

Types

Comdata Business Fuel Cards

Comdata Card

Take immediate action to access generous fleet discounts. Its user-friendly charge card provides you with various advantages.

Save up to $.25 per gallon on fuel purchases at TA Petro and lower reward rates at Pilot Flying J, Love’s, AMBEST, Speedway, and 7-Eleven locations. Strengthen your business credit profile. Embrace this popular and reliable solution. Enhance your cash flow through credit.

Comdata Connect Card

Skip the hassle of credit checks to access the discounts and perks you’re entitled to. Simply link your bank account, credit card, or debit card to the prefunded Comdata Connect Card.

Pay the cash price and save up to an extra $.25 per gallon at TA Petro, $.10 at Pilot Flying J, and $.08 at Love’s, AMBEST, Speedway / 7-Eleven locations. Never worry about late fees again. Gain approval without the need for credit checks. Instantly load funds onto your card.

However, it is not available in Washington D.C., California, Hawaii, Alaska, Nevada, and Oklahoma.

Comdata Fleet Card

Comdata Fleet Card is your all-in-one answer for diesel fuel management. Take charge of your drivers’ fuel expenses with advanced reporting and spending controls. It’s eligible at a vast network of over 8,000 locations, and you also benefit from 24/7 driver support and convenient online account management.

Enjoy coverage at renowned locations such as Pilot, Flying J, Loves, AMBEST, Speedway, and 7-Eleven, making it the ideal choice for efficient fleet fuel management.

Comdata Mastercard

Comdata Mastercard simplifies your fuel, electric charging, and maintenance expenses with one card that serves dual networks, granting you access to a wide range of fuel and maintenance locations.

This card allows you to buy fuel at even more locations through the Mastercard network, often at cash price rates. Additionally, it offers an extensive network of charging stations for electric and hybrid fleets, making it a comprehensive solution for your transportation needs.

Comdata OnRoad Card

Comdata OnRoad Card streamlines the management of extensive fleet expenses and driver funds, blending the Comdata Proprietary Network’s control capabilities with the ease of paperless transactions.

It’s a versatile business and banking card, widely acceptable everywhere, equipped with tools like OneLook & Proximity to support your business growth and security.

Shell Fleet Plus Business Fuel Cards

Shell Fleet Plus Card

Streamline your payments for fuel and other expenses at Shell stations and participating Jiffy Lube locations. Start saving up to 6¢ per gallon on your fuel purchases at a whopping 13,000 Shell stations all across the United States.

Plus, don’t miss out on a fantastic 15% discount at Jiffy Lube for oil changes and preventative services. And guess what? You also get to enjoy the incredible benefits of Mastercard, like zero liability protection, identity theft resolution services, and extended warranty coverage.

Shell Small Business Card

Simplify the way you manage your fuel expenses for your business. Score awesome fuel savings of up to 5¢ per gallon at over 13,000 Shell stations nationwide, and enjoy a 15% Jiffy Lube discount.

But that’s not all – you gain access to online and mobile tools that make tracking your spending, setting purchase limits, and viewing reports very easy. What’s better? You pay zero transaction fees.

Shell Fleet Navigator Card

Use this card if you run a large fleet looking to supercharge your fuel efficiency and performance. Save up to 5¢ per gallon monthly.

With this card, you can make payments at a whopping 400,000 locations all over the country that accept MasterCard, including those 13,000 Shell stations. Enjoy the B2B loyalty program at eligible Shell retailers.

Also, you have the upper hand with advanced reporting and analytics tools to keep a close eye on fuel consumption, emissions, and driver behavior.

Pros and Cons of Comdata

Pros

  • Grants significant fuel discounts at 8,000+ truck stops
  • Empowers you with tools for precise driver spending control.
  • Offers flexible payment options for better cash flow management.
  • Assists in maintaining compliance with tax, licensing, and permits.
  • Provides nationwide acceptance on the Mastercard® network for fuel and maintenance purchases at 400,000+ locations. Make the smart choice with Comdata.

Cons

  • Lacks transparency of its fees on its website.
  • Has a history of poor customer service with long wait times, unhelpful representatives, and unresolved issues.
  • Faces complaints of unauthorized deductions from accounts and failure to honor rebates.
Pros and Cons of Shell Fleet Plus

Pros

  • Saves you up to 6¢ per gallon at over 13,000 Shell stations nationwide.
  • Lacks monthly fees, annual fees, or card fees.
  • Gives you a 15% discount at Jiffy Lube for oil changes and preventative services.
  • Provides convenient online and mobile tools for account management, purchase limits, and reports.
  • Enhances security with features like driver IDs and purchase controls.
  • Accepts payments on the widely acceptable Mastercard® network at 400,000+ locations.
  • Offers Mastercard benefits including zero liability protection, identity theft resolution, and extended warranty coverage

Cons

  • Offers limited network coverage, especially in the Mountain Time Zone, Midwest, and South.
  • Provides a low reward rate with rebates ranging from just 1¢ to 6¢ per gallon, capped at $300 per billing cycle, limiting potential savings for large fleets.
  • Contains hidden fees, surcharges, and unexpected charges.
  • Offers poor customer service experiences, including long wait times, unhelpful representatives, and unresolved issues.
Customer Reviews

Both Comdata and Shell Fleet Plus have similar customer reviews on Trustpilot.

On Trustpilot, Comdata has a rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars

Comdata receives negative reviews of billing fees, citing hidden fees and poor service.

With Trustpilot, Shell has 1.6 out of 5 stars.

Shell receives overwhelmingly negative reviews focusing on high prices and poor service quality.

Competitors

WEX Fleet Card

Enjoy customizable reports, online/mobile access, and driver IDs for each transaction. Plus, you unlock extra discounts on fuel, hotels, and more.

ExxonMobil BusinessPro Card

If customization is your preference, this fleet card program lets you choose rebates, fees, payment terms, and purchase controls. It’s widely accepted at Exxon and Mobil stations, and it provides online/mobile account management tools.

Fuelman Simple Saver Fleet Card

Get up to $.08 per gallon in rebates at over 50,000 Fuelman network locations with this card. Enjoy purchase controls, real-time reporting, fraud protection, and no card fees.

Pro Tips

Compare Fees Carefully

When evaluating business fuel cards, pay close attention to fees. Contact providers directly to get a clear understanding of all associated costs, including any potential hidden fees or surcharges. Make sure the card’s fee structure aligns with your budget and usage.

Assess Network Coverage

Consider the geographical coverage of the fuel card network. Ensure it suits your business’s travel routes and fueling needs. If your operations span multiple regions, choose a card with a broader network.

Prioritize Customer Service

Read customer reviews and gather feedback on the responsiveness and helpfulness of the card provider’s customer service team. Reliable customer support is crucial when dealing with issues or inquiries.

Evaluate Rewards and Discounts

Look beyond just fuel discounts. Assess the overall rewards program, including the potential for cashback, rebates, or discounts on other services like maintenance or repairs. Determine which rewards fit your business’s spending habits.

Consider Reporting and Management Tools

Opt for a card that offers robust reporting and account management tools. These features help you track expenses, monitor driver spending, and make better financial decisions.

Review Security Features

Prioritize security features like driver IDs and purchase controls to safeguard against fraud and unauthorized spending. Enhanced security measures protect your business from unexpected losses.

Explore Acceptance Beyond Fuel

While fuel is a primary expense, consider a card that extends its usability to cover other business expenses such as tolls, lodging, and maintenance. Versatility streamlines your payment processes.

Read the Fine Print

Thoroughly review the terms and conditions of the card agreement. Understand any limitations, restrictions, or conditions that may apply, especially regarding rewards, discounts, and fees.

Seek Flexibility

Choose a card that offers flexibility in payment terms and credit options. This is valuable for managing cash flow and accommodating your business’s financial needs.

Plan for Growth

Think about your business’s future growth and how the card scales with your needs. Consider whether the card provider can accommodate an expanding fleet and changing requirements.

Stay Informed

Keep yourself updated on any changes in the card’s terms, fees, or rewards. Regularly review your card’s performance to ensure it continues to meet your business’s needs.

Explore Alternative Options

Don’t limit your choices to just one provider. Explore the offerings of multiple business fuel card providers and compare them thoroughly before making a final decision.

Recap

If you’re in the trucking or OTR business and want fuel discounts at 8,000+ truck stops with control tools, Comdata is your pick. But watch out for hidden fees.

On the other hand, Shell Fleet Plus is perfect for savings at 13,000+ Shell stations, with no monthly fees, and a 15% Jiffy Lube discount, but be wary of limited network coverage and potential hidden costs.

Both Comdata and Shell Fleet Plus have pros and cons, so consider alternatives like WEX, ExxonMobil, or Fuelman for a well-rounded choice.

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