The Overlooked Expense That Adds Up Fast
If you’re a sole trader in the UK, chances are you’ve already had a few moments where you stared at your monthly expenses and thought, “Wait, how did I spend that much on fuel?” It’s sneaky. You’re running between client sites, picking up supplies, maybe doing deliveries. And every stop at the pump chips away at your profit.
Fuel isn’t just a cost. It’s a variable. It fluctuates. It’s hard to track. And for sole traders who don’t have a finance department or a dedicated admin, it can be a real pain to manage. That’s where things start to shift, not dramatically, but practically.
The Rise of Smarter Tools for the Self-Employed
Let’s talk about what’s actually happening. In 2025, the UK fuel card market is expected to grow steadily, with industry revenue reaching £108.3 million. That’s not explosive, but it’s consistent. It’s being driven by small businesses and sole traders who are seeking more effective ways to manage their fuel spend.
Why now? Because the tools have evolved. Fuel cards aren’t just for big fleets anymore. They’re being tailored for individuals, such as electricians, mobile hairdressers, and freelance couriers—people who drive for work but don’t have a team behind them.
The Sole Trader Reality
You’re juggling everything. Invoicing, marketing, client calls, and actual work. And then there’s the admin. Receipts. Mileage logs. VAT claims. It’s exhausting.
Fuel cards simplify that. You get one card. You use it at the pump. The transaction gets logged automatically. You get HMRC-compliant invoices. You can download your fuel spend in minutes, no more digging through glove compartments for crumpled receipts.
And the savings? They’re real. Some cards offer up to 10p off per litre. That might not sound like much, but over the course of a year, it adds up, especially if you’re driving daily.
The Numbers Behind the Shift
In 2023, 40,400 new fuel cards were issued in the UK, bringing the total number of active cards to 3.6 million. Out of those, nearly 19% were held by CRT vehicles. That’s courier, rental, and trades. A significant portion of that is made up of sole traders.
And the market’s not slowing down. Forecasts suggest fuel card volumes will grow to 8.4 billion litres by 2028. That’s a lot of fuel. And a lot of data.
Because that’s the other piece. Fuel cards aren’t just about payment. They’re about insight. You can track where you’re spending, when, and how much. You can spot patterns. Maybe you’re filling up more often than you thought. Perhaps you’re driving inefficient routes. Maybe your vehicle’s guzzling more than it should.
The Tech That’s Making It Easier
Most fuel card providers now offer mobile apps. You can check your balance, find nearby stations, and download reports. Some even integrate with accounting software. So your fuel spend flows straight into your books.
And if you’re driving an EV? There are cards for that, too. EV charge cards let you pay for electricity at charging stations and track your usage. It’s not just about petrol and diesel anymore.
Digital wallet integration is also on the rise. You can add your card to your phone and pay contactlessly. No need to carry plastic. No need to queue. Just tap and go.
The Admin Gamechanger
Let’s be real. Admin is the worst part of being self-employed. You didn’t become a sole trader to spend your evenings sorting receipts. Fuel cards cut that down. You get one invoice. It’s itemised. It’s VAT-friendly. You can plug it straight into your tax return.
And if you’re ever audited? You’ve got the records. Clean, digital, organised. That peace of mind is worth more than any discount.
The Security Side
Fraud is a concern. Cards get lost. Details get skimmed. But fuel cards come with PINs, transaction alerts, and geo-tracking capabilities. You can lock a card remotely. You can set spending limits. You can restrict usage to fuel only.
For sole traders, that kind of control is huge. You’re not just protecting your money, you’re protecting your business.
The Catch (Because There’s Always One)
Not every card is perfect. Some have monthly fees. Others only work at certain stations. If you’re in a rural area, coverage can be patchy. You might have to drive out of your way to find a compatible pump.
Some cards are built for fleets. They come with features you’ll never use. So, you have to choose carefully. Look at your routes. Look at your fuel spend. Look at your admin needs. Then pick a card that fits.
The Best Fit for Sole Traders
According to iCompario’s 2025 comparison, some of the top cards for sole traders include FuelGenie, UK Business Buddy, and Shell Multi-Network. FuelGenie is free and works at supermarkets. UK Business Buddy offers up to 12p per litre savings. Shell’s card has wide coverage and fixed weekly pricing.
Each has its pros and cons. Some are better for local driving. Others for long hauls. Some offer loyalty points. Others focus on discounts. It depends on your business.
The Bigger Picture
Fuel cards are part of a broader shift in the industry. Sole traders are adopting tools that were once reserved for large companies. Expense tracking. Digital payments. Real-time analytics.
It’s not about being fancy. It’s about being efficient. You’re running a business. You need systems. You need visibility. You need to know where your money’s going.
And fuel? That’s a big part of it.
The Keyword That Matters
So, yeah, maybe you’ve heard the term’ fuel cards for sole traders‘ tossed around. It sounds niche. But it’s not. It’s a growing market. It’s a practical solution.
Meanwhile, it’s helping thousands of self-employed people save time, save money, and run smarter businesses.
Chief Takeaways
You don’t need a fleet to benefit from a fuel card. You just need a vehicle. And a business. And a desire to make things easier.
Fuel cards aren’t glamorous. They won’t change your life overnight. But they’ll make your day-to-day smoother. They’ll cut down your admin. They’ll give you control.
And in 2025, that’s what being a sole trader is all about.
