Some fuel companies issue their own fleet cards, called branded cards. Other fuel companies partner with payment card companies like VISA and Mastercard to offer extra fuel card services. These universal fleet cards give your fleet wider coverage than a lot of fuel cards for companies based in specific regions. In short, consider opting for a universal fuel card if: You have a large fleet that operates across a wider area than any single fuel company covers You want drivers to be able to make non-fuel related purchases anywhere that accepts VISA or Mastercard You want the option to earn rewards and the flexibility to shop around for fuel Likewise, think about going for a branded fuel card if: You have a small or mid-sized fleet that operates at a local or interstate level You’re happy to rely on a single company for the bulk of your fueling needs You plan to utilize their rewards schemes and fuel rebates to save money All five of our favorite fuel card companies offer brilliant branded and universal options.