Commercial fuel card providers are increasingly coming under pressure from corporate cards which are providing a widening array of benefits. In response issuers of commercial fuel cards need to innovate to increase card uptake, especially within the SME sector. Based on Datamonitor's in-house research, this brief identifies the areas where fuel card issuers can gain a competitive advantage.

Scope

A quantitative analysis of the growth rates of corporate cards and commercial fuel cards across Europe. An assessment of the facilities provided by corporate cards which are popular among small and medium sized businesses. An understanding of how oil companies have innovated in their commercial card offerings to win the custom of smaller businesses.

Highlights

Although there are more commercial fuel cards than corporate cards in Europe, between 2000 and 2005, the number of corporate cards on the European market increased year-on-year at a rate of 5% above that of commercial fuel cards. Corporate cards incorporate a wide range of facilities and benefits that are attractive to SMEs; examples include multi-retailer loyalty programmes, account management, planning facilities and even fuel discounts, especially if offered by supermarkets. Selected oil companies such as BP, Total and Ultramar have responded to the threat of corporate credit cards by expanding their commercial fuel card offerings to include credit card functionality and multi-retailer loyalty schemes.

Reasons to Purchase

Understand the extent to which corporate cards are growing in popularity and the relative weaknesses of existing commercial fuel card propositions. Gain insight into innovative corporate credit cards in Europe and understand the main features which should be applied to your commercial fuel card. Learn why certain businesses choose not to use commercial fuel cards and how they currently purchase their fuel.