We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.

This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

The MSE Forum Team would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas. However, we know this time of year can be difficult for some. If you're struggling during the festive period, here's a list of organisations that might be able to help
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
Has MSE helped you to save or reclaim money this year? Share your 2025 MoneySaving success stories!

Personal Fuel Cards

tick1986
tick1986 Posts: 10 Forumite
Second Anniversary
Hi all,

Am just after some advice. My company is moving from company car (where they provide you with a car) to car allowance (I get £600 before tax a month to provide my own car including servicing, insurance, tyres etc).

The problem I see is that with my company car I get a fuel card and then tell the company how many of those are personal or business. With car allowance I will have to pay for my fuel and then claim it back.

I know my company is not great at paying these expenses on time and can take up to 6 weeks (or more) to do it. If I get a credit card I would have to pay out of my money which I would rather not do.

My question is whether anyone knows of a fuel card which can be paid quarterly (or similar) so I can build up my expenses claim and pay it all off at once? Rather then a credit card where I run the risk of charges.

TIA x

Comments

  • daveyjp
    daveyjp Posts: 13,847 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    If it is taking 6 weeks to refund fuel charges simply remove use of your car. Its unacceptable for an employee to subsidise a business.
  • tick1986
    tick1986 Posts: 10 Forumite
    Second Anniversary
    I totally agree! Considering our policy states 14 days max. Its infuriating to hear especially when I, as an employee, is expected to hit deadlines.
  • Bigphil1474
    Bigphil1474 Posts: 3,819 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    OP, I have been in a scheme like the one you are moving to for over 20 years, although not as generous as yours. I put a claim in at the end of the month, for the calendar month, and it gets paid on the 16th of the next month in my wage, so is up to 6 weeks counting from day 1. Pretty standard in the public sector where I work. Bear in mind that the mileage payments are normally paid tax free, but reduce your tax free allowance retrospectively if there's a benefit in kind at the end of the year.
    Most credit cards give you up to 6 weeks to pay, so why not see if you can get your CC payment date changed to coincide with your pay day (+ a couple of days). I did use to use a credit card for petrol only, and it generally worked okay, but stopped as my mileage started being quite variable, so some months I wouldn't get enough to pay the balance, and sometimes more.
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 352.9K Banking & Borrowing
  • 253.9K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 454.7K Spending & Discounts
  • 246K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 602.1K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 177.8K Life & Family
  • 259.9K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.7K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.