Last Updated October 2, 2025
Turn your unpaid invoices into working capital for your business
Of the many financial concerns associated with running a trucking business, few are more pertinent to your day-to-day operations than obtaining a fuel card. Fuel cards are not only convenient for filling your rig, but they can also help you unlock a variety of discounts and give you greater control and oversight over fuel-related expenses.
However, much like other aspects of funding your business, fuel cards often require a credit check. And if you don’t have good credit, some fuel cards may not be available to you.
Fortunately, there are business fuel cards with no credit check required as well. Here’s what you should know about fuel cards for owner-operators with bad credit.
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In-Summary: No Credit Check Business Fuel Cards
A bad credit score doesn’t mean you can’t get a fleet fuel card. By looking into no credit check business fuel card options such as prepaid cards, debit cards, and fuel cards for owner-operators with bad credit, you can find a solution that fits your current financial picture.
Plus, by pairing these options with freight factoring, you can effectively manage fuel costs as you take on new shipments. Worst-case, you can use a credit card instead of a fuel card in the interim.
Of course, you should always look for ways to improve your business credit score so you can eventually qualify for fuel cards that require a credit check.
No Credit Check Fuel Cards FAQs
How do you check your trucking business credit score?
You can check your trucking business’s credit score through one of the three major commercial credit bureaus—Dun & Bradstreet, Experian, and Equifax. For a small fee, you can obtain a comprehensive report of your business’s credit score and history so you can fix any errors or identify areas for improvement.
What is the minimum credit score to qualify for a business fuel card?
Generally speaking, most fuel card providers require a minimum credit score of 580 to qualify for a business fuel card. Exact requirements may vary between providers. With a higher credit score, you will be able to qualify for a higher line of credit and a more favorable interest rate.
What is the best business fuel card for owner-operators with bad credit?
Truckers with bad credit who are looking for business fuel cards with no credit check should start by exploring prepaid fuel cards. Because the card is not directly linked to your business bank account, it is more secure than a debit card. And because you top off the money yourself rather than borrowing it as you would with a credit card, you don’t have to pay a deposit or bond payment as you would with a bad credit fuel card.
Jennifer Lockett is the Freight Factoring Operations Manager at altLINE, the factoring division of The Southern Bank Company. Jennifer joined altLINE to spearhead the launch of the company’s new freight factoring program, bringing with her eight years of experience in the factoring industry and 18 years in the general trucking industry. Her firsthand experience working closely with drivers over the years has allowed her to carefully evaluate situations from a carrier’s point of view and navigate challenges effectively.
