The way people work in the UK has changed. Over the past decade, there has been a noticeable shift away from traditional employment. More people are working for themselves, picking up jobs through apps and platforms in what’s now commonly known as the gig economy.

Whether it’s delivering food, parcels or passengers, this growing sector of the workforce earns based on the jobs they complete rather than receiving a set wage. It offers flexibility, independence and a way to work on your own terms. But with that comes a lack of benefits and financial stability.

For gig economy workers, every penny counts. Fuel is often one of the largest costs they face, especially for drivers and couriers. That’s where fuel cards come in. These cards, once used mainly by haulage firms and company fleets, are now finding new relevance among self-employed workers looking to cut costs and manage their fuel spending more effectively.

Legal Issues and Ongoing Challenges

There’s been plenty of debate around the status of gig economy workers. In many cases, drivers and riders have taken legal action to secure rights similar to those of full-time employees. These include sick pay, paid holidays, minimum wage protection and access to pension schemes.

The outcome of these legal battles has varied. Some companies have been ordered to treat their workers as employees, while others continue to operate with a self-employed model. Whatever the legal outcome, the day-to-day reality for gig workers is that they are responsible for their own expenses. This includes fuel, maintenance, insurance and sometimes even tax reporting.

In this environment, finding tools that reduce costs and save time can have a big impact. Fuel cards are becoming a practical option.

A Sector on the Rise

The gig economy shows no signs of slowing down. Around 15 percent of the UK workforce now identifies as self-employed, and a large number of those people are working in gig-style roles.

Companies like Uber, Bolt and Deliveroo have made this model mainstream. With thousands of drivers and riders on the roads every day, the demand for cost-saving tools has grown.

Take the example of an Uber driver. After platform fees and other deductions, they might earn just over £1,100 in a busy month. With around 20 percent of that going towards fuel, even a small reduction in fuel costs can make a noticeable difference to their bottom line.

Deliveroo now has over 15,000 riders across the UK, and similar trends are seen in other gig-based companies. The more miles driven, the more relevant fuel savings become. And with fluctuating fuel prices, having access to stable, discounted rates is a real bonus.

What Are Fuel Cards and How Can They Help?

A fuel card works like a payment card but is used specifically to buy fuel. There are two main types: pump price cards and fixed price cards.

A pump price card charges exactly what is shown at the fuel station. A fixed price card, on the other hand, offers a set price for fuel, often updated weekly. This helps protect against sudden price rises.

For gig economy workers, using a fuel card can lead to real savings. But there are other benefits too. For example, the admin around fuel expenses is greatly reduced. Rather than saving paper receipts and manually calculating costs, all purchases are logged and can be accessed through online portals.

Some cards also come with other useful features like breakdown cover or the option to pay for tolls. This can be especially handy for drivers who spend long hours on the road.

Comparing the Alternatives

Not everyone in the gig economy uses a fuel card. Some still rely on debit cards, petty cash or personal credit cards. Here’s a closer look at how these options compare.

Petty Cash / Debit Cards

Negatives:

• No credit terms, so you pay upfront for every fuel purchase
• No HMRC-compliant invoices, making it harder to manage tax returns
• No discounts on fuel, meaning higher day-to-day costs

Positives:

• Can be used at any fuel station
• No restrictions or card-specific rules

Credit Cards

Negatives:

• Still no HMRC-compliant invoicing
• Fuel is paid at full pump price

Positives:

• Can offer monthly payment terms
• Accepted widely, including non-fuel purchases
• May offer cashback or rewards from the card issuer

Why Fuel Cards Are Gaining Popularity

One of the big appeals of fuel cards is the ability to budget more effectively. Knowing the price of fuel in advance makes it easier to plan weekly costs. And because all transactions are recorded, it’s simple to see where your money is going.

Another plus is the reduction in admin. For gig economy workers who do their own accounts, having a single digital record of fuel expenses saves time and lowers the chance of error. You don’t have to worry about losing receipts or sorting through your glovebox at tax time.

Some fuel cards also give longer payment terms, which can help with cash flow. If you’re waiting for platform payments to clear, having a few extra days before your fuel payment is due can make a difference.

Do Fuel Cards Suit Everyone?

The gig economy is made up of a wide range of people. Some drive full-time while others work just a few hours a week. This means a fuel card might be ideal for some but not for others.

If you’re on the road every day, the benefits can quickly outweigh the small monthly card fee. But for those only driving occasionally, it might not offer as much value.

That said, with so many fuel cards on the market, there’s likely an option that suits different usage levels. Some cards offer nationwide access, while others focus on major chains with higher discounts. Some come with extra services, while others keep it simple.

What to Look for in a Fuel Card

When choosing a fuel card as a gig worker, think about:

• Where you usually fill up
• Whether you prefer a fixed or pump-based price
• What kind of payment terms you need
• Whether you want extras like breakdown cover
• How often you drive

The best card will match your driving habits and financial needs. If you often travel long distances, a card with wide network access makes sense! If you work mostly in a city, local coverage might be more important.

Fuel Cards Are Evolving

Fuel cards are not static. Providers are always updating their offerings. Some now allow contactless payment, digital access through mobile apps or the ability to track carbon emissions.

This evolution makes them even more relevant for gig economy workers who are tech-savvy and rely on mobile tools to run their working lives. Cards that integrate with apps or offer digital dashboards can give a clear picture of spending in real time.

Making the Switch

If you’re currently paying full price for fuel and handling everything manually, it might be time to consider a better way. Fuel cards are not just for big companies anymore. They’re practical tools for independent workers who want to cut costs and stay organised.

With more people entering the gig economy every month, the ability to run a lean, efficient operation is key. Fuel cards can be part of that toolkit.

Conclusion: Compare Fuel Cards and Start Saving

As gig work becomes more common, the tools and services available to support independent workers are catching up. Fuel cards offer savings, convenience and control - all things that matter when you’re managing your own business.

At Expert Compare, we help gig workers and self-employed drivers find fuel cards that match their work style. Whether you're making deliveries, driving passengers or running errands, we can help you find a card that works for you.

Use our comparison tool to explore the best fuel card options available today and start saving money on every mile.