Fleet Cards Are Special Purpose Cards Used for Fuel and Maintenance by Companies That Own

In order to service the large and every growing fuel and fleet markets, it is important to understand the inter-related yet different components of this market, who the players are and the unique terminology of this industry.

Fleet Cards

Fleet cards are special purpose cards used for fuel and maintenance by companies that own car or truck fleets.Examples of these companies are: government agencies (post offices, highway patrol, military); delivery services (UPS); companies that deploy vehicles to repair/installation sites (e.g. cable companies, utilities); consumer goods distribution (soft drinks); trucking companies, etc. The purpose of a fleet card is to manage car or truck fleet expenses and provide enhanced reporting (usage and purchase) to fleet managers.

Although there are several issuers of Fleet cards including Visa and MasterCard, the Voyager and Wright Express (WEX) brands comprise at least 90% of Fleet card usage.

Fleet Requirements

Fleet transactions interface with the fleet card issuers and pass required Level III Fleet data through with the transaction. Elavon currently does not have the issuer interface or the ability to pass through the enhanced data. As a result fleet transactions must be authorized through a third party front end.

Fleet Level III Data
Level I and II data elements plus
Odometer Reading
Service Type
Net Fuel Price
Non-Fuel Gross/Net Price
Item Discount Amount
Item Description / Item Commodity Code
Item Unit Cost
Item Quantity
Item Unit of Measure
Item Unit Cost
Item Total

Alliance Data Systems

In order to provide service to the fleet and fuel market, Elavon has partnered with Alliance Data Systems (ADS). ADS specializes in these types of solutions and is one of the nation’s largest providers of transaction services to this industry. They have all the necessary connectivity and technology to authorize fleet card transactions and to pass the Level III data directly to the fleet card issuer.

Voyager Fleet Card

The Voyager Fleet Card is accepted by every major brand of fuel and maintenance provider; is in all 50 states and;used at 230,000+ locations. Voyager's acceptance parallels any major credit card.

Elavon is an acquirer of Voyager and thus funds and provides statements for Voyager transactions like any other card transaction

Voyager is a division of US bank

Voyager rate: 3.15% +$0.15

Wright Express (WEX) Fleet Card

Wright Express is a leading provider of payment processing and information services to the US commercial and government vehicle fleet industry. They provide vehicle fleets using their services with card acceptance at over 180,000 vendors including 90%+ of the nation’s retail fuel locations and 45,000 vehicle maintenance locations.

While Elavon has a sales agreement with Wright Express, all pricing and provision of statements and settlement is performed and controlled by Wright Express.

Fuel merchants will be funded 30-days after settling a WEX transaction. Service only accounts are funded after 3-days.

Wright Express Rate 3.50+$0.15

Visa and MasterCard Fleet

Any merchants using Elavon payment solutions are automatically entitled to accept Visa and MasterCard fleet cards. However in order to qualify at the best rate, Level III fleet data must be included with the transaction. This can only be accomplished through a fleet capable solution utilizing the ADS front end.

Fleet Fuel VS Fleet Service

All merchants that sell vehicle related products and services can benefit from the ability to accept fleet cards. There are three categories of merchants:

Fuel - This category includes gas stations and convenience stores as well as any other businesses that sell fuel but do not provide service. The merchants typically utilize a VAR solution referred to as an Automated Fuel Dispenser, (self-service pump) that allows cardholders to pay at the pump. There are specific MCC’s and interchange rates for acceptance of non-fleet or consumer card types.

Service Only – These merchants do not sell fuel but do offer other vehicle related products and services. These businesses may use a VAR solution butcan use a terminal that has the ability to accept fleet cards. See the list of relevant MCCs/business types below.

Fuel and Service – These merchants sell fuel and provide services. They may have an AFD solution with an“in store” component or have an AFD pay-at-the-pump solution and utilize a fleet enabled terminal for in-store purchases.

Fleet Service Target Markets

MCC Code / Description
5013 / Motor Vehicle Parts Wholesale
5511 / New Car Dealer
5521 / Used Car Dealer
5532 / Tire Stores
5533 / Auto Parts Store
5541 / Service Station (Tkt>$50)
5571 / Motorcycle Dealers
5599 / Equipment Dealers
7531 / Auto Body Repair
7534 / Tire Repair / ReTreading
7535 / Auto Paint Shop
7538 / Auto Repair
7542 / Car Wash
7549 / Towing

Fleet/Fuel POS Solutions

Vx570 ADS Application

The ADS Fleet solution, using the multi-application Verifone Vx570 terminal, allows merchants to accept fleet cards on the same point-of-sale devise used to process credit, debit, ECS, EGC and EBT transactions. All non-fleet transactions can be processed through Elavon on the standard Elavon Vx570 application but the ADS fleet application,which resides on the same terminal,is only used to process fleet transactions. At the terminal idle prompt the user selects “Elavon” for all non-Fleet transactions and “Fleet” for all fleet transactions. This solution provides split dial authorization to both the Elavon and ADS and both the Vx570 dial and the Vx570 Dual Com (Vx570IP) are supported. However only dial communication is currently supported – no IP communications.

A PIN pad is necessary to accept and pass through the Level III data required for fleet transactions. The ADS application uses either the Vx570 internal PIN pad or the external PIN pad 1000SE and both must be encrypted by Elavon. One PIN pad will support PIN debit transactions through both the Elavon and Fleet applications.

From the merchants perspective they have one terminal that seamlessly processes all transaction types. Because all credit transactions are authorized and settled through Elavon no Foreign Network Transaction Fees are required. Both ECS (with the addition of an RDM) and EGC may also be offered though this solution.

VAR – Automated Fuel Dispenser Solutions

There are numerous third party VAR solutions that can be used for Fuel and Fleet transactions. Many of these VAR solutions are Automated Fuel Dispenser solutions that allow cardholders to pay at the pump. A number of these (AFD) VARs also have in store POS solutions. It is important to understand the merchant’s POS environment and needs to ensure they are set up properly. Below are some suggested discovery questions to help you obtain the information you need to successfully sell a Fuel merchant with a VAR/AFD solution.

Interchange Information

Visa “Pay at the Pump”

Interchange program is called CPS Automated Fuel Dispenser. Fuel only - no merchandise purchases allowed.

Cardholder inserts card at the pump before fueling. Pre authorization verification will be obtained for $1.00 or $5.00.

If approved, fueling begins. The transaction is forwarded to the processor for settlement dependant on the software (batch form or real-time).

No signature required.

SIC is 5541 = Service Station

Interchange Rates

• 1.15% +$.25 for Consumer Cards (qualified) under $125. Over $125 falls to EIRF

• 0.70% and $0.17 for Signature Debit (*$0.95 Cap applies through October 2009)

Visa “Service Station”

Interchange Category is called CPS Service Station. Also includes convenience stores, car washes, merchandise, or auto repair shops that sell fuel for consumer use.

Cardholder pumps fuel and goes into store to present card and sign sales draft. POS may or may not be integrated with pump.

Gas and merchandise can be combined in the same transaction.

SIC is 5541

Interchange Rates*

• 1.15% +$.25 for Consumer Cards (qualified) under $125. Over $125 falls to EIRF
• 0.70% and $0.17 for Signature Debit ($0.95 Cap applies through October 2009)

MasterCard “Petroleum”, “Customer Activated Terminal/Automated Fuel Dispenser”

Interchange category is called Petroleum for Consumer Cards and Customer Activated Terminal (CAT)/Automated Fuel Dispenser (AFD) for Signature Debit

Interchange Rate*

• 1.90% + $0.00 for Consumer Cards (Petroleum-qualified) ($0.95 Cap applies)
• 0.70% + $0.17 for Signature Debit Cards (CAT/AFD-qualified) ($0.95 Cap applies)
• Corporate, World and Elite Petroleum Rates apply

Interchange category is dependent on MCC and card type:

• Consumer cards under 5541 and 5542 = Petroleum
• Signature Debit

5541 = Service Station

5542 = CAT/AFD

Discover “Petroleum”

Interchange category is called Petroleum.

Interchange rate

• 1.55% + $0.05 for Consumer Cards (qualified)
• 0.76% + $0.16 for Off Line Debit Cards
• 1.73$ and $0.05 for Rewards and Premium

Mid and Base Submission Downgrades Apply.

SIC Code can be 5541 or 5542

American Express

Amex One Point and ESA are not available for this business type. The merchant must apply directly with American Express to obtain an SE#

Best Practices for AFD Merchants to Avoid Fraud Related Chargebacks:

Pumps should be programmed to stop at the dollar limits allowed with the $1.00 authorization status check

Pumps may be programmed to require AVS

Pumps may be programmed to support velocity checks which would limit the number of transactions allowed per card per day

Be aware of suspicious activity at the fuel pumps such as customers that may be paying for filling multiple vehicles.

Respond to retrieval requests/copy requests in a timely manner

Authorization requirements for Pay at the Pump transaction processing:

Effective July 18, 2008 through October 17, 2009, Visa Automated Fuel Dispenser Transactions, must be limited to $150.00 for Visa Fleet Cards and $125.00 for all other Visa Cards. The (pre) authorization on the swiped card is only $1.00; but may be submitted for settlement up to the above amounts. Transactions above these amounts are subject to an Authorization related Chargeback.

MasterCard Cardholder-Activated Automated Fuel Dispenser Transactions, less than or equal to $75.00, must be: identified in the authorization request with MCC 5542 and CAT level 2; authorized by the Issuer for $1.00 and; cannot exceedthe $75.00 ceiling or the Issuer has the option to chargeback the difference between $1.00 and the authorized amount over $75.

Note: There are various reasons a cardholder may dispute a transaction. The best practices listed above were derived from fraud related reason codes. There is no guarantee that a merchant will not receive a chargeback for any transaction.

Floor Limits

Floor limits on Visa, MC, Amex, and Discover, can be set as low as $35.00. Floor limits are especially valuable at pay at the pump and unmanned stations. For example a merchant with a floor limit of $125.00(maximum amount) is protected up to that amount. It is important that the merchant understands that they are protected only up to the established floor limit against a customer who attempts a chargeback.

NOTE: The maximum protection for the merchant is $125. If they set the floor limit above $125 then they are liable for anything over $125.

Paperwork Vx570 Fleet Application

New Merchant Application or Additional Equipment Services Form

• WEX Auth Fee – If WEX is desired include the WEX Auth Fee field (page 2 in the Authorization section of the New Merchant Application.)

• Equipment information – Complete as normal

• Network – This field should indicate “Elavon.”

• Training Requirements – “Training” should be checked in this section.

• IP Communication Method – This field should indicated “Dial”

Fleet/Petroleum Enrollment Form – Complete this form according to the merchant requirements. The “Chicago” platform should be used for the Fleet Terminal set-up.

Voyager Agreement – complete this form to include Voyager acceptance.

WEX Agreement Forms – Required for new AND existing WEX merchants.

WEX Debranding Form – In addition to the WEX Agreement this form is required for existing WEX merchants who were part of a “brand” (Exxon, Mobile, BP, etc) and no longer are.

Paperwork – VAR/AFD

New Merchant Application or Additional Equipment Services Form

• Foreign Network Fees – As with any POS solution using a Foreign front end, you must charge and disclose the appropriate Foreign Network Fees

• WEX Auth Fee – If WEX is desired include the WEX Auth Fee field (page 2 in the Authorization section of the New Merchant Application.)

• Network – This field is dependant on platform that the specific solution is certified on: ADS/Dallas” or SPS/Chicago platform.

• Training Requirements – Select “No Training Needed” to indicate that ADS or the installer will do the installation and training.

• VAR Vendor Name - It is important to collect the correct POS/AFD system and version being used. Indicate the VAR Vender, VAR Product and VAR Version as normal.

• Debit - Indicate Debit on the app if the merchant needs to accept debit. If Debit is turned on at the pump level and not set up at Elavon the pumps will accept Debit cards but they will not settle. The transactions will drop and the merchant will not be funded.

Fleet/Petroleum Enrollment Form – Complete this form according to the merchant requirements.

Petroleum Services Addendum to the Terms of Service – Complete this form to include Voyager or WEX acceptance and Satellite and Datawire Services. Must be completed if the merchant is using a VAR that is communicating via IP. (Merchants that already have a Datawire set up at their location may be able to may be able to re-provision or reprogram to the ADS network. Datawire must support existing micro nodes. Current models supported by Datawire and compatible with Elavon are Model 960 (2R/11 ports) and Model 240 (4 R/11 ports))

WEX Debranding Form – In addition to the WEX Agreement this form is required for existing WEX merchants who were part of a “brand” (Exxon, Mobile, BP, etc) and no longer are.

Additional Information AFD Information

Example of Pin Based Debit Module supporting & not supporting partial auths

1. A $50 transaction is sent up for a PIN Debit pre-authorization. The cardholder only has funds of $32 available in his/her account. The issuer sends back a partial authorization for this pre-authorization in the amount of $32. The POS or AFD (automatic fuel dispenser) device must have the capability to interpret the response message as a partial authorization and allow the cardholder to receive only $32 worth of gas or merchandise.

1. A $50 transaction is sent up for a PIN Debit pre-authorization. The cardholder only has funds of $32 available in his/her account. Since the POS does not support partial authorizations, the PIN debit pre-authorization is declined.

PIN Based Debit as it relates to PCI-DSS

Currently with Gilbarco and VeriFone PIN Debit modules for Pay at the Pump, it requires (1) Module per Station

Wayner Dresser Pumps require one Module per Pump

By Oct 2009, Gilbarco, VeriFone and Wayne Dresser will require a PIN Base Debit Module at each Pump. Estimated Cost per pump + Labor is $1600

Glossary of Terms

Alliance Data Systems (ADS) - Alliance Data Systems, a front end network specializing in Petroleum transaction processing

Automated Fuel Dispenser (AFD) - Fuel pumps that enable a cardholder to self-pay for gasoline for fuel without going cashier assistance

Branding - The major petroleum provider, the independent merchant purchases fuel from, and displays that logo/brand. Examples are non-corporate resellers of BP, Shell, Texaco, and others.

Car Wash - Falls into the 5541 SIC for service stations if they also sell gasoline. If not, use the standard SIC.

Convenience Store (C-Store) - Category for retail plus gasoline services.

Distributor - The company the merchant purchases fuel from (the wholesaler). This company may also provide the Installer for POS servicing.

Datawire - 3rd party IP gateway. Required for any merchant set up on ADS with a POS that requires IP communications.

Installer - A third party person or company who programs and services petroleum software or terminals. Merchant pays either a monthly fee or a per visit fee. i.e. jobber or technician.

Jobber - The owner of the independent fuel merchant.

Pay at the Pump - See Automated Fuel Dispenser (AFD)

Petroleum - The industry that sells gasoline with or without other services.

Service Station - SIC 5541 for gasoline and retail purchases

Technician - See Installer

Voyager - A specialized payment card issued to drivers of corporate or government fleet vehicles to pay for gas and other vehicle related expenses.

VSAT - A satellite communications system, which may use by pay at the pump

and convenience stores to provide fast credit card processing services. Widely replaced by IP communication and no longer in common use.

Wright Express (WEX) - A specialized payment card issued to drivers of corporate or government fleet vehicles to pay for gas and other vehicle related expenses.