How Cardtrend Helped a Leading Fuel Retailing Company Stay Competitive in the Fuel Card Business in Malaysia
Discover how Cardtrend’s fuel card management system, FleetOps, enabled a leading fuel retail company to grow its market share by launching a Prepaid Fuel and Fleet Card program targeted at the SME segment.
Background
Many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) depend on fleets for daily operations. However, managing fuel expenses, monitoring consumption, and preventing unauthorized purchases has become increasingly complex. While fuel card programs can mitigate these challenges, traditional postpaid fuel cards often present obstacles for SMEs due to stringent credit assessment criteria imposed by issuers.
In response, a leading Malaysian fuel retailer adopted Cardtrend’s Fuel Card Management System – FleetOps solution to introduce a prepaid fuel card program specifically designed for SMEs. This solution allowed SMEs to access the benefits of postpaid fuel cards while mitigating financial risks for issuers.
The Partnership
The partnership between the fuel retailer and Cardtrend centered on launching the prepaid fuel card program, with FleetOps managing the daily operations of the business—customer registration, card issuance and delivery, account top-ups, fuel purchase tracking, and all related back-office processes. FleetOps integrated seamlessly with the retailer’s existing systems, eliminating the need for modifications and ensuring a smooth customer experience.
Additionally, businesses enrolled in the program gained access to a self-service portal, allowing real-time tracking of fuel usage for individual drivers or vehicles. The portal also offered controls for setting usage limits, giving businesses greater flexibility and oversight.
This collaboration not only allowed the fuel retailer to expand its customer base by tapping into new market segments but also provided customers with enhanced convenience and visibility in managing their fuel expenses.
Solution / Services Differentiator
- Full Suite of Services: FleetOps provided an end-to-end solution that managed every stage of the prepaid fuel card lifecycle, from card issuance to fuel purchase tracking and account top-ups. The platform included features such as real-time transaction monitoring, reporting, automated accounting entries, and a customer portal, ensuring transparency and control for both the fuel retailer and its customers. By addressing all critical aspects of prepaid fuel card management, FleetOps simplified operations, reduced administrative burdens, and improved efficiency for businesses managing fleets of all sizes.
- Customizable Fuel Card Solution: FleetOps offered a flexible platform that was easily customized to meet the evolving needs of the fuel retailing business. It ensured full compliance with local regulations, including tax laws and industry standards, allowing the retailer to implement a compliant, market-responsive fuel card program.
- Enhanced Convenience and Visibility: Prepaid fuel card customers were able to manage fuel expenses and monitor consumption through a 24/7 accessible web portal. This eliminated the need for manual tracking and provided real-time data on fuel usage, spending trends, transaction history, and insights into driver and vehicle performance. These features empowered businesses to make more informed, data-driven decisions, enhancing cost management and operational efficiency.
- Seamless Integration with Existing Systems: FleetOps integrated with the fuel retailer’s existing infrastructure, including payment terminals, payment gateways, accounting systems, and data warehouses, without requiring any modifications. This allowed for smooth deployment and minimal disruption, ensuring business continuity while enhancing system capabilities.
Key Attributes Fueling the Partnership
- Experience in the Fuel Card Business: With over a decade of experience, Cardtrend has successfully served some of the largest fuel retailers across Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei, and Thailand.
- Flexibility and Customization: Cardtrend’s ability to customize fuel card solutions to meet specific needs allowed both parties to adapt to changing market conditions and customer demands, maintaining competitiveness in the fuel card industry.
- Seamless Technological Integration: The smooth integration of Cardtrend’s solutions into the fuel retailer’s systems improved efficiency and minimized disruptions, enhancing overall operational performance.
- Account Management and Client Support: Cardtrend provided dedicated account management and responsive client support, ensuring reliable service and timely assistance. This approach strengthened the collaboration and contributed to the overall success of the fuel card programs.
The Result
- In 2023, approximately 30% of the fuel retailer’s customer base consisted of prepaid fuel card users.
- Prepaid fuel cards accounted for around 11% of total sales volume in fuel card transactions that year.
