Fuel card or mileage rate — which pays more?
Compare actual fuel reclaim with the HMRC approved mileage amount for the same business miles. Useful when your employer offers a fuel card or fuel-only receipts instead of 55p.
Why the gap appears
The approved mileage rate is a flat figure that covers fuel, servicing, tyres, insurance and wear. A fuel card only covers fuel. For many drivers the 55p (or 45p) total is higher than pump spend alone — that gap is the running-cost element.
Related: mileage calculator, employer MAP calculator, simplified expenses vs actual.
Quick answers
Can I claim both fuel card and 55p?
Not for the same miles. If fuel is already reimbursed, you generally cannot also take the full approved rate for those miles. Check how your employer structures payments.