The ES Advantage Blog

Protect Your Credit & Fuel Cards on the Road: Smart Tips for Owner-Operators

As an owner-operator or small fleet owner, protecting your financial tools, especially your credit cards and fuel cards, has to be a top priority.

From card skimming at the pump to phishing scams and fraudulent charges, the risk of card theft is real. But with the right habits and tools, you can keep your money safe and stay focused on the road ahead.

Fuel Cards

6 Ways to Avoid Credit Card and Fuel Card Theft

The most effective way to protect your fuel card is to avoid swiping altogether. Tools like the TA Smartpump app, which can be accessed within the ES Advantage mobile app, as well as the Love’s Wallet allow you to make secure, contactless fuel payments at thousands of locations nationwide. By using contactless payment instead of inserting your card, you eliminate the risk of card skimming at the pump while also accessing some of the best fuel discounts in the industry. 

But we know there will be times when you must swipe your card. For those instances, here are five proven strategies to help you protect your cards and keep your business running smoothly.

1. Set Up Card Alerts

The first step in prevention occurs the moment you activate your card. Real-time transaction alerts are a powerful tool in catching fraud early, and many credit and fuel card providers offer push notifications or text alerts whenever a charge is made.

By enabling these alerts, you can monitor purchases in real time and immediately report any suspicious activity, often before additional unauthorized charges occur.

2. Use a Dynamic PIN

Another layer of security when setting up your card is enabling a Dynamic PIN. Unlike a traditional static PIN that stays the same, a Dynamic PIN is a one-time-use code that must be entered before each transaction—especially when fueling.

This type of tool ensures that even if a card is cloned using a skimming device, it can’t be used without the valid PIN. The Dynamic PIN feature makes it significantly harder for thieves to exploit your card, giving you greater peace of mind with every purchase.

3. Inspect the Card Reader

Before using any card reader, especially at truck stops or ATMs, take a moment to look closely. If the card reader seems loose, bulky, or tampered with, it may have a skimming device attached. Also, check for broken security tape or color differences on the machine that could indicate tampering.

If anything looks off, it’s safer to go inside to pay or use one of the tools mentioned above for a contactless transaction.

4. Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi

Truck stop Wi-Fi can be convenient, but it’s often unsecured, making it a hot spot for cybercriminals. Avoid logging into your bank account or fuel card management portal when connected to public networks.

Instead, use your mobile device’s hotspot or a virtual private network (VPN) for secure browsing when accessing financial apps or entering payment information.

5. Watch Out for Phishing Scams

Phishing attempts are on the rise, often appearing as legitimate messages from trusted companies. If you receive a suspicious email or text asking you to click a link or enter your credentials, proceed with caution.

Don’t click unknown links or download attachments. When in doubt, contact the company directly using a verified phone number.

6. Separate Personal and Business Cards

Keeping your business fuel card separate from your personal credit card is more than just good accounting, it’s smart security. If one card becomes compromised, you limit the impact to one area of your finances and make fraud easier to detect and resolve.

Take Control with the ES Advantage App: Secure, Real-Time Card Management for Truckers

The ES Advantage mobile app puts security and convenience at your fingertips. You can instantly fund your fuel card and view real-time balances and transaction history. This eliminates the need to stop at kiosks or rely on unsecured methods to manage your card, giving you greater control and peace of mind.

Ready to protect your fuel and credit cards with smarter tools?

📲 Call 888-566-9877 today to learn how the ES Advantage mobile app can help you take control of your finances—because in the ES Community, you Never Stand Alone.