Major fuel card providers are embracing new security measures to combat fraud and provide additional benefits for fleet customers.

Esso and BP have already rolled out fuel cards which have been assigned personal identification numbers (PINs), while Arval will be moving all of its fuel cards across to a chip and PIN process next year.

“We introduced PIN as an additional security measure for us and our customers,” explained Brian Lackey, Esso card sales manager.

“They have been a great success, resulting in a reduction in fraud, including a feeling of greater security amongst our customers.”

For BP it’s been a similar story, with PIN implemented on more than 400,000 BP Plus and BP Plus Bunker cards in the UK since April 2008.

“Our security is based around PIN and real time authorisation of transactions,” added Ranjeev Baines, BP UK Fuel Cards manager.

“From a customer perspective, the BP Fuel Card PIN management process allows fleet managers to reset PINs directly, rather than waiting for a new card, ensuring that the driver is not inconvenienced by interrupted use.”

Meanwhile, Arval recognised chip and PIN was becoming the standard technology across major payment cards.

“As a result, it makes sense that fuel and fleet cards are aligned with this in the future,” explained Danny Clenaghan, card development director at Arval.

“For example, there are a growing number of self-serve pumps appearing in forecourts which can only be used by drivers who have a chip and PIN card.”

The technology also means fleets will have access to customised cards with built-in controls, which will give them the option to broaden or restrict the purchases their drivers can make.