Mudflap vs. Open Roads: Fleet Fuel Card Comparison Guide [2026]

Mudflap and Open Roads are the newest and most talked about diesel savings fuel cards on the market.

Both cards are built around truck stop savings, with strong per-gallon discounts across major diesel networks. But they take slightly different approaches. Mudflap focuses on flexibility and no fees, while Open Roads leans into a dedicated fuel network with tighter controls and more reporting options.

In this guide, we break down acceptance, discounts, fees, controls, reporting, fraud protection, and reviews so you can clearly see how Mudflap and Open Roads compare and decide which one is the better fit for your business.

Table of Contents

• Mudflap vs. Open Roads: overview
• Accepting locations
• Discounts
• Fees
• Reviews
• Fraud protection
• Controls and reporting
• Mudflap and Open Roads alternatives
• Which fuel card is best for your business?
  
  

Mudflap vs. Open Roads: Overview

Use this chart for a quick side-by-side comparison of both fuel card providers. The data is sourced from their official websites and third-party review platforms, making it easy to see how they stack up.

Mudflap vs. Open Roads: Accepting Locations 

Mudflap and Open Roads are both truck stop-focused fuel cards, with their strongest discounts primarily at truck stop locations. However, Mudflap offers broader coverage since it can be used anywhere Visa is accepted, while Open Roads runs on the EFS network, which is accepted at about 16,000 fuel stations (primarily truck stops) nationwide.

Mudflap vs. Open Roads: Discounts 

Both cards offer strong discounts at truck stops across the country. One advantage of the Mudflap card is that it provides a 2¢ per gallon discount at all locations, so you still get some savings even when you’re not fueling at an in-network site. It also doesn’t charge transaction fees, unlike Open Roads, where transaction fees can slightly reduce your overall savings.

✅Pro tip: Review your fuel purchases to identify the brands your drivers use most, then compare which fuel card delivers the strongest discounts at those specific locations. 

Mudflap vs. Open Roads: Fuel Card Fees 

Mudflap has no fees other than a late fee if an invoice isn’t paid on time. Open Roads, on the other hand, includes transaction fees at both in-network and out-of-network locations. That said, the discounts at in-network locations usually outweigh those fees, so you can still come out way ahead.

The key is to compare discounts at the stations you actually use. Multiply the per-gallon savings by your average gallons per fill-up, then subtract any Open Roads transaction fees to see the true savings per transaction.

Mudflap vs. Open Roads: Reviews

It’s difficult to make a direct rating comparison since the Open Roads fuel card doesn’t have reviews on major third-party platforms. However, there are a number of user reviews on YouTube and other social media platforms, which can still be helpful. It’s worth watching a few videos and reading comments to see what users consistently like and where common complaints come up.

✅Pro tip: Test the customer support by calling the customer service phone number for each fuel card company to see how quickly they respond and can resolve an issue.

Mudflap vs. Open Roads: Fraud Protection

Mudflap and Open Roads both offer strong fraud protection features, including real-time monitoring and alerts, mobile app-based card unlock at the pump, and telematics integrations to help verify vehicle location and appropriate tank levels.

Mudflap vs. Open Roads: Fuel Card Controls and Reporting 

Both cards offer strong controls and reporting, but they work differently. Open Roads runs on the EFS network, a dedicated fuel network built for fleets, where stations are set up to enforce prompts and capture Level III data at the point of sale.

Mudflap runs on the Visa network, where support for Level III data and prompts can vary at some stations. To maintain control, Mudflap uses SMS and mobile app pin verification, requiring drivers to verify transactions before fueling by responding to a text with a PIN or using the app to authorize the card.

✅Pro tip: Make a list of the specific goals you want to achieve, then ask the sales team how their fuel card can help you get there. That way, you know you’re choosing a card with the features you actually need.

Mudflap and Open Roads Alternatives 

If Mudflap or Open Roads aren’t the right fit, the Voyager fuel card is another option to consider. It offers nationwide acceptance, strong spending controls, and straightforward reporting, making it easy to track fuel costs and manage drivers. You can also explore more options in our list of the top diesel fuel cards for 2026.

Mudflap vs. Open Roads vs. Alternatives: Which Card is Best for Your Business?

The right fuel card comes down to how and where your fleet fuels. Both Mudflap and Open Roads offer strong truck stop discounts, so the decision isn’t just about savings, but also about fees, flexibility, and features.

If you want strong discounts without transaction fees and broader acceptance, Mudflap is often the better fit. It works anywhere Visa is accepted, and you still get a 2¢ per gallon discount everywhere, even outside in-network locations.

If your fleet wants tighter controls and more reporting options while still getting strong diesel discounts, Open Roads is a great option. Just keep in mind that transaction fees apply, so you’ll want to make sure to account for those when comparing fuel cards.

If neither option fully fits your needs, a card like Voyager is worth considering. It offers nationwide acceptance, no monthly or transaction fees, and strong controls, making it a solid choice for fleets that want simplicity and flexibility.