ARAL FUELCARD - QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Where can I use the FuelCard?
You can use the Fuel card at all ARAL fuel stations in Germany.
Check https://www.aral-fuelcard.com/stationsfinder for a list of the current stations that accept the FuelCard.
Why should I apply for a FuelCard?
To save yourself money! The Aral FuelCard is the only way to access this tax free provision for Entitled Personnel stationed in Germany. There is no obligation to possess an Aral FuelCard for VLO registered vehicles - you are allowed to purchase fuel at the full tax paid price, if you prefer.
Who is responsible for ensuring the fuel card in in date?
The card holder is responsible for ensuring the FuelCard is in date. The date can be checked by logging onto your own personal Aral FuelCard account https://www.aral-fuelcard.com/login. The FuelCard expiry date is normally linked to either your TUV/DEKRA expiry date or SOFA Status expiry date, whichever is sooner.
How do I get one?
Once you have accessed the online application form complete and submit it.
If you do not have access to a computer, speak to your RAO or Unit Welfare Office who will assist you..
Why is there a charge for the FuelCard?
The one-off charge will apply to each new card application, and this will cover your vehicle for as long as it is registered to you and with VLO. The fund is used to pay for FuelCard administration (non-public activity) to take place using publicly funded personnel. This will allow personnel to continue to enjoy the privilege of Tax Free fuel.
The charge will be raised for:
- Replacements for lost cards.
- Replacements for destroyed or damaged cards.
- Replacements for stolen cards.
There will be no charge for:
- Cards requiring a name change as a result of marriage.
Any other requests for a no charge replacement card are to be referred to OC VLO, GEO for consideration.
It has been estimated that even for a small car you will only need to refill twice before the card has in effect paid for itself.
You will be expected to pay the administration fee of €50 following receipt of your card through your NSE within 28 days, or by Bank transfer (variations between NSEs). Details will be provided with your card if sent by post or are available through the NSE. If the fee is not paid within 28 days the card will be blocked until payment has been confirmed via the NSE.
How long will I wait for a FuelCard?
The longest most people will wait for an FuelCard is 2 - 3 weeks.
There are occasional delays, usually due to German public holidays and/or the distribution company employed by Aral. VLO will always strive to have the card delivered to you as soon as possible although the date we take receipt of them is out of our hands.
When can I apply for my FuelCard?
An application for an Aral FuelCard can be submitted once a vehicle is successfully registered with the VLO.
When and for how long will they be valid?
The Aral FuelCards validity is linked to the Roadworthiness Test (TÜV) expiry date. Card owners therefore need to ensure that the vehicle is up to date with the roadworthiness inspection, otherwise the card will cease to work. There will be no refunds for out of date cards as this remains an owners responsibility. Card owners can check the expiry date of their card by logging onto their Aral FuelCard account https://www.aral-fuelcard.com/login (details of how to log in are issued with the card). If the card is due to expire and the card owner is unsure as to the reason, they should contact their NSE in the first instance.
Who can be included on the card?
The card is tied to the vehicle and vehicle owner; however, they may authorise the names of other Entitled family members (only) to be included on the card. All persons that are listed on the card must have completed their European Highway Code (Matrix) Test
What happens if I lose my card?
You need to declare it lost to your local NSE office who will arrange for it to be cancelled. You will then have to apply for a new card in order to obtain tax free fuel with an explanation in the text of the email.
Who owns my card?
The card remains the property of ARAL. If the fuel station confirms a misuse of the card or that the card is blocked for whatever reason they are within their right to confiscate the ARAL card. If this happens you must inform this office soonest.
Can I use the card to pay for my fuel, like a credit card?
No. The FuelCard is only an electronic ration card, that deducts the tax part of the fuel bill. It has no monetary value, cannot be used to purchase anything and cannot be used to collect loyalty points. So, when you use your FuelCard, you will also need to have a method of payment: cash, credit card or debit card to settle the remaining debt.
Is there a limit to how much fuel I can buy in a month?
The Zollamt (German customs) will ask that any one time fill in excess of 95 litres be investigated and a reply to be given at the following month audit.
A maximum of 60 litres, by law, is allowed to be carried in the rear of the vehicle. All tax free fuel carried in the rear of your vehicle must be used within Germany and not to be transported across the border.
How do I know what my ration balance is?
ARAL will email you details of your card account, enabling you to log on and see the transactions you have made and the balance after each transaction.
What if I don’t have access to the internet?
You will see your balance printed on the invoice you will receive from the service station cashier when you use your card.
Why do I have to give my email address on the application form?
By providing your email address on your application form, ARAL will be able to email you your account details and password for you to access you account online.
Can I carry over my unused monthly entitlement into the next month?
No. The German Federal Government have stipulated that one of the conditions attached to the FuelCard is that rations are zeroed at the end of each month and cannot be carried over into the next month. If you have only bought 100 litres worth of a 400 litre monthly ration, you can’t then buy 700 litres the following month.
How will my ration be credited to my card?
ARAL will automatically load your card with your vehicle’s monthly ration at 00:01 hrs on the first day of each month, and your entitlement will be zeroed at 23:59 hrs on the last day of each month.
Why is the unit address in the drop down box of the application form not my actual unit?
The address in the drop down box will be your local NSE office, and not the address of the unit you happen to be serving with.
Can my wife/husband and I get one card each for our car?
No. With the current system the card is tied to a vehicle, not an individual. Therefore there will be one card per vehicle but you and your spouse can have your names on the card of each vehicle, and if you only have one car, you will only get one card.
I own two vehicles; do I get a card for each vehicle?
Yes. The card is tied to the vehicle and not an individual. If you own two vehicles, and hold a Form 73(A) (Registration Card) for each vehicle, you can apply for a card for each vehicle.
Can I use the card from one vehicle to refuel another vehicle if they are both, say, diesel?
No. You cannot use the card from one vehicle to fuel a different vehicle, as each card bears the Vehicle Registration Number of the vehicle it belongs to.
Can I use my current card with the new car I am buying next week?
No. Once you de-register a vehicle with VLO, the ration on your card will be automatically zeroed and thereafter, you will not be able to use that card to access tax-free fuel. You will need to apply for another card for your new car once you are in possession of a Form 73(A) (Registration Card) for the new car.
What do I do when I get to the service station to fill up?
Refuel as normal but please note that an Aral FuelCard can only be used for a single transaction and not a dual transaction. For example: If you intend to fill with Diesel and Ultimate Diesel each fill must be done separately using the Aral FuelCard. A claim for a refusal of the Aral FuelCard will not be refunded by ARAL in cases of a dual transaction.
When you go to the payment counter, present your FuelCard first and the cashier will swipe it and give you an invoice showing the amount and cost of the fuel you have put in your vehicle. Pay the invoice using cash, a debit card or a credit card, for which you will get a normal receipt.
Do I need to show ID when I use the card?
Yes, the cashier will want to ensure you are one of the people listed on the FuelCard; otherwise you will not be able to access the fuel tax-free and will have to pay full price (as the fuel will already be in your tank).
Is it true I can get cheaper fuel at different times of the day?
Yes. The prices at a German service station can change up to 4 times a day, so you should keep an eye on the prices at your local station to identify the most expensive times, and the cheapest.
What happens if I over-run on my monthly ration when I am filling up at a service station?
If you draw more than the amount left on your card, the cashier will split your purchase into two parts: the tax-free part and a tax-paid part. The cashier will give you an invoice for the tax-free part as usual and then charge you the balance at the cost per litre at the pump.
What happens if the service station cash register doesn’t recognise my FuelCard and I end up having to pay the full tax-paid price for my fuel?
ARAL have assured us that they will train all their staff so that this eventuality shouldn’t occur. However, if it does, please remember to ask for the refusal printout to be given to you with the receipt showing payment with tax. If there is no error slip then ask for a written explanation and complete the FuelCard Refusal Form. and upload images of both. Refunds will not be given for cards that are out of date, as it is a personal responsibility to ensure that your expiry date is valid prior to use. Cardholders can check this through their personal Aral FuelCard account online https://www.aral-fuelcard.com/login
What is the process of handing the card back when I am posted out of Germany?
Once you have de-registered your vehicle, the ration will be automatically zeroed and the card will be worthless. The card should be handed back into your NSE for disposal.
When I sell my car, do I have to hand in my card, or does it stay with the vehicle?
Once you sell your car and de-register it, your card will be zeroed and worthless. Do not pass it on to the person buying your vehicle. The card should be handed back into your NSE for disposal.
What happens if I fill up but then realise that I don’t have the FuelCard with me?
If you refuel without being in possession of the FuelCard issued for that vehicle, you will have to pay the full tax-paid price to the service station and you will not be allowed to reclaim the tax afterwards. You are advised to keep the card with the vehicle.
Can I use my PayBack Card?
No. If used there will be no entitlement to a refund.
Can I use an ARAL station outside Germany?
No. Although there are some service stations operating under the ARAL name, these stations cannot, and will not, accept your FuelCard; it can only be used with ARAL stations inside the Federal Republic of Germany.