Most people view a taxi ride as a sunk cost—something you pay for without any added benefit. But depending on how you pay and where you ride, your taxi fare could actually earn you rewards, points, or cashback. If you regularly use taxis or rideshare apps, understanding how payment methods and platforms interact can help you get more from each trip.
Here’s a breakdown of how to earn rewards when paying for your next taxi ride.
- Use a Travel or Rewards Credit Card
Many major credit cards offer rewards points for travel-related purchases—and taxi fares usually qualify. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, American Express Gold Card, and Capital One Venture typically categorize taxi, rideshare, and even public transit as eligible travel or transit purchases.
- The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers 2x points on travel, including taxis.
- The Amex Gold Card may offer 3x points on transit depending on the provider.
- Some credit cards offer elevated points when using digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay.
- Stack with Cashback Gift Cards
If you want to add another layer of rewards, you can earn cashback with a Lyft gift card or get rewards with an Uber gift card when you purchase through Fluz. These gift cards often deliver instant cashback and can be used immediately within the app.
What’s more, if you purchase the gift card using a rewards credit card, you’ll earn points and cashback—making this a double dip.
- Tap Into Loyalty Programs (Where They Still Exist)
Uber and Lyft have both offered loyalty programs in the past—Uber Rewards and Lyft Pink. While some of these programs have been retired or restructured, new reward models are occasionally introduced. Keep an eye on the Uber Newsroom or Lyft Blog for updates.
Additionally, certain city-run or airport-affiliated taxi fleets offer punch card-style programs or booking perks for frequent users. While less common, they’re worth checking out for regular airport transfers or long-distance taxi services.
- Use Cashback Apps on Booking Portals
If you’re booking an airport shuttle or a longer-distance ride online, platforms like Rakuten or Ibotta may offer cashback when you use affiliate links. These savings don’t usually apply to hailing a cab on the street, but they do work with advance bookings through apps or websites.
If you pay with a Fluz gift card or Fluz virtual card on a platform that stacks cashback, you may be eligible for multiple layers of rewards.
- Don’t Forget Mobile Wallet Bonuses
Certain credit cards offer extra points when you pay using mobile wallets. For example:
- Apple Card gives 2% cashback on Apple Pay purchases.
- Some Chase and Citi cards offer limited-time bonuses for Google Pay or Samsung Pay.
If your driver accepts digital wallets and you pay with a Fluz virtual card, you can also get up to 1.5% back in addition to your credit card rewards.
Conclusion
Taxi fares don’t have to be a one-way transaction. By combining the right credit card, digital wallet, and cashback tools, you can turn every ride into a rewards opportunity. Whether you get rewards with an Uber gift card, earn cashback with a Lyft gift card, or simply use a points-earning card at checkout, these strategies help stretch your transportation budget further.
