Taking a taxi doesn’t have to mean paying full price every time. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a student on the go, or a traveler needing reliable transport, there are multiple ways to earn rewards on your rides. Thanks to a growing number of cashback and loyalty platforms, even traditional taxi trips can help you save or earn money back.

Here are the most effective ways to make your taxi expenses work harder for you.

Use Digital Gift Cards from Cashback Platforms

Many modern rewards apps offer cashback when you buy gift cards for transportation-related merchants. Platforms like Fluz allow you to purchase taxi gift cards with cashback, which you can use at participating services, including those that accept Square, Toast, or other POS systems.

Because Fluz gift cards can be purchased for the exact amount needed, riders can earn cashback without committing to large balances or prepaid fare cards. Some services even allow you to buy while in the taxi, using mobile wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay to redeem instantly.

Leverage Cashback Apps for Transportation Purchases

Apps such as Rakuten and Ibotta provide cashback for transportation-related purchases, including car services, gas, and even travel bundles that involve taxis. While not all local taxis qualify, services booked through platforms like Booking.com or Expedia (where taxis may be bundled with hotel or flight bookings) can trigger rewards.

Look for:

• Cashback on prepaid airport transfers

• Loyalty points for ground transportation services

• Bundled travel bonuses that include cabs

Use Credit Cards That Reward Travel or Transit

If you’re paying by card, make sure your method earns you something back. Many credit cards offer 1%–3% cashback on travel or transit expenses. Some cards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture, reward all travel categories—including taxis. You can compare credit card travel rewards on NerdWallet or The Points Guy.

Pro tip: Pair a rewards card with a cashback platform like Fluz or Rakuten for stacked benefits.

Enroll in Local or Campus Ride Programs

Some city governments, universities, and employers offer subsidized taxi rides as part of transit or safety programs. These programs might include discounts, flat rates, or partial reimbursements for approved rides.

Examples include:

• Safe ride programs for college students

• Senior and disability ride subsidies

• Employer-sponsored taxi fare reimbursement

Check your local Department of Transportation or your university’s commuter services page for participation info.

Book Through Travel Portals with Points

If your cab is part of a broader itinerary (such as an airport transfer), consider booking through travel sites like Expedia or Booking.com. Some taxi services booked through these platforms earn points or cashback, especially when linked to loyalty programs like Expedia Rewards or Booking.com Genius.

Track and Redeem Your Rewards

Don’t forget to monitor your earnings. Whether through a gift card platform like Fluz, a cashback site, or your credit card portal, rewards are only valuable if you track and use them.

Apps that help:

• Fluz – Track gift card cashback

• Rakuten – Auto-track web-based rewards

• Ibotta – Manage mobile receipt-based rewards

• AwardWallet – Track multiple loyalty programs in one app

By layering rewards and using the right tools, your regular taxi ride can start giving something back—without any changes to your route or habits.