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Transportation is the second largest expenditure for most Americans after housing, so it's important to make the most of these purchases.
While a number of credit cards offer bonus rewards on gas station spending, many individuals commute by other means. Fortunately, as the popularity of ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft has skyrocketed over the last decade, many credit card issuers have met cardholders with additional rewards for these transactions.
So if you regularly use rideshares or taxis to get around your own city, or while traveling, you may consider signing up for a card that offers bonus points, cash-back or other perks for those purchases. Here are Select's picks for the top credit cards for maximizing Uber, Lyft and taxi rides.
Best credit cards for Uber, Lyft and taxi rides
- Best for Lyft: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Best low-fee card for Lyft: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Best for Uber: The Capital One SavorOne Rewards Card (See rates and fees)
- Best for Uber credits: American Express® Gold Card
- Best for premium Uber benefits: The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Best for taxis: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- Best for no annual fee: Citi Custom Cash® Card
FAQs
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Best for Lyft
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Rewards
Earn 5X total points on flights and 10X total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3X points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases plus, 10X points on Lyft rides through March 2025
Welcome bonus
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
Annual fee
$550
Intro APR
None
Regular APR
22.49% - 29.49% variable
Balance transfer fee
5%, minimum $5
Foreign transaction fee
None
Credit needed
Excellent
Terms apply.
Read our Chase Sapphire Reserve® review.
Who's this for? The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a premium travel credit card that offers a terrific return on Lyft rides.
Benefits: Cardholders earn a whopping 10X Chase Ultimate Rewards® points per dollar on Lyft purchases through March 2025 when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠. Since Ultimate Rewards can be valued up to two cents per point, this means you're effectively getting 20% back in value. Plus, the card offers 3X points (a 6% return) on all other travel, which includes Uber and taxi rides.
On top of this, now through Dec. 31, 2024, cardholders can get a complimentary Lyft Pink All Access membership for up to two years, plus a 50% discount for the third year (membership auto-renews annually). This subscription is worth up to $199 annually and provides the following perks:
- Free Priority Pickup upgrades on Lyft rides, which save riders an average of $3–$4 per ride
- Lower prices, including at least 5% off Lux, Preferred and XL rides
- Free ride cancellation up to three times per month
- In-app roadside assistance for your own car, free up to four times per year
- Complimentary car rental upgrades through its partner, SIXT
- Unlimited free 45-minute classic bike rides
- Unlimited free e-bike and scooter unlocks
- Discounted e-bike and scooter rates
- Three bike or scooter guest passes per year
- Savings on food delivery through its partner Grubhub+
The card also comes with numerous other benefits like airport lounge access, a $300 annual travel credit and comprehensive travel insurance to help justify its $550 annual fee.
Best low-fee card for Lyft
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Rewards
Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, and $50 annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
Welcome bonus
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
Annual fee
$95
Intro APR
None
Regular APR
21.49% - 28.49% variable on purchases and balance transfers
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
Foreign transaction fee
None
Credit needed
Excellent/Good
Terms apply.
Read our Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card review.
Who's this for? The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a great low-annual-fee travel rewards card, especially for consumers who use Lyft occasionally.
Benefits: Cardholders earn a respectable 5X points per dollar spent on Lyft rides, as well as any travel purchased through the Chase Travel℠ portal. Cardholders earn 2X points on all other travel purchases, such as Uber and taxi rides.
The card has an annual fee of just $95 and includes benefits like a $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit.
Best for Uber
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Rewards
Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024, 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; Terms apply, 3% cash back on dining and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), 3% cash back on popular streaming services and entertainment, and 1% cash back on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.99% variable
Balance transfer fee
3% for the first 15 months; 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time
Foreign transaction fee
None
Credit needed
Excellent/Good
See rates and fees, terms apply.
Pros
- 3% cash back on dining and entertainment purchases
- Ability to redeem rewards at any amount, unlike some other cards with $25 minimums
- Competitive special financing offer on both new purchases and balance transfers
- No fee charged on purchases made outside the U.S.
Cons
- 3% balance transfer fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months
Who's this for? If Uber is your preferred ride-hailing app, The Capital One SavorOne Rewards Card is a must.
Benefits: The card has no annual fee and offers the highest return on Uber spending: Earn 10% cashback on Uber rides and Uber Eats purchases. On top of that, cardholders get a complimentary Uber One membership through Nov. 14, 2024. The subscription normally costs $9.99 per month and provides benefits like a $0 delivery fee on eligible Uber Eats orders, 10% off eligible Uber Eats orders and 5% off Uber rides.
Since this is a cash-back card, you won't have to jump through any hoops to redeem your rewards.
If you're willing to pay an annual fee, you can get these same benefits with The Capital One Savor Rewards Card — as well as additional perks, such as a higher return on dining, entertainment and eligible streaming service purchases. (see rates and fees)
Best for Uber credits
American Express® Gold Card
Rewards
4X Membership Rewards® points at Restaurants (plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Annual fee
$250
Intro APR
Not applicable
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Balance transfer fee
N/A
Foreign transaction fee
None
Credit needed
Excellent/Good
See rates and fees, terms apply.
Read our American Express® Gold Card review.
Pros
- Up to $120 dining credit annually ($10 a month) for purchases made with Grubhub, Goldbelly and other eligible restaurants (after a one-time enrollment)
- Up to $120 Uber Cash annually ($10 a month) for U.S. Uber Eats orders and U.S. Uber rides (card must be added to Uber app to receive the Uber Cash benefit)
- Strong rewards program with 4X points earned at restaurants and 3X points earned on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com
- Baggage insurance plan covers up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked baggage that is damaged, lost or stolen
- No fee charged on purchases made outside the U.S.
Cons
- No introductory APR period
- $250 annual fee
- Estimated rewards earned after 1 year: $1,074
- Estimated rewards earned after 5 years: $2,969
Rewards totals incorporate the points earned from the welcome bonus
Who's this for? The American Express® Gold Card is a solid travel rewards credit card for those who frequently use Uber to get around.
Benefits: The card comes with up to $120 in Uber Cash per year ($10 per month), which can be used for Uber rides or Uber Eats orders. And the credits are simple to use — all you need to do is add your Amex Gold Card as a payment method on your Uber account and you'll automatically receive $10 in your Uber Cash wallet each month. After you've maxed out the credit, you'll earn 1X Membership Rewards point per dollar spent on Uber.
Other perks of the card include up to $120 in annual dining credits (up to $10 per month) for purchases made with Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar, Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory and certain Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
The card has a $250 annual fee (see rates and fees), but as long as you use these monthly credits, you will almost entirely offset that fee.
Best for premium Uber benefits
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Rewards
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, 1X points on all other eligible purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
Annual fee
$695
Intro APR
None
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Balance transfer fee
N/A
Foreign transaction fee
None
Credit Needed
Excellent/Good
See rates and fees, terms apply.
Who's this for? The Platinum Card® from American Express is a must-have for road warriors, especially if you regularly use Uber.
Benefits: With the card, you will get $200 in annual Uber credit — $15 each month, plus an additional $20 in December. (Benefit renews annually.) In addition, you will get automatic Uber VIP status which gives you access to highly-rated drivers in the following cities: Atlanta, Dallas, Harrisburg, Houston, Nashville, New Jersey, New Orleans, New York City, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. You'll also earn 1X Membership Rewards point per dollar spent on Uber beyond the monthly credit.
The Uber benefits are just a few of the long list of travel benefits that come with the Amex Platinum, so if you're regularly on the road, it's worth considering for your wallet. Other benefits include an annual airline fee credit, hotel credit and extensive airport lounge access, as well as numerous non-travel perks like shopping credits, digital entertainment credits and much more.
While the card has a steep $695 annual fee (see rates and fees), the benefits and features of the card more than make up for it.
Best for taxis
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Rewards
6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, 3% cash back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
Welcome bonus
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 6 months.
Annual fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Intro APR
0% for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.99% variable. Variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%.
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign transaction fee
2.7%
Credit needed
Excellent/Good
See rates and fees, terms apply.
Who's this for? The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is an excellent choice for those who want to earn significant cash-back on their purchases, but also want flexibility on how they get around.
Benefits: If you prefer taxis, or even a mix of rideshare services as well, this card gives 3% cash back on transit, which includes taxis, rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses, and more.
In addition, this card awards up to 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases) and 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
If the annual cash-back earnings aren't enough, the card also has a welcome bonus of a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card within the first six months. The annual fee of this card is $0 intro annual fee for the first year (then $95). (See rates and fees.)
Best for no annual fee
Citi Custom Cash® Card
Rewards
Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2025.
Welcome bonus
Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $1500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
0% APR on balance transfers and purchases for first 15 months
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.24% variable
Balance transfer fee
5% of each balance transfer ($5 minimum)
Foreign transaction fee
3%
Credit needed
Excellent, Good, Fair
See rates and fees. Terms apply.
Read our Citi Custom Cash® Card review.
Who's this for? The Citi Custom Cash® Card is a good pick for someone whose spending habits fluctuate from month to month and who doesn't want to pay an annual fee.
Benefits: With this card, you'll earn up to 5% cash back on purchases in the top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent (then 1%). New cardholders will also receive a special travel offer: earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2025.
Eligible 5% cash back spending categories include gas stations, restaurants, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs and live entertainment.
So if you regularly use any rideshare service, you'll earn up to $25 cash back each quarter without any annual fee.
FAQs
What are the best credit cards for Uber and Lyft?
The best credit card for Uber is The Capital One SavorOne Rewards Card as it earns 10% cashback on Uber rides and Uber Eats purchases, though the American Express Gold Card is a close second due to its up to $10 monthly Uber Cash credit. The best credit card for Lyft is the Chase Sapphire Reserve as it earns 10X points per dollar spent through March 2025 and offers a complimentary Lyft Pink All Access membership for up to two years.
How do I choose the best credit card for Uber and Lyft?
The best credit cards for Uber and Lyft are ones that reward the most points, miles or cash back. However, be sure to select a card that also aligns with your financial goals as well.
Does the Chase Sapphire give Uber credit?
Neither of the Chase Sapphire credit cards award Uber credits. However, the American Express Gold Card and The Platinum Card from American Express cards do offer monthly Uber Cash.
Bottom line
Rideshare and commuting costs can add up quickly if you use them on a regular basis. If this is your preferred way of getting around, you may consider having one of these credit cards in your wallet.
However, many of these cards require a good to excellent credit score to be approved. So before applying, it may be beneficial to check your credit score to ensure you have a good chance of being approved.
Read more
Our methodology
To determine which credit cards offer the best value, Select analyzed over 100 of the most popular credit cards available in the U.S. that offer rewards programs, from cash back to points and miles. We compared each card on a range of features, including rewards, welcome bonus, introductory and standard APR, balance transfer fees and foreign transaction fees, as well as factors such as required credit score and customer reviews when available. We also considered additional perks, the application process and how easy it is for the consumer to redeem points.
Select teamed up with location intelligence firm Esri. The company's data development team provided the most up-to-date and comprehensive consumer spending data based on the 2019 Consumer Expenditure Surveys from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. You can read more about their methodology here.
Esri's data team created a sample annual budget of approximately $22,126 in retail spending. The budget includes six main categories: groceries ($5,174), gas ($2,218), dining out ($3,675), travel ($2,244), utilities ($4,862) and general purchases ($3,953). General purchases include items such as housekeeping supplies, clothing, personal care products, prescription drugs and vitamins, and other vehicle expenses.
Select used this budget to estimate how much the average consumer would save over the course of a year, two years and five years, assuming they would attempt to maximize their rewards potential by earning all welcome bonuses offered and using the card for all applicable purchases. All rewards total estimations are net the annual fee.
It's important to note the value of a point or mile varies from card to card and based on how you redeem them. When we calculated the estimated returns, we assumed that cardholders are redeeming points/miles for a typical maximum value of 1 cent per point or mile. (Extreme optimizers might be able to achieve more value.)
Our final picks are weighted heavily toward the highest five-year returns, since it's generally wise to hold onto a credit card for years. This method also avoids giving an unfair advantage to cards with large welcome bonuses.
While the five-year estimates we've included are derived from a budget similar to the average American's spending, you may earn a higher or lower return depending on your shopping habits.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, please click here.