Taxis remain one of the most reliable forms of transportation, especially in cities where rideshare surges are constant or availability is scarce. But if you’re still paying full price for your cab rides, you’re missing out on easy savings. With a few smart strategies, you can earn cashback on taxi rides without changing how you commute—just how you pay.
Use a Cashback App with Gift Cards or Virtual Cards
The simplest way to earn cashback on a taxi fare is by paying through a cashback platform that supports gift card or virtual card purchases. Many taxi services accept major payment methods like Visa or Mastercard, which means you can use a virtual card from a cashback app such as Fluz to pay your fare at the time of service.
For example, if you’re riding with a taxi company that takes Visa or Mastercard, you can buy a digital gift card or use a virtual card from Fluz at checkout and earn cashback instantly. Unlike physical gift cards, Fluz lets you buy one in real-time—down to the exact amount you owe.
If your city’s taxis partner with national brands like Uber, you can also earn cashback with an Uber gift card. Paying with a digital card through your mobile wallet allows for seamless transactions while maximizing rewards.
Other transportation brands where you can score instant rewards include:
- Get rewards with a Lyft gift card
- Earn cashback with a Shell virtual card, if you’re paying for gas on a cab ride you’re covering
- Get cashback with a BP virtual card, useful for taxi companies that allow passenger-paid fill-ups
Link a Reward-Eligible Credit Card for Bonus Points
Even if you’re not using a cashback app directly, pairing a rewards credit card with a virtual gift card purchase is another way to double-dip. Many credit cards offer 1%–5% back on transportation or digital wallet purchases. When you link your rewards card to your Fluz account or mobile wallet (like Apple Pay or Google Pay), your cashback potential increases without any extra work.
Save Receipts and Deduct Taxi Expenses
If you’re using taxis for work, business travel, or medical appointments, you may qualify for a tax deduction. The IRS allows certain transportation costs to be deducted when properly documented. Learn more about these rules on the IRS Transportation Topic Page. Keeping digital or paper receipts from your taxi rides ensures you’re not leaving money on the table when filing.
When Cash-Only, Track for Reimbursement or Rewards
Some independent cab drivers still operate on a cash-only basis. If that’s the case, use a taxi ride tracker like Gridwise or TripLog to log your fares. These apps are helpful for mileage deductions, employer reimbursements, or manual cashback submissions through other apps that allow receipt uploads.
Final Tip: Always Confirm Accepted Payment Methods
Before the ride starts, ask the driver which payment options they accept. Most traditional taxis today allow you to pay via credit card, tap-to-pay, or mobile wallet. When in doubt, you can always check the cab company’s website or contact them directly.
With the right tools and just a few extra seconds at checkout, your everyday taxi rides can start earning you something back. Download Fluz here to start turning your commutes into cashback opportunities.
