For regular taxi riders, fares can quickly add up. Whether you’re commuting to work, heading to the airport, or catching a late-night ride home, finding ways to reduce costs is key. Fortunately, with the right tools, you can earn cashback on taxi rides—without changing your routine.

Here’s how to keep your travel budget in check while still getting where you need to go, on time and hassle-free.

Use Gift Cards To Pay For Taxi Apps

Many popular taxi and rideshare services, including Uber and Lyft, accept digital gift cards as a form of payment. Instead of linking a credit card directly, savvy riders are using cashback platforms to buy gift cards at a discount or with rewards attached.

For example, you can earn cashback with an Uber gift card and apply it instantly to your Uber account. The same goes for getting rewards with a Lyft gift card, which can be added through the app’s payment settings.

These digital gift cards are typically delivered within seconds, making them ideal for riders on the go. Even better, they help you control your spending and benefit from cash rewards with every trip.

Stack Rewards With Cashback Apps

Don’t stop at the gift card. When you purchase it through a cashback platform like Fluz, you’re effectively stacking rewards. Here’s how the process works:

1. Open your cashback app

2. Buy a gift card for the taxi service you’re using (e.g., Uber or Lyft)

3. Apply that gift card to your ride

4. Earn instant cashback on the gift card purchase

You’re not just saving on your fare—you’re getting rewarded before you even step into the cab. This is especially valuable for high-frequency riders or those relying on taxis for business travel.

Opt For Virtual Payment When Gift Cards Aren’t Available

If you’re in a rush or if your preferred taxi service isn’t offering gift cards on a cashback platform, don’t worry—many cashback apps also offer virtual cards. With Fluz, you can create a virtual debit card, load your balance, and use Apple Pay or Google Pay to complete the transaction.

This is especially useful when hailing taxis through hybrid dispatch apps or paying in-car terminals that accept digital wallets. You still get a percentage of your fare back—without needing to prep in advance.

Know Which Taxi Platforms Work With Cashback

While traditional curbside taxis may be harder to integrate with cashback strategies, many cities now operate through digital taxi networks. These apps allow you to hail a cab, pay electronically, and track your trip history—all of which are compatible with prepaid gift cards and virtual wallet payments.

Top platforms that support digital payments include:

• Uber (available in over 10,000 cities globally)

• Lyft (U.S. and Canada)

• Curb (available in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and more)

• Flywheel (San Francisco Bay Area and Seattle)

As long as the platform accepts gift cards or Apple/Google Pay, there’s likely a way to earn cashback with a Curb or at least use virtual payments that still reward you through your cashback app.

Final Tip: Always Track Your Rewards

One of the best parts of using a cashback platform is watching your savings grow in real time. Make a habit of checking your app after every purchase to confirm the cashback landed—and set alerts for new promotions or higher cashback rates on transportation brands.

It’s a small habit that leads to real savings over time, especially if you rely on taxis for commuting, errands, or travel.