Taxi travel doesn’t have to come with a high price tag—especially when you’re using the right apps to stretch your transportation budget. From cashback platforms to fare comparison tools, today’s mobile apps make it easy to save on every ride. Whether you’re booking through a local taxi app or using a major rideshare service, here are the best types of apps to help you keep costs down and rewards up.
Use Cashback Apps To Stack Rewards
One of the easiest ways to save on taxi travel is by using cashback apps that reward you for how you pay—not just where you ride. These platforms give you money back when you purchase gift cards or pay through virtual wallets.
For example, you can earn cashback with an Uber gift card and apply it directly to your ride in the Uber app. Similarly, you can get rewards with a Lyft gift card when using Lyft. Both options are available instantly when purchased through a platform like Fluz, meaning you can save even when you need a ride last minute.
Fluz also allows users to create virtual debit cards, which can be used via Apple Pay or Google Pay for any taxi service that accepts digital wallet payments—offering a backup plan when gift cards aren’t available.
Other cashback platforms include:
- Rakuten, which occasionally features offers on transportation services.
- Ibotta, known for grocery rewards, but sometimes includes travel and ride perks.
- Dosh, which gives automatic cashback when you pay with a linked card at eligible merchants.
Compare Fares Before You Ride
Some apps let you compare fares across Uber, Lyft, and local taxi providers in real time. This helps you find the cheapest option depending on location, demand, and traffic conditions. In some cities, the difference between a metered taxi and a rideshare surge fare can be substantial.
Some fare comparison apps even let you book directly, which means fewer taps and better prices in one place.
Check Micro-Mobility and Public Transit Combos
Apps like Citymapper and Transit combine taxi pricing with public transportation and bikeshare data, helping you choose the most efficient route. In many cases, combining a short taxi ride with a metro or bus transfer can save both time and money.
If you’re paying digitally, there’s still room to use cashback strategies. A quick short ride paid with a Curb cashback card or a Fluz virtual card ensures you earn rewards—even for partial journeys.
Plan Ahead With Discounted Gift Cards
Platforms like Raise and Gift Card Granny offer discounted gift cards for services like Uber and Lyft. While these marketplaces don’t always guarantee instant delivery, they’re useful for planned rides or daily commuters.
For immediate needs or last-minute plans, cashback apps like Fluz are more reliable. They deliver instantly and allow you to earn cashback with a Lyft gift card the moment you check out—without the delay or guesswork.
Final Tip: Combine and Save More
The smartest taxi riders stack their savings. Start by comparing prices across taxi services. Then, use a cashback app to pay via gift card or virtual card. You’ll lower your fare upfront and earn money back at the same time. It’s a strategy that turns every ride into a small reward—and adds up fast.
