Taxi fares can quietly drain your wallet—especially in busy cities where short distances still come with high base rates, surcharges, and tip expectations. But you don’t need to change your route or rely on coupon codes to cut costs. One of the most effective ways to save money on city taxi rides is by using digital gift cards and virtual payment tools that reward you for every ride.
Here’s how digital gift cards work, why they’re ideal for urban riders, and where to use them for instant savings.
What are digital gift cards for transportation?
Digital gift cards function just like physical ones, but they’re sent instantly to your phone and can be used through apps or contactless payments. In transportation, they’re especially useful for services that support app-based bookings like Uber or Lyft. Rather than paying with your debit or credit card directly, you load a digital gift card for the same amount and earn rewards in the process.
This method is fast, trackable, and can help you stay on budget.
Best times to use gift cards for taxi savings
Digital gift cards are most useful in these situations:
- Booking airport taxis or rideshares where prices are higher
- Taking multiple short rides in a day (surge pricing adds up fast)
- Traveling in cities with consistently expensive base fares
- Splitting fare costs with friends using prepaid credits
- Paying ahead of time to avoid overspending on card swipes or cash
By paying with gift cards that offer cashback, you’re reducing the real cost of every trip—even if the fare itself remains the same.
Where to get gift cards that offer cashback
To maximize your savings, use a platform like Fluz, which offers instant cashback when you purchase transportation gift cards. Through Fluz, you can earn cashback with an Uber gift card or get rewards with a Lyft gift card—allowing you to book rides as usual while earning a percentage back.
In many cities, Uber and Lyft are often used in place of traditional taxi services due to app convenience and real-time pricing. That means gift cards for these platforms function as city taxi alternatives—especially if you’re calling a ride from your phone anyway.
Do traditional taxis support digital gift cards?
Most standard taxi companies do not sell their own gift cards, but if they accept Apple Pay or Google Pay, you can use a Fluz virtual card to pay for rides. These cards allow you to spend a specific amount on the spot—while still earning cashback.
While availability varies by region, cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco increasingly support contactless taxi payments, making it easier than ever to combine traditional cabs with digital savings tools.
Other ways to stack savings on taxi rides
- Combine gift card payments with credit card rewards – Link your Fluz virtual card to a rewards-based credit card to earn multiple layers of cashback or points.
- Pay the exact amount – Fluz lets you set the value of your gift card or virtual card to match your fare, eliminating unused balances.
- Use for business travel reimbursements – If you expense rides for work, paying with a Fluz card allows you to keep your cashback without affecting your reimbursement.
Check payment compatibility before you ride
Before using a gift card or virtual card, confirm that your ride supports digital payments. Most rideshare services do by default. For traditional taxis, look for signage that says “Tap to Pay,” “Apple Pay,” or “Google Pay accepted,” or check with dispatch before booking. City transportation websites, like the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission, often provide guidelines on payment options.
Final thoughts
Using digital gift cards for your rides doesn’t require you to change your habits—just how you pay. Whether you earn cashback with an Uber gift card or get rewards with a Lyft gift card, tools like Fluz can help you reduce costs every time you hit the road. In busy cities where taxi fares add up quickly, stacking savings through digital payments can make a noticeable difference in your monthly budget.
