The cost of justa bout everything seems to be going up nowadays. From eggs to baby formula, the prices just keep climbing as inflation continues to pinch consumer wallets. A new study is highlighting the increases charges for taxis, rideshares, and other services, demonstrating the need to find the best taxi and rideshare credit card for your needs today:
At a Glance
 Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® |
 Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards |
 American Express® Gold Card |
 Revenued Business Visa® |
Study Highlights Soaring Costs of Taxis and Rideshares
A new study is highlighting the soaring costs of taxis. The findings are reported in the 2023 edition of “The Great Taxi Rank Index” by travel industry and airport experts, AirportParkingReservations.com.
The latest study utilizes a crowd-sourced database, Numbeo, to determine the average taxi cost for all 50 U.S. states. Using Numbeo to determine the cost of a nine-mile (15 km) taxi ride by looking at the cost for 1km, the research provides insight into the average cost across all states. Here’s what they found:
- Maine ranks highest as the most expensive state to hail a cab, with a nine-mile fare average of $35.18.
- Fellow New England state Rhode Island is second on the list, with the average taxi fare around $35.18.
- Iowa had the cheapest average fare, with a nine-mile trek in the Sooner State costing a modest $20.86
The research reveals that the East Coast state of Maine is the most expensive for a nine-mile taxi ride, with an average cost of $35.93 – with that rate rising even more in some cities, like Portland. Out of all states, the East Coast is the priciest, with five out of the top 10 most expensive states on America’s eastern seaboard, with New York ($33.67), Maryland ($32.64), and Pennsylvania ($31.62) joining Rhode Island and Maine. New Mexico ($35.11) and Georgia ($31.42) are the only southern states in the top 10.
When it comes to U.S. cities, North Charleston, South Carolina, leads the way, with the average taxi fare a staggering $61.95. The South tops the leaderboard, with the rest of the top three places going to Macon, Georgia ($60.10) and Auburn, Alabama ($58.75) not far behind.
How Can You Save Money On Taxis & Rideshares?
So, what does this mean for the average consumer who relies on rideshares and taxis to commute, meet up with friends, or just regularly get around? If your travel routine requires taxis or rideshare services, you need the right tips to help maximize your savings.
Here are some basic ways you can reduce your commuting, taxi, and rideshare costs:
| Tip | Explained | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 Choose the Right Card |
To optimize your savings, start by selecting a credit card that offers rewards or cashback specifically for transportation expenses. Look for cards that provide elevated rewards rates for rideshares, taxis, or general transportation categories. We have a selection of our best picks for you to browse below. | ||
 Use Cash Back Rewards |
Utilize credit cards that offer cashback or reward points for each ride. These rewards can add up over time, ultimately reducing your overall transportation costs. Some credit cards also offer bonus rewards for signing up or spending a specific amount within a specified period. Take advantage of these promotions to maximize your savings. | ||
 Join Loyalty Programs |
Explore loyalty programs and partnerships between credit card companies and transportation service providers. Some credit card issuers collaborate with specific rideshare companies, offering exclusive discounts or rewards for using their services. By linking your credit card to these programs, you can unlock additional savings and enjoy various perks. | ||
 Ride Off-peak |
Many rideshare and taxi services offer additional savings or discounts for rides taken during off-peak hours. By adjusting your travel schedule, you can take advantage of these promotions and save money. Check your preferred app’s terms and conditions or rewards program details to determine if such benefits are available. | ||
What Are the Best Credit Cards for Rideshares and Taxis?
What are the best credit card options for saving on taxis and rideshares? Here are our best bets for you to consider:
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
- 14.99%-29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 14.99% to 29.99% Balance Transfer APR
At a Glance
The Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® offers no fees, low rates, cash back, and credit lines from $500 to $25,000 in one unique package. The card provides consumers the flexibility and predictability to quickly pay down balances and get debt-free. The Upgrade credit card is one of the lowest regular APR credit cards on the market for those with excellent credit scores, putting it firmly on any list of the best balance transfer credit card deals – or any list of the best credit cards in the U.S.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- $200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Plus account and making 3 debit card transactions*
- Earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on card purchases every time you make a payment
- Combine the flexibility of a credit card with the predictability of a personal loan
- No annual fee
- No touch payments with contactless technology built in
- See if you qualify in minutes without hurting your credit score
- Great for large purchases with predictable payments you can budget for
- Mobile app to access your account anytime, anywhere
- Relax knowing you’re protected against unauthorized transactions with Visa’s Zero Liability Policy
- *To qualify for the welcome bonus, you must open and fund a new Rewards Checking account and make 3 qualifying debit card transactions from your Rewards Checking account within 60 days of the date the Upgrade Card account is opened. To qualify, debit card transactions must have settled and exclude ATM transactions. Please refer to the applicable Upgrade Visa® Debit Card Agreement and Disclosures for more information. Your Upgrade Card and Rewards Checking account must be open and in good standing to receive a bonus. If you have previously opened a Rewards Checking account or do not open one as part of this application process, you are not eligible for this welcome bonus offer. Welcome bonus offers cannot be combined, substituted, or applied retroactively. The bonus will be applied to your Rewards Checking account as a one-time payout credit within 60 days after the 3rd qualifying card purchase.
- Regular Purchase APR: 14.99%-29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 14.99% to 29.99%
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Up to 5%
- Foreign Transaction Fee: Up to 3%
- You struggle to pay off your credit card balances
- You want a structured repayment plan
- You can reliably pay off your statement balances to earn cash back for your purchases
- You have a desire to get debt-free quickly
- You hate penalty or other hidden fees
Unlimited cash back credit cards are a simple way to save at the pump. Instead of boggling brain math to find the right card, an unlimited cash back card does just that, granting you impressive, accelerated rewards on every purchase. There are plenty of unlimited cash back credit cards on the market, but we went with the Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® thanks to its streamlined approval odds and great low APR.
Upgrade cardholders earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on card purchases whenever they make a payment. That reward rate is comparable to the base rate of Chase Freedom Unlimited, another popular option. The Upgrade credit card also offers an extremely competitive regular purchase APR for those with excellent credit scores, putting it firmly on any list of the best credit cards in the U.S. each year.
Other notable features of the Upgrade Card include no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, no touch payments with contactless technology built in, and peace of mind with $0 Fraud liability from Visa Signature.
For those unsure if the Upgrade Cash Rewards is right for them, check out Upgrade’s other credit card products:
| Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® | Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa® |
|---|---|
| Earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on card purchases every time you make a payment | Unlimited cash back on payments – 3% on Home, Auto and Health categories and 1% on everything else |
| All Upgrade Visa cards provide the following benefits: | |
| Combine the flexibility of a credit card with the predictability of a personal loan | |
| No touch payments with contactless technology built in | |
| See if you qualify in minutes without hurting your credit score | |
| No annual fee | |
Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card
- 19.99% – 28.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 19.99% – 28.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
Make memories while funding future adventures with the Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card. This exclusive entertainment credit card boasts an unlimited 4% cash back on streaming, dining, and entertainment is a great card for couples, families, and social butterflies.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Unlimited 4% cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services
- Earn 3% at grocery stores
- Earn 1% on all other purchases
- Earn 8% cash back on tickets through Vivid Seats
- Receive $9.99 statement credit after paying for Postmates Unlimited membership
- Enjoy comprehensive, personalized assistance in dining, entertainment and travel— 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
- Regular Purchase APR: 19.99% – 28.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 19.99% – 28.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: 3% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that we may offer you. None for balances transferred at the Transfer APR
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $95
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- You want to earn an unlimited 4% cash back on streaming, dining, and entertainment, 3% at grocery stores, and 1% on all other purchases
- You see yourself spending $3,000 within the first 3 months of opening the card to earn that one-time $300 cash bonus
- You live for unique dining, entertainment, and sports experiences
- You want complimentary food delivery membership through Postmates
The Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Card is among today’s best credit cards. The card, which carries a relatively modest $95 annual fee, earns an impressive 4% cash back on dining and entertainment, 2% at grocery stores, and 1% on all other purchases. As detailed in our comprehensive Savor review, the Savor easily recoups that $95 yearly charge with just $198 in dining purchases every month – an easy task for the well-seasoned foodie.
But what makes the Savor stand out here is its impressive limited-time offer. Through November 14, 2024, successful Savor applicants enjoy complimentary Uber One membership – the loyalty program of Uber and UberEATS. New accounts also earn a dizzying 10% cash back for Uber and Uber Eats purchases! Not bad for a $95 annual fee.
American Express® Gold Card
American Express® Gold Card
American Express® Gold Card
- See Pay Over Time APR Regular Purchase APR
- 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
Foodies, rejoice! The American Express® Gold Card grants you the ability to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at restaurants worldwide and US supermarkets, and 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or via amextravel.com. There are also numerous travel perks of note, including statement credits for hotel and airline purchases.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Earn 75,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X)
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- Annual Fee is $250
- Terms Apply
- Regular Purchase APR: See Pay Over Time APR
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Penalty APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee: $250
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- You want to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for global restaurant purchases, including takeout and delivery
- You also wish to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on purchases at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 annually)
- You travel often and can take advantage of 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or via amextravel.com
- You would benefit from statement credits on a variety of travel expenses
The American Express Gold Card is to groceries and dining what the Platinum Card is to travel. The Gol Card earns an impressive4X Membership Rewards®(MR) points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X MR points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X), plus 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, and 1X MR on all other purchases.
Those categories might not sound very “taxi,” but that bonus category applies to Uber, the operator of both UberEATS and rides service, Uber. Cardholders enjoy a monthly statement credit for Uber through the “Uber Cash on Gold” feature. Enjoy $120 Uber Cash on Gold when you add your Gold Card to your Uber account, and each month, automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year. If you love to dine out, order in, or just need a ride somewhere, you can’t go wrong betting on gold.
Revenued Business Card
Revenued Business Card
Revenued Business Card
- See Terms* Regular Purchase APR
At a Glance
The Revenued Business Card combines the benefits of a business card with a Flex Line of capital. This combination means there are no hard credit checks to apply, with Flex Lines available in as little as 24 hours, with no hidden fees or annual fees.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- No annual fee and no draw fee
- Includes flex line, similar to a line of credit and only pay for what you use
- Access cash on demand with funds deposited straight into your bank account
- Fast and easy application process – apply online and receive a funding decision in as little as an hour
- Approvals based on your business revenue and not personal credit
- As your revenue increases, spending limits also increase
- Access to business credit tools – Revenued reports to D&B to help build your business credit
- Access to a dedicated U.S-based account manager to help you make the most of being a Revenued card holder
- Rated Excellent on Trustpilot with 600+ reviews
- Regular Purchase APR: See Terms*
- Foreign Transaction Fee: See Terms
- You have a business with at least $10,000 or more in monthly deposits
- You don’t want to use your personal cards for their business
- You don’t want to pay any annual fees or draw fees
- You’re looking for a simple solution to access business credit with a fast and easy application process
The Revenued Business Card Visa® is a no annual fee business card and Flex Line combination that looks at revenue to offer companies much more than their current personal credit card or business card. Revenued is great for businesses with low credit scores still wanting to earn impressive cash back rewards. With everyday use, Revenued cardholders earn 3% cash back on all card purchases, with no caps or confusing categories. That rewards rate is superior to many business credit cards, making this card a great option for daily use.
Applying for Revenued is simple. Revenued doesn’t perform a hard pull on your personal credit score, instead basing Flex Line limits on revenue – and not FICO alone. Once you apply, you’ll receive a funding decision in as little as an hour and have access to your funds within 24 hours.
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