More Than Cars: Exploring the Transportation Choices of Americans
In a nation punctuated by open highways and bustling streets, it’s no surprise that more than three-quarters of Americans commute by car. This reflects a deeply ingrained car culture shaped by the convenience and freedom of personal vehicles. Yet, as urban populations grow and environmental concerns gain traction, millions are turning to public transit and shared transport options, including buses, trains, and rideshares, to navigate their daily commutes. This shift not only helps reduce traffic congestion but also encourages greener alternatives that contribute to sustainability.
The Financial Impact of Commuting
Whether relying on public transportation, utilizing rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, or merely managing parking and toll fees, commuting costs can pile up, often reaching hundreds of dollars each month. For most, the monthly expense doesn’t simply end with gas; it includes fares, tolls, and perhaps even monthly transit passes. Understanding these costs can significantly impact financial planning, particularly for families trying to budget their monthly expenses.
Fortunately, many credit cards are designed to ease this burden. They offer lucrative rewards and cashback specifically aimed at transit and commute-related expenses, turning your daily expenses into opportunities for cash back or points.
Cashback for Commuters: The Best Credit Cards
Here’s a look at some of the best credit cards optimized for transit expenses, which will not only reward you for your spending but can also provide significant savings when used intelligently.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Best for Families
Families with a penchant for cash back will find this card especially appealing. With 3% back on U.S. gas station purchases and a robust 6% return on U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%), this card can be a game changer at every pit stop in your family’s busy life. Add in the 6% cash back on select streaming subscriptions, and you have a card that rewards your day-to-day needs.
Key Benefits:
- Introduction Offer: Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first six months.
- Annual Fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- APR: Introductory 0% APR for 12 months, then 18.24%-29.24%.
Downside: The annual fee can be steep for low spenders, and “transit” charges exclude air travel and car rentals.
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
Best for Flexibility
This card stands out with its customizable cash-back categories. You can select two categories for 5% cash back, one of which can be ground transportation, including bus fares and rideshares. It also offers 2% back on an everyday category of your choosing, which can further optimize your savings.
Key Benefits:
- Welcome Offer: $200 rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.
- Annual Fee: $0.
- APR: 0% intro APR for the first 15 billing cycles
Downside: The need to manage different categories and opt-in quarterly can be cumbersome.
Citi Custom Cash® Card
Best for Daily Commuters
Designed for the regular commuter, this card automatically earns 5% cash back on your highest spending category each billing cycle, which could include transit. The potential flexibility makes it a fantastic option for those often on the move.
Key Benefits:
- Welcome Offer: Earn $200 in cash back after spending $1,500 in the first six months.
- Annual Fee: $0.
- APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months.
Downside: You may not reach the maximum reward potential unless transit is your highest spending category.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
Best for Bank of America Customers
This card allows you to earn 3% cash back in a category of your choice, which can include travel or ridesharing services, along with 2% back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs.
Key Benefits:
- Sign-Up Bonus: $200 bonus after at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days.
- Annual Fee: $0.
- APR: 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles.
Downside: Requires upkeep of bonus categories and tracking spending limits can be tedious.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Best for Lyft Users
Frequent Lyft riders will find great value here, where cardholders earn 10 points for every dollar spent on Lyft through March 2025. Its extensive definition of "travel" ensures you earn points on various transit methods including taxis and trains.
Key Benefits:
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 within the first three months.
- Annual Fee: $550 (offset with numerous travel perks).
- APR: 21.49%-28.49% Variable APR.
Downside: The high annual fee can only be justified if you regularly use the card to maximize your rewards.
Navy Federal Credit Union® More Rewards American Express® Credit Card
Best for Military Families
This card appeals to military personnel and their families, offering 3 points per dollar spent on groceries, gas, and transit. Its expansive category rewards provide a unique avenue for earning.
Key Benefits:
- Signup Bonus: 20,000 bonus points when you spend $2,000 within 90 days.
- Annual Fee: $0.
- APR: 15.15%-18.00% Variable APR.
Downside: Accessible only to Navy Federal members, which limits eligibility.
Wells Fargo Attune℠ Card
Best for Eco-conscious Commuters
This card offers 4% cash back on environmentally friendly purchases, including electric vehicle charging stations and public transit.
Key Benefits:
- Sign-Up Bonus: $100 cash rewards bonus when you spend $500 in the first three months.
- Annual Fee: $0.
- APR: Introductory 0% APR for 12 months, then variable APR.
Downside: Cash back categories may not resonate with every spender.
Amtrak Guest Rewards® World Mastercard®
Best for Avid Amtrak Users
If you’re a frequent Amtrak traveler, this card rewards your loyalty with 3 points per dollar spent on Amtrak purchases and 2 points on other travel-related purchases.
Key Benefits:
- Flexible Redemption: Points can be used to redeem Amtrak tickets with a 5% point rebate when applied directly against ticket costs.
Downside: Limited flexibility; users may find general-purpose travel cards offer greater versatility.
General Travel Cards Worth Considering
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
This card allows you to earn 2 miles on every purchase, making it easy to accumulate rewards, which can be redeemed for travel expenses that include commuting costs. With a substantial bonus offer and an affordable annual fee, it’s perfect for those who prefer simplicity in rewards.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
While it carries a high annual fee, it provides extensive travel perks, including ride credits and exceptional rewards on travel purchases.
In the complex landscape of commuting expenses and credit rewards, it’s essential to choose wisely. Whether you drive, take public transport, or utilize rideshare services, the right credit card can transform your daily travels into profitable journeys. With options spanning flexible cash-back rewards to travel points, there’s something for everyone looking to maximize their commuting expenses while easing the financial burden associated with daily travel.