With the rise of ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft, it’s essential to have a credit card that rewards you for these expenses. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a daily commuter, or an occasional rider, the right credit card can help you save money and earn valuable rewards on every ride.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best credit cards for Uber and Lyft in 2024, covering a range of options from no-annual-fee cards to premium travel rewards cards. We’ll also address frequently asked questions and provide expert tips to help you choose the card that best suits your needs and spending habits.
Top Credit Cards for Uber and Lyft
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® card is an excellent choice for frequent Uber and Lyft users, offering a generous 10 points per dollar on Lyft rides until March 2025. Additionally, cardholders receive a complimentary Lyft Pink All Access membership for the first two years, which includes flexible ride cancellation, unlimited 45-minute classic bike rides, and a complimentary Grubhub+ membership.
Rewards:
- Earn 5 points per dollar on flights and 10 points per dollar on hotels and car rentals when purchasing travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually.
- Earn 3 points per dollar on other travel and dining, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Annual Fee: $550
Other Benefits:
- $300 annual travel credit
- Complimentary airport lounge access
- Application fee reimbursement for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS membership
- Excellent travel insurance coverage and purchase protection benefits
READ ALSO: Top 5 Credit Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees
Chase Freedom Flex℠ *
The Chase Freedom Flex℠* card is a no-annual-fee option that offers 5% cash back on Lyft rides until March 2025. Cashback is earned in the form of rewards points, which can be redeemed for a statement credit or direct deposit.
Rewards:
- Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in categories that rotate quarterly (requires activation)
- Earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- Earn 3% cash back on dining and drugstores
- Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
Welcome Offer: Earn $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, earn 5% cash back on combined gas station and grocery store purchases (excluding Target and Walmart) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year.
Annual Fee: $0
Other Benefits:
- Quarterly rotating bonus categories
- Elevated dining and drugstore earning rates
- Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance when you use the card to pay for your travel
American Express® Gold Card
The American Express® Gold Card (Terms apply, see rates & fees) automatically adds a $10 monthly credit to your Uber wallet, which can be used for both Uber and Uber Eats within the U.S. Uber Eats purchases on the card also earn bonus Membership Rewards points, as they count as dining.
Rewards:
- Earn 4 Membership Rewards® points per dollar at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
- Earn 4 Membership Rewards® points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1 point per dollar)
- Earn 3 Membership Rewards® points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express travel
- Earn 1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases
Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first 6 months of card membership.
Annual Fee: $250
Other Benefits:
- High-category bonuses on grocery purchases (up to $25,000 annually)
- Monthly $10 statement credit for dining at various establishments
- Membership Rewards points can be transferred to Amex travel partners for potentially high-value redemptions
READ ALSO: Maximize Travel and Cash Back with the Best Rewards Credit Cards
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Lyft purchases earn 5 Ultimate Rewards per dollar on the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card through March 2025, while Uber rides earn 2 points per dollar as rideshare is included in the travel bonus category.
Rewards:
- Earn 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- Earn 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs)
- Earn 2 points per dollar on all other travel purchases
- Earn 1 point per dollar on other purchases
Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Annual Fee: $95
Other Benefits:
- Points can be transferred to Chase’s travel partners for higher-value redemptions
- A comprehensive set of travel and purchase protections, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance and primary auto rental collision coverage
American Express® Green Card *
The American Express® Green Card* earns 3 Membership Rewards points per dollar on all transit purchases, including rideshares, meaning you’ll earn extra points on both Uber and Lyft.
Rewards:
- Earn 3 points per dollar on travel and transit, including flights, hotels, taxis, rideshare services, trains, parking, and more
- Earn 3 points per dollar on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
- Earn 1 point per dollar on other purchases
Welcome Offer: Earn 40,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 6 months.
Annual Fee: $150
Other Benefits:
- Annual CLEAR® Plus and LoungeBuddy statement credits
- No foreign exchange fees
- Travel and purchase protection
All information about American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor.
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card (rates & fees) earns a generous 10% cash back on Uber and Uber Eats purchases within the U.S. and provides a monthly statement credit for Uber One membership fees until November 14, 2024. Cashback can be easily redeemed for a statement credit or check.
Rewards:
- Earn 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®)
- Earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- Earn 1% on all other purchases
Welcome Offer: Earn a $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
Annual Fee: $0
Other Benefits:
- Bonus categories provide plenty of opportunities to earn extra cash back
- Easily redeemable cash-back rewards
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
Ground transportation, including rideshares, is one of the eligible categories that earn 5% cash back on the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card.
Rewards:
- Earn 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel, and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center
- Earn 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories of choice
- Earn 2% cash back on one everyday category, such as gas stations, grocery stores, or restaurants
- Earn 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Offer: Earn a $200 rewards bonus after spending $1,000 on eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.
Annual Fee: $0
Other Benefits:
- Introductory APR offer on purchases and balance transfers
- Cashback can be redeemed for a statement credit or deposited into your U.S. Bank account
Citi Double Cash® Card
The Citi Double Cash® Card earns cash back on all purchases, including rideshares, making it a solid choice for those who want to earn rewards without tracking bonus categories.
Rewards:
- Earn 2% cash back on all purchases—1% when purchases are made and another 1% when they’re paid off.
Welcome Offer: Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening, fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points.
Annual Fee: $0
Other Benefits:
- Simplicity of earning flat-rate rewards on all purchases
- Citi ThankYou Points can be redeemed for statement credits, direct deposits, or checks
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Adding The Platinum Card® from American Express (Terms apply, see rates & fees) to your Uber wallet activates a $15 monthly Uber credit, with an extra $20 credit ($35 total) in December—that’s a total of $200 in Uber credits per year. The credits can be used on Uber rides or Uber Eats, and the card also provides Uber VIP status for extra perks and discounts.
Rewards:
- Earn 5 Membership Rewards Points per dollar for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel for up to $500,000 per calendar year
- Earn 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
- Earn 1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases
Welcome Offer: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $8,000 on purchases on the card in the first 6 months of card membership.
Annual Fee: $695
Other Benefits:
- Airport lounge access
- $200 airline fee credit
- $200 hotel credit
- $240 digital entertainment credit with enrollment (up to $20 back monthly)
- $155 Walmart+ credit
- Reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express (Terms apply, see rates & fees) earns 3% cash back on transit purchases, which includes rideshares like Uber and Lyft.
Rewards:
- Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%)
- Earn 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
- Earn 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses, and more)
- Earn 1% cash back on other eligible purchases
Welcome Offer: Earn $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in purchases within the first 6 months.
Annual Fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95
Other Benefits:
- $7 monthly statement credit for the Disney Bundle
- $10 per month Equinox+ credit when you pay for an auto-renewing subscription
- Car rental loss and damage insurance
- Purchase protection for eligible purchases
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Uber and Uber Eats purchases within the U.S. earn 10% cash back on the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card (rates & fees) through November 14, 2024. Cardholders also receive statement credits for monthly Uber One membership fees billed to the card.
Rewards:
- Earn 10% cash back on purchases made with Uber & Uber Eats through 11/14/2024
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase
Welcome Offer: Earn $50 after spending $100 in the first three months.
Annual Fee: $0
Other Benefits:
- Designed exclusively for students with a fair credit score
- Flat-rate cash back on all purchases
- Travel accident insurance, extended warranty, and no foreign transaction fees
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card (rates & fees) earns 10% cash back on Uber and Uber Eats within the U.S. through November 14, 2024, and provides a statement credit for monthly Uber One membership fees charged to the card.
Rewards:
- Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats through 11/14/2024
- Earn 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®)
- Earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- Earn 1% on all other purchases
Welcome Offer: Earn $50 after spending $100 in the first three months.
Annual Fee: $0
Other Benefits:
- Designed exclusively for students with a fair credit score
- Bonus categories useful for college students
- Travel accident insurance, extended warranty, and no foreign transaction fees
Chase Freedom Rise
Lyft rides earn 5% cash back on the Chase Freedom Rise* until March 2025, making it an excellent choice for those new to credit or working on building their credit history.
Rewards:
- Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase
Welcome Offer: Earn $25 statement credit with enrollment in autopay within the first 3 months of account opening, terms apply.
Annual Fee: $0
Other Benefits:
- Designed for those with a limited credit history
- Flat-rate earning structure for simplicity
- Cashback can be redeemed as statement credits or direct deposits
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® card earns 5% cash back on Lyft rides through March 2025, paid as rewards points which can be redeemed for a statement credit or direct deposit.
Rewards:
- Earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- Earn 3% cash back on eligible dining and drugstores
- Earn 1.5% on all other purchases, plus an additional 1.5% cash back on the first $20,000 in purchases the first year
Welcome Offer: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on up to $20,000 spent in the first year, worth up to $300 cashback.
Annual Fee: $0
Other Benefits:
- Elevated cash-back rates in bonus categories
- Pair with a premium Ultimate Rewards card for better redemption options
- Travel and purchase protections, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
Transit purchases, including ride-booking services like Uber and Lyft, earn 3 points per dollar with the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card.
Rewards:
- Earn 3 points per dollar at restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans
- Earn 1 point per dollar on other purchases
Welcome Offer: Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.
Annual Fee: $0
Other Benefits:
- Reward points can be redeemed for statement credits, deposits, or travel purchases
- Limited benefits include cellphone insurance and an auto rental collision damage waiver
Conclusion
With the convenience and popularity of ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft, it’s essential to have a credit card that rewards you for these expenses. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a daily commuter, or an occasional rider, the right credit card can help you save money and earn valuable rewards on every ride.
When choosing the best credit card for Uber and Lyft, consider your overall spending habits, travel goals, and the value of the rewards and benefits offered. Premium travel rewards cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express offer outstanding rewards and benefits for frequent rideshare users, but they come with higher annual fees.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, cards like the Chase Freedom Flex℠*, American Express® Gold Card, and Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card provide excellent rewards on rideshare purchases without an annual fee. Additionally, student and credit-building cards like the Chase Freedom Rise* and Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card cater to those new to credit or with fair credit scores.
Ultimately, the best credit card for Uber and Lyft will depend on your individual needs and spending patterns. By carefully evaluating your options and taking advantage of the rewards and benefits offered, you can maximize your savings and earn valuable rewards on every ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I earn rewards on both Uber and Lyft with the same credit card?
Yes, most of the credit cards on this list earn rewards for both Uber and Lyft purchases. However, some cards may offer higher earning rates or additional benefits for one service over the other, so it’s essential to consider your primary rideshare service when choosing a card.
Is it worth paying an annual fee for a credit card just for Uber and Lyft rewards?
Whether paying an annual fee is worth it depends on your overall spending on rideshares and the value of the rewards and benefits offered by the card. Generally, if you spend a significant amount on Uber and Lyft each year, and the rewards or savings outweigh the annual fee, it may be worth considering a card with an annual fee. However, if your rideshare spending is minimal, a no-annual-fee card may be a better option.
Can I earn rewards on Uber Eats purchases with these credit cards?
Yes, many of the credit cards on this list earn rewards on Uber Eats purchases, as they are often categorized as dining or food delivery purchases. For example, the American Express® Gold Card earns 4 Membership Rewards® points per dollar on Uber Eats purchases in the U.S., as they are considered part of the dining category.
Are there any credit cards that offer rideshare-specific benefits?
Yes, some credit cards offer rideshare-specific benefits beyond earning rewards on purchases. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® provides a complimentary Lyft Pink All Access membership for the first two years, which includes flexible ride cancellation, unlimited 45-minute classic bike rides, and a complimentary Grubhub+ membership. The Platinum Card® from American Express offers up to $200 in Uber credits per year, as well as Uber VIP status.
How do I maximize my rewards on Uber and Lyft rides?
To maximize your rewards on Uber and Lyft rides, consider the following tips:
- Use a credit card that offers bonus rewards for rideshare or travel purchases.
- Take advantage of any additional benefits or credits offered by your credit card for rideshare services.
- Link your credit card to any loyalty programs or partnerships offered by Uber or Lyft to earn additional rewards or points.
- Pay for all your rides using the credit card that offers the best rewards for rideshare purchases.
- Consider using a credit card that earns flexible travel rewards if you plan to redeem your rewards for travel.
What if I don’t have a good credit score?
If you have a limited or fair credit history, there are still options for earning rewards on Uber and Lyft rides. Cards like the Chase Freedom Rise*, Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card, and Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card are designed for those new to credit or with fair credit scores. These cards offer flat-rate cash back or bonus rewards on rideshare purchases, making them excellent choices for building credit while earning rewards.
Can I use a credit card for rideshare purchases outside the United States?
Most credit cards on this list earn rewards on rideshare purchases made worldwide, but it’s essential to check the terms and conditions of your specific card. Some cards may charge foreign transaction fees for purchases made outside the U.S., which can offset the value of the rewards earned. Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees for international rideshare purchases.
In another related article, The Best Cash Back Credit Cards with No Annual Fee
