Riding the bus is already one of the most affordable ways to get around, but there’s more than one way to stretch your fare even further. By combining public transit benefits, digital payment hacks, and rewards platforms, daily commuters can cut weekly costs without changing how they travel.
Here are seven proven ways to keep more money in your pocket while riding the bus—whether you’re traveling locally or across city lines.
- Use Reloadable Transit Cards with Rewards Apps
Transit systems like Ventra, SmarTrip, and OMNY support online reloads. Instead of paying directly with a credit card, use rewards platforms like Ibotta or Rakuten to earn cash back on purchases from retailers that sell fare cards. Alternatively, use a cashback-enabled virtual card from Fluz for real-time savings at checkout.
- Earn Cashback with Gift Cards for Transit-Adjacent Retailers
Many commuters don’t realize that transit fare cards are often sold at chain retailers. You can earn cashback with a CVS gift card or get rewards with a Walgreens gift card when purchasing fare reloads, depending on your region. Stores like Rite Aid and 7-Eleven may also stock passes or allow balance top-ups, giving you a chance to stack savings through Fluz.
- Use Fluz Virtual Cards for Mobile Wallet Payments
Transit systems that accept Apple Pay or Google Pay give you another opportunity to save. Load a Fluz virtual card into your mobile wallet and use it for fare purchases in apps like Token Transit. This lets you earn cashback with a Fluz virtual card on each transaction while avoiding the need to carry physical cards.
- Combine Transit Discounts with Rewards Platforms
Many cities offer reduced fare programs for students, seniors, and low-income residents. Pair these savings with cashback strategies to stretch your discount even further. For example, if you qualify for discounted fares and buy your reloads at CVS, you can earn cashback with a CVS gift card and apply your program-based discount on top.
- Buy Fare Reloads in Bulk During High Cashback Windows
Cashback rates on platforms like Fluz often fluctuate. Monitor rates and purchase larger gift cards during high-reward periods. Load these to your transit account when needed. For example, buying a $50 reload with a 4% cashback rate returns $2—multiply that by four reloads a month, and you could save close to $100 annually.
- Sign Up for Commuter Benefits from Work
If your employer offers commuter benefits through services like TransitChek or WageWorks, you can pay for fare cards with pre-tax dollars. You may also be able to load these funds into accounts that support digital gift cards, giving you an added stacking opportunity.
- Track Fare Spend and Optimize with Digital Tools
Apps like Transit App and Citymapper help track your usage and plan more efficient routes. Pair them with Fluz to fund your fare in smarter ways while receiving cashback from participating retailers and virtual card payments.
