If you’re a regular bus rider, you’re likely familiar with digital wallets, contactless payments, and reloadable fare cards. But one savings method still flying under the radar is the use of cashback virtual cards (like ones from Fluz)—a tool that lets you pay for transportation expenses while earning instant cashback. Whether you’re topping up a transit app or buying fare cards in-store, these virtual cards can play a key role in reducing your commuting costs.
Here’s how they work and how they can apply to your everyday bus travel.
What Is a Fluz Virtual Card?
Fluz virtual cards are single-use or multi-use digital Mastercard cards that can be created instantly inside the Fluz app. Each card can be loaded for a specific amount and used online, in apps, or in-store via mobile wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay. Unlike traditional gift cards, these virtual cards can be used more flexibly and are especially helpful when you don’t want to commit to a full gift card purchase.
How to Use a Virtual Card for Bus Fare
While transit agencies don’t typically accept Fluz directly, you can still use virtual cards in a few smart ways:
- Topping Up Reloadable Transit Cards
Platforms like Clipper (SF Bay Area), Ventra (Chicago), or SmarTrip (Washington, D.C.) allow reloads online or via mobile. A Fluz virtual card can be used during checkout to earn cashback on the amount you’re adding. - Paying Through Mobile Apps
If you’re using apps like Token Transit or your local city’s fare app, you can select Apple Pay or Google Pay at checkout—then use your Fluz virtual card within that mobile wallet. That means you’re still eligible to earn cashback with a Fluz virtual card, even when paying digitally. - In-Store Transit Purchases
Need to buy a bus pass or fare card from a retail location like CVS or Walgreens? Load your Fluz virtual card into your mobile wallet and pay in-store. If available, you can get rewards with a CVS gift card or earn cashback with a Walgreens gift card instead, giving you flexibility based on what’s in stock.
What Merchants Work Best for Transit-Related Purchases?
While most transit agencies aren’t listed on Fluz directly, many of their third-party retail partners are. For example, bus fare cards are often sold at:
- CVS
- Walgreens
- Rite Aid
- 7-Eleven
These stores are all available through Fluz, letting you earn cashback with a merchant gift card and use that toward your fare purchase.
Benefits of Using Fluz Virtual Cards for Transit
- Instant cashback when paying at compatible stores or apps
- Flexibility to create cards for the exact amount needed
- Added payment security and spend tracking
- Ability to combine with other fare discounts (student, senior, employer-sponsored)
Final Tip: Check Cashback Rates Before You Buy
Cashback rates on Fluz can vary, so it’s smart to check the current rates for stores like CVS, Walgreens, or others before generating your virtual card. You can browse the latest rates via the Fluz store list and time your reloads accordingly for maximum savings.
