Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
Companies are increasingly requiring in-person work again, at least for part of the week. Whether you're driving to the office or riding the subway, you can benefit from using a credit card that earns rewards for commuting expenses.
The right rewards credit card can help offset some of your daily commute costs and provide added perks, such as roadside assistance. CNBC Select breaks down the best credit cards for different types of commuters so you can choose the one that best fits your journey.
Best credit cards for commuters
- Best for public transit: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- Best for Lyft and general travel: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees)
- Best for Uber: American Express® Gold Card (see rates and fees)
- Best for gas: PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card
- Best for Amtrak passengers: Amtrak Guest Rewards® Preferred Mastercard®
- Best for flexible travel: U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature Card
Best for public transit
Who's this for? Whether you take the subway, train or bus, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express earns a strong 3% cash back on transit purchases. That includes taxis, rideshare, tolls, parking, buses, trains and more.
Standout benefits: This card has a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 (see rates and fees), but it can be offset by the cash back you earn and discounts you can get through Amex Offers. On top of the transit benefits, you'll earn rewards on purchases at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a low-fee card with generous cash-back rewards and useful ongoing benefits, such as a monthly Disney Bundle credit. (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
- High cash-back earnings for U.S. supermarkets and streaming services
- Intro-APR offer for purchases and balance transfers
- No annual fee for the first year
- It's less rewarding after the first year because of the annual fee
- Bonus rewards for U.S. supermarkets are capped
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Apply and find out your welcome offer. As High As $300 cash back* after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply, and if approved: 1. Find out your offer amount 2. Accept the Card with your offer 3. Spend $3,000 in 6 months 4. Receive the cash back. *Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.74%-28.74%.
- Plan It®: Buy now, pay later with Plan It. Split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee so you don't have the pressure of paying all at once. Simply select the purchase in your online account or the American Express® App to see your plan options. Plus, you'll still earn rewards on purchases the way you usually do.
- Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
- Get up to a $10 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
- See Rates & Fees
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign transaction fee
2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars
Learn more: Read the full Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express review.
Best for Lyft and general travel
Who's this for? The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers unmatched rewards on Lyft purchases: Earn 5X points on Lyft rides through Sept. 30, 2027. Plus, you can activate the complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership the card offers and unlock more benefits via Lyft's and DoorDash's partnership. This includes 5% off standard rides, two priority pickup upgrades each month and $10 off your first two rides as a new rider (valid through Dec. 31, 2027).
Standout benefits: The Sapphire Preferred is packed with several travel-related perks, including 3X points at gas stations and on EV charging. You'll also receive a $100 statement credit each year for hotel stays purchased through Chase Travel.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card packs a punch for a $95 annual fee card, offering annual travel credits, comprehensive travel protections, flexible rewards and more.
- You can transfer rewards to all of Chase's travel partners including World of Hyatt, Southwest Rapid Rewards and many more
- Long list of travel and shopping protections
- Annual Chase Travel hotel credit
- Has an annual fee
- Requires a high credit score
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase TravelSM, 3x on dining, 3x on vacation homes at top brands, 3x on gas & EV charging, 3x on top streaming services and online groceries (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.
- Earn up to $100 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase TravelSM.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Emergency Evacuation and Transportation, and more.
- Get a year of complimentary Apple TV when activated by December 31, 2026 - a value of $180.
- Complimentary DashPass membership, a $120 value for 12 months. Enjoy $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible DoorDash orders, plus exclusive Chase savings on grocery, everyday essentials, and more. Activate by 12/31/29.
- Receive one statement credit of up to $120 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card for a Global Entry, TSA Precheck® or NEXUS application.
- Transfer points to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs.
- Member FDIC
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
Learn more: Read the full Chase Sapphire Preferred review.
Best for Uber
Who's this for? For frequent users of Uber, the American Express® Gold Card comes with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually ($10 each month) to use on rides and orders in the U.S. when using your selected Amex Card. On top of the Uber Cash, you can also receive a one-time statement credit of up to $96 for an annual Uber One membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you enroll through Amex Offers.
Standout benefits: The Amex Gold Card is also a great option for foodies, whether you're eating out or cooking at home. You'll earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X) and at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X).
The American Express Gold Card is great for earning valuable Membership Rewards® points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets. Membership Rewards® points transfer to many of the top airline and hotel loyalty programs, which makes this card one of the best options for earning travel rewards.
- You can earn $400+ in dining and rideshare credits every year (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
- Exceptionally rewarding for eligible restaurant and U.S. supermarket purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
- Large annual fee
- Credits are more complicated, you earn them monthly or semi-annually
- Spending caps on the top bonus categories
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you're approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you're approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You'll know upfront exactly how much you'll pay.
- $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Foreign transaction fee
None
Best for gas
Who's this for? If you want to maximize rewards at gas stations, the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card currently offers one of the highest rewards rates on gas: 5X points on gas purchases at the pump and at EV charging stations.
Standout benefits: This card has no annual fee, and cardholders can also benefit from an unlimited 3X points on supermarket purchases (including most Target and Walmart locations). PenFed is a credit union, so membership is required to open the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa. Anyone can join by completing a few steps by submitting an account application and depositing a minimum of $5.
PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card
Rewards
5X points on gas purchases at the pump and electrical vehicle charging stations, 3X points on purchases at the supermarket (including most Target and Walmart locations†), restaurants, and TV, radio, cable, streaming services
Welcome bonus
15,000 points when you spend $1,500 in first 90 days
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
0% introductory APR for 12 months on balance transfers made in the first 60 days after account opening.*
Regular APR
17.99% variable on purchases; 17.99% non-variable on balance transfers
Balance transfer fee
3%
Foreign transaction fee
None
Credit needed
Good/Excellent
Terms apply.
Pros
- High 5X points on gas at the pump and 3X on supermarket purchases
- No bonus category activations
- Good special financing offer on balance transfers
Cons
- 3% balance transfer fee
*0% introductory APR for 12 months on balance transfers made in the first 60 days after account opening. After that, the APR for the unpaid balance and any new balance transfers will be a non-variable rate of 17.99%. 3% balance transfer fee per transaction. Subject to credit approval. If you take advantage of this balance transfer, you will immediately be charged interest on all purchases made with your credit card unless you pay the entire account balance, including balance transfers, in full each month by the payment due date.
Best for Amtrak passengers
Who's this for? While it does carry a $99 annual fee, the Amtrak Guest Rewards® Preferred Mastercard® is great for commuters who frequent this passenger railway. The card earns 3X points on Amtrak travel, including onboard purchases, and you'll receive a 20% rebate on onboard food and beverage purchases in the form of a statement credit.
Standout benefits: The points you earn can be redeemed for cash, Amtrak tickets, seat upgrades, lounge access and more. Upon account opening and card anniversary, you'll receive a round-trip companion coupon, a one-class upgrade and a station lounge pass. On top of the Amtrak-specific rewards, the card also earns 2X points on dining, travel, transit and rideshare purchases.
Amtrak Guest Rewards® Preferred Mastercard®
Rewards
3X points per $1 spent on travel booked with Amtrak (including purchases made onboard); 2X points per $1 spent on travel, dining, transit and rideshare services; and 1X points per $1 spent for all other purchases.
Welcome bonus
Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending at least $1,000 within the first three billing cycles of account membership.
Annual fee
$99
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
27.24% (variable)
Balance transfer fee
5% of the amount being transferred or $10, whichever is greater
Foreign transaction fee
None
Credit needed
Excellent/Good
Terms apply.
Best for flexible travel
Who's this for? If you're looking for a card that conforms to your spending habits, the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature Card is a good option. You'll earn 5% cash back on the first $2,000 spent in combined eligible purchases each quarter from two categories you choose. Of the 12 options provided, one of them is ground transportation, which includes buses and passenger railway tickets, taxi fares and more.
Standout benefits: The card also provides you with a choice of where you earn 2% cash back. You can pick from gas and EV charging stations, grocery stores or restaurants.
- Rewarding and versatile quarterly bonus categories
- Generous intro-APR offer
- Quarterly limits on the card's top bonus spending categories
- No statement credit offers or other ongoing benefits outside of the cash rewards
What is a credit card for commuting and transit?
A commuter or transit credit card can refer to any card that offers rewards on those purchases, from gas stations to subways to taxis to railroads. The exact types of purchases that qualify for rewards will depend on the card you're using, so double-check your card's terms and conditions.
You'll also want to be aware of any monthly, quarterly or yearly spending caps on your card's rewards categories and take the annual fee into account.
Pros and cons of using a commuter or transit card
- If you commute often, you'll earn elevated rewards on purchases you're already making
- Some cards offer additional transportation-related statement credits or benefits that can stack with each other
- Many options charge no annual fee or have a low introductory fee
- Monthly statement credits expire if they aren't used each month
- Some card partnerships can expire, removing certain benefits from your account
- Your card may offer average or subpar rewards on purchases outside transit
Why trust CNBC Select?
At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit card review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best commuter credit cards.
Our methodology
To determine which credit cards offer the best value, CNBC Select analyzed popular credit cards available in the U.S. We compared each card on a range of features, including rewards, welcome bonus, introductory and standard APR, balance transfer fee and foreign transaction fees, as well as factors such as required credit and customer reviews when available. We also considered additional perks, the application process and how easy it is for the consumer to redeem points.
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For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express Gold Card®, click here.
