Ridesharing apps Uber and Lyft have become extremely popular among both local commuters and travelers over the last few years. Where people mostly relied on taxis and other public transport years ago, many people now use Uber or Lyft to get around no matter where they are.
Uber and Lyft are often cheaper than a taxi, and the convenience of calling a car from your smartphone app cannot be overstated. Fortunately, you can also earn rewards on your Uber and Lyft rides just by connecting the right credit card to your accounts.
But, which card? The best rewards card for Uber and Lyft rides depends on the individual and their rewards goals. Here are some top cards to consider:
Chase Freedom - Earn up to 5 percent Back
The Chase Freedom card is the top option for the first quarter of this year due to the way its quarterly bonus categories are set up. From January until March of 2017, you get 5 percent back on your first $1,500 spent at gas stations and on "local commuter transportation," which includes Uber and Lyft. After March 2017, however, you'll only earn 1percent back.
Discover it Miles - Earn 3 percent Back Your First Year
The Discover it Miles offers a flat 1.5 percent back on every purchase you make with the caveat that Discover will DOUBLE your rewards after the first year. This means you'll get 3 percent back on all purchases for 12 months, including Uber and Lyft rides.
Chase Sapphire Reserve - Earn 3 percent Back on Travel
The Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers 3 points per $1 spent on all travel purchases, and that includes Uber and Lyft rides. You can use these points to book travel directly, redeem for cash back, or cash them in for cash or gift cards.
Citi ThankYou Premier - Earn 3 percent Back on Travel
The Citi ThankYou Premier doles out a flat 3 points per $1 spent on all travel purchases. That includes Uber and Lyft rides along with hotels, flights, and more. Redeem your points for travel through the Citi portal, or transfer your points to popular travel partners. You can also cash in your points for gift cards to popular merchants worldwide.
American Express Card that Earns Membership Rewards- Earn 2X Points with Uber
Membership Rewards-eligible American Express cards like the American Express Everyday Preferred or American Express Platinum Card let you earn 2 points per $1 spent on eligible Uber purchases. To qualify for the promotion, you need to install the Uber app, add your qualified American Express card to your account, and tap "enable." Redeem your Membership Rewards points for travel, cash back, or gift cards.
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Lastly, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers 2x points per $1 spent on all travel purchases, and that include purchases made with Uber and Lyft.
Conclusion
If you're going to take Uber or Lyft anyway, you might as well earn rewards in the process. At the same time, you can maximize the rewards you earn by using a card perfect for Uber and Lyft rides. As always, make sure you read the fine print of any new card before you sign up.
Which rewards cards do you use for Uber and Lyft purchases
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