Public transportation is already one of the most affordable ways to get around, but what if you could make it even cheaper? Thanks to cashback apps and digital rewards platforms, bus riders can now offset some of their commuting costs—sometimes instantly—just by paying a little differently. Whether you’re a daily commuter, student, or budget traveler, here’s how to keep more money in your wallet while riding the bus.
Understanding Cashback for Bus Fare
Most public transit systems don’t allow traditional coupons or discounts outside of student, senior, or low-income fare programs. But cashback apps work differently. Instead of reducing your fare at the point of purchase, they reward you with a percentage of your spend after you’ve paid—sometimes within seconds.
This is possible when you buy a bus pass, reload a transit card, or make related purchases (like commuter gear or travel essentials) through participating platforms. You spend what you normally would—but earn a portion back.
Best Ways to Earn Cashback on Bus-Related Purchases
- Use gift card-based cashback apps like Fluz
Apps like Fluz allow users to buy digital gift cards for transit-related retailers or digital wallets accepted by public transit authorities. Some transit systems sell gift cards through major payment processors or reloadable services that may appear on Fluz. Look for options like PayPal, Apple, or Google Pay compatibility for fare payments—then purchase those payment methods at a discount or with cashback via Fluz. - Shop commuter gear and transit accessories smartly
If your transit system accepts contactless payments or supports mobile wallets, you may need accessories like card sleeves, phone holders, or secure backpacks. You can earn cashback with a CVS gift card when shopping for commuter essentials through CVS on Fluz.
- Buy reloads and passes online with cashback portals
Some city transit systems offer online reloading or monthly pass purchases through their websites. If your city supports this, check if payments go through popular processors like PayPal. Then, pay using a gift card purchased via Fluz, or link through browser-based cashback apps like Rakuten or Ibotta. - Stack rewards with linked credit or debit cards
Many cashback apps, including Rakuten and Ibotta, now offer the ability to link your existing cards for automatic rewards at partner merchants. When shopping for gear or snacks on your way to the bus stop, be sure you’re activating all layers of rewards.
What You Can’t Do (Yet)
Most major transit authorities—including MTA (New York), CTA (Chicago), and WMATA (Washington D.C.)—don’t partner directly with cashback apps. That means you can’t directly get money back for tapping your MetroCard or Ventra card. But by routing your spend through third-party platforms (e.g., gift card reloads, gear purchases, or mobile wallet funding), you still win.
Final Tip: Check Before You Pay
Cashback rates and eligible partners change frequently. Before buying a gift card or paying through a linked service, check the Fluz app or your preferred cashback platform to confirm the offer is active. That five seconds could put real money back in your pocket.
