transportation is a lifeline for millions of riders, but savvy bus users know there’s more than one way to make the most of every fare. Beyond discounted passes and city-sponsored programs, everyday commuters are using cashback platforms to turn regular purchases into real savings. Here’s how real bus riders are maximizing value—just by changing how they pay.

Meet Melissa: The Daily Commuter Who Turns Fares into Funds

Melissa lives in Minneapolis and rides the bus to work five days a week. Rather than topping up her fare card with a debit card, she uses a digital gift card purchased through Fluz whenever possible. Her transit authority accepts PayPal payments, so she uses the balance to reload her Metro Transit Go-To Card online. Melissa earns cashback instantly and sees the rewards accumulate monthly.

Her advice: “You don’t need to buy anything extra. Just change how you’re paying for what you already use.”

Carlos: Budget Traveler and Student

As a college student in Los Angeles, Carlos relies on LA Metro buses to get around campus and the city. He uses a combination of cashback apps like Rakuten and Ibotta to save on things like transportation gear, food near the transit stops, and reloadable fare cards when available. Carlos also pays attention to student discounts from the LA Metro Student TAP card program to maximize his savings stack.

Jasmine: The Gear Strategist

Jasmine doesn’t always save directly on her fare, but she cuts commuting costs by purchasing travel gear—like phone chargers, organizers, and weather-proof outerwear—through retailers that offer cashback. For example, she’ll buy a CVS gift card online via Fluz before heading out to pick up bus-friendly accessories. Small savings add up over time, and she keeps all her rewards in one place.

How These Riders Make It Work

• Check your transit system’s online fare options. If reloads are supported via PayPal or another wallet, gift cards from Fluz may apply.
  
• Layer your cashback. Use a rewards credit card with apps like Fluz or Rakuten to earn in multiple ways.
  
• Save on transit-adjacent purchases. From backpacks to reusable water bottles, buy supplies through reward apps to cut overall commuting expenses.
  
• Stay consistent. Small percentages may not seem like much at first—but multiply that by hundreds of rides a year, and it adds up fast.
  

Want to Try It?

Platforms like Fluz make it simple to earn cashback without changing your habits. Instead of swiping a card or scanning your phone directly, you fund those payments through discounted or reward-enabled gift cards—and keep the difference.