If you’re looking to cut down on commuting costs, you’ve likely come across two major strategies: prepaid ride cards and cashback apps. While both can help you save, they work in very different ways—and the best option often depends on your travel habits. This guide will help you decide which approach fits your lifestyle.

How Prepaid Ride Cards Work
Many public transit systems offer prepaid fare cards that allow riders to load money or purchase unlimited ride passes. Cards like OMNY in New York, Ventra in Chicago, or Clipper in the Bay Area let you:

• Prepay for weekly or monthly travel at discounted rates

• Automatically reload your balance when it runs low

• Use across multiple transportation modes—subway, bus, and commuter rail

These are especially valuable for commuters who ride multiple times per day or week, offering predictable pricing and ease of use.

How Cashback Apps Like Fluz Offer Flexibility
Cashback platforms give you the freedom to save across a wider range of transportation services. With Fluz, you can earn cashback by buying gift cards for taxis, rideshares, and gas stations. For example:

• Earn cashback at Uber

• Shop discounted Lyft gift cards

• Save at the pump with Shell, Chevron, or ExxonMobil

Additional platforms like Rakuten and Ibotta let you earn cashback on parking apps, convenience stores, and travel accessories—adding another layer of savings to your commute.

Which Option is Better?

That depends on your routine:

• If you use public transit daily and rarely deviate from a set route, prepaid ride cards can offer the most value through unlimited ride plans or fare caps.

• If your commute includes taxis, rideshares, occasional gas fill-ups, or if your schedule changes frequently, cashback apps offer the flexibility to earn rewards across multiple services.

Combine Strategies for the Best Results
Many commuters use a hybrid approach—prepaid cards for everyday train or bus rides, and cashback apps like Fluz for evening cabs, weekend outings, or airport transfers. This way, you get the best of both systems and keep your transportation costs as low as possible.

If you’re ready to make your travel spending work harder for you, start using Fluz here and see how easy it is to earn cashback on everyday movement.