The Best Credit Cards for Commuting Expenses

In this guide, you’ll learn about the best credit cards to use for commuting expenses. I’ll share my personal favorites and explain what makes them stand out.

Key Considerations:

Earning rate on commuting: Look for cards that offer bonus rewards on transportation-related purchases.

• Value of points or cash back earned: Consider the value of the rewards you’ll earn and how they compare to other cards.
• Annual fee: Be aware of any annual fees associated with the card and make sure it’s worth paying.

Top Credit Cards for Commuting:

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Card:

• Earn 2 miles per dollar on commuting.
• $95 annual fee.
• Great rewards for Alaska Airlines frequent flyers.

American Express® Green Card:

• Earn 3 points per dollar on travel and transit.
• $150 annual fee.
• Excellent travel perks, including airport lounge access.

Amtrak Guest Rewards® Preferred Mastercard®:

• Earn 2-3 points per dollar on Amtrak purchases and 2 points per dollar on dining, travel, transit, and rideshare.
• $99 annual fee.
• Ideal for frequent Amtrak travelers.

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card:

• Earn 3% cash back on a category of your choice, including gas and transit.
• $0 annual fee.
• Customizable rewards based on your spending habits.

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card:

• Earn 2 points per dollar on travel and dining and 1.5 points per dollar on everything else.
• $95 annual fee.
• Enhanced earning potential for Bank of America Preferred Rewards members.

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express:

• Earn 3% cash back on transit, including taxis, ride-hailing apps, and parking.
• $0 introductory annual fee, then $95.
• Comprehensive transit-related earnings.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card:

• Earn 2 miles per dollar on nearly everything, including commuting.
• $95 annual fee.
• Simple rewards structure with no blackout dates.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card:

• Earn 2 miles per dollar on nearly everything, including commuting.
• $395 annual fee.
• Luxurious travel benefits and airport lounge access.

Chase Sapphire Preferred:

• Earn 2 points per dollar on travel, including most transit purchases.
• $95 annual fee.
• Excellent bonus categories and a popular points currency.

Chase Sapphire Reserve:

• Earn 3 points per dollar on travel, including most transit purchases.
• $550 annual fee.
• Premium travel benefits, including airport lounge access and a $300 annual travel credit.

Citi Custom Cash® Card:

• Earn 5% cash back in your top spending category, including travel and transit (separate categories).
• $0 annual fee.
• Up to $500 of 5% cash back per billing cycle.

U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® Card:

• Earn 3 points per dollar on a broad travel
  category that includes commuting expenses.
• $400 annual fee.
• Excellent travel perks and a high earning rate on transit.

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card:

• Earn 5% cash back on up to $2,000 in spending each quarter on chosen categories, including “Ground Transportation.”
• $0 annual fee.
• Great option for those who spend consistently on commuting.

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card:

• Earn 3 points per dollar on travel and dining, including transit.
• $95 annual fee.
• A solid choice with a high earning rate on commuting and other travel expenses.

World of Hyatt Credit Card:

• Earn 2 points per dollar on local transit and commuting expenses.
• $95 annual fee.
• Great rewards for Hyatt hotel stays and automatic elite status.

World of Hyatt Business Credit Card:

• Earn 2 points per dollar in the business categories where you spend the most each quarter, including “Local transit and commuting.”
• $199 annual fee.
• Flexible bonus categories and other perks for business owners.

Bottom Line:

Choose a credit card that aligns with your commuting habits and provides valuable rewards. By maximizing your earnings on transit expenses, you can make your daily commute a little more rewarding.