Best Cash Back Cards for Transit
Cash back cards ranked by effective return rate on transit purchases.
Rankings are generated by our algorithm based on earn rates, point valuations, fees, and benefits — not paid placement. We don't accept compensation to rank cards higher. How we rank
Ranked by earn rate and redemption value, statement credits minus annual fees (weighted against a typical $30,000/year in total card spend), shopping portal bonuses when we recognize the merchant, matched benefits and promotional earn boosts. The ¢ per dollar column is the reward rate at Transit, after spend caps. Order can differ from that column because ranking adds the adjustments above.
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
U.S. Bank
- +5% cash back on Transit & Rideshare. 5% applies only if ground transportation is one of the two 5% categories you choose each quarter; the $2,000 quarterly limit is combined across both chosen categories.
- +$200 cash back bonus (~$200 value)
- +No annual fee
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
American Express
- +3% cash back on Transit & Rideshare
- +Annual fee $95. Other listed credits: Disney Bundle Credit (up to $10/mo). These amounts are not counted in estimated value or ranking: use, eligible purchases and any enrollment requirements have not been established.
- +Global Assist Hotline — not counted in estimated value or ranking; eligible use has not been established
Prime Visa
Chase
- +2% cash back on Transit & Rideshare
- +$150 gift card bonus (~$150 value)
- +No annual fee
Compare the Top Picks
Quick Comparison
Side-by-side view of the ranked picks.
| Card | Applicable Rate | Effective Value | Annual Fee | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® CardU.S. Bank | 5% cash back Transit & Rideshare | 5.0¢/$ | $0 | visa |
| Blue Cash Preferred Card from American ExpressAmerican Express | 3% cash back Transit & Rideshare | 3.0¢/$ | $95 | amex |
| Prime VisaChase | 2% cash back Transit & Rideshare | 2.0¢/$ | $0 | visa |
| Amazon VisaChase | 2% cash back Transit & Rideshare | 2.0¢/$ | $0 | visa |
| Citi Double Cash CardCiti | 2% cash back All Other | 2.0¢/$ | $0 | mastercard |
| Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature CardElan Financial | 2% cash back All Other | 2.0¢/$ | $0 | visa |
| SoFi Unlimited 2%SoFi | 2% cash back All Other | 2.0¢/$ | $0 | mastercard |
| Synchrony Premier World Mastercard®Synchrony | 2% cash back All Other | 2.0¢/$ | $0 | mastercard |
| TD Double Up Credit CardTD Bank | 2% cash back All Other | 2.0¢/$ | $0 | visa |
| U.S. Bank Smartly Visa Signature CardU.S. Bank | 2% cash back All Other | 2.0¢/$ | $0 | visa |
More Options
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Open in full search with filters →Guides for this category
- Cash BackFlat-rate cash back versus category bonuses: a household spending comparisonA 3%/1% card beats a flat 2% card only when half your spending lands in its categories. Three households, the break-even formula, and how caps change it.
- Cash BackGrocery card rewards: supermarkets, superstores, and warehouse exclusionsGrocery bonuses follow the merchant, not the food. How supermarket, superstore, warehouse, and online grocery rules change what your card actually earns.
- Cash BackHow to choose a cash back card from your actual spendingA 3% card can earn less than a 2% card. Compare annual cash back on your real spending, apply caps and merchant rules, then subtract fees.