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Do taxis take credit cards?

Pay your taxi with plastic in large cities across the country.

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Kliment Dukovski
Updated
Fact checked

Using your credit card to pay for your taxi is convenient and — depending on your card — rewarding. Unfortunately, there could be situations where the cab driver won’t accept your credit card.

Do taxis take credit cards?

This largely depends on local laws and regulations, but most taxi companies in larger cities are required to accept plastic. In most cases, drivers aren’t enthusiastic about it because of the fees they have to pay. Don’t be surprised if the driver claims the payment terminal doesn’t work even if it does work.

Typically, taxis that accept credit cards may only take Visa, Mastercard and Discover. Make sure to ask the driver before you get in if they accept cards and if they do, which card networks.

Popular cities where taxi companies take credit cards:

  • New York
  • Chicago
  • Los Angeles
  • Philadelphia
  • Boston
  • Washington DC

Is it safe to use a credit card to pay for a taxi?

Paying your taxi with a credit card is as safe as when paying anywhere else. But just in case, here’s what to keep an eye on:

  • Pay attention to the taxi meter.
    If the rate jumps because you want to pay with a card ask why. Adding a surcharge to credit card payments is often illegal.
  • Look at the POS terminal.
    If it looks suspicious, don’t swipe your card.
  • Write down the taxi’s medallion number.
    If you feel something’s off regarding your credit card payment, having the driver’s number will make it easier to report it.

Do taxis take credit cards in foreign countries?

It depends on the country and the taxi company. In most countries, taxis don’t take credit cards. In this case, you can either pay with cash or call Uber or Lyft. Before traveling, make sure to research some tips on using your card internationally.

Compare rideshare credit cards

If a taxi company either in the US or abroad doesn’t accept cards, consider using a ridesharing service such as Uber and Lyft. These services will always allow you to pay with your card via the mobile app.

Name Product Filter values Rewards Purchase APR Annual fee
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
6% on select US streaming services, 3% on transit and US gas stations, 6% at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 annually, then 1% after that and on all other purchases (redeem as statement credit)
0% intro for the first 12 months (then 13.99% to 23.99% variable)
$0 intro annual fee for the first year ($95 thereafter)
Apply now
View details
Perfect for families: Earn up to 6% cashback as statement credit on everyday purchases and a big welcome offer for a cashback card. This heavy-hitter rewards card has uncontested value. Terms apply, see rates & fees
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase, 5% on Lyft, 3% on dining and drugstores and 1.5% on all other purchases
0% intro for the first 15 months (then 14.99% to 23.74% variable)
$0
Apply now
View details
This solid 1.5% cashback card gets even better with the addition of up to 5% back in categories like travel, drug stores and dining.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
5x points on Lyft, 2x points on up to $1,000 on groceries until April 30, 2021, 2x points on travel and dining and 1x points on all other purchases
15.99% to 22.99% variable
$95
Apply now
View details
Earn a signup bonus worth $1,000 plus up to $50 statement credit towards groceries with this popular travel card.
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Bottom line

Most taxi companies in large cities are required to accept credit cards as a payment method. In some cases, the driver may be reluctant to accept your card or simply claim the terminal is broken. However, this may be a violation of local law, depending on where you are.

To be certain you can pay with a credit card, consider other methods of travel like Uber or Lyft. Some of the best credit cards for ridesharing let you earn accelerated rewards, so make sure you compare these options if you often use taxi or rideshares.

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