Do taxis take credit cards?

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:

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.

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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.

Frequently asked questions

• What if state law requires cab drivers to accept cards but they still refuse to?

  In this case, you can report the cab driver to the local authorities. In some states, it’s illegal by cab drivers not to accept credit cards. If the driver claims there are issues with the terminal, they have to report the issue and fix it, usually in up to 48 hours.

• Are there any credit cards with accelerated rewards on taxi rides?

  There are other cards with accelerated rewards on taxi rides. They are:

  • Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
    earns 3% cash back on transit purchases, including taxi and rideshares.
  • Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card
    card earns 3x points on transit, including taxis and rideshares.