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CardCurator — Rewards Intelligence
Public Transit

Best Credit Card for Public Transit

Compare the top credit cards for subway, bus, train, and public transportation and find which one earns the most rewards.

Subway, bus, and commuter rail charges earn bonus rates on select cards with transit categories. Some city-focused premium cards offer transit credits that can cover a monthly transit pass.

Top Pick

Best Pick
American Express Green Card card art
American Express Membership Rewards

American Express Green Card

3x
points per dollar
6.0%
effective return
$150/yr
annual fee

3x on On Transit Including trains, buses, ferries, subways, and more

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More Good Options

  • Citi Strata card art
    Citi ThankYou Points
    Citi Strata
    3x
    pts/dollar
    4.5%
    return

    3x on Select Transit

    Learn more →
  • Wells Fargo Attune card art
    Wells Fargo Cash Rewards
    Wells Fargo Attune
    4x
    pts/dollar
    4.0%
    return

    4x on public transit, electric vehicle charging, and select thrift stores

    Learn more →
  • Aadvantage Globe Mastercard card art
    AAdvantage
    Aadvantage Globe Mastercard
    2x
    pts/dollar
    3.0%
    return

    2x on Rides and Rails (taxis, rideshares, public transit)

    Learn more →
  • Atmos Rewards Summit card art
    Atmos Rewards
    Atmos Rewards Summit
    2x
    pts/dollar
    3.0%
    return

    2x on Public Transit

    Learn more →
Compare these 3 cards side by side

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Common Questions

What is the best credit card for Public Transit?

The American Express Green Card is currently the top pick for subway, bus, train, and public transportation, earning 3x points per dollar — an effective 6.0% return.

How many points do you earn on Public Transit purchases?

The top-rated card for subway, bus, train, and public transportation, the American Express Green Card, earns 3x per dollar — an effective return of 6.0%.

Is there a no-annual-fee card that earns rewards on Public Transit?

Yes — the Citi Strata earns 3x on subway, bus, train, and public transportation with no annual fee (4.5% effective return).

Is a premium card worth the annual fee for Public Transit spending?

The Aadvantage Globe Mastercard ($350/yr) earns 2x on subway, bus, train, and public transportation. If you spend $972/month or more on public transit, the rewards offset the annual fee — before counting travel credits and other perks.

Which card earns the most if I spend $500 per month on Public Transit?

American Express Green Card: $360/yr, Citi Strata: $270/yr, Wells Fargo Attune: $240/yr. The American Express Green Card earns the most at $500/month.

Do rotating category cards earn on Public Transit?

Some cards — like Chase Freedom Flex and Discover it — occasionally feature public transit as a 5% bonus category for one quarter per year. Year-round, a dedicated public transit card typically outperforms rotating category cards since you can't always count on the bonus.

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