Sharing a taxi ride with friends, coworkers, or fellow travelers is one of the easiest ways to cut down transportation costs—especially when prices surge or the ride is long. But when it comes time to split the fare, scrambling for cash or doing awkward math in the back seat isn’t ideal. Fortunately, today’s mobile apps make fare-splitting seamless, quick, and even trackable.
Here’s how to split your taxi fare the smart way.
- Use Taxi or Rideshare Apps With Built-In Split Features
Some rideshare services offer in-app fare splitting. For example, Uber’s “Split Fare” feature (currently available in select markets) allows the ride requester to invite others in the party to pay their share directly through the app. Riders get charged individually, and no one needs to handle physical money.
While traditional taxi apps like Curb and Arro don’t offer native fare-splitting, the fare payer can still cover the ride and then divide the cost afterward with friends using mobile payment platforms.
- Rely on Peer-to-Peer Payment Apps
The easiest way to split a cab fare after the ride is through digital wallet apps. The most popular options include:
Simply enter the amount, label it “Taxi fare,” and request or send payment immediately. These platforms are fast, secure, and don’t require you to carry or exchange physical currency.
- Create a Shared Spending Group
Apps like Splitwise are ideal for groups that share expenses regularly. Whether you’re on a group vacation or sharing daily commutes, you can log taxi fares, keep running balances, and settle up in bulk.
Splitwise supports Venmo, PayPal, and bank transfers, making it convenient to connect the fare-sharing with actual payments.
- Consider Using Cashback Gift Cards for Taxis and Rideshares
If you’re the designated fare-payer in your group, save on the upfront cost by using gift cards with built-in rewards. With Fluz, you can earn cashback with a Lyft gift card or get rewards with an Uber gift card, even if your friends reimburse you later.
This way, you benefit from the savings while still splitting the fare equally. You can buy the exact amount you need and load it into your app immediately. To view all available options, head to the Fluz homepage.
- Agree on the Split Before You Ride
For a smooth experience, agree on how you’ll split the fare before the taxi arrives. Whether it’s 50/50, proportional based on drop-off points, or by distance, clear communication helps avoid confusion and delays.
If using a rideshare service with upfront pricing, the total can be viewed before the ride starts, making cost-sharing even simpler.
- Track Your Expenses if You’re a Frequent Rider
If you regularly split taxi fares—for work, school, or events—consider using a personal finance app like Mint or YNAB to track how much you’re spending (and saving). You’ll gain a better view of your transit habits and can even set monthly transportation budgets.
Final Thoughts
Sharing a taxi ride can be a smart financial move—but splitting the fare doesn’t have to be complicated. With mobile apps that streamline payments and digital gift cards that offer cashback, you can manage every ride with ease, efficiency, and even rewards.
