If you drive regularly in cities or rely on parking lots for your commute, you know how quickly parking costs can add up. What you might not know is that the right credit card can actually help you earn rewards, cashback, or even perks that make paying for parking a little less painful. Combined with savvy strategies like stacking rewards from cashback apps such as Fluz, Rakuten, and Ibotta, you can turn everyday parking expenses into valuable returns.
Let’s take a closer look at the best credit cards that reward you for parking and how to maximize your benefits.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
While best known for travel perks, the Chase Sapphire Preferred also earns points on everyday purchases, including parking. Parking charges fall under the “travel” category for many issuers, meaning you’ll often get 2x points per dollar spent. Points can be redeemed for travel or transferred to airline and hotel partners for maximum value.
Learn more at Chase.
American Express® Green Card
Amex’s Green Card earns 3x points on transit, which includes parking garages and parking lot fees in many cases. Points add up fast, and you can use them toward travel or to cover recent charges through Amex’s Pay with Points program.
Explore details at American Express.
Citi Premier® Card
The Citi Premier offers 3x points on travel-related purchases, and that typically includes parking services like airport lots and prepaid garage bookings. These points are flexible and can be used for flights, hotels, or even gift cards.
Check rates and fees at Citi.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
For simple, flat-rate cashback, Chase Freedom Unlimited is a standout. It offers 1.5% cashback on all purchases, parking included. This card is especially useful if you’re not interested in tracking spending categories but still want a reliable return.
More info at Chase.
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
This card rewards 4x points on dining and 2x points on gas stations, streaming services, and transit — which often includes parking. Points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, or merchandise.
Visit U.S. Bank for more details.
Stacking Rewards with Cashback Apps
The real magic happens when you pair your rewards credit card with cashback apps. For instance, use Fluz to purchase discounted gift cards for parking apps like SpotHero or ParkMobile, and pay with your rewards credit card. You’ll earn cashback from Fluz while still collecting points or cashback from your card issuer.
Rakuten and Ibotta frequently feature parking services too. Always check these apps before booking parking to see if you can activate an offer for even more savings.
Tips for Maximizing Parking Rewards
- Automate your payments: Set up recurring payments for monthly parking subscriptions using your rewards card to earn consistent points.
- Use your card when booking in advance: Most apps and lots offer lower rates for prepaid parking, so charge it to your rewards card and score points or cashback.
3. Redeem points strategically: Look for redemption options that offer maximum value, like transferring points to travel partners rather than redeeming for cash back at lower rates.
