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Via CreditCardWatcher, you can get up to $100 in American Express statement credits for New York City cab fares when you register your American Express card with Softcard (formerly called Isis Mobile Wallet.
You’ll get a statement credit of 50% of each transaction when you use Softcard (Isis Mobile Wallet up to a maximum of $100 per registered card. And it has to be on a licensed taxi.
But keep reading, because it’s not as easy as it sounds!
What’s Softcard (Isis Mobile Wallet)?
Link: Softcard (Isis Mobile Wallet)
Note: Isis Wallet has been renamed Softcard. American Express is in the process of updating their graphics and websites with the new name. Softcard is a free app you can download to certain smartphones. You can add your credit card information to the app, then use your phone to pay for purchases. But so far, very few places accept it!
You don’t have to touch anything to pay with your phone – just wave it over a device at the cash register.
But not all smartphones are compatible and you need to get a special SIM card and, if you have an iPhone, a new case.
I have an iPhone so I looked into buying a case – until I discovered they cost at least $69! And I don’t like putting my phone in a case either.
I won’t sign-up for this deal, but if you have a compatible phone or case already, and are in New York City, you could definitely save money. Or if you’re visiting New York, you could get 50% off cab fare during your trip.
How Do I Get Amex Statement Credits?
Link: American Express Card Isis Mobile Wallet Registration
Until June 1, 2014, you’ll get up to $100 per registered American Express card when you use Softcard to pay cab fare in New York City.
You can register as many cards as you want, as long as it’s an American Express credit or charge card (personal or business). American Express Serve cards are also eligible. But Bluebird and gift cards are NOT. However, you can’t use an American Express card issued by another bank such as Citi or Fidelity.
Authorized user cards should be eligible as well, because American Express cards have separate card numbers for authorized users. But I haven’t personally tested this out so I can’t say for sure.
You’ll get statement credits of 50% of your cab fare, up to $100 per card.
You might do very well with this deal if you take a lot of cabs in New York and have several American Express cards. Or if you take a yellow New York City taxi (NOT a private taxi service) to or from the airport.
A taxi from New York (JFK) to Manhattan is $52. So you’ll save $26! And you’ll also get a 50% discount on your taxi returning to the airport at the end of your trip.
The website says that registration is limited, so I’m not sure how long this deal will last.
Bottom Line
Until June 1, 2014, you can get up to $100 in statement credits per American Express card when you register your card with the Softcard app and use the app to pay for cab fare in New York City.
Only certain smartphones are compatible with the app. And if you have an iPhone, you’ll need to spend at least $69 on a special case for it. You’ll also need a new SIM card from your cell phone company.
I won’t be registering for this deal, but if you live in New York City or are planning a visit, you could save a lot of money on taxis.