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Waymo Expands to 4 New Cities: Best Rewards Credit Cards
July 1, 2025
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Waymo's driverless ride-hailing service just got a lot bigger. The company announced on July 8 that it's expanding to four new markets: Denver, Las Vegas, San Diego and Tampa, Florida. Fully autonomous rides will roll out to Waymo employees first, with public access to follow "soon," though the company hasn't confirmed exact dates.
If rideshare and transit are already a regular line item in your monthly budget, this is a good moment to make sure your credit card is actually working for you. Below, we break down where Waymo is headed next, and which cards earn the most rewards on every ride.
What Is Waymo and How Does It Work
Waymo is a driverless ride-hailing service that uses fully autonomous vehicles to pick up and drop off passengers without a human driver behind the wheel. Riders request a trip through the Waymo app, much like they would with a traditional rideshare service, and the vehicle navigates independently using sensors, cameras and mapping technology. The company reports it has completed over 20 million rides to date, with service available 24/7 in its existing markets.
Waymo's Newest Expansion Cities
Waymo's four newest markets are:
- Denver
- Las Vegas
- San Diego
- Tampa, Florida
Fully autonomous rides will first be available to Waymo employees in these cities before expanding to the general public. No specific public launch dates have been confirmed. If you live in one of these cities, you can download the Waymo app to get notified when service becomes available near you.
Everywhere Waymo Currently Operates
Beyond the four newest additions, Waymo already operates in 11 major U.S. cities:
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Dallas
- Houston
- Los Angeles
- Miami
- Nashville
- Orlando
- Phoenix
- San Antonio
- San Francisco
Waymo has also confirmed plans to expand to additional cities down the line, including Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis, New Orleans, New York City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Portland, Sacramento, Seattle, St. Louis and Washington, D.C.
Why Your Payment Method Matters for Rideshare Spending
Every ride you take, whether it's Waymo, Uber, Lyft or public transit, is an opportunity to earn rewards if you're using the right card. Rideshare and transit spending can add up quickly for daily commuters, so choosing a card with strong rewards in this category (or broad travel categories that include rideshare) can meaningfully offset the cost over time. The best choice for you depends on how often you ride, whether you also travel frequently, and what kind of rewards, cash back or travel points, you value most.
Best Credit Cards for Rideshare and Transit Rewards
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- American Express Platinum Card®
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
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How to Choose the Right Card for Your Rides
When comparing cards for rideshare and transit spending, consider:
- How often you ride. Frequent riders benefit most from cards with strong travel or transit bonus categories.
- Whether you also travel by air or stay in hotels. If so, a broader travel rewards card may offer more value than a category-specific one.
- Annual fee vs. usage. A premium travel card only pays off if you'll actually use the associated credits and benefits.
- Redemption flexibility. Some cards offer transferable points to airline and hotel partners, while others offer straightforward cash back.
Maximize Your Rewards on Every Ride
To get the most value out of your rideshare and transit spending:
- Always use the card that offers the strongest rewards in the travel or transit category for each specific ride.
- Check whether your card offers any ongoing statement credits or partner promotions related to rideshare services.
- Pay your balance in full each month so rewards earned aren't offset by interest charges.
- Keep an eye on issuer promotions, since rideshare and mobility partnerships change frequently as services like Waymo continue to expand.
Stack Extra Savings with Kudos Boost
Beyond choosing the right credit card, Kudos Boost can help you stack additional cash back on eligible online purchases related to your travel and rideshare needs, on top of whatever rewards your card already earns. Adding the Kudos browser extension is a simple way to make sure you're not leaving extra savings on the table when you shop or book online.
Other Things to Consider
- Availability isn't universal yet. Waymo's newest cities will roll out gradually, starting with employees before public access opens up.
- Rewards categories can change. Issuers periodically update which purchases qualify for bonus rewards, so it's worth checking your card's current terms.
- Credit score matters. Many of the top travel rewards cards require good to excellent credit for approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Waymo be available to the public in Denver, Las Vegas, San Diego and Tampa?
Waymo has not confirmed specific public launch dates for these cities. Fully autonomous rides will first be available to Waymo employees before expanding to riders.
Do rideshare purchases earn bonus rewards on most credit cards?
It depends on the card. Some cards offer bonus categories specifically for travel or transit, while others offer flat-rate rewards on all purchases. Check your card's terms for current bonus categories.
Is Waymo cheaper than Uber or Lyft?
Pricing varies by market, time of day and demand, similar to other rideshare services. Waymo does not publish a fixed rate comparison to competitors.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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