The Ultimate Guide To Revel and Earning Maximum Points

Ever seen a bright blue Tesla whipping around in New York City? Revel, which started as an electric moped rental service, has since expanded to offering rideshares and is a solid alternative to Uber, Lyft, or even yellow cabs.

The company differentiates itself by using all-electric Teslas and hiring its drivers as Revel employees — rather than using independent contractors. Best of all, Revel offers lower fares that undercut its competitors. You can often find a great deal when catching a ride to (or from) New York’s 3 airports.

Previously on a waitlist-only basis, anyone in New York City can now download the Revel app, sign up, and request a rideshare, as confirmed by a media spokesperson for the company.

Sound too good to be true? Whether you’re a New Yorker or are traveling to the Big Apple anytime soon, here’s everything you should know about Revel!

Where Does Revel Operate?

Headquartered in Brooklyn, Revel offers electric moped vehicles for rent in New York City and San Francisco. However, Revel’s Tesla rideshare services are only available in all of New York City and parts of New Jersey at this time.

Revel has expanded its operating zones recently and now serves all 3 of the greater New York City area airports: LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in Queens, and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey.

It’s important to know that all pick-ups and drop-offs must occur in the operating zones shown above. Plus, Revel only supports rides between New Jersey and New York City, but not for rides within New Jersey.

6 Things To Know About Revel (And How To Save Money!)

While living in New York, Revel has become one of my favorite rideshare services — particularly when I’m headed to the airport. But when I’m in a rush, Revel isn’t always the most reliable. Here are the 6 things to know before ordering a Revel.

1. You’ll Enjoy a Consistent Experience

Every single Revel car is an all-electric blue Tesla Model Y or Model 3, making them easy to find and quite comfortable. Not only are the cars nice and new, but you can fit up to 4 passengers in a Revel car (3 in the back, 1 in the front), and enjoy heated seats and a glass roof. Plus, Revel promises to clean and detail its cars every 24 hours.

Service animals are allowed, but Revel does not allow pets. Finally, if you’ve got infants or young children, you must bring your own car seat.

2. Revel Offers Reasonable Pricing

Revel uses a fare algorithm that factors in the current traffic conditions, total distance, and any city-mandated fees to offer pricing on a demand basis in the app. However, the price excludes additional tolls or airport pick-up and drop-off fees, which New York-area airports are notoriously prone to.

If you want the exact breakdown, Revel charges:

• A fixed fee of $3 to hail the ride
• A $1.60 per-mile charge
• A $0.72 per-minute rate

You’ll be charged a $5 cancellation fee if you cancel after 3 minutes of calling the ride or a $5 no-show fee if you do not arrive at your pick-up within 5 minutes.

That said, Revel rides are often much more reasonable compared to its competitors — and much more transparent. Compare that to the long list of fees for Uber, which doesn’t disclose the exact amount for the booking fees, service fees, tolls and surcharges, and more. On top of all that, surge pricing applies during especially high-demand periods!

Below, we’ve compared a few rides that Revel offers at the time of writing (a Friday afternoon — admittedly a congested period to call any rideshare service):

Most times, but certainly not in all cases, Revel offers the lowest prices. A few weeks ago, I was headed to John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) at 5:30 a.m. While I try to take public transportation when I can, I always take a rideshare when it’s that early. My Revel ride was priced out to be “just” $60, which felt like pre-pandemic prices to me. Meanwhile, Lyft and Uber were charging almost $100.

However, Revel isn’t perfect in all cases.

3. Wait Times Can Be Long

Revel has just announced that it is now operating services 24/7.

However, wait times can be longer than Uber or Lyft, as Revel’s services aren’t as robust. But in my experience, I’ve never had to wait for more than 10 to 15 minutes for a car. I’ll always compare prices across all 3 apps before making my ultimate decision, but the cost savings are usually worth the wait if I’m not in an immediate rush to be somewhere.

Hot Tip:

Be sure to call your Revel ride when you’re just about to disembark from the plane. Airport rides in New York City usually take longer due to traffic, and I’ve always timed it wonderfully — and with a few minutes to spare from curbside pickup.

4. Some Features Are Missing

Revel doesn’t offer the ability to schedule your ride or add multiple stops like you can with Uber or Lyft. Furthermore, there’s no option to share the ride with your friends or family, which is a great safety feature that comes with other apps.

Hopefully, these updates will come to Revel soon!

5. Revel Offers a Referral Program

As Revel is still in its growth phase, it’s offering a lucrative referral program to invite your friends to try out the app and ride at a discount.

Your friends will receive $20 toward their first ride, and you’ll get a $20 credit after they ride. You can enter the promo code under the Redeem promo code tab in the app’s menu after you sign up.

6. You May Receive Coupons

Revel will oftentimes send great coupons that can help save even more on my rides. I notice that I’ll get targeted for discounts if I haven’t used Revel in a few weeks.

Keep your eyes peeled for discounts in your email or turn push notifications on with your Revel app. The discounts will apply automatically to the price of your next rides.

Earn Maximum Points or Cash-back With Revel

You’ll want to pay with a credit card that earns bonus rewards on rideshare services. Unlike Uber or Lyft, which maintains various partnerships with credit card companies (including American Express and Chase), or travel loyalty programs (including Delta SkyMiles and Marriott Bonvoy) to offer bonus points, Revel flies solo for now.

The good news is that Revel codes as a travel merchant on your statement credit, so several cards are good contenders to maximize your purchase.

Chase Ultimate Rewards Credit Cards

Chase’s travel bonus category for the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® and the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card is broad. It encompasses everything from airlines to hotels to rideshare services (including Revel) to toll and parking fees.

With the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, you’ll earn 3x Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on all Revel rides.

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

60,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$550

APR

21.99% - 28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent (740-850)

Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 10x points on Lyft purchases through March 31, 2025
• 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025

Cons

• $550 annual fee
• Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 21.99% - 28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Meanwhile, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers 2x points per dollar spent on travel, including Revel.

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

60,000 bonus points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.99% - 27.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred^® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
• 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.99% - 27.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Capital One Miles Credit Cards

Furthermore, any of Capital One’s travel rewards cards are great options for earning bonus miles on everyday purchases like Revel. With the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, you’ll earn 2x Capital One miles per dollar spent on all purchases, including Revel rideshares. Meanwhile, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card earns 1.25x Capital One miles per dollar spent on all purchases.

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

75,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,350

Annual Fee

$395

APR

19.99% - 29.74% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent (740-840)

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $395 annual fee (rates & fees)
• Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 29.74% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

 

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Welcome Offer

Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

75,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,350

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.99% - 29.74% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent Credit (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x miles per $1 on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
• Up to a $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit

Cons

• $95 annual fee (rates & fees)
• Limited elite benefits

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 29.74% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Welcome Offer

Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel.

20,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$360

Annual Fee

$0

APR

19.74% - 29.74% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

Interested in a travel rewards credit card without one of those pesky annual fees? Then say hello to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

In addition to no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card offers no foreign transaction fees.

But is this card worth its salt, or is it merely a shell of the more popular Capital One Venture card?

Pros & Cons

Pros

• No annual fee (rates & fees)
• No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)
• Ability to use transfer partners

Cons

• Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
• No luxury travel or elite benefits

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.74% - 29.74% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.74% - 29.74% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

You can redeem your Capital One miles as a statement credit toward travel purchases made within 90 days at 1 cent per mile. If you want to offset the cost of your Revel rides, you can redeem 2,500 miles for a $25 ride, 5,000 miles for a $50 ride, and so forth.

Final Thoughts

Revel is a fantastic alternative to shake up the competition in New York City, where it feels like it can cost you an arm and a leg just to ride down a few blocks. Besides lower prices, an all-electric fleet also means lower carbon emissions. Hopefully, the service will continue to grow to improve wait times or move into new U.S. cities.