Using Your Commuter Benefits

Commuter benefits are account-based transportation benefit plans that let you set aside money on a pre-tax basis to pay for work-related commuting expenses. With commuter benefits, a portion of your paycheck is deposited in one or more accounts on a pre-tax basis. You can then use these funds to pay for eligible transit or parking expenses.

Transit Account vs. Parking Account

There are two types of commuter benefit accounts at EBC.

Transit accounts are used to pay for eligible transit expenses to and from your regular workplace. Eligible transit expenses are defined as passes, tokens, fare cards, vouchers, or similar items for:

  • Mass transit (such as train, bus, subway, or ferry)
  • Commuter highway vehicle (such as vanpools)

Parking accounts are used to pay for the following types of parking:

  • At or near your regular place of employment
  • At a location from which you commute to work by carpool, commuter highway vehicle, or mass transit

    Additional information about eligible expenses can be found on our Eligible Expense webpage.

    For either commuter benefit account, you choose how much pre-tax money you would like to contribute to the account(s), up to the monthly limit.

    You can participate in any commuter benefits your employer offers, as long as you are eligible to participate. Review your My Company Plan to see what accounts you are eligible for. To access your My Company Plan:

    1. Log in to your online account
    2. In the main menu, select CommuteEase under the Account Information section

    Commuter Benefits Savings

    With commuter benefits, you save approximately 30%* on your eligible expenses, making $1,000 of transit expenses cost you about $700. You get these savings because the contributions you make to your commuter benefit account(s) are exempt from Federal, State, and FICA payroll taxes.

    *This tax example is a broad approximation of tax liability. Further, your contributions may be subject to state income tax in some states. Your specific savings depend on your tax bracket. You should consult a tax advisor for help with your own situation. Current IRS tax laws control all pre-tax payment and contribution matters and are subject to change.

    Getting Started with Your Commuter Benefits

    Now that you are enrolled in your commuter benefits, set yourself up for success with these best practices.

    Set Up Your Online Account

    This is the easiest way to manage your benefits. You’ll create your online account the first time you visit www.ebcflex.com.

    Add the Benefits Card to Your Digital Wallet

    Primary cardholders can add the Benefits Card to their digital wallet to securely pay with their phone.

    Manage Your Contributions*

    Set up and manage your contributions. You can schedule contributions until 11:59 PM CT on the 13th of each month. Your contributions will be available the month after they have been scheduled.

    Add an Authorized User

    Once you have registered your online account, you can add an authorized user to your commuter benefits. Authorized users are able to ask questions about your accounts. To add an authorized user, complete the Participant Authorization Form available at www.ebcflex.com/forms.

    Download EBC Mobile

    Download from the App Store or Google Play to easily manage your Benefits Card. 

    Start Using Your Commuter Benefits

    Once your commuter benefits contributions are processed by your employer, your funds are automatically loaded onto your Benefits Card and ready for you to use.

    *Depending on your employer’s plan, you will either manage your contributions in your online account, or through your employers’ benefit management system. If you are unable to manage your contributions in your online account, contact your employer on how to manage your contributions through their benefit management system.