FAQs
Your bank has declined a previous transaction and your card/device is blocked. Your bank hasn't approved the transaction. The card has not had a chip and PIN transaction for a period of time. You've got a new or replacement contactless card and have not yet used it for a chip and PIN transaction.
What is contactless payment on bus? ›
Look for the contactless symbol on your credit or debit card to see if your card is contactless enabled. Then, board a bus with the contactless symbol and instead of paying with cash, simply tap your card or contactless-enabled device onto the reader and wait for the beep.
Why does my card keep getting declined on the bus? ›
Your card may have been reported as lost or stolen and been cancelled by your card issuer. If you are sure your card details are correct please either contact your bank or try again later. Card payments can sometimes be declined because of an issue with your bank's systems; the fault could be with your card issuer.
Can I use my bank card on the bus? ›
Contactless cards
If your bank card shows the contactless payment symbol, you can use it to pay as you go straight away. You'll pay an adult rate fare. Many contactless cards issued outside the UK can be used to pay as you go for travel (overseas transaction fees may apply):
What happens if you tap on a bus but don't tap off? ›
What happens if I forget to tap off? You will be charged the single journey price to the end of the route, so please remember to tap off to make sure you are charged the right price and benefit from the discounts.
Do I need to tap twice on bus? ›
To pay the right fare, always touch in on a yellow card reader at the start of your journey and touch out at the end. On a bus or tram you only need to touch in.
How to tap on bus with phone? ›
Using Express Mode for Apple Pay or Samsung Pay Transit
Once enabled, these features mean you do not need to wake or unlock your device when tapping on, just hold the top of your iPhone, Apple Watch or Samsung phone near the Opal reader to tap on at the start of your journey and to tap off at the end.
Does contactless always work? ›
Just like with a normal Chip and PIN transaction, your contactless payment can be declined if you don't have enough money in the bank to cover the amount. It may also be declined if you've used contactless many times during the same day.
What happens if you forget to tap off? ›
Default fare
If you don't either tap on or tap off correctly, we can't tell where you've travelled from or to, so your journey will be incomplete. You will be charged the default fare.
Why is my contactless payment being declined? ›
You may have exceeded the limits for contactless payments.
To reset the limits for contactless payments, please just make the next purchase by inserting the card into the card reader and confirming the transaction by PIN.
If the card or device is not recognised when travelling, this means there is an issue with the card you are trying to pay with. The Opal reader will display a 'Card Not Valid' message with an error number.
Why isn't my contactless working? ›
If your contactless card is not working, it might be because there are insufficient funds in your account or you've reached your daily spending limit. If this is not the case, try swiping the card or using the chip on the card instead. You might simply be required to enter your Chip&PIN for safety reasons.
What is the limit for contactless payments? ›
It follows on from the successful increase in the limit from £30 to £45 in April 2020. From 15 October 2021, consumers will start to see retailers accepting contactless payments up to the new £100 limit, which will give customers more flexibility when shopping in store.
How do I pay my bus with my bank card? ›
Please take out your contactless bank card from your bag or wallet and tap on the fare reader at the train gantry or on the bus at the points of boarding and alighting. The fare reader will display “Bank Card Usage”. You are encouraged to view your travel transaction history via the SimplyGo app.
Can I use my Visa card on the bus? ›
Payment methods accepted
You can use any contactless Visa, Mastercard and American Express debit or credit card, including those in a digital wallet like Apple Pay, Google Wallet or Samsung Pay.
Why isn't Apple Pay working on buses? ›
Unfortunately, not all devices support Apple Pay and Google Pay. You can check your device's specifications to see if you can use this method of payment. But don't worry, you can always enter or card details or use PayPal on our app or contactless card as a fuss-free payment method on the bus.
Why is my contactless pay not working? ›
Solution: Try cleaning your card with a soft cloth or tissue and try again. If that doesn't work, try inserting the card into the terminal and entering your PIN number. If the problem persists, contact your card issuer for assistance. Another common issue with contactless payments is a declined transaction.
Why is my first bus contactless not working? ›
The card hasn't been approved by the bank for the transaction. This can occur as a result of several contactless transactions in a short space of time which can trigger automated fraud risk management policies with your bank or card issuer. The card hasn't been used at a Chip and PIN terminal for a certain period.
