In 2026, the ability to use a contactless credit or debit card instead of a dedicated "Go Card" (or similar transit smart card) depends entirely on the city's infrastructure. In major global hubs like London (Oyster), New York (OMNY), and Sydney (Opal), you can simply "tap and go" with any contactless-enabled Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card, or a digital wallet on your phone. However, in cities like Brisbane (the original home of the Go Card), the transition to "Smart Ticketing" is still ongoing for some bus and ferry routes, although it is now fully functional on all South East Queensland trains. Using a credit card is often more convenient for tourists as it avoids the need to purchase physical cards or manage "top-up" balances. However, dedicated transit cards sometimes offer specific benefits that credit cards don't, such as "Weekly Fare Caps," student/senior discounts, or integration with local bike-sharing programs. If you choose to use a credit card, ensure you use the same card for every tap during your journey to ensure the system correctly calculates any daily fare caps or transfer discounts available.