If you only have pay as you go credit on your Oyster card, you can lend it to someone else. Two people can't use the same contactless or Oyster card for a journey. If you have a Travelcard, Bus & Tram Pass or discount added to your Oyster card, you can't lend it to someone else.

That’s a great question. In short: Yes, someone else can use your Oyster card, but with important caveats and risks.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the rules, practicalities, and what you need to know:

The Official Rule (Transport for London - TfL)

TfL’s conditions of carriage state that Oyster cards are non-transferable. This means you are not supposed to lend your card to someone else. If challenged by revenue protection inspectors, the person using it could be fined for travelling without a valid ticket.

The Practical Reality

Despite the rule, the system is designed to be touch-in, touch-out and does not check the identity of the person holding the card. Mechanically, anyone can use it to pay for travel.

Key Practical Points: 1. Pay As You Go (PAYG): If your card only has PAYG credit, someone else can use it until the balance runs out. They will benefit from daily/weekly capping if they make enough journeys. 2. Travelcards & Season Tickets: If your card has a loaded 7-day, monthly, or annual Travelcard, anyone can use it within its valid zones and time period. 3. Discounts & Concessions: This is the critical area. If your card is linked to a discount (like a 16+ Zip, 18+ Student, Jobcentre Plus, or Freedom Pass for seniors/disabled), it is illegal for anyone else to use it. Fraudulently using a discounted card is a serious offence and can result in a hefty penalty fare (up to £80