Payment methods accepted by different bus networks The networks allowing passengers to tap on with a credit or debit card include Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Adelaide — with Melbourne and Canberra soon to accept credit cards on buses.

In 2026, the answer is mostly yes, but it depends on the specific city. In Sydney (NSW), you can use any contactless credit/debit card or mobile wallet (Apple/Google Pay) on all buses, trains, and ferries, thanks to the Opal system integration. In Brisbane (QLD) and Adelaide (SA), contactless "Tap and Go" has also been fully rolled out across the bus networks. Melbourne (VIC) was the last major holdout, but as of early 2026, the "Myki" system has finally completed its transition to allow contactless credit card payments on most metropolitan buses and trams. However, if you are traveling in more regional or rural parts of Australia, you may still find "Cash Only" or "Local Card Only" systems. It is always recommended to have the local transport app (like Opal Travel or PTV) or at least one physical backup card, as international transaction fees or connectivity issues can sometimes cause a "card declined" message on the bus reader.