Can you use debit card on Metro DC?

? Cash, debit or credit cards are accepted. If you pay with cash, use small bills because farecard machines only give up to $5 in change (in coins). ? Buy a SmarTrip® card at any Metro station.



Yes, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) now supports a "Tap. Ride. Go." feature that allows you to pay for Metrorail and Metrobus fares using a contactless debit or credit card. You can simply tap your physical card or a mobile wallet (like Apple Pay or Google Pay) directly at the faregate or on the bus farebox without needing to purchase a separate SmarTrip card. While this is convenient for tourists and occasional riders, regular commuters often stick to the SmarTrip card because it is required for accessing certain benefits, such as monthly passes, transfer discounts, and specialized SmartBenefits from employers that are not yet fully integrated with direct bank card payments.

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A SmarTrip® card is required for each rider age 5 and older (up to two children under age five may travel free with each fare paying adult). The blue fare vending machines are your best choice if you need a SmarTrip® card. The blue Fare Vending machines sell up to six SmarTrip ® cards at a time.

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Can more than one person use a SmarTrip® card for the same ride? No, you cannot share a SmarTrip® card; each rider must have his or her own card.

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Use your iPhone or Apple Watch to pay your fare on transit providers all over DC, from Metrorail to DASH, Ride On, and more.

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Metro Fare Basics SmarTrip® cards are used to pay fares on both Metrorail and Metrobus. Metrorail fares are variable depending on time-of-day and distance traveled. Regular (non-express) bus fares are the same throughout the system. Metrobus also accepts bills and coins.

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DC METRO PASSES First, you will need a SmarTrip card to enter and exit the system. A SmarTrip card is required for each rider aged 5 and older (up to two children under age five may travel free with each fare-paying adult). SmartTrip cards can be ordered online or you may buy a card at the station.

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DC METRO PASSES SmartTrip cards can be ordered online or you may buy a card at the station. They cost $15/each, $2 for the card itself and they come preloaded with $13 of credit. You can also add a virtual card to your phone/mobile device using Apple Wallet or Google Pay.

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SmarTrip stored value and passes are non-refundable. Refunds are available in the following circumstances: Non-Residents: Customers who live outside a 100-mile radius of the District of Columbia.

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