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Does Massachusetts Bay Transportation Take Apple Pay?
May 14, 2025
Quick Answer
Yes, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) accepts Apple Pay. Riders can use mobile wallets, including Apple Pay, to pay fares by tapping their devices on fare readers.
How to Use Apple Pay at Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
- Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and select your preferred payment card.
- Hold your iPhone near the contactless reader at the fare gate.
- Wait for the confirmation beep and proceed through the gate.
Alternative Payment Methods Accepted at Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) offers a variety of payment methods to accommodate different rider preferences:
- Credit/Debit Cards: The MBTA accepts major credit and debit cards, including those with contactless payment capabilities.
- Mobile Wallets: Riders can use mobile wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay to pay fares by tapping their devices on fare readers.
- Stored-Value Cards: The MBTA's CharlieCard and CharlieTicket can be loaded with cash value or passes; CharlieCards are reusable plastic cards, while CharlieTickets are paper-based.
- Cash: Cash payments are accepted on buses and at street-level trolley stops, and riders can add up to $20 in cash value to a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket at onboard fare boxes.
- EBT Cards: Massachusetts Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards loaded with cash value can be used at fare vending machines, the Charlie Service Center, or MBTA retail sales locations to load value onto a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket.
- Contactless Payment (NFC): Riders can tap their contactless credit/debit cards or mobile devices equipped with NFC technology on fare readers, available on buses, Green Line and Mattapan trolleys, and at all gated subway stations.
- Online Payments: Through the MBTA's MyCharlie portal, riders can manage Auto-pay subscriptions for monthly passes, though adding value to CharlieCards online is not currently available.
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Online Payment Options
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) provides several online payment options to make fare payments convenient for riders.
- Credit/Debit Cards: Use major credit and debit cards for online fare payments.
- Mobile Payments: Pay with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay via mobile devices.
- CharlieCard and CharlieTicket: Load cash value or passes onto these stored-value cards online.
- EBT Cards: Use EBT cards to add value to CharlieCards or CharlieTickets online.
- Auto-pay Subscriptions: Manage monthly pass subscriptions through the MyCharlie portal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Apple Pay to pay for my fare on the MBTA?
Yes, you can use Apple Pay to pay for your fare by tapping your device on fare readers at subway stations, buses, and trolleys.
Can I use Apple Pay on all MBTA services?
Yes, Apple Pay can be used on all MBTA services, including subway, bus, commuter rail, and ferry, by tapping your device on fare readers.
Can I use Apple Pay to reload my CharlieCard?
No, you cannot use Apple Pay to reload your CharlieCard. Reloading must be done at fare vending machines or select retail locations.
Can I use Apple Pay to pay for a commuter rail ticket?
Yes, you can use Apple Pay to pay for commuter rail tickets by tapping your device on fare readers at stations.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
