Kudos has partnered with CardRatings and Red Ventures for our coverage of credit card products. Kudos, CardRatings, and Red Ventures may receive a commission from card issuers. Kudos may receive commission from card issuers. Some of the card offers that appear on Kudos are from advertisers and may impact how and where card products appear on the site. Kudos tries to include as many card companies and offers as we are aware of, including offers from issuers that don't pay us, but we may not cover all card companies or all available card offers. You don't have to use our links, but we're grateful when you do!
Can You Pay For The Metro with A Credit Card?
July 1, 2025
Quick Answer
Yes, you can pay for metro fares with a credit card, either by tapping your contactless card at the turnstile or by using it to purchase a pass at a vending machine.
Should You Pay For The Metro With A Credit Card?
Let's weigh the pros and cons of using your credit card for metro fares.
Benefits
- Convenience: Tap-to-pay systems are quick and remove the need for a dedicated transit card or cash.
- Rewards: You can earn points, miles, or cashback on transit spending with certain credit cards.
- Fraud Protection: Credit cards provide liability protection if your card is lost, stolen, or compromised.
- Expense Tracking: Fares appear on your monthly statement, making it easy to track your spending.
Costs
- Surcharges: Some transit authorities may apply a small fee for credit card transactions.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: Using a non-local card abroad can result in additional charges from your bank.
- Overspending Potential: The ease of tapping might make it harder to keep track of your transit budget.
- System Acceptance: Not all metro systems are equipped for contactless credit card payments.
How to Pay For The Metro With A Credit Card
Using your credit card for metro fares is a convenient way to streamline your commute. This guide outlines the general steps to set up and use your card for transit.
- Check for Contactless Support: Before you head out, confirm that your local transit authority accepts contactless credit card payments at their turnstiles or fare machines. Most major metropolitan systems do.
- Choose the Right Card: Select a card that rewards your spending. Cards with travel or transit-specific rewards can maximize your daily commute. You can use Kudos’ Explore Cards tool to find a suitable match.
- Add to a Digital Wallet: For added convenience, add your chosen credit card to a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay. This allows you to pay with your smartphone or smartwatch.
- Tap and Go: At the station, simply tap your physical contactless card, smartphone, or smartwatch on the designated reader at the turnstile. Wait for the confirmation signal and proceed.
- Monitor Your Statements: Regularly review your credit card statements to track your transit spending. This helps you manage your budget and verify that all charges are accurate.
Impact On Your Credit Score
Using a credit card for your metro fares can influence your credit score in several ways. Here are a few key factors to keep in mind to manage your credit responsibly.
- Credit Utilization. Regularly charging small fares can affect your credit utilization ratio, a key component of your score. Keeping your overall balance low compared to your credit limit is crucial for a healthy score.
- Payment History. Consistently paying your credit card bill on time, including these transit charges, builds a positive payment history. This is one of the most significant factors that contributes to your credit score.
- New Credit Applications. Opening a new credit card specifically for transit rewards will result in a hard inquiry on your report. This can cause a temporary and minor dip in your credit score.
Alternative Ways To Pay For The Metro
Physical SmarTrip Card
For those who prefer to avoid using credit cards, the classic physical SmarTrip card is a dependable alternative. These cards can be purchased and reloaded at any Metrorail station using cash or a debit card at the fare vending machines. This approach allows you to keep your transit spending separate and tangible, offering a straightforward way to manage your travel expenses without connecting to a credit account.
Debit Cards in Mobile Wallets
Your mobile wallet isn't restricted to just credit cards. You can easily add a debit card to Apple Pay or Google Pay, allowing you to tap and pay for Metro fares directly from your bank account. This provides the same tap-to-go convenience as a credit card but uses your available funds. It’s a simple adjustment within your phone’s wallet settings that offers more payment flexibility.
Choose the Right Card to Pay For The Metro
Whether you're looking for travel rewards on your daily commute or cash back on every tap, finding the right card is crucial. With nearly 3,000 options, the Kudos Explore Tool helps you find your perfect match based on your personal preferences. Check out our guide to the best credit cards to start maximizing every dollar you spend on transit.
For those looking to get more out of their credit cards, Kudos is the essential free shopping assistant for your online purchases. We are also offering $20 back after your first qualifying purchase—just sign-up for free with code “GET20” and shop at a Boost merchant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of credit cards are accepted?
Most major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, are accepted at vending machines and fare gates.
Are there extra fees for using a credit card?
No, there are typically no additional transaction fees when you use a credit card to pay for Metro fare.
Can I use my credit card for contactless payment?
Yes, many systems support contactless payments. Simply tap your card or phone at the designated reader on the turnstile.
Supercharge Your Credit Cards
Experience smarter spending with Kudos and unlock more from your credit cards. Earn $20.00 when you sign up for Kudos with "GET20" and make an eligible Kudos Boost purchase.
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.
