SmarTrip® in Apple Wallet FAQs


Adding/Removing a SmarTrip card to iPhone/Apple Watch

Uses of SmarTrip card on iPhone or Apple Watch

Lost/New iPhone

Troubleshooting

Adding/Removing a SmarTrip card to iPhone/Apple Watch

What are the benefits of adding my SmarTrip card in Apple Wallet?

It's easy and convenient. You can pay fares for several transit systems by simply tapping your iPhone or Apple Watch. You no longer need to carry a physical SmarTrip card. You can load transit value or passes and manage your card balance and transactions through the SmarTrip app. Never worry about losing your SmarTrip card again.

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What are the benefits of registering my SmarTrip card within the app?

You can view card balances for all cards linked to your account. You will know when your passes expire and easily purchase a new pass or value as needed. You will be able to see your transaction history.

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How do I add a SmarTrip card to my iPhone or Apple Watch?

Add a new SmarTrip card via the SmarTrip app.

  • In the SmarTrip app, sign in or create an account.
  • In the Cards section, press the "+" icon in the upper left.
  • Follow the prompts to add or confirm account information and add passes or Stored Value.
  • Select to add to iPhone or Apple Watch.

Add a new SmarTrip card in Apple Wallet.

  • Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and press the "+" icon.
  • Select Transit Card, choose SmarTrip from the list and select Continue
  • Select the Stored Value amount to add to your SmarTrip card (minimum of $10).
  • Follow the prompts to complete the purchase.

Transfer my physical SmarTrip card to Apple Wallet (must have plastic card available).

  • Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and press the "+" icon.
  • Select Transit Card, choose SmarTrip from the list and select Continue.
  • Select "Transfer Existing Card" and follow prompts. Use the same phone number you used for your SmarTrip account. If you don't remember it, login to your SmarTrip account on the web to find the right phone number.
  • Place your SmarTrip card on a flat surface and rest your iPhone on the bottom half to complete transfer. During this process, avoid placing your physical SmarTrip card on a metal surface.

Add a new SmarTrip card to my Apple watch.

  • Open the Wallet app on your Apple Watch.
  • Scroll down and tap Add Card.
  • Select Transit Card or select Previous Card to add a SmarTrip card you previously added to Wallet.
  • Choose SmarTrip card from the list.
  • Select Continue.
  • Choose an amount to put on the card and select Add Money.
  • Follow the steps on the screen to confirm your purchase and add your SmarTrip card.

Transfer my physical SmarTrip card to my Apple Watch (must have physical card available).

  • On your iPhone, open the Watch app.
  • Select the "Wallet and Apple Pay" option.
  • Select "Add Card" under "Wallet & Apple Pay" in the Apple Watch app.
  • Select Transit Card, choose SmarTrip from the list and select Continue
  • Select "Transfer Existing Card" and follow prompts.
  • Place your SmarTrip card on a flat surface and rest your iPhone on the bottom half to complete transfer.

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Is my plastic SmarTrip card eligible to be transferred to Apple Wallet?

New and existing full fare SmarTrip cards can be added to iPhone in Apple Wallet or using the SmarTrip app. Existing Senior SmarTrip cards are eligible using the SmarTrip app. Physical card number must begin with 0167.

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Can I have my SmarTrip card on both my iPhone and Apple Watch?

A SmarTrip card can only be on a single device at one time. You may have a SmarTrip card on your iPhone and Apple Watch as long as they are two separate cards.

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How do I transfer my SmarTrip card from my iPhone to Apple Watch or Apple Watch to iPhone?

From iPhone to Apple Watch

  • On your iPhone, open the Watch app.
  • Select the "Wallet and Apple Pay" option.
  • Under the "Other cards on your phone" section choose the card you want to transfer to your Apple Watch and select the "ADD" button next to the card.
  • Follow prompts to complete the transfer.

From Apple Watch to iPhone

  • On your iPhone, open the Watch app.
  • Select the "Wallet and Apple Pay" option.
  • Select the card you want to transfer to iPhone under "PAYMENT CARDS ON YOUR WATCH."
  • Select "Add card to [iPhone name]."
  • Follow prompts to complete the transfer.

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Will I be able to use my physical SmarTrip card once it's been added to Apple Wallet?

Once you transfer your physical card to Apple Wallet, the physical card will be disabled and will no longer work.

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How do I remove my SmarTrip card from Apple Wallet?

Removing a Card from Apple Wallet does not remove the Card from the SmarTrip app.

On iPhone

  • Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and select the SmarTrip card you want to remove.
  • Select "…" and choose "Remove This Card."

On Apple Watch

  • On your iPhone, open the Watch app.
  • Select the "Wallet and Apple Pay" option.
  • Select the SmarTrip card you want to remove.
  • Select "Remove This Card."

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Do I lose Stored Value or passes when I remove my SmarTrip Card from Apple Wallet or no longer have access to my iPhone?

The Stored Value balance and pass associated with your SmarTrip card will not change. The balance will remain on your SmarTrip card and will be available once that card is added to Apple Wallet on another iPhone or Apple Watch.

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How do I register my SmarTrip card?

If you used the SmarTrip app to purchase or transfer your SmarTrip Card in Apple Wallet, the card is already registered. If you purchased or transferred your SmarTrip card directly in Apple Wallet, download the SmarTrip app, create an account, and login. The SmarTrip app will ask if you want to register your new or transferred SmarTrip card.

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What happens to my Stored Value balance when I move my SmarTrip card to another device?

The transit balance and pass associated with your SmarTrip card will not change. The balance will remain on your SmarTrip card and will be available once that card is added to Apple Wallet on another iPhone or Apple Watch.

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How do I know when my SmarTrip card will expire?

Most cards will not expire for several years. Please contact customer service via email at SmarTrip@wmata.com or 888-SMARTRIP for additional information.

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Am I able to share my SmarTrip card across multiple iCloud accounts in Apple Wallet?

A SmarTrip card in Apple Wallet can only be associated with a single iCloud account and cannot be shared across multiple devices.

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How do I transfer my SmarTrip card from one iPhone to another? (iOS 15)

In order to transfer a SmarTrip card from one iPhone to another, both devices must use the same iCloud account.

  • Open the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone you want to remove the SmarTrip card from.
  • Select the SmarTrip card you want to remove.
  • Select "…"
  • Select "Remove This Card." This will remove the card from Apple Wallet.
  • On the second iPhone, open Apple Wallet.
  • Select "+" and choose "Previous Cards".
  • Choose the SmarTrip card you want to transfer.
  • Follow prompts to complete the transfer.

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What version of iPhone do I need in order to transfer my SmarTrip card to Apple Wallet?

You will need to have an iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus and newer or Apple Watch Series 3 and newer with the most current version of IOS.

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Uses of SmarTrip card on iPhone or Apple Watch

How do I pay for transit rides with my SmarTrip card in Apple Wallet?

On iPhone - Hold the top of your iPhone within 2 - 3 inches above the middle of the reader until you feel a vibration. You will see a checkmark on the iPhone display.

On Apple Watch - Hold the display of your Apple Watch within a few centimeters of the middle of the reader until you feel a vibration. You will see a checkmark on the Apple Watch display.

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How do I purchase Stored Value or a pass for my SmarTrip card?

SmarTrip app

  • Open the SmarTrip app.
  • Under cards select the card you wish to add a pass or value to.
  • Select the "Add Passes or Stored Value" option
  • Select pass or value and follow prompts to checkout.

Apple Wallet - only Stored Value can be added through Apple Wallet

  • On iPhone, open the Wallet app.
  • Select the card you want to load.
  • Choose the "Add Money" option
  • Enter or choose the value amount you want to add.
  • Follow prompts to complete transaction.

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Can I buy passes in Apple Wallet?

No, you can only buy passes in the SmarTrip app. Once you buy a pass in the SmarTrip app, you will see it on the appropriate SmarTrip in Apple Wallet shortly after purchase.

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How do I enable auto reload on my SmarTrip card within Apple Wallet and how does it work?

Using the SmarTrip app, you will be prompted to set up Auto Reload as you are purchasing Stored Value or a pass. You can also set up Auto Reload from a card summary screen in the app. Auto reload of Stored Value will trigger when the value of the card drops below the established threshold of $10.00. Auto reload of a pass will trigger before the expiration of the pass. ( 3-days before expiration of a weekly pass and 7 days before expiration of a monthly pass).

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Where can I view my SmarTrip card balance and transaction history?

On iPhone and Apple Watch- Open the Wallet app and select the SmarTrip card you want to view. The balance will appear below the SmarTrip card image.

SmarTrip app - If your SmarTrip card is registered you can view the balance and transaction history within the SmarTrip app on the card summary screen, or by logging into www.smartrip.wmata.com.

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Are there expiration dates for passes purchased in the SmarTrip app?

Passes are all time based, 3 days, 7 days or monthly. The pass period starts at the first use of the pass and ends at the end of the operating day of the validity period of the pass.

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Where can I use my SmarTrip card in Apple Wallet?

The SmarTrip card is accepted on the WMATA Rail system, WMATA owned parking garages, WMATA buses as well as Local Regional bus systems that display the SmarTrip logo. PLEASE NOTE: SmarTrip Cards in Apple Wallet are not accepted on Baltimore MTA vehicles.

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What payment options are available when I purchase value or passes within the SmarTrip app?

You have the option to use credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, and transit benefits.

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I am enrolled in my employer's transit benefit program. Am I able to use my pre-tax contribution on my SmarTrip card within the app and Apple Wallet?

In order for you to use your employers Transit Benefits program with the SmarTrip card in your Apple Wallet, the SmarTrip card must be enrolled in the program.

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What is Express Transit and how do I enable it?

Quickly pay for rides with Apple Pay using Express Transit on your iPhone and Apple Watch without having to wake or unlock your device, or open an app. You don't even need to validate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. Simply hold your device within a few centimeters of the middle of the reader until you feel a vibration. You will see a checkmark on the iPhone or Apple Watch display.

On iPhone

  • Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
  • Select the SmarTrip card you want to set up for Express Transit
  • Select the "…"and select Express Transit. Follow prompts to authenticate.

On Apple Watch

  • Open the Watch app on your iPhone and select the Wallet and Apple Pay option
  • Select ExpressTransit Card option
  • Select the SmarTrip card you want to set up for Express Transit and follow prompts to authenticate.

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How do I change which of my SmarTrip cards is set up for Express Transit?

On iPhone

  • Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
  • Select the SmarTrip card you want to set up for Express Transit
  • Select the "…"and select Express Transit. Follow prompts to authenticate.

On Apple Watch

  • Open the Watch app on your iPhone and select the Wallet and Apple Pay option
  • Select ExpressTransit Card option
  • Select the SmarTrip card you want to set up for Express Transit and follow prompts to authenticate.

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How many SmarTrip cards can be set up for Express Transit?

You can have one SmarTrip card enabled for Express Transit on each iPhone or Apple Watch.

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How do I disable Express Transit?

On iPhone

  • Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
  • Select the SmarTrip card you want to disable for Express Transit
  • Select the "…"and select Express Transit. Choose none or turn off.

On Apple Watch

  • Open the Watch app on your iPhone and select the Wallet and Apple Pay option
  • Select ExpressTransit Card option
  • Select the SmarTrip card you want to disable for Express Transit. Choose none or turn off.

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How many SmarTrip and payment cards can I add to Apple Wallet?

On Apple Watch Series 3 and newer, and iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus and newer, you can add up to 12 cards.

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What if I have an unrecognized transaction on my SmarTrip card?

If you have unrecognized transactions on your card, you should contact the SmarTrip Regional Customer Service Center via email at SmarTrip@wmata.com or via phone at 888-SMARTRIP.

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My SmarTrip card in Apple Wallet is not working at the gate. What do I do?

Confirm you have activated your transit card in Apple Wallet and you have sufficient fare or passes to ride. If you are still having issues, please see the station manager for assistance. If your card is not working at a bus fare box or at a parking exit, contact the SmarTrip Regional Customer Service Center at smartrip@wmata.com or 888-SMARTRIP for further assistance.

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Lost/New iPhone

How do I access my SmarTrip card if my iPhone is lost or stolen?

If you restore your new device from a backup of your old device, you will be given the opportunity to restore your SmarTrip card to Apple Wallet on your new phone.

If you are setting up your new phone as a new iPhone, and you removed your SmarTrip card from Apple Wallet on your old iPhone prior to disposing of it, simply select "Add Card' in Apple Wallet and follow the steps to restore your transit card.

If you are setting up your new iPhone and did not take any action to remove your SmarTrip card from your old iPhone, you can remove your SmarTrip card from your old iPhone by logging into iCloud, selecting Account Settings, selecting your old device, and following the prompts to remove your SmarTrip card from Apple Wallet. Once that is complete, select "Add Card" in Apple Wallet on your new iPhone and follow the steps to restore your SmarTrip card.

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Can I temporarily suspend my SmarTrip card if I can't find my iPhone or it's stolen?

If your iPhone is lost or stolen, you can follow these steps to temporarily suspend use of your device:

  • Go to iCloud.com and log into with your Apple ID
  • Select Find My iPhone, then choose All Devices
  • elect your device, then select Lost Mode

When you select Lost Mode, your device cannot be used to ride transit or make any transactions with Apple Pay.

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What happens if the battery on my iPhone device dies and I need to use my SmarTrip card?

On iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR and newer, you can use power reserve with your Express Transit card. Power reserve enables you to quickly pay for rides and is available for up to five hours when your iPhone needs to be charged. To see if Express Transit cards are available when your iPhone needs to be charged, press the side button. Doing this often may significantly reduce the power reserve for Express Transit cards. If you choose to power off your iPhone, this feature will not be available.

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I just bought a new iPhone, how do I recover my SmarTrip card from my old iPhone?

You can only have a transit card in Apple Wallet on one device at a time. To use your transit card on a new device, you must first remove it from your old device. This applies to both iPhone and Apple Watch.

How to move your transit card to a new iPhone

  1. On your old iPhone, open Apple Wallet and tap your transit card.
  2. Tap the ellipsis button at the top right of the screen, then tap Card Details.
  3. Scroll down and tap Remove Card. Tap Remove to confirm.

If you restore your new iPhone from a backup of your old device, you will be given the opportunity to restore your SmarTrip card to Apple Wallet on your new device.

If you have an Apple Watch that contains transit cards, they will continue to be on the Apple Watch once you start using your new iPhone.

If you are setting up your new iPhone and did not take any action to remove your SmarTrip card from your old device, you can remove your SmarTrip card by logging into appleid.apple.com, selecting Devices, selecting your old device, and under Wallet & Apple Pay select Remove Items to remove all cards from Apple Wallet, including your transit card. Once that is complete, select "+" in Apple Wallet on your new iPhone, then tap "transit card" to add a card and follow the steps to restore your SmarTrip card. Please note that Card removal via appleid.apple.com requires the device to have an active internet connection.

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Troubleshooting

I'm unable to add value or a pass onto my SmarTrip card using my Apple Watch.

Check to ensure your Apple Watch is on and linked to your iPhone.

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Why does my SmarTrip card show as "unregistered" when I just converted it?

There may be a delay in the app reflecting activity related to a new card in Apple Wallet. You can refresh the app or wait a few minutes and check again. If the information still does not appear, please contact the SmarTrip Regional Customer Service Center at smartrip@wmata.com or 888-SMARTRIP for further assistance.

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I am unable to transfer my physical SmarTrip card to Apple Wallet.

Certain iPhone cases my interfere with transferring your SmarTrip card to Apple Wallet. If your transfer is unsuccessful, remove the case from your iPhone and try again.

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How do I find my SmarTrip Card in Apple Wallet?
  • In Apple Wallet, Select the card you are wanting to know the card number of
  • Press the "…" in the top right of the screen
  • The card number is listed as Service ID and will begin with '0176'

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How do I find my SmarTrip Card in the SmarTrip app?
  • In the SmarTrip app, sign in
  • In the Cards section, find the card you are wanting to know the card number of
  • Press the "Edit Card Registration Info"
  • The SmarTrip card number is located under the nickname you had given the card, it will begin with '0176'

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How do I add a SmarTrip to my Iphone?

There are 3 ways to add a SmarTrip card to your Apple iPhone.

1. Use Apple Wallet to buy a new SmarTrip.

2. Use the SmarTrip app to buy a new SmarTrip card.

3. Transfer an existing registered plastic SmarTrip card to Apple Wallet using Apple Wallet.

You cannot pay a fare using the SmarTrip app alone; you will first need to add SmarTrip to Apple Wallet.

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