SmarTrip® in Google Pay FAQs

SmarTrip card in Google Wallet and SmarTrip app

How do I add a new SmarTrip card to my Android phone using Google Pay?

There are 3 ways this can be done:

You can use Google Pay to buy a new SmarTrip - OR -

You can use the SmarTrip app to buy a new SmarTrip card. - OR -

You can use the SmarTrip app to transfer an existing registered plastic SmarTrip card to Google Pay

Add the plastic card to your SmarTrip account
In the SmarTrip app, find the plastic card in the card carousel
Select button for "Transfer Card to Google Pay" and follow the steps

You cannot pay a fare using the SmarTrip app alone; you will first need to add SmarTrip to Google Pay. Please note that if Samsung Pay is set as your default payment service, you will need to change the default to Google Pay in order to wake, tap, and pay. Otherwise, you will need to open the Google Pay app every time you wish to use SmarTrip to pay your fare.

How do I add a new SmarTrip card to my Android phone or Wear OS smartwatch using Google Wallet?

On the phone:

Open the Google Wallet app or download it on Google Play
On your Android phone, tap 'Add to Wallet' and select 'Washington, D.C.'
Follow the instructions on your phone to add your SmarTrip card, and you're all set!

On the watch:

Launch the Google Wallet app on your Wear OS smartwatch
- If you have a Pixel Watch, simply double click the crown to open Google Wallet
Tap the [+] ("plus") Card to start
Follow the directions and continue setup on your phone
Click "Add to watch" on your phone
Select the "Transit pass" option
Select SmarTrip and accept the terms & conditions
Select whether to purchase a pass or add money to an existing SmarTrip Card saved to your Google Wallet (SmarTrip pass purchase is not currently supported on your watch)
Select payment method and how much money you'd like to add. Then tap on 'Continue'.
Confirm amount and finish payment.

Note: SmarTrip card can only be added to a Wear OS smartwatch.

Can I have my SmarTrip card on both my Android phone and Wear OS smartwatch?

A SmarTrip card can only be on a single device at one time. You may have SmarTrip cards on your Android phone and Wear OS smartwatch as long as they are two separate cards.

Can I transfer my SmarTrip card from my Android phone to my Wear OS smartwatch?

Yes, you can transfer your SmarTrip card from your Android phone to your Wear OS smartwatch. Alternatively, you can have SmarTrip cards on both your Android phone and Wear OS smartwatch, but they must be separate cards.

From Android phone to Wear OS smartwatch (like Pixel Watch):

Launch the Google Wallet app on your Wear OS smartwatch
Click the [+] ("plus") Card to start
Follow the directions and continue setup on your phone
Click "Add to watch" on your phone
Select the SmarTrip card that you would like to activate on the watch and wait a few seconds for the transfer to complete

Help! I don't see the "Transit Pass" option on my watch!

This can occur if your watch doesn't have the latest software updates from Google. Try leaving your device plugged in and connected to wifi for a couple days.

To verify if you have the latest updates, you need to check both your phone and your watch.

Phone: must be running version 2.189.X+ of Google Wallet, and version 23.18.X+ of Google Play services. You can check these version numbers by navigating to: Settings > Apps > See all apps > (Google Wallet / Google Play Services) > scroll to bottom

Watch: must be running version 23.18.X+ of Google Play services. You can check this version number by navigating to: Apps > Settings > Apps and notifications > App info > System apps > Google Play services > App info

What's the difference between the SmarTrip app and Google Pay?

In Google Pay:

Buy a Full Fare SmarTrip card to pay transit fares.
Add value or passes to a Full Fare or Senior SmarTrip card.
View passes and value on SmarTrip card; the balance is updated real-time.
You can't transfer an existing plastic SmarTrip card directly in Google Pay; the transfer process must begin in the SmarTrip app.

In the SmarTrip app:

Begin a purchase of a new SmarTrip card (will be saved in Google Pay).
Transfer an existing registered plastic SmarTrip card to Google Pay.
Add passes and stored value, set up Auto Reload, view passes and value on cards, and view transactions for SmarTrip in Google Pay and plastic SmarTrip cards.
View and manage SmarTrip cards in Google Pay (Full Fare and Senior only) as well as plastic SmarTrip cards for all rider types.

It may take up to 4 hours for rail transactions and up to 2 days for bus transactions to be updated.

How do I transfer my plastic SmarTrip card to Google Pay?

Add your plastic SmarTrip card to your SmarTrip account through the web or via the SmarTrip app, find the card, and choose "Transfer Card to Google Pay." Make sure your phone's NFC is enabled. (Search Settings for "NFC" and verify it is ON.)

Can I have more than one SmarTrip in Google Pay?

Yes, but only one SmarTrip card can be "active" in Google Pay at a time. First deactivate the currently active SmarTrip in Google Pay. To do so, open Google Pay, tap on the currently active SmarTrip, tap the three-dot menu in the upper right corner, and choose "Move to another phone." (You don't need to actually have another phone, but this allows the card to be "parked" elsewhere.) Then add a new SmarTrip card.

What if I "Delete" a SmarTrip card from Google Pay?

Deleting a card permanently eliminates that card from your phone. It cannot be restored to your phone.
If your card was linked to your SmarTrip account, you can use the SmarTrip website to transfer the balance from the deleted card to another card in your account.
If your card was NOT linked to your SmarTrip account (unregistered anonymous card), Metro is unable to retrieve any information on that card and the balance is unrecoverable, similar to a lost unregistered plastic SmarTrip card.

Which version of Android do I need in order to use SmarTrip card in Google Pay?

To use SmarTrip in Google Pay, an Android phone must be NFC capable and have Android OS version 5 or newer. To use SmarTrip mobile app, an Android phone must have Android OS version 9 or newer.

Can I use a SmarTrip card in Google Pay without the SmarTrip app?

Yes, you can use Google Pay to purchase a new Full Fare SmarTrip card, pay fares, add Stored Value or Passes, and view value/products available on your SmarTrip card.

Where can I use my SmarTrip card in Google Pay on my Android Phone?

SmarTrip in Google Pay is available at all 91 Metrorail stations in DC, Maryland and Virginia, all Metro parking garages and lots, all Metrobus routes, and all regional bus providers including ART, DASH, Fairfax Connector, CUE, RideOn, THE Bus, DC Circulator, Loudoun County Transit, and OmniRide.

Which types of SmarTrip cards are available for use in Google Pay?

Full Fare: Transfer an existing plastic SmarTrip card to Google Pay (from within SmarTrip app) and buy a new SmarTrip card (from within SmarTrip app or Google Pay)
Senior: Transfer an existing plastic SmarTrip card to Google Pay (from within SmarTrip app).
No other rider classes are accommodated.
Only card numbers beginning with 0167 (Full Fare and Senior) can be transferred from an existing plastic SmarTrip card to Google Pay.

Can I continue to use my plastic SmarTrip card after I transfer it to Google Pay?

No, once your plastic SmarTrip card is transferred to Google Pay, the plastic card is hot listed and can no longer be used. It should be discarded responsibly.

When transferring an existing plastic SmarTrip card to Google Pay using my Android phone, will all of my stored value, passes, and SmartBenefits be transferred as well?

Yes, everything on the plastic card will be transferred to the SmarTrip card in Google Pay.
Any partially-used passes will be transferred with the remaining number of active days available.
Any pending autoloads to the plastic card will be transferred as pending autoloads to the SmarTrip card in Google Pay. You will need to tap your Android Phone at a fare machine, faregate or bus farebox to load the product to the SmarTrip card in Google Pay.

Which passes cannot be transferred to a SmarTrip card in Google Pay?

A Full Fare plastic card containing the Transit Link Card (TLC pass for MARC, MTA, or VRE), Personal Care Attendant (PCA), or VRE Parking pass cannot be transferred.

Can all plastic SmarTrip card types be viewed within the SmarTrip app?

Yes, you can view all types of plastic cards within the SmarTrip app.

Is there a fee to purchase a SmarTrip card in Google Pay?

It's free to transfer you plastic SmarTrip card to Google Pay. If you purchase a new SmarTrip card in Google Pay, it's free for the first 6 months, though you must make an initial purchase of stored value or pass on a new SmarTrip card in Google Pay. The $2.00 card fee will be reinstated in the future.

Do SmarTrip cards in Google Pay need to be registered, or can they remain anonymous?

If you purchase a new Full Fare SmarTrip card in Google Pay, the card will be anonymous.
If you purchase a new Full Fare SmarTrip card from the app, the card will be registered.
If you transfer a registered plastic SmarTrip card to Google Pay using the SmarTrip app, the card will be registered.
If you have an anonymous SmarTrip card in your Google Pay, when you log into the SmarTrip app, the anonymous card will be displayed in your app, but no information about card balance will be available. A link is provided on the card summary page in the SmarTrip app to register the anonymous card.

Can my Android phone be used to pay for Metro if the battery is dead?

No, if the Android phone is completely dead, it will not work for fare payment. Your phone must be turned on and be awake.

Is internet access (Wi-Fi) required to use a SmarTrip card in Google Pay?

No, the SmarTrip card in Google Pay can be used for fare payment without internet access (Wi-Fi). However, notifications require internet access, and may be delayed based on connectivity status.

Management of SmarTrip Cards in Google Pay

If I lose my Android Phone, can I suspend the SmarTrip card and transfer the card to a replacement phone?

If the lost card was registered to your SmarTrip account, you can purchase a new card in Google Pay and then go to SmarTrip Web or SmarTrip Regional Customer Service Center to get help with the balance transfer.

Can I buy multiple cards on one Android phone and transfer the cards to other Android phones?

SmarTrip cards are linked to a Google ID, so they can be transferred among Android phones with the same Google ID. A card can only be active on one phone at a time.

To transfer a SmarTrip card between two Android Phones:

In Google Pay:

Select the SmarTrip card.
Tap on three dots in the upper right corner.
Select "Move To Another Phone" (Park).
Select "Remove" on the dialog box that opens.
The card you just parked will show up in Google Pay "grayed" out.

From another Android Phone:

Open Google Pay.
Ensure you are logged into the phone with the same account as the previous phone.
You will see the Card in Google Pay "grayed" out.
Touch on the card.
Select "Activate" in the Dialog box with the statement "Activate this transit card to use on your phone."
When returned to Google Pay, the SmarTrip card will be active (no longer "grayed" out).

Add Passes and Value

How quickly will stored value or passes be added to my cards?

Immediately - When purchasing a new pass or stored value on a SmarTrip card in Google Pay, using the SmarTrip app, the value will be added to the SmarTrip card immediately.
Immediately - When purchasing a new pass or stored value on a SmarTrip card in Google Pay, the pass or value will be added to the SmarTrip card immediately.
Immediately - When transferring a plastic SmarTrip to a SmarTrip card in Google Pay, all passes and values that were on the plastic card will be available on the SmarTrip card immediately.
Delayed - All other purchases in the SmarTrip app (setup Auto Reload on plastic or virtual, value purchased for plastic cards) will require the standard delivery times of 4 hours rail, 2 days bus.
Delayed - All purchases from the SmarTrip website will require the standard delivery times of 4 hours rail, 2 days bus.

Can I use the SmarTrip website to transfer balance from plastic cards to SmarTrip cards in Google Pay, or between two SmarTrip cards in Google Pay?

Yes. If you use the SmarTrip website to do a "balance transfer" from one card to another, it will require the standard delivery times of 4 hours rail, 2 days bus for the value to be available to load onto the selected card. Your original SmarTrip card will be deactivated and can no longer be used. The SmarTrip website "balance transfer" feature can also be used to transfer value from a plastic SmarTrip card that has a serial number other than 0167, to a SmarTrip in Google Pay.

Can I return or exchange a product that I purchased on a SmarTrip card in Google Pay but do not want?

Metro's policy of "no refunds" applies to the SmarTrip card in Google Pay as well as plastic SmarTrip. The process and policy for Relocation Refunds (customers outside of the 100-mile radius as indicated by the Tariff) is the same as for plastic SmarTrip cards.

Use of SmarTrip Card in Google Pay

How do I pay with my Android phone or Wear OS smartwatch? When and where do I need to tag my phone or watch?

Android phone:

Turn your phone screen on
Hold your phone near the SmarTrip reader

Wear OS smartwatch:

Launch the Google Wallet app on your Wear OS smartwatch
- If you have a Pixel Watch, simply double click the crown to open Google Wallet
Hold your watch to the card reader. Wait until you get a blue checkmark.

Do this every time you board a bus, train or ferry, including when you transfer. On most buses and stand-alone readers, you will be shown the amount of your transactions and your balance (or expiration date of your pass). Be sure to tag on every time you board (you may need to tag off for some agencies). Keep your phone handy in case an inspector asks to see your fare If you have trouble tagging, you might try to move your phone around as different phones have their antennas in different places.

If my Android Phone has a low battery, will the SmarTrip card work?

Yes, as long as the phone will power on and screen will awaken, SmarTrip in Google Pay can be used to pay the fare.

How many SmarTrip cards will my Android phone hold?

SmarTrip is considered a "Transit Card" in Google Pay. Google Pay will allow you to have an unlimited number of SmarTrip cards in your Google account (Gmail), but only one SmarTrip card can be active at a time. All SmarTrip cards will be linked to the same Google account.

Can I use SmarTrip cards in my Google Pay for multiple people?

No, each person would need a separate phone with SmarTrip in Google Pay. Google Pay will only allow one active SmarTrip card per Google account on a phone.

How far above the reader should I hold my Android phone?

About 2 - 3 inches, similar to a plastic SmarTrip. Some phone models work best positioned closer to or further from the SmarTrip target. While this FAQ uses the word "tap" with respect to Android phone-to-target interaction, the Android phone does not need to touch the SmarTrip reader on the fare collection equipment. The Android phone should be presented to the reader with the screen face-up. Different Android phone manufacturers have their NFC antenna in different places, some at the top of the phone and some at the middle of the phone. You should check with the specifications of your specific phone model on the location of the antenna.

What will I see on my Android Phone when I use it to pay for transit or parking?

The Android Phone will display a check mark indicating that it successfully communicated with the fare payment device target. If the Android Phone cannot complete its communication with the target, it will display a red exclamation mark with the message "Something went wrong".

The check mark will be displayed regardless of whether there was sufficient value on the SmarTrip card to pay the fare. The fare gate or farebox will show the appropriate message regarding successful/unsuccessful fare payment.

Why is my card balance different in Google Pay versus the SmarTrip app?

In Google Pay, your SmarTrip card balance is updated real time. Google Pay can be considered the current value of the card. In the SmarTrip app, there is a time delay for card balance and transactions to be updated. It can take up to 4 hours for rail transactions and up to 2 days for bus transactions to be displayed. In the SmarTrip app, on a card summary screen, there is a circular arrow in the upper right corner, which can be used to refresh the card screen and update the information in the app. Transactions are still subject to the availability guidelines of 4 hours rail/2 days bus.

How many completed transactions will display on my Android phone?

Google Pay will not display transaction details at initial launch (future enhancement). SmarTrip app will display the 10 most recent transactions.

Does the SmarTrip card become inverted?

An inverted transaction occurs when a SmarTrip card does not follow the Entry-Exit-Entry-Exit sequence in rail, e.g., if a card has an Entry, with no Exit, and then tries to enter the system again. During COVID operations, the rail gates allow inverted cards to enter or exit the system without requiring interaction with the Station Manager. The transaction will display on the SmarTrip card as "Forced Entry" or "Forced Exit." Once Metro returns to regular operations, if the card becomes inverted, the fare gate will tell the customer to see the station manager.

A Rail Station Manager can view the inverted card status on the kiosk reader for a SmarTrip card in Google Pay, just like a plastic SmarTrip.

Can a SmarTrip card in Google Pay be used in parking?

Yes. The same fares will be charged for both plastic SmarTrip and SmarTrip in Google Pay, including any applicable parking discounts.

SmarTrip App Features - General

What are the general features of the SmarTrip app?

Home - quick view of the selected card to display on home screen (this is NOT related to the SmarTrip card that is active in Google Pay), and favorite lines, routes, and destinations.
Cards - provides a summary of every SmarTrip card in the customer's SmarTrip account.
Trip Tools - trip planning and tracking nearby service.
More - account settings, security, payment method management, FAQs, contact. customer service, contact Transit Police, "what's new" app screens, contact regional partners, view Terms and Conditions and Privacy statement.

Will my SmarTrip information be easily accessible in the app, if my Android phone is lost or stolen?

The SmarTrip app remains logged in, and your SmarTrip information such as name, address, and date of birth could be visible to others if your Android Phone is lost or stolen. The app defaults to password protection for viewing or editing personal or payment information, as well as to make purchases in the app. You may remove the password protection at your own risk. It is recommended that you include a passcode on your Android Phone to protect your SmarTrip information.

SmarTrip App Features - Trip Tools

What features are available in the Trip Tools?

Trip planning between destinations. Results will include Metro and Regional Partner services.
Transit Tracking of buses and trains near the location shown on the map. Results will include only Metro services.
Selecting favorite lines, routes, and destinations.
Viewing service alerts.

Will the Trip Tools information in app match information at WMATA.com?

You may experience some differences between the information shown in the SmarTrip app Trip Tools and the information on WMATA.com for Trip Planner, Next Bus, Next Train, and Service Alerts.

Customer Support - SmartBenefits

On the SmarTrip app card summary screen, what is included in the "Transit Value?"

SmartBenefits for Transit only. The Transit Value does NOT include Parking or Transit Pass Benefits. These can be found further down the screen in the "Active" or "Pending" sections.

If I am not a SmartBenefits customer, will the Transit Value field still be displayed?

Yes, the field will be displayed, but the value will be $0.00.

Can I use Transit Pass Benefits to add a pass to a SmarTrip card in Google Pay?

Yes, when you purchase a pass through the SmarTrip app or SmarTrip website, Transit Pass Benefits will automatically be applied to your purchase. You are required to enter a credit card when making a purchase using Transit Pass Benefits in the SmarTrip app. You will see this message prior to completing the purchase: The total charged to your credit card may be less than the total shown above. You have $34 available for Transit Pass Benefits. Your charge will be adjusted when Transit Pass Benefits are applied. A credit card is not required in the SmarTrip website to make a purchase that is fully funded by Transit Pass Benefits. Transit Pass Benefits CANNOT be used to purchase a pass in Goggle Pay.

Will I be able to manage SmartBenefits allocations through SmarTrip app?

No, you will need to go to the SmarTrip website to manage benefits.

How long will it take to deliver a new SmartBenefits setup to my virtual SmarTrip?

The process and timing for delivering new SmartBenefits is the same for a plastic SmarTrip and SmarTrip in Google Pay.

If I convert my plastic SmarTrip card to a SmarTrip card in Google Pay, do I need to notify my employer?

No, the process of reassigning SmartBenefits from the plastic SmarTrip to SmarTrip in Google Pay will happen automatically.

Do all SmartBenefits automatically transfer from my plastic SmarTrip card to my SmarTrip card in Google Pay?

Yes, all SmartBenefits that are already loaded on the plastic card will be transferred immediately to the new SmarTrip card in Google Pay. All SmartBenefits that were pending delivery to the plastic card will be pending delivery to the SmarTrip card in Google Pay, to be loaded to the SmarTrip card by tapping to a TVM, rail fare gate, or bus farebox. It may take up to 4 hours on rail and 2 days on bus for the SmartBenefits to be available for loading to the card.

Customer Support - In stations/on Buses

How will station managers assist customers with SmarTrip cards in Google Pay?

Station managers should not handle or touch a customer's Android phone. Card readers have been moved to the outside of the station manager kiosks so that a plastic or SmarTrip card in Google Pay can be tapped to the reader by the customer. The station manager can view the display on the Station Console.

What type of information can station managers view, when a customer taps an Android phone to kiosk target?

Everything that can be viewed for a plastic SmarTrip card will be available for a SmarTrip card in Google Pay, including card balance, passes, and SmartBenefits. Station managers will not have access to any customer account information associated with SmarTrip cards in Google Pay, nor customer Android Phone or personal identifiable information.