Charlie: Card & Ticket Info

Charlie Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I get a CharlieCard?

You can get a CharlieCard several ways:

  • From MBTA Customer Service Agents in Subway Stations and select Bus Terminals. Just ask for one.
  • At T sales offices: Back Bay, Downtown Crossing, Harvard, North Station and South Station
  • At many retail locations: We partner with many local retailers to sell our CharlieCards, tickets, and passes. You can obtain a CharlieCard from one of these retailers: Sales Locations.Once you have your CharlieCard, you can load value or a pass on your CharlieCard at any of these retailers.
  • Order your CharlieCard OnlineBuy Now.

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What is "stored value"?

Instead of paying each time you use the T, you can "store value" (put cash) on your CharlieTickets and CharlieCards. Your fare will be deducted each time you ride the T, allowing you to pay as you go on the subway and bus. For example, a $20.00 stored-value card or ticket is good for $20.00 worth of travel. Remember: stored-value payments may incur a surcharge when purchased on a CharlieTicket. No surcharge is incurred when using a CharlieCard.

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Will I be able to add stored value to my CharlieCard at an on-board farebox?

Yes. However, storing value on your CharlieCard onboard can increase boarding lines and cause transit delays. We encourage customers to add stored value at our full-service, in-station fare vending machines. We're also establishing many new retail sales locations throughout the Metro-Boston region for your added convenience.

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How can I check the balance on my CharlieCard?

CharlieCard balances can be checked at any Fare Vending Machine. The ability to check balances online will be available in the future.

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Can I receive cash back for the remaining balance on my CharlieCard?

No. CharlieCard value may not be redeemed for cash, check or credit.

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Can I transfer stored value from my CharlieTicket to a new CharlieCard? If so, how?

Yes. You can transfer the stored value on a CharlieTicket to a CharlieCard, but only at our customer service centers located at Downtown Crossing and Harvard Pass Sales Office. The Downtown Crossing center is open Monday through Friday from 8AM-6PM. Harvard Pass office is open on the last three days of the month and the first three days of the month from 8AM-6PM.

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Can I add more value to my CharlieCard online?

Yes. You can reload your CharlieCard now online or register your CharlieCard with a MyCharlie Account and sign up for our recurring monthly pass option.

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What is the one-time payment option?

Your monthly pass purchase and/or stored-value purchase will be loaded to your CharlieCard and charged to your credit card one time.

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When I add value to my CharlieCard online, does it automatically register on my CharlieCard.

No. To update your CharlieCard with your latest online purchase(s), you must tap your CharlieCard at a Fare Vending Machine, a subway Fare Gate, or at a standing or handheld Green Line Ticket Validator. You can also update it at T sales offices at Back Bay, Downtown Crossing, Harvard, North Station and South Station or at any retail location that sells CharlieCards.

Online purchases entered on or before midnight will be available for uploading to your CharlieCard after 5:00 a.m. the next day.

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If I purchase stored value for my CharlieCard, when will the purchase be available on my CharlieCard?

Purchases will be available by tapping your card at any Fare Vending Machine or Gate after 5AM the next day.

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What is a MyCharlie Account?

A MyCharlie Account offers customers added convenience and security. By setting up a MyCharlie Account online and registering your CharlieCard, you can set up automatic (or recurring) monthly pass purchases and (coming soon) automatic stored-value purchases, and you′ll automatically receive free "No Worries Protection" from loss, theft or damage to your card.

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What is MyCharlie Account registration?

When you sign up for a MyCharlie Account, you′ll enter the number on the front of your CharlieCard. By registering your card, you′ll become eligible for "No Worries Protection" from loss, theft or card damage and for automatic purchases of monthly passes charged to your credit card.
You may choose not to sign up for a MyCharlie Card Account. Unregistered CharlieCards remain anonymous and are available to any customer without providing any personal information to the T. Unregistered CharlieCards are not replaceable and are not protected against loss, theft or damage.

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How do I register for a MyCharlie Account?

Visit MBTA.com and click on the link for "MyCharlie Account Center" under Fares and Passes.

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What are automatic purchases of passes and stored value?

If you register your CharlieCard with a MyCharlie Account, you can sign up for automatic recurring purchases. For example, if you want to buy a Bus Pass each month, you can set up your MyCharlie Account (using a credit card) to automatically reload your CharlieCard with a new Bus Pass each month. You'll be ready to ride anytime. Automatic reloading of stored value will be available soon.

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What is the recurring program?

Customers who choose to register their CharlieCard with a MyCharlie Account can sign up for automatic recurring purchases. Your credit card will be automatically charged for your recurring pass purchase 5 days prior to the end of the month. The monthly pass on your CharlieCard will be automatically reloaded every month until you cancel the recurring program.

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What should I do if my credit card was rejected on my recurring pass purchase?

We will make one attempt to charge your credit card 5 days prior to the end of the month for your recurring monthly pass purchase. If your credit card is rejected, you have the option to use another credit card online, or purchase your pass or stored value at any Fare Vending Machine, retail location or MBTA pass sales office.

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What if my Card is lost, stolen or damaged?

If you are a MyCharlie Account member, your balance is protected. You can report your CharlieCard as lost/stolen or damaged by calling 1-888-844-0355. Your CharlieCard will be blocked from further use and the pass or stored value remaining at the time of your call will be transferred onto a new CharlieCard and mailed to you. Customers are responsible for their own fare media until the replacement is received.
If your CharlieCard is not registered to a MyCharlie Account, we cannot replace it if it′s lost, stolen or damaged. We recommend you treat your unregistered CharlieCard like cash.

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Can I report a card as lost/stolen for a friend?

No. Only the registered account user can report a CharlieCard as lost or stolen.

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If I lose my registered CharlieCard card, how long do I have to wait for a replacement?

Lost, stolen or damaged CharlieCard replacements are processed and mailed within 24 hours. Replacements are sent via US mail, and you should receive your new CharlieCard within 3-5 business days. You may choose an expedited shipping method and you will be charged the additional costs incurred.

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Can I register a CharlieTicket?

No. CharlieTickets cannot be registered.

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If I am out of town for an extended time, can I remove the recurring program on my CharlieCard?

Yes. If you wish to keep your account but don′t want the recurring transactions to be processed while you′re away, you can remove the recurring program from your CharlieCard. Go to your online MyCharlie Account and click the section for setting up automatic monthly purchases of Bus and Link passes. Remove the check mark from the "recurring" option box. Upon your return, you can re-enter the check mark to reinstate the recurring option on your CharlieCard.
CharlieCards must be removed before the recurring charge takes place (5 days prior to the end of the month) to ensure that the recurring purchase does not automatically get charged to your credit card.

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I am concerned about privacy. Will I have to give personal information to the MBTA to use the CharlieCard?

No. Not unless you choose to. The MBTA considers the privacy of our customers′ personal information a top priority. Please read our Privacy Policy for more information.
You have the option to have a registered or an unregistered CharlieCard. Your unregistered CharlieCard gives you access to the card′s many benefits without providing any personal information to the MBTA.
If you register your CharlieCard, you can take advantage of additional features such as automatic purchases of passes and stored value and our "No Worries Protection," which guarantees the replacement of a lost, stolen or damaged card. You can register your CharlieCard by setting up a MyCharlie Account online.
CharlieTickets are anonymous and not replaceable if lost or stolen.

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Can I remove a CharlieCard from MyCharlie Account?

Yes. CharlieCards can be removed from your account by selecting the Add/Remove CharlieCards option in your MyCharlie Account. Once removed, no automatic pass purchases will be fulfilled on that CharlieCard.

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Can I close my "MyCharlie Account" if I decide I do not want my card registered?

Yes. You can close your MyCharlie Account anytime by selecting the Close your existing MyCharlie Account option. Any CharlieCards that have automatic purchases associated with them will no longer be automatically reloaded, and your CharlieCards will be treated as anonymous CharlieCards and cannot be replaced if lost, stolen or damaged.

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I am locked out of my account, what should I do?

Passwords can be reset online. If you need help please contact CharlieCard Customer Service at 1-888-844-0355 for assistance.

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Will CharlieCard "passes" be available through my employer?

If you are currently enrolled in the Corporate Pass Program, you will continue to receive paper CharlieTicket passes from your employer. When the CharlieCard transition on Commuter Rail, Ferries, and Express Bus has been completed, the corporate pass program will switch to CharlieCards for all Corporate Pass customers.

  • Corporate CharlieCard customers will no longer need a new physical pass each month; rather, their CharlieCard will be automatically updated based on their corporate benefit selections.
  • When a corporate employee taps or touches his or her card to a fare gate or farebox on/around the first of each month, the card will be automatically recognized and updated for another month of T travel.

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How will bus to subway transfers work on a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket?

Bus and Subway transfers are discounted when you use the CharlieCard. With a CharlieTicket, the full fare, plus the surcharge will be deducted from the stored-value on your CharlieTicket when you board the bus or subway.

With a CharlieCard, simply board the first vehicle of your trip and the corresponding fare is deducted. When you transfer, the faregate or farebox will automatically recognize you as a transferring customer, and deduct the additional transfer fee, if any. When transferring from a lower-priced service to a higher-priced service, like Local Bus-to-Subway, the price of your transfer is simply the difference between the two fares ($0.45). When transferring from a higher-priced service to a lower-priced service, like Subway-to-Local Bus, there is no cost to transfer. Transfer discounts are available to customers using CharlieTickets or paying cash-on-board ONLY on SL4 and SL5.

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How will bus-to-bus transfers work on a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket?

Local Bus-to-Local Bus transfers are free when you use a CharlieCard or a CharlieTicket. When you board the first bus of your trip, the corresponding fare will be deducted. Then, when you use your CharlieCard or the same CharlieTicket at the next bus farebox, the system recognizes you as a 'transfer' and will not deduct any value from your CharlieCard or ticket. If you don't use a CharlieCard or ticket, and choose to pay the exact fare ($1.50) with cash, you will not receive a free transfer.

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Can CharlieCards be used on the Commuter Rail, Commuter Boat or Inner Harbor Ferry?

Not yet. CharlieCards for Commuter Rail, Commuter Boats and Inner Harbor Ferry are at the planning stage. In the meantime, continue to use single and multi-ride tickets or a CharlieTicket with a pass on it, T-Pass or cash. (Since the CharlieCard is not yet available for these transit modes, no surcharges apply when using CharlieTickets.)

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Can I punch a hole in my CharlieCard or CharlieTicket to carry it on my keychain?

You should never punch a hole in your CharlieCard or CharlieTicket.

CharlieCards contain a computer chip that can be damaged and cause the CharlieCard to perform improperly.

In addition, you should not punch holes in your CharlieTicket—the ticket must be fully inserted into the new fare gates and fareboxes and cannot be attached to a key ring. Additionally, a CharlieTicket loaded with a T-Pass may not perform properly when hole-punched.

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I am a reduced fare customer - how will Charlie affect me?

Senior/T.A.P. IDs are available to seniors (age 65+) and persons with disabilities at the MBTA's Office for Transportation Access at Back Bay Station or at the new Senior/T.A.P. ID Replacement Office located at Downtown Crossing Station on the Summer Street Subway Concourse (between Washington and Chauncy Streets), Monday - Friday, 8:30AM-5:00PM

First time applicants for the new Senior/T.A.P. ID, or applicants with expired T.A.P. ID cards, may pick up a T.A.P. application at either location and new IDs will then be issued at the Back Bay office.

Use your new Senior/T.A.P. ID to purchase a monthly pass at reduced fare pass sales outlets or at any full-service, in-station fare vending machine, then tap or touch it to the black card target at the accessible fare gates.

For those people who cannot go to Back Bay station, we are conducting outreach events throughout the MBTA service area, and we keep an updated schedule of events in the Public Meetings section of the site. Please attend a meeting to learn how to use the IDs and fare collection system.

For more information, please contact the MBTA's Office for Transportation Access (OTA) at Back Bay Station 617-222-5438, 617-222-5854 (TTY).

Learn more about the differences between the card and ticket, how to use Cards and Tickets and how to use fare vending machines to buy and store value on your card or ticket or download the Senior/T.A.P. User Guide.

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Can I register a Senior ID or TAP ID with a MyCharlie Account?

Senior and TAP customers are already registered to our system and do not need to register online with a MyCharlie Account. However, you may create a MyCharlie Account if you would like the added convenience of having a recurring pass added to your card.

In order to register your Senior ID or TAP ID, you must enter your Profile Information exactly as it was entered into our system when your received your ID. If you have questions, please call 888-844-0355 and customer support will assist you with your account.

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What are the hours of the CharlieCard Customer Service Center?

The Customer Service Center can be reached at 1-888-844-0355 during these hours:

Mon - Fri: 7AM - 11PM
Sat - Sun: 8AM - 5PM

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I have a question that is not listed here, what should I do?

If you have a question regarding online registration or online orders, please call 1-888-844-0355 or e-mail custserv@charliecard.com. For any other inquiries, please call MBTA customer support at 617-222-3200.

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  • Reduced Fares for Senior/T.A.P. Customers
  • Buy a Pass at a Fare Vending Machine
  • Charlie's Frequently Asked Questions
  • Get the Card

Got MyCharlie?

Upgrade your CharlieCard with a MyCharlie account and you'll be able to set up automatic monthly pass or stored-value purchases, and breathe easy knowing your card is protected from damage, loss or theft.