Interac helps Canadians stay in charge of their everyday transactions. Now, many transit systems across Canada are accepting Interac Debit as a contactless method for paying your adult fare. That means you can pay using your debit card, mobile phone, or wearable device — without having to carry a dedicated fare card issued by the transit authority.
Sound convenient? Here’s what you need to know.
*Note that images and user screens displayed are for illustrative purposes only, appearance will differ based on the device you are using and your financial institution.
Before you begin, you’ll need:
- Confirmation that the transit system you’re riding has enabled transit payments using Interac Debit. See a full list of participating systems across Canada below.
- A Canadian bank account with a participating financial institution
- A debit card associated with your bank account, or a debit card provisioned in the digital wallet of your mobile phone or wearable device
Want to know how to add your debit card to your digital wallet? Click here.
Here’s what to do:
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When you enter the station or board the vehicle, hold your debit card, mobile phone or wearable device over the fare reader to pay your adult fare.
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Depending on the transit system, you will get an audible confirmation (beep) and/or visual on-screen confirmation of your payment.
At some stations, automated gates may open once your payment is accepted.
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Pay attention to the requirements of your transit agency: Some systems require you to tap the same card on a fare reader when you get off a vehicle, leave your destination stop or continue your journey on a new vehicle or in a new station.
The length of time you have to transfer to another vehicle or station to continue your journey may vary. For further details and to learn where fare transfers are accepted, reach out to the transit agency.
And that’s it – enjoy the ride!
To learn more about how Interac Debit can help make your everyday life more convenient, click here.
Check your local participating transit agency for fare information:
* Contact your transit agency if you have questions or need more information about using Interac Debit to pay your fare.
** The Contactless Symbol is a trademark owned by and used with permission of EMVCo, LLC.