Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

To help you get acquainted with the use and functions of your new MTA CharmCard™ , please read the FAQs below. You’ll soon find that using the MTA CharmCard™ is fast and easy.

What do I have to do to start using my CharmCard™?
To get started, you must first add cash value or a pass product (Day, 7-Day or 30-Day Pass) at an MTA Metro Subway Ticket Vending Machine. You may add up to $200.00 of cash value to your card so you will only need to reload as needed. Or, you can add a pass product to your card with pass validity that does not begin until you first use it and continues for the specified number of days on your pass.

What kinds of fares can I buy?
You can load cash value to your card or you can load a Day, 7-Day or 30-Day Pass (pass products).

What does Cash Value mean?
Cash Value is the amount of cash you have loaded on your card. Each time you touch your card to a Metro Subway faregate after riding on the system, the correct single trip fare will be deducted from your cash value, similar to how you would use a gift card.

What is a Day Pass, 7-Day Pass and a 30-Day Pass?
These pass products provide unlimited use of Metro Subway for the duration of the designated pass period – one day, 7 days or 30 days. The pass validity begins the day you first use it, and continues for the specified number of days on your pass. Please note that the time of day of your first use is not applied to the pass validity period: for example, if you begin using a 7-Day Pass on Monday at 8:00 a.m. or 11:30 p.m., the pass is only valid until the following Sunday at 11:59 p.m.

How do I pay my single trip fare?
Touch your card to the Metro Subway faregate target to enter the system. Touch the target again as you exit the system. It will deduct the correct fare. If you encounter a faregate with the barrier already open prior to touching your CharmCard™, DO NOT pass through the open exit faregate. This will make your card “out of sync” and you will have to see the station manager before using your card again.

How do I check the value on my card?
If the screen directions are not fully visible, press any TVM button to begin. The TVM is designed for most CharmCard™ purchases to occur on the right side of the screen. Press the “Check Balance” button. Touch your card to the target. The value will be displayed on the screen.

How do I add value on my card?
If the screen directions are not fully visible, press any TVM button to begin. Press the “Add Value” button. Touch your card to the target. On the "Select Add Value Amount” screen, select the amount you wish to add. Press to pay with cash. Follow screen prompts. Touch your card to the target again to load value.

Can someone else use my card?
No. Do not lend or pass your card to anyone. The CharmCard™ is non-transferrable.

Where can I use my card?
For the pilot, on MTA Metro Subway TVMs and faregates. Eventually, on any of the MTA core services and regional service in Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, and anywhere you see the CharmCard™ and SmarTrip® names displayed.

What if I have trouble using my card or lose it?
Pay for your trip with cash. Call 1-866-869-8726 immediately.

What do I do at the end of the test period?
Return your CharmCard™ to the MTA Transit Store located at 6 St. Paul St., Baltimore, MD 21202, starting December 1, but no later than December 15. Please bring your CharmCard™ along with a photo ID card when you come to the Transit Store and as a bonus for your participation, you will receive a free January 2010 Regular Monthly Pass.