Naga - Golden Gate Park, Monday, August 18th, 2025
You probably know this. But good to explain to guests.
By Aidin Vaziri, Staff Writer Aug 18, 2025 - San Francisco Chronicle
Bay Area Rapid Transit riders will soon be able to pay fares the same way they shop at the grocery store — by tapping a credit or debit card.
Starting Wednesday, BART is rolling out “open payments,” allowing passengers to use Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover or mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay at BART fare gates.
The gates previously accepted only plastic and digital Clipper cards, the all-in-one payment card for many Bay Area transit systems.
The change is part of the long-awaited Clipper 2.0 upgrade, which has faced repeated delays.
“This rollout is designed to have the most impact for the most people,” said Jason Weinstein, director of the Clipper program at the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, at a July meeting. “We decided to start with BART.”
The way it works is simple: Tap your card or mobile wallet when entering a station, then tap the same card again when exiting.
For now, the feature is limited to BART, with other Bay Area transit agencies — including Muni, Caltrain and AC Transit — expected to follow in the coming months.
Officials hope the change will make transit easier for visitors and occasional riders, especially those traveling directly from airports.
Discount programs for youths, seniors, low-income riders and people with disabilities will still require a Clipper card or the Clipper mobile app.
Riders are also urged to avoid “card clash,” which can happen if the fare reader detects multiple cards in a wallet.
To prevent errors, passengers should tap one card at a time or set a default card in their phone’s wallet app.
Starting this week, BART will take credit cards — here’s what to know
Greg
Quick and Dirty
Bay Area Rapid Transit riders will soon be able to pay fares the same way they shop at the grocery store — by tapping a credit or debit card.
Starting Wednesday, BART is rolling out “open payments,” allowing passengers to use Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover or mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay at BART fare gates.
Advertisement
Article continues below this ad
The gates previously accepted only plastic and digital Clipper cards, the all-in-one payment card for many Bay Area transit systems.
The change is part of the long-awaited Clipper 2.0 upgrade, which has faced repeated delays.
“This rollout is designed to have the most impact for the most people,” said Jason Weinstein, director of the Clipper program at the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, at a July meeting. “We decided to start with BART.”
The way it works is simple: Tap your card or mobile wallet when entering a station, then tap the same card again when exiting.
For now, the feature is limited to BART, with other Bay Area transit agencies — including Muni, Caltrain and AC Transit — expected to follow in the coming months.
Advertisement
Article continues below this ad
Officials hope the change will make transit easier for visitors and occasional riders, especially those traveling directly from airports.
Discount programs for youths, seniors, low-income riders and people with disabilities will still require a Clipper card or the Clipper mobile app.
Riders are also urged to avoid “card clash,” which can happen if the fare reader detects multiple cards in a wallet.
To prevent errors, passengers should tap one card at a time or set a default card in their phone’s wallet app.
The shift brings BART closer to systems in New York and London, where contactless payments have already become standard.
Starting Wednesday, BART riders can tap credit cards or phones at fare gates in addition to using Clipper cards.
Paul Chinn/The Chronicle
FAQ: Using expanded contactless payment on BART
When does it start?
Wednesday, Aug. 20.
Which cards work?
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, plus Apple Pay and Google Pay with a phone or watch. Clipper cards will also continue to be accepted.
Do I still need a Clipper card?
Yes, for discounted fares and when transferring to other transit systems.
Will this work on Muni or Caltrain?
Not yet. Contactless payments will expand to other agencies later.
How do I use it?
Tap your card or phone at the gate to enter, and tap the same card again to exit.
What is “card clash”?
When the reader detects more than one card. To avoid it, tap a single card or set a default card on your phone.
Aug 18, 2025