The SUN HK : Credit cards, e-wallets can be used at MTR stations from Dec 23

14 December 2023

The Central MTR station is among those to be outfitted with the new payment mode from Dec 23

Forgot your Octopus card at home, or failed to top it up before trying to get a ride on the MTR?

Fret not, because MTR passengers should be able to pay their fare by tapping their contactless credit or debit cards or mobile e-wallets at the gate from December 23.

But here’s the catch: Only Visa cards can be used initially to enter the MTR gates initially, while other bank cards will be given access by the third quarter of next year.

DETALYE

For easy identification, the entry and exit gates with the new payment service at all MTR stations will be wrapped in light-blue color, with a signage. Most stations will have two of such gates initially, while those that tourists tend to frequent like Central, Admiralty and Tsim Sha Tsui will have more.

Another point to note is that the new payment system will charge fares based on adult fares, meaning concessionary tickets holders such as the elderly, persons with disabilities and children will not be able to get their usual discount, as well as those eligible for the transport fare subsidy.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

MTRC said the new contactless bank card payment service is primarily aimed at making travel easier for tourists, noting that Visa credit cards have been used for transport payment in many overseas places.

The MTR said it hopes to expand the new service in the third quarter of next year, with more entry and exit gates being opened, and more cards given access.

Pindutin para sa detalye

Meanwhile, credit card payments for taking the Airport Express is expected to be in place by 2026.

Currently, passengers can buy Airport Express tickets using their credit cards at customer service counters or at ticket machines, but they cannot use them to enter the gates directly.

Pindutin para sa detalye

In comparison, passengers on the tram and some selected bus routes are already able to pay their fares using their Visa cards. For those who take the tram, a $1 discount is even offered for those who opt to pay by Visa instead of cash or Octopus.