Next Generation Frequently Asked Questions
What Next-Generation Clipper features and benefits are available at initial rollout?
Riders can pay adult fares using contactless bank cards on all Bay Area transit agencies and apply online for Youth and Senior Clipper cards. In addition to these two new features, there are more benefits available at initial rollout— including improved Customer Service and Contactless Bank Card Trip History.
Do I need to upgrade my Clipper card?
Clipper customers can initiate card upgrades if they want early access to all of the Next-Generation system’s features and benefits. In addition to customer-initiated upgrades, Clipper will also be initiating card upgrades for customers in large batches so that the Next-Generation system’s new features and benefits are made available to all customers. This process will continue for a few months after initial rollout. Whether customer-initiated or Clipper-initiated, to complete the upgrade process, Clipper customers need to tap their cards plastic or mobile to a Clipper reader.
To gain early access to all Next-Generation Clipper features, you can initiate an upgrade to your existing plastic and mobile cards by doing one of the following:
- Log on to the Clipper app (if cards are registered).
- Log on to your account at clippercard.com (if cards are registered).
- Call the Clipper Customer Service Center at 877.878.8883 and talk to a customer service representative.
After initiating the card upgrade process, simply tap your card to a Clipper. This tap may take a couple of seconds longer than usual. Then your card update will be complete and Next-Generation features and benefits will be available.
How will I know if my card has been upgraded?
When tapping a successfully upgraded Clipper card to a Clipper reader on buses, light rail vehicles, at ferry terminals or on train platforms the reader will simply display “Travel OK” without your card balance, just like when tapping a bank card. If you are still not sure and want to confirm that your card upgrade has been completed, please call Clipper Customer Service at 877.878.8883. To check your card balance you can view it in the Clipper app or on the Clipper website.
How do I check my Clipper balance now that it is no longer displayed on Clipper readers?
Here are four ways Clipper users can access their Clipper balances 24/7:
- Log into the Clipper app or clippercard.com website (if their card is registered)
- Check their mobile wallet (if they have a mobile card)
- Tap their card at a ticket machine
- Call Clipper Customer Service at 877.878.8883
I want to access to the Next- Generation Clipper benefits but am having issues upgrading my card. What should I do?
Riders can call the Clipper Customer Service Center at 877.878.8883 or email custserv@clippercard.com if they are experiencing issues initiating their card upgrade and accessing the Next-Generation Clipper features and benefits.
How do I pay my fares with a contactless bank card?
Simply remove your contactless bank card (credit or debit) Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card from your wallet and tap the Clipper reader on the platform or aboard the bus to pay your adult fare. You can also use a bank card that is already stored in your phone’s mobile wallet.
When paying with a contactless bank card, remember…
- Riders can only pay adult fares using a contactless bank card.
- Contactless bank cards will not provide discounted fares.
- Plastic bank cards must be chip-enabled.
- Mobile device users should select the card they want to use in their Apple or Google Wallet before tapping.
- Each rider must pay with their own card.
- Riders must use the same card to tap in and tap out (where applicable) throughout their entire journey.
Can I get discounted fares when paying with a contactless bank card?
While you are eligible to receive transfer discounts and fare maximums, contactless bank cards can only be used to pay adult fares. To pay discounted fares, use the Clipper card provided by your discount program—such as your Youth, Senior, Clipper Access (formerly Clipper RTC) and Clipper START cards.
Can I pay for multiple riders using a contactless bank card?
No, each rider must pay with their own card and when riding dual-tap operators, riders must use the same card to tap in and tap out during their trip.
How do I ensure I being charged correctly?
To avoid incorrect charges:
- Take your plastic Clipper or bank card out of your wallet before you tap on
- Select your mobile payment option before tapping your device
- Use the same card to tap in and out, as needed
What is Clipper Access?
Formerly known as the RTC program, Clipper Access provides riders with qualifying disabilities discounted fares on fixed-route service in the Bay Area. Although the name has changed, customers do not need to get a new card. Their existing card will continue to work as before. For more information about Clipper Access, visit 511.org/transit/clipper-access
*Transit agency representatives do not have access to Clipper customer accounts. Contact Clipper Customer Service at 877.878.8883 or at custserv@clippercard.com and someone will help you with your request.