Can I put my Oyster photocard on my phone?

Can I Put My Oyster Photocard on My Phone?

The short answer is no, you can’t put your Oyster photocard on your phone. While the TfL Oyster and contactless app offers a convenient way to manage your travel fares, it doesn’t currently support Oyster photocards. This functionality is reserved for contactless payment methods (like debit and credit cards) and standard Oyster cards equipped with contactless technology.

The easiest way to tell if your Oyster card is compatible with the app is to look for the contactless symbol (a sideways wireless signal icon) on the back. This symbol, often accompanied by a “D” in a box, indicates that your card has the necessary technology for use with the app. Oyster photocards, unfortunately, lack this feature and therefore cannot be added.

While this might be disappointing for photocard holders, the app offers numerous benefits for those with compatible cards or contactless payment. These include:

• Topping up on the go: Avoid queuing at ticket machines by adding credit to your Oyster card or contactless payment method anytime, anywhere.
• Journey history: Easily track your travel history and expenses.
• Payment method management: Add and remove payment cards with ease.
• Travelcard season tickets: Purchase and manage your Travelcard season tickets digitally.
• Bus and tram travel: Use the app to pay for bus and tram journeys, even without an Oyster card.

While the app doesn’t support photocards, you can still use your physical Oyster photocard for travel across the TfL network as usual. It continues to be a valid method of payment and offers the same travel benefits. However, for the added convenience of mobile management and topping up, consider obtaining a standard contactless Oyster card or simply using a contactless payment method. If you rely on the concessions offered by your photocard, ensure you carry it with you for inspection.

Hopefully, future updates to the TfL app will incorporate support for Oyster photocards, bringing the benefits of mobile management to all Oyster users. Until then, the app remains a valuable tool for those with contactless Oyster cards and payment methods.

#Oystercard #Phonephoto #Travelcard