How To Activate a Presto Card
What is Presto Card?
The Presto card is a contactless smart card automated fare collection system used on participating public transit systems in the province of Ontario, Canada, specifically in Greater Toronto, Hamilton, and Ottawa. Presto card readers were implemented on a trial basis from 25 June 2007 to 30 September 2008.
How To Activate a Presto Card
Create a PRESTO in Google Wallet card through the PRESTO app or Google Wallet. You can also buy your physical PRESTO card in person. If you order a new physical card online while signed in to your PRESTO account, your new card will automatically be added to your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to register your PRESTO card to use it?
As soon as you receive your card, you should register it at prestocard.ca or complete a paper Presto registration form and mail it to the Presto Customer Service Centre. Registration lets you: Transfer funds to a new card if your card is lost or stolen. Access your Transit Usage Report for tax credit purposes.
How do I load my PRESTO card immediately?
Download the official PRESTO app on your smartphone to load funds instantly and manage your card anytime, anywhere. The PRESTO app is available on Android or iOS. Log in with your existing My PRESTO Account to get started.
How long does it take for PRESTO card to be activated?
After buying a physical PRESTO card at a Customer Service Outlet, Shoppers Drug Mart, Fare Vending Machine or Ticket Vending Machine, you’ll need to wait up to 24 hours before adding it to a PRESTO Account. With PRESTO in Google Wallet there is no wait time before adding it to your account.
Can I activate my PRESTO card online?
PRESTO card – Load, activate or sign up for a My PRESTO account in one spot on www.PRESTOcard.ca | Facebook.
Can another person use my PRESTO card?
Can more than one person use the same PRESTO card? PRESTO cards can be shared, but can only be used by one person to travel at a time. When using someone else’s card, be aware of the fare settings they may have, i.e. senior or youth. You can’t use a card with a fare type for which you are not eligible.
Can I use my phone as a PRESTO card?
A PRESTO card is still the best way for most people taking transit to travel in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, and Ottawa. PRESTO in Google Wallet lets you tap your Android phone to pay for transit across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area with all the other benefits of a physical PRESTO card.
How much money is on my PRESTO card?
You can check your card balance in real time with the PRESTO app. Once you sign in, tap the icon in the bottom right corner of your screen to check your balance. If you’re using PRESTO in Google Wallet, you can find your real time card balance using in the PRESTO app or Google Wallet app.
What is PRESTO card verification number?
Follow the instructions to register your card by adding it to your account. The PRESTO card number and card verification number (CVN) are both located on the back of it.
Does PRESTO card expire?
PRESTO in Mobile Wallet cards do not expire and do not have an expiration date shown. Every time you ride transit provided by any Transit Agency you tap the PRESTO card or PRESTO in Mobile Wallet card lightly on a card reader machine located at the transit vehicle door or at a transit station.
What happens if I forgot to tap my PRESTO card?
If you forget to tap off at the end of your trip, an amount for Missed Tap Off or Underpayment will be deducted from your PRESTO card or charged to your credit or debit card at the start of your next trip in the GO network.