CharlieCard and CharlieTicket Online Services
Online services are available for certain modes and fare media types. Riders who want to buy their fare online can:
- Load stored value or passes for subway and bus onto an existing CharlieCard
- Buy new passes for Commuter Rail, ferry, and Express bus
- Add value to a RIDE account
- Sign up for online account management or Auto-pay
Which Type of Pass Do I Need?
The type of MBTA pass you use depends on which modes you take and how often you take them.
-
CharlieCard
-
Best for frequent subway and bus riders
Easily tap into stations and vehicles
Online card management and protection
Not valid on Commuter Rail or ferry -
CharlieTicket
-
Great for visitors
Great for Commuter Rail and ferry riders who also take the subway and bus
Available at all fare vending machines
Commuter Rail and ferry passes also valid on bus and subway
Limited or no transfers when loaded with cash value
No online management or protection -
mTicket
-
Best for Commuter Rail and ferry riders who don’t often take the subway or bus
$10 discount on monthly passes
Instant purchase on smartphone
Online account management
No transfers to other modes
Online Services
Stored value and passes will only appear in your account after you tap your CharlieCard at a Fare Vending Machine or subway fare gate the day after purchasing.
Online services are limited to two transactions per day. If you add stored value to your card more than twice in a day, the remaining transactions will occur 24 hours after your initial tap.
Note: Senior and TAP cardholders can add stored value and monthly passes to their cards online. Other reduced fare cardholders cannot add stored value or monthly passes to their cards online.
Local Bus and Subway
You’ll need an existing CharlieCard to complete transactions online. If you don’t already have a card, you can pick one up at select subway stations, retail stores, community locations, and at the CharlieCard Store in Downtown Crossing.
See where to get a CharlieCard
Commuter Rail, Ferry, and Express Bus
When you purchase passes online, they will be loaded onto a new CharlieCard or CharlieTicket and sent to you in the mail each time.
Reduced Fares
Senior CharlieCard and TAP cardholders can now use our online scheduling tool to book a time to visit the CharlieCard Store. Appointments are available on Mondays, 8:30 AM – 12:15 PM.
We’re also piloting an online application for Senior CharlieCards. Eligible riders can now apply online.
As of Tuesday, September 5, 2023, the CharlieCard Store has been temporarily relocated to the State Transportation Building at 10 Park Plaza, due to maintenance issues.
Auto-pay Monthly Passes
The RIDE
The RIDE paratransit service provides door-to-door, shared-ride transportation to eligible people who can’t use the subway, bus, or trolley all or some of the time due to temporary or permanent disability.
Need Help?
Call CharlieCard Support Services at 1-888-844-0355 or email us at charliecardonline@mbta.com.
Reduced Fares
Some customers are eligible for reduced fares or can ride the T for free.
Auto-pay Monthly Passes
Need Help?
Call CharlieCard Support Services at 1-888-844-0355 or email us at charliecardonline@mbta.com.
Reduced Fares
Some customers are eligible for reduced fares or can ride the T for free.