HOW TO PAY FOR LONDON UNDERGROUND // Oyster vs Contactless Card

How to pay for the London Underground and comparison on the payment methods. The best payment method for a visitor to London, with some top tips and tricks.
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[@ShadowfulGamingYT]

I love how this guy stares in my soul

[@data4163]

Yes not scary at all

[@ZacandDora]

😆😂😆😂

[@7UVA]

It's very human and soothing

[@oohkumar]

I’ve taken off my clothes. I don’t know why.

[@ZacandDora]

You need to tell people how Oyster cards work and how to top them up and put credit on them and where to buy them… more details on the process there is needed. Should declare that the video is also sponsored by Monzo!

[@matthewlane8630]

How does it know how much to charge me with my contactless bank card? And if I’m paying for my friend do I just hand them my bank card once I’m past the barrier?

[@Mica-b7c]

I got ripped off. Just moving 5 station apart in one train, 30 pounds. I would not use the credit card

[@yl8108]

Hi, if im using contactless debit card, do we get charged for every single trip? or does the contactless card also entitled to the daily cap of the designated zones?

[@declanthomas1996]

You get charged at the end of the day with a contactless card and but there is a daily cap

[@BlackSailPass_GuitarCovers]

I'll stick with cash, thanks.

[@stephenmurphy2212]

I’m flying from Dublin to London to visit my sister and two of my old college pals. Could I use my Revolut card on the tube?

[@vibeuk2003]

Yes

[@bobo577]

The biggest surprise when my father and I went to War of the Worlds was using a contactless payment to get around the London Underground to tap in and tap out rather than wondering what ticket to get. So convenient.

[@mike_toronto]

Thanks! I'm a Canadian resident and will be passing through London briefly. Your video clarified for me that using my [Canadian] debit card is likely the best option for a couple of short trips on the underground. I also had a quick look at Monzo -- and noted hat it is currently only available to UK residents only.

[@brianmorrison9168]

My wife and I are planning to visit London next month, for the first time in over 20 years. I am just a little bit puzzled regarding price capping on public transport. The price caps are showing as £4.95 (bus) and £7.70 (underground, zones 1 and 2) .. If I took 3 or 4 journeys on the underground and 3 or 4 bus journeys in a single day would I end up paying £4.95 + £7.70 for the day ? If that's the case, it would seen sensible to perhaps have one day only using the underground and the next for example only the bus, so paying £7.70 for one day and £4.95 the next. Are these caps the exact same with a normal contactless UK bank card ? Regards from Whitley Bay

[@TheK9Shepherd]

You have probably already found out. I was told the bus cap and underground cap are combined. They are not separate so when you travel using both, the max cap will be the higher of the two, so the 7.70. We just spent a week in London and checking my card each day, I saw a max of something like $8.40 (after conversion) for both me and my wife.

[@marcp3788]

London just makes things over complicated

[@islandhisea]

thanks for the info. I've heard from my friends in the UK that it's even better with railcard, and now there are discounts. I'm looking forward to my trip to the UK.

[@jd5340]

Hi thank you for this helpful video. Do I need to register my contactless card or phone/apple watch to an account or no need? Also do I touch out as well with contactless/phone/apple watch? Thanks!

[@jacksugden8190]

Great video Joe, I’m now 66 and a pensioner, so now have all the perks with my London Freedom Pass, I love it Joe, so nice to be a senior citizen 👍

[@dp4366]

Me too!! Wonderful.

[@jacksugden8190]

@@dp4366 👍👌👍

[@TheK9Shepherd]

Just spent 5 weeks in the UK, last week in London with my wife and 3 yo (US citizen). No need for an Oyster card. Just call your bank or CC company and see if there is a card that doesn't have overseas fees. My USAA card doesn't have one. However both my wife and I needed to have our own cards. Through USAA, I was able to get my wife a card of her own (it's still on my account) And my daughter doesn't have to pay since she's under 5.

[@OurGodReigns]

Woah!!!!!!!!! Lots of information there. I just wanted to find out if I can get the same discount I do with oyster by using my debit card? Could I link my disabled person's railcard to my debit card? I've temporarily lost my oyster card. At least I hope it's only temporary!

[@seanbruce6991]

Hi, will I need to register my contactless bank card before I visit London or am I good to go?

[@bestinlondon]

Hey Sean- you’re good to go! Enjoy your trip :)

[@vnlgomez5]

You mention in your video that using a mobile device like my ApplePay on my watch or iPhone is the same as mobile pay but for both I was not quite clear if I can use my ApplePay on buses, overground and DLR stations. I only plan to be in London 1 night and will take a train to Dover for a cruise and wanted to know the best method to buy my tickets. I will be staying near the Euston Station.

[@vibeuk2003]

All transport in London takes contactless payment such as Apple pay etc

[@nigelbenn4642]

Best way to get around on a day trip is the day travel card, don't use your bank card! If you want to get shanked then keep getting your card out the odds on losing it or getting it robbed goes up every time you get it out. Also there's no method of TFL working out if you are lots of single routes together or your a visitor needing a better value of travel. Bank card is a stupid idea. Oyster is OK but again it's down to TFL to know what you're doing. Best way is travel loads on the tube get the bets out of London and use unlimited travel on a cheap day ticket.

[@allisonroorda7937]

Thank you for making this video! :)

[@bestinlondon]

Thank you so much Alison!

[@samanthas3779]

Contactless cards aren't that common in the US 😅

[@mall231]

thanks for your video when you use your bank card how much do you get charged so for example if you are only going one stop or three stops etc or is it one price regardless of how many stops sorry to sound confusing 😕 😐

[@bestinlondon]

Hi! It’s broken down into zones and each area is within a zone. Zone 1 is central London and then moving out, the outskirts of London will be Zone 5. If you travel through zone 5 to zone 1 then it would be expensive that Zone 5 to Zone 5 :) check which stop you are going to and which zone online!

[@mall231]

@@bestinlondon okay thanks

[@mall231]

Roughly how much is expensive

[@Henrychamber-r8w]

How do you know the oyster app is being used over your payment card when you use a phone?

[@mike_m289]

I have an Oyster card and I use pay as you go why is it saying on the app that there is a missing touch on the out when I know that I tap in and tap out at each station

[@saraosickova]

Hi, thank you for the video. I’m just wondering I’m going to London in few days with my younger brother, he is 12 years old. Do we need Oyster card to get discount or is it possible to do it differently? Also when I was loooking on web I find you pay for adult off peak from Barking to London £3.10 contactless and by cash £6.30. Is contactless payment taken also as a credit card or just Oyster card? Thank you ❤️

[@Thaleya1]

How fast can i check my bank to see how much they charged me for a fare? Can several people use my contactless card? and if so do I never have to tap out with my contactless card, like one do the oyestercard?

[@stephenlee5929]

No only 1 person per card, this can be a good reason to get Oyster card(s).

[@mudchute4dlr]

zone 10-15 is never mentioned :/

[@aldinhadzic4975]

Jel postoji neka dnevna karta da se kupi i da preko nje mozete koristiti prijevoz cijeli dan koliko god voznji zelite kao u njemackoj npr? Planiram posjet na vikend

[@deborahpondermance2795]

What is the difference between the Oyster Card and the Visitor Oyster Card?

[@bestinlondon]

Oyster cards work in the same way as Visitor Oyster cards but do not include special offers and promotions. Oyster cards cost £5 (refundable) and can also be loaded with credit.

[@happyactivehealthy100years4]

I have never seen something more confusing than this video.

[@bestinlondon]

What makes the video so confusing for you?

[@PeterGaunt]

It's perhaps worth pointing out that older people from England who have a Bus Pass can use it on London's buses and trams.

[@bestinlondon]

Thanks for the information Peter! Great knowledge! Please do like and sub :)

[@MrYoungjj]

@MrYoungjj 1 day ago I'm planning on going there next year and I have two nieces. I'm also going with my question is can I use my device 3 different time for them or they have to have buy two different tickets? I will be using google pay

[@kathleenallen320]

What happens when one only has cash

[@bestinlondon]

You can purchase an oyster car and use that for the underground, it’s like a card you upload money on! :)

[@BlackSailPass_GuitarCovers]

@@bestinlondon So basically like the system we have already, but less convenient and with more steps. Bloody 'nudge units'.

[@kilgore_trout_37]

Helpful, but please disclose your ads in the video, this is not compliant with ftc regulations and KZbin TOS, and it’s also just icky.

[@bestinlondon]

@@kilgore_trout_37 I have 0 ads?

[@yenyensuperr1208]

Could railcard discount be added when you use contactless/debit card, or would you need to purchase an oyster card to link the railcard and get the discount?

[@bestinlondon]

You would need to purchase an Oyster Card and then carry your railcard with you in case they request it :) A member of staff can add your Railcard discount at: Tube and TfL Rail stations Oyster Ticket Stops You'll need to show your National Railcard. When you renew your National Railcard, you'll need to add the discount on your Oyster card again.

[@HouseofMine-interiordesign]

Hi, we are visiting london next week and want to make one tube trip from monument to st james park...can we just turn up, scan our bank ard and monument and get on the tube? Is it that straight forward? Do i need to scan my bank card at st james when we get off? (How will it know how far we have travelled or is it a one off payment for any one trip on that line?). Thanks.

[@DeckerLondon]

Hey Joe, great KZbin vlog, I will definetly share this video on my channel, plus I have subscribed too 😃

[@bestinlondon]

Thank you for the support I will be sure to subscribe to you also!

[@hannahcook5510]

Very helpful! Thanks again! 😁

[@oilburner225]

Last time I passed through London I paid for my underground ticket with cash, is it no longer possible to pay with cash?

[@bestinlondon]

No more cash :( Get an Oyster card. You cannot use cash on buses also and there are lower tube prices using Oyster.

[@BlackSailPass_GuitarCovers]

@@bestinlondon This is a nonsense idea which should be resisted. Cash is legal tender.

[@stephenlee5929]

@@BlackSailPass_GuitarCovers Good luck with that.

[@BlackSailPass_GuitarCovers]

@@stephenlee5929 I don't believe in going along with stupid ideas just because the rest of the herd does. There are multiple good reasons to retain our ability to pay with cash.

[@scottsworld]

American banks are decades behind... maybe they could tap a cheque instead?! LOL

[@ChannelMagnum]

Great video Joe! When you say 'TfL Rail', I know it means 'National Rail services in London' 😉

[@bestinlondon]

Thanks so much! It does mean that indeed!

[@jacksugden8190]

TfL Rail (MTR Corporation) technically is the Elizabeth Line, is run by the local Rail authority as TfL Rail, and was not National Rail (NR), London Overground is owned by Rail for London Ltd, (NR) is a franchise that pays money back to the government as part of the franchise. Hope this helps 👍.

[@pcpguimaraes]

Hey Joe! kids 5 and 10 yo have to pay transport in london? thanks from portugal!

[@bestinlondon]

Hey Paula, children up to 11 (under 11) can travel for free when accompanied with an adult with a valid ticket.

[@Spacebug111]

Here is a tip if you are travelling from the UK: If you are getting a train to london, instead of getting a regular train ticket, Like this: Birmingham New street to London Euston, Get a ticket like this: Birmingham New Street To Underground Zones 1-6, Its really good, Its what I usually do

[@helenkhoiova]

I have a question: Can I use my iPhone with my debit card to pay for the ticket and at the same time my mum would use my debit card to pay for the ticket when we travel together? Me and my mum want to spend few days in London and I want her to use my debit card while I use iPhone with the same card registered.

[@annakateSD]

Any tips if I'm traveling with my teenager (who doesn't have her own contactless card)? Can I tap twice (myself and hand my credit card back to her)? I guess I could bring 2 separate credit cards...

[@Mica-b7c]

I would not use credit card as international visitor. We used it just to travel using one train traveling 4 stops and got charged 30 pounds. Even if I tapped in and out. Better to buy the oyster card pay 7 dollars and place a limited amount of money. If you use the credit card you place yourself at a risk to get charged whatever they want to charge you

[@kimyoupi5463]

Thanks so much for your video, very helpful. How much does the Oyster card cost? And how much the minimum can we put on if we stay for a few days only?

[@Fabianelaube]

Thanks for this video! Using the Tube today and this definitely helped a lot! 🙏🏻🙂

[@Wanyeee]

I’ve been getting awesome deals on tickets through an app lately due to a special offer. Let me know if you want me to share it with you!

[@drmountainman2749]

My son will need an oyster card for the tube. Do I connect the oyster card to my cc when purchasing initially and then from there on it will know where to charge for the ride?

[@ianpearson8976]

the problem is how do you know if your using contactless what they will charge you?

[@BostonBobby1961]

My wife and I are visiting next year. We’re going to be there for 6 days. We also want to travel outside of London. We have a friend who lives in Kettering. Will my Applepay work on the midlands train line to get there from St. Pancras station?

[@shanechyba9976]

In America contact list payments are just starting to catch on Only the Is New cards have contact with symbol

[@bestinlondon]

Hi Shane, wow I never knew that! We have had contactless a long time now! Thanks for letting me know :)

[@deborahpondermance2795]

Since the beginning of COVID, nearly all newly issued or replacement credit cards have been contact-less. If yours is not, call your credit card company, and they will send you a new, contact-less card.

[@emilymi1674]

My boy is 6 yrs old, can I pay for him? Do he need his own travel card?

[@bestinlondon]

Children aged five to 10 can travel free at any time by Tube, DLR, London Overground and some National Rail services in London, as long as they travel with an adult who has a valid ticket :)

[@triplevxd]

@@bestinlondon So if I had a child of that age with me, how would they get through the automated barrier?

[@chansomeychheang2342]

thank you for the video. I was wondering is Heathrow considered in the oyster zone 6 for price cap? I need to travel to pick my friend up from Heathrow next week back to London, so I was wondering if using TLF would be applicable for the price cap.

[@bestinlondon]

London Underground's Piccadilly Line provides the most cost-effective rail route between Heathrow and London :) Journey time by the Piccadilly Line is under an hour from central London and you shouldn't have to wait longer than ten minutes for a train! Hope you have a nice trip!

[@msdecleir6389]

Do you have to register your phone with the underground company? or do you just pop along and zap your phone at the screen?

[@TECIXV]

Great video, it will help alot thanks 🙂

[@joseantoniofernandez1890]

There is a cap for how much you pay with the contactless card, right? Can someone confirm?

[@_a.a_5557]

Question my debt card declibed due to insufficent balance , and i have been charged for unpaid fares

[@richvarela9636]

Il be there March 11…. So I can use my contactless American bank Visa card simply by tapping the yellow circle at the entry gate then tapping out at the end of the trip … ex wherever the train or bus stops? Can I use the card this way to board a bus when I’m not at a train or bus depot?

[@okann36]

i have a question? im going for the first time to Londen, And i wanna use mobile paymant or contactless with a Oyster card you need to tap in and tap out at your journey. Is that the same with your mobile paymant or contacless card?

[@bestinlondon]

That is correct, the barriers will not open unless you tap in and tap out :)

[@okann36]

@@bestinlondon also on the bus?

[@callumrobertson2204]

@@okann36 Same for the bus however you do not need to tap out on the bus, only tap in as you are boarding.

[@mandiigraham1596]

can you get a refund of all the balance in either an oyster card or visitor oyster card and do they have to be registered.

[@ashleyhawthorne4663]

If I live in the United States can I use my Bank of America card?

[@wanderingengland]

Best, quickest, most succinct description. Why people spend half an hour talking about oyster cards, I'll never know!

[@ralitsavalyovska3451]

Very helpful video thank you. But I am still confused on what should I do. I am coming to London for 3 days and I am not from UK. I have Revolute card, can I pay with it, or is it cheaper to get this Oyster card ?

[@tinaswan1]

My question is, if you pass the visa card, is there a place to type your secret code? Thankyou!!!

[@herfen]

No need to. And there is none.

[@mztaray1]

Do you swipe your contactless credit/debit card when you exit?

[@bestinlondon]

Absolutely! Do always tap in and out!

[@tylertruong3428]

And make sure it’s the same one you used to tap in

[@TheGamerRist22]

I don't have a contactless card because they won't let me have one

[@rickyhay]

You assumed everyone is travelling as an individual, what if I'm visiting London with kids? They don't have contactless cards, how would I get everyone through the gate with one card?

[@billieseyelashwife7162]

Kids under 11 travel free with an adult

[@maryamkhan1190]

Using a debit contact less do u have to contact out like the oyster card

[@majsogmimi9565]

Hi I’m going to London for 3 day, and I’m going to live in Ilford, I’m going to a concert at wembley, and I flying from stansted, what do you recommend I buy?

[@michelefoley9063]

Thanks for that. Could you do a video on daily caps from gatwick airport, using contactless, please

[@ykorfiatis2760]

May i ask a question? I used the Piccadilly line and paid with my credit card to enter and then on the exit i paid with an oyster card whats happening if you do this?

[@bestinlondon]

You most likely will be charged the maximum for 2 journeys. You can log in to TFL online and edit the journey and claim your money back!

[@greglewis5880]

Hi Joe, I arrive in London in 2 weeks for one week vacation. A 7 day Travel card is 40 pounds for zone 1,2. But how do I get to central London from Heathrow? Should I buy a single ticket to get to zone 1?

[@nigelbenn4642]

Although you've already done this journey. If you're hotel is inside zones 1+2 then just pay a one off to get into the centre. There's an express that brings you into Paddington from LHR

[@Grudniu9]

Hello, Do I need also tap out my contactless card when leaving tube?

[@bestinlondon]

Hi there! You do indeed! Do not forget otherwise you could be charged maximum daily cap price! :)

[@Grudniu9]

@@bestinlondon Thanks Joe, i get it now :)

[@craigycraigo85]

But they are getting rid of the travel card

[@sabrinaplochl6921]

Hi! I will visit London next week and my flight will arrive at Gatwick Airport. Our hotel is at Kings Cross Station. It would be so nice, if you can tell me which public transport you recommend in this case. (Shouldn‘t be that expansive but also not the slowest option)

[@Mike-fs4vz]

I’m due to visit London and will be travelling from Euston Square to Northwood Hills (and back). Am I right in thinking that I tap my bank card on the way into Euston Square, then tap it to get out at Northwood Hills, and then my bank will work out my journey price and charge me? Then same again for the return journey?

[@bestinlondon]

Thanks correct smile, just tap in and tap out! You will the be billed the next day once your journey for the full day has been calculated

[@islandhisea]

You simply tap your card or device on the card reader when entering and exiting the stations, and your bank will calculate the fare based on your journey. This makes traveling around London hassle-free and eliminates the need for purchasing individual tickets. But there are oyster cards and railcards that are cheaper.

[@plumbingsecretstips3474]

Thanks Joe top video!

[@ometofu]

Apple Watch can be used for transit all 1st world metros

[@chuckstarwar7890]

Great introduction to people from other countries. Thank you.

[@bestinlondon]

Thanks Chuck! Please do subscribe for more content :)

[@marcelainesluna4234]

hello...Joe..I will travel to London and my accomodation is in Barnet (zone 5), so I want to buy the Weekly Travelcard zone 2-5 (I will spend 6 days there) Please, could you tell me if I can buy this travelcard in the Metro Ticket Machine with cash? Thanks...Excellent yours videos..

[@philipbright877]

Yes you can

[@marcelainesluna4234]

@@philipbright877 many thanks...

[@Lee-ii9mk]

I saw someone pay with their ring!

[@randhir00]

Good video Joe, can I pay for 2 person from 1 contactless card.

[@bestinlondon]

You will need 2 cards for 2 people :)

[@randhir00]

@@bestinlondon thanks Joe, can I make one payment through my contactless bank card and other by my smartwatch (Fitbit) but linked to same card.

[@bestinlondon]

@@randhir00 it will have to be two cards Randhir, as the systems is used on contactless payments. You could buy 2 Oyster Cards for your trip to make your life easier :)?

[@philly111]

Thank you for this video, much appreciated!

[@stefanmueller515]

In the Tube, to use “pay as you go” you usually need one contactless card per person, which you have to use to check in and out. Now I have the question, if whether different people can ride the tube at the same time if everyone has the same credit card stored in ApplePay on their iPhone and uses this. Thanks for your answers!

[@vibeuk2003]

If stored on different devices, it should work for each individual that has the card stored on their phone or device.

[@stefanmueller515]

@@vibeuk2003 Thanks, and yes, it works. We had do this in November 2023 with four different peoples/devices without problems.

[@anis2363]

wow this is good tip

[@mingzy]

Is google pay able to be used in the underground?

[@Lee-ii9mk]

yes

[@congregationGlobal]

🎉

[@machoo]

Can i Buy a oyster card with cash?

[@bestinlondon]

You can indeed, using the machine in a station is best! Failing that, you can use your card which is quick and easy :)

[@bestinlondon]

I should add no change is given so best to have coins!

[@machoo]

@@bestinlondon thank you very much :))

[@machoo]

@@bestinlondon if you dont mind me asking what do you think is the best way to get to the victoria station from heathrow? Last time i was in london for the first time everything was really overwhelming so i took the express train but its really expensive besides that im 16 and not english so all that is like really new for me 😅

[@bestinlondon]

@@machoo I would suggest Piccadilly line to Hammersmith and then district line to Victoria :) cheap option also!

[@audreyburm8143]

Such useful info! Thank you!

[@johnstanfill9638]

Thank you.

[@david-stewart]

Thanks!

[@andreawade8280]

Can you pay for a family with your contactless or is it single

[@bestinlondon]

Hi Andrea, you will need to have individual cards, dependent on the age of your family.Every adult must use their own Oyster or contactless card :)

[@riddennis1804]

this guy is so helpful

[@aksonyung5143]

👍🏽👍🏽

[@ShaunWeigart]

4743 White Burg