CharlieCard
CharlieCards are reusable cards that can be loaded with cash value or passes to pay bus and subway fares. CharlieCards are available at fare vending machines in most subway stations.
If you don’t have a CharlieCard, you can also pay your fare with:
- CharlieTicket, a tappable ticket that can be loaded with subway, bus, Commuter Rail, and ferry tickets or passes
- mTicket, an Android and iPhone app for Commuter Rail and ferry tickets or passes
- Cash at onboard fare boxes on buses or load a CharlieCard onboard with in the event you expect change
Note: For street-level Green Line and Mattapan trolleys, we encourage riders to use exact change or to load a CharlieCard at their nearest fare vending machine prior to travel as change will not be provided.
Auto-pay
Get a monthly subway or bus pass that renews automatically.
MyCharlie
Already have a CharlieCard? Register your card with MyCharlie to protect it against loss, theft, or damage.
Should I get a CharlieCard?
The type of MBTA pass you use depends on which modes you take and how often you take them.
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CharlieCard
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Best for frequent subway and bus riders
Easily tap into stations and vehicles
Online card management and protection
Activate at fare gates
Not valid on Commuter Rail or ferry, except for the Fairmount Line -
CharlieTicket
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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
Activate at purchase
Limited or no transfers when loaded with cash value
No online management or protectionPlease note, CharlieTickets with stored value expire 18 months from the purchase date.
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mTicket
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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
Been a While Since You've Taken the T?
Check the expiration date on your CharlieCard. If your card is expired, you may be able to transfer the balance to a new card.
Where can I get a CharlieCard?
You can get a CharlieCard from any of our upgraded fare vending machines, or from MBTA staff at most subway stations and select bus stations.
Note: CharlieCards are not available at the following fare vending machines:
- Boston Convention & Exhibition Center
- Fenway Park
- Lynn Busway
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Woburn Anderson
- Worcester Union Station
You can also get a CharlieCard from any of the locations below.
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.
CharlieCard Services
Register your CharlieCard with MyCharlie to protect it against loss, theft, or damage. The MBTA can also help you replace your card or consolidate multiple cards.
Replace an Expired Card and Transfer a Balance
Other Services
Please note, there is no way to check your CharlieCard balance online. To check your balance, visit the nearest fare vending machine.
As of November 15, 2023, the existing MyCharlie site has been permanently retired and replaced with an updated version that is more accessible and easier to use.
Sales Programs
Auto-pay
Get a monthly subway or bus pass that renews automatically.
MyCharlie
Already have a CharlieCard? Register your card with MyCharlie to protect it against loss, theft, or damage.
Been a While Since You've Taken the T?
Check the expiration date on your CharlieCard. If your card is expired, you may be able to transfer the balance to a new card.