Help | Clipper

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Common Questions

Yes, you can use the Clipper app to manage your account on your phone. You cannot pay transit fares with the Clipper app. You can use Clipper in your mobile wallet to tap to pay for your transit ride. Learn more about Clipper on your phone.

The following cannot be used on iPhone or Android phones for fare payment:

  • Blocked cards
  • Cards with a Gator Pass
  • Cards with a VTA SmartPass

Note:

  • Clipper Access customers can transfer their Clipper Access cards to their phones for mobile payment and continue to receive all their discounts, but their plastic card can then no longer be used for fare payment. However, they will need to keep their plastic cards for proof of eligibility if asked by a fare inspector.
  • Bay Area Bikeshare users who use Clipper cards will also need to keep their plastic cards to unlock bikeshares. Clipper on your phone will not unlock a bikeshare.

This means we could not process your payment for automatic reloading. If your credit/debit card or bank account is declined:

  1. We will automatically send a declined payment notice to the email address in your Clipper account.
  2. We must collect payment before midnight on the day we send you the declined payment notice if you want to keep using your card without interruption. If we cannot collect payment before midnight, we may block your pass/ticket or, in the case of cash value, your entire Clipper card.
  3. To provide payment, log in to your Clipper account and edit your Primary Payment method. Even if you plan to use a credit card that is already associated with your account, you need to re-enter your card's security code. We will send an email to confirm that you have updated information in your account. This is separate from confirmation of payment.
  4. After we collect payment, we will send you an email confirming this. Credit card charges are processed immediately. If you choose to provide bank account information, it may take up to 10 business days for Clipper to collect payment.
  5. Once you receive the email confirming successful payment, allow at least 1 day for your card to be unblocked. You will need to tap your card to a card reader or ticket machine to activate it. This process may take up to 5 days if you are tapping only on a bus or light-rail vehicle. You can shorten the process by tapping a fare gate; card reader at a train station or ferry terminal; ticket machine at Golden Gate Ferry, Muni, SMART or VTA; or Clipper Add Value machine. You can also ask a transit agency ticket office or Clipper Customer Service Center to tap your card.

You will not be able to make other changes to your Auto-Reload settings until we are able to successfully charge your payment source and remove the block.

If you did not receive email notifications, we may not have the correct email address for you, or our email may have been blocked by a spam filter. Log in to your account with the email address we have on file and provide an updated email address. You will need to use this new email address the next time you log in to your Clipper account. Update your spam filter by adding custserv@clippercard.com to your list of approved email addresses.

You can avoid blocked cards by adding a Backup Payment method (credit/debit card) for Auto-Reload purchases. So if your primary funding source is declined, your order will be charged to your backup card. Log in to your account to add a Backup Payment method.

Your value normally will be available by the first day of the benefit month, but you have to tap your card to a card reader to pick up the value and update your card balance. If you do not receive your transit benefit value by the first day of the benefit month, please contact Clipper Customer Service at 877.878.8883 (TDD/TTY 711 or 800.735.2929).

If your card is registered, contact us so we can block your card from further use. To report it lost or stolen:

  • Log in to your Clipper account, scroll down to Manage Account and select Report Card Lost, Stolen or Defective or call 877.878.8883 (TDD/TTY 711 or 800.735.2929)
  • For a $3 fee, we can replace your adult, Youth or Senior Clipper card and restore your balance. At your request, we can mail you a new card with your balance restored, typically within 2 business days. For faster replacement, you also can pick up your replacement card at a Clipper Customer Service Center.

If you are participating in a special pass program through your employer, school or residence, please contact your program administrator for information about getting a replacement card.

To find out more information about replacing a Clipper Access card, please visit 511.org. opens in new window

If you used your old card with a transit benefit program or Bay Wheels, you will need to give that provider your new card serial number.

Find answers by topic

Report a lost, stolen, damaged or defective card and discuss replacement options. Or get help resolving other issues with your account.
Clipper Customer Service
877.878.8883
TDD/TTY: 711 or 800.735.2929

Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
You can use our automated phone service 24/7 to check balances and pass expiration dates. Registered cardholders can report lost, stolen or damaged cards and request replacements.
  • Get an adult, Youth or Senior Clipper card
  • Replace lost, stolen, damaged or defective cards
  • Pick up and submit forms
  • Check balances and add value

Note:These locations cannot replace Clipper Access cards or cards associated with an employer, school or other institutional program. Contact your program's administrator for instructions on replacing a card.

Clipper Customer Service Center

Embarcadero BART/Muni Station Concourse

Monday-Friday: 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Saturdays: 9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.

Directions

Bay Crossings

Ferry Building San Francisco

Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Directions

Clipper Customer Service at AC Transit

1600 Franklin Street Oakland

Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Directions

VTA Downtown Customer Service Center

2 N.Market St. San Jose

Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Directions

Clipper News

For a list of all locations and services, including where to apply for a Youth or Senior Clipper card, visit Sales and Service Locations.

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