City Metro Adds Bank Card & Digital RMB Tap Entry Networkwide

  

Source: OT-Team(G), 上海发布

Starting Saturday, June 28, Shanghai Metro will expand its pilot program allowing passengers to tap in and out using bank cards and digital RMB hard wallets to the entire metro network, including suburban railway lines.

Following a successful trial on the Maglev Line, this service will now be available at all stations citywide. Passengers will be able to pass through fare gates simply by tapping major contactless chip cards—including UnionPay, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and JCB—or mobile devices with payment solutions that meet financial IC card standards. Digital RMB hard wallets compliant with standards issued by the People's Bank of China are also supported.

Important Usage Notes:

• Small-Amount No-PIN Payment Required: Before using this feature, users must ensure that the "small-amount no-password" (no-PIN) payment function is enabled on their bank card or digital RMB wallet.

• Sufficient Balance or Credit Limit: Make sure your card or wallet has sufficient funds or available credit. If there is not enough balance when exiting, you may be unable to leave the station and will need assistance at the service center.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: What types of cards and wallets are supported?

Supported methods include UnionPay chip cards, contactless cards issued under Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and JCB brands (excluding TYPE-B and non-ODA-enabled cards), mobile Pay solutions that meet IC card standards, and digital RMB hard wallets authorized by the PBOC.

Q: Do I need to activate this tap-to-ride function?

No activation is needed for tap-to-ride, but small-amount no-PIN payment must be enabled.

Q: How are charges processed for dual-logo cards (e.g., Visa & UnionPay)?

• For dual-logo chip cards (e.g., Visa-UnionPay), fares will be charged via the UnionPay network.

• For digital RMB hard wallets with both digital RMB and transit card functions, the transit card function will be used by default.

Q: What if my card or wallet doesn't work at the gate?

• If you cannot enter: use alternate methods like the Metro Metropolis App, Suishen Code, or transit QR codes.

• If you cannot exit: go to the station service center to pay the fare or purchase a separate ticket.

Q: Can I pass through the gate if there are insufficient funds?

No. A pre-authorization is triggered at entry. If there are insufficient funds or credit upon exit, you must resolve the issue at the service center.

Q: Can I pay a fare shortfall with other methods if my card or wallet balance is insufficient?

Yes. You may pay the outstanding amount at the service center using card, cash, or QR code payment.

Q: What is small-amount no-PIN payment? How do I check if it's enabled?

This function allows payments below a certain limit without requiring PIN input or signature. For bank cards and digital RMB wallets, users must consult their issuing bank or digital currency provider to confirm or enable this feature.

24/7 Customer Hotlines:

• Shanghai Metro: (021) 64370000

• UnionPay: 95516

• Bank of Communications: 95559

• Digital RMB Support Line: 956196