Does the Oyster card expire with money on it?


Does the Oyster card expire with money on it? The credit on your card never expires - it stays there until you use it. If you run out of credit on your card, it's easy to top it up and use it again.


Is it cheaper to use an Oyster card?

It's more than 50% cheaper than buying a paper Travelcard or single tickets with cash. Oyster cards have a daily price cap – once you reach this limit, you won't pay for any additional journeys (excluding Thames Clippers River Bus where there is no capping).


Why has my Oyster card been deactivated?

It's memory space, TfL recently said that there were 16.5 million dormant Oyster cards out there with just under 30 million pounds of credit on them. No computer system really wants to have to remember 16.5 million details on its active servers if it can avoid it. So dormant accounts are moved off the active system.


Can I check my Oyster card on my phone?

Download the TfL Oyster app to check your balance, add credit to your Oyster card, and buy 7 Day, Monthly and Annual Travelcards. If you have an Oyster card and are a UK resident, you can set up an Oyster online account and top up your card online.


Do Oyster cards get deactivated?

There is no expiry date on Oyster cards.


Is an Oyster card free?

Oyster fares and caps are the same whether you use a standard Oyster or a Visitor Oyster, a common misconception. Visitor Oyster cards you pay an activation fee (£5 in 2023) which is non-refundable. If you buy a standard Oyster card in London or online after 4 September 2022 you now have to pay £7 for the card.


How long is Oyster card balance valid for?

Unused credit on your Visitor Oyster card The pay as you go credit on your Visitor Oyster card never expires so you can keep your card until your next visit, or lend it to family and friends. If you don't need your Visitor Oyster card, you can get the remaining credit refunded.


Can I use a 10 year old Oyster card?

Children under 11 travel free on most public transport services in London when accompanied by a fare-paying adult, or with a 5-10 Zip Oyster photocard. Children aged 11 to 15 years old can get free or discounted travel with a Zip Oyster photocard, or a Young Visitor discount.


What happens if you dont use your Oyster card?

If you want to do it over the phone, call TfL customer services on 0343 222 1234 between 8am and 8pm. For full info on what to do about lost, stolen or faulty Oyster cards, see the 'Refunds and replacements' section of the TfL website.


What happens to money when a card expires?

If the expiration is 07/27, for example, then the card may be used through July 2027. However, expiration dates apply only to the physical card, not the credit card account. That means the account remains open, and any credit card rewards you've accrued with that card are still valid.


How do I check my Oyster card balance?

What to do? As Oyster for Visitor cards can't be registered, the balance can't be checked on line. You'll need to touch in at a Tube, DLR, or Overground ticket machine which will show the balance remaining on the card, and that balance will remain in situ until used.


What age is Oyster free?

Image courtesy of Shutterstock. Children under 11 travel free on most public transport services in London when accompanied by a fare-paying adult, or with a 5-10 Zip Oyster photocard. Children aged 11 to 15 years old can get free or discounted travel with a Zip Oyster photocard, or a Young Visitor discount.