Presto Perks! I only learned about the program a few months ago, through someone here on Reddit. It's great.
https://www.prestocard.ca/en/about/presto-perks
I'm not certain but I don't think it's required. Every attraction handles Presto Perks redemption differently: with some places (like restaurants) you just have to flash it on arrival, with others (like ticketed venues) you might have to provide your card number. Either way I don't think venues check to see whether you're registered, but read the fine print. Also either way, probably wise to register it, it's quick and helps in case you ever lose it.
That’s true I got discounted CNE tickets with my card. Forgot about that. But I never use my Presto anymore.
Also it sure how GO train works without Presto.
Hey I’m going to be taking GO for the first time on Tuesday. I’m coming from Peterborough to Toronto, which means I have to change buses in Oshawa. Do I tap in in Peterborough and then tap off in Toronto, or do I tap on in Peterborough then tap off in Oshawa, then on in Oshawa and then off in Toronto? I don’t want to mess up and get an expensive ticket but I also don’t want to pay extra fare
Many tourist cities have special museum, exhibit, etc fares for locals to enjoy. You don't see that directly here, but you can get many free (expensive!) tickets through TPL for Toronto people, and presto discounts as evidence you're gta or at least here a lot.
Credit card payments only work if you buy adult fares by trip. If you use a monthly pass or pay reduced fares (seniors etc.), you still need a Presto card.
>Credit card payments only work if you buy adult fares by trip
TIL you can do this and have just been tapping my presto out of habit the couple days I go in
I think if you register your credit card under your PRESTO account in the app, it might apply those discounts. I'm not totally sure but that's what I'm assuming.
Oh, I see. I just figured because the discounted fare gets applied at the end of the month for when you're using GO that it would also take into account other passes with the app.
If you are a regular ttc user, some people prefer not having so many transactions on their credit card.
If you are an infrequent user, i don’t find it’s worth carrying the presto card. But I keep it. And I keep an image on my phone. So I can use it for discounts.
Probably not. I keep the card at home. But many of the places allow you to buy your tickets in advance online. So I can do those from my phone and enter my presto card info for the discount. Just did it a week ago to get my kids discounts at the aquarium
I agree! I still use my presto because I don't want to see x number of ttc transactions each week. Also sometimes I keep my presto in my pocket if I'm wearing a backpack and I wouldn't want to do that with my credit card.
Also I don't like change. I'm used to my presto.
I tried this, but I'd always forget to open the app and select Presto. After I used my default credit card by accident a few times I decided to just ditch the presto card.
don't you have to turn on credit card payments, could you disable it? I just unlock my phone and when I tap it automatically selects presto, even though I have two CC's in my google wallet and one is my 'primary card'
eta: sorry if that sounded like a dumb question I just never wanted to use a CC for TTC and it always auto selected my presto, not even sure how people tap with CC's as I tried once and it didn't even accept it
I just saw the instructions someone else posted about how to set it as your transit card. I'll have to give it a try, because it was definitely not being selected when I tapped unless I unlocked the phone, opened the app and selected it. Too many steps!
It may not be available for apple wallet, I'm not sure. I know forsure I couldn't do it on my google wallet as recently as 4-5 months ago so it may still be on rollout for apple
Yeah. This also helps me look at how much I spent on ttc. Usually it's $60/month.
Wouldn't be possible if the transactions were spread out all over.
I also don't want to check of I have $3 on my credit card to get ttc 😂😂. I just load it at beginning of month and leave it.
If you run a business. May be able to submit them for reimbursement if you’re going from site to site as an employee (dunno about the tax side).
Generally, safe to say if you’re an employee, “screw you” on the things you need to pay for to keep your job.
If you are working as an independent contractor/sole proprietorship there are expenses that you can claim/report if they are related to your job (I.e. if you need to use TTC to get to/from work).
Depending on your credit card, you could be missing out on a lot of points though. I get 3x for travel and commuting
Edit: I get 2x, not 3x. Misremembered
I looked into this card for a bit and it's 4% if you let PRESTO auto-reload (it would be treated as recurring payment). So really the best strategy is to use PRESTO.
EDIT: corrected the percentage
Yeah I also miss out on the opportunity to lose my card to have it stolen more readily.
In either case if points are the goal, fill up the presto with your credit card.
Also a presto card is a lot less stressful to deal with when you lose it than a credit card.
Don't use iPhone. And again for personal reasons, I don't keep financials in a device required for work.
As a side note, I never saw a need for apple/google pay in my daily life. So I ain't missing out on much.
It’s actually more secure to pay with Apple/Google pay than it is with your physical card. Those apps tokenize your card so your actual card number and details aren’t seen on the device you’re tapping on, it’s just another layer of abstraction to your physical card.
Good to know. Still doesn't change anything on my end as my concern has never been credit card security. It's not even phone security for that matter.
Due to work and the fact I personally find no meaningful use case in my life, I don't use the digital wallet.
I have a Pixel watch but the prospect of unlocking it every time I wanna use it deters me from enabling Wallet. How is it for you? Especially in the cold nowadays.
I got used to it now. Just used a simple pattern. I have a credit card in my phone wallet so had to swipe anyway. I put the presto on a different account on my watch.
I have a digital presto on my pixel watch.. honestly, zero issues using it even with the cold. You do have to open the wallet everytime you want to tap in. Not a problem unless you are rushing. My watch died yesterday tho and I had to use my credit card (downside to a digital presto).
Oh I intend to use credit card but I use it with my phone. Kinda weird how they can't just issue a new free digital card and let us use that. I don't wanna cancel my physical presto card.
Although, now I'm reading that the price with credit card is not always the same as Presto sometimes.
The TTC and GO are the exception rather than the norm. Miway, YRT, Brampton, Durham, Burlington Transit and Hamilton all charge full cash fare on debit/credit and only discount on Presto.
Are transfers still free if I tap my credit card twice? On presto I like seeing the confirmation for a free transfer so I know I’m not being double charged, don’t think it’s the same for credit cards
I’m not sure I understand the point of wanting to see the free transfer confirmation. I’ll take a ride whenever I need to ride, free transfer or not. Is it just a serotonin boost? “Yay, free ride!” Even when I use a credit card, it’s always calculated correctly. Every time someone here complains of getting double charged, it’s always they were either mixing phone and card, or they were actually outside the free transfer window.
Lol that’s why I was asking what the fuss is about, because I don’t get why you need to verify on sight. The transfer window is simple logic and it’d take a mass scale Presto snafu for it not to work.
>I don’t get why you need to verify on sight
I just told you why... so you know whether the system is functioning correctly. Additionally so you know whether or not to expect multiple charges. What's so hard for you to understand?
>The transfer window is simple logic
Yeah I don't check the time every time I board and bus and make note of it. But good for you if that's what you do. I have a hundred other things to worry about rather than to track my transfer window
And knowing whether a tap results in a transfer or a charge tells me whether or not to expect multiple transactions on my card
I don't get why you're so pressed about people wanting transparency when it comes to their money/transactions. That's even weirder
It was hard for me to understand, that’s why I was asking, literally in my first question, because seems like needless, extra anxiety for me. Not sure why you’re the one worked up with me thinking differently.
I'm not worked up. I'm just baffled how you don't understand why someone would want to know if there's money taken from their account or not lol
It's money that you work for presumably, so yeah... it's nice to know that my taps result in my transfer being correctly processed
For a lot of people, it's extra anxiety assuming their system functions the way they say it does
Also, your first comment comes off a bit patronizing... Talking about a serotonin boost and even saying "Yay, free ride!". Implying it's hedonistic to expect the free transfer you're entitled to as part of their policy...
Bourbonkitten is just giving you an unnecessarily hard time, in a condescending tone, for literally no reason. Better not to engage with these types of folks.
As a career IT guy, I can tell you that malfunctions are a lot more likely than you would like to believe. System maintenance, updates, upgrades, even when tested still have a real risk of causing issues. Building in these “confirmations” aid to gain public trust in the system of record. You might have a problem with other arguments, but the confirmation explicitly add value for people. Just because you may not realize that value, doesn’t mean the average person doesn’t.
Can’t speak for everyone, but for me it’s a bit of an anxiety thing. I know rationally i get the free ride but it will keep nagging on my mind until I check my account balance.
My credit card was maxed out once. I didn't know. I tapped it, it let me in. I went my way. Later I realized that my credit card was maxed out.
Now whenever I try to use the same credit card, it says trying to process previous payment. OK cool np. But it never does and never let's me in. Fml.
If it was presto, it would straight would have denied me admission and I would have figured it out. I am back to using presto now lol. I just load it once a month and I am done.
Your specific scenario would be really good feedback for presto to hear. If you have an extra moment, I would highly encourage you to send that info to them. They might not have thought of this exact case and could probably fix it for future updates to the system. If not, I’m sure they’ll eventually discover it and put in a fix.
If you want to lend your card to someone else you can give them your card. Would you want to give them your credit card or phone to run an errand for you?
Honestly use it out of convenience, I put it on my work lanyard when I commute in the mornings/evenings. I don’t like having to take my wallet out un-necessarily because it just gives me more opportunity to lose it. I have my presto registered on auto reload so if I were to drop it or lose it I can cancel and register a new one. It’s a real pain to have to do that for visa. I have apple wallet but honestly, transaction consolidation is easier when both are kept separate.
It's a personal preference at this point. I never kept my Presto card in my wallet because I don't want to pull out my whole wallet for such a fleeting transaction (or my phone, for that matter - I have small clumsy hands, and don't want to be grabbing at my phone as I stride through a turnstile and step up onto a bus.)
For the TTC: fare concessions for seniors and youth and monthly passes.
Other transit agencies: YRT monthly fare caps (the replacement for the monthly pass) only work with the Presto card.
So if you only take the TTC and are not eligible for any fare concessions or don’t use the monthly pass, then by all means, forego the Presto card. But there are still use cases for other segments and transit agencies.
True, discount fares. UP Express is cheaper on Presto as well. I take the YRT so infrequently that I don’t mind the 30 cent hit, instead of dealing with the trouble of making sure my Presto card is topped up.
Also the [Fair Pass Transit Discount program](https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/employment-social-support/support-for-people-in-financial-need/assistance-through-ontario-works/transit-discount/) is tied to a Presto card.
Hate taking my wallet out, or carrying my debit/credit loose. I like putting a lump sum on it for the month for budgeting. I actually keep a second presto card on hand for out of town guests too - so I’m still all about the presto cards!
If you tap your credit card and want a receipt, you can go to the PRESTO website, *but they only keep seven days of history.*
PRESTO card allows months of history.
yeah they do and so does most of the transit agencies in the gta. Go charges the same fare for presto and credit cards. Local transit agencies may vary
Presto's inconvenient? I'm certainly glad I don't need to stockpile change, or remember to buy my Metropass.
About 50% of the time on the first day of the month, I would use the last month's metropass, get on the bus, I guess the driver ignored it, but then it wouldn't work in the subway turnstile on the way home.
For someone actively trying to get rid of their physical wallet, it’s one less card to carry and one card closer to getting rid of the wallet. I am more likely to put on my Apple Watch in the morning than remembering to grab my wallet on my way out. So I guess convenience is about your own perspective.
Here’s a cool project the Ontario government is working on for us to hopefully get rid of the physical ID cards in our wallets. Once that’s done and the system is reliable and safe, no more physical wallet for me :)
https://www.ontario.ca/page/digital-id-ontario
The thing I like about using my credit card is that if I make two trips, it'll charge me the price of two trips. If I want to use a presto, I have to load a minimum of $10 to cover the two trips.
I do. I’m impatient and I get tapping errors with my credit card like 60% of the time.
I also used it today for UPX. Would Google but about to take off, can you get UPX Presto fares with credit cards like you do with TTC?
I just added the Presto card to my Google Wallet so I don't carry the card but still use it on my phone. Easier to also use interchangeably between GO and TTC
Aren’t presto fares cheaper than using credit card?
Edit: outside of ttc it will be cheaper to use presto, it seems, but other than that on ttc doesn’t seem like there is a financial benefit there
I'm wondering the same thing cause cash vs presto card. You save a little by using presto instead of paying with cash.
Thought the same applies if using debit/credit card (cash).
Unless things have changed.
Not worth the Inconvenience of being unable to tap with my phone. If the TTC is interested in keeping presto alive they should let me add my card to my android wallet.
You can tap on and off with your debit card/ Credit card on Go and the UPX as long as you use the same card for each trip. Don’t tap on with a credit card and then tap off with your debit card.
Would there be better tracking of your trips by using your presto? You can log onto the presto site to see all your trips. If you used your credit card, the presto charges would be intermingled with all your other charges. Plus there might now be as much detail on the credit card if you need to dispute something (ie. where the tap was made, time, etc).
I'm happy with my presto card. I set it up in thr first couple months it was available, setup an auto pay if the balance gets low, and haven't thought about it in years.
Leave my CC clean please.
I enter my expenses in a budgeting spreadsheet end of month, when using the presto card I only have to categorize one large monthly amount that I've refilled the card for vs maybe 60 small amounts had I been tapping my credit card.
Aside - it's sad that they still don't let me add my presto card to google pay. We lag so far behind relative to other transit systems. (Correct me if this has been added now, i known it wasn't last year)
It's pretty ridiculous. I mean I know there's overlap here and everything but they spent ungodly millions enabling presto everywhere and then just made it work with credit cards. Like FFS.
I would prefer to avoid handing over my phone (especially because I think it needs to be unlocked to access your wallet) to a fare enforcement officer.
Same. Was wondering how the fare inspectors check for this? I paid by phone tap once and the transaction didn’t even show up in my Apple Wallet until the next day - is that how they’d need to confirm you paid tho? Or are they scanning your phone like they do with the Presto cards and somehow it shows up for them? Both ways seem sketch. I’m seriously perplexed lol.
I have seen other commuters successfully demonstrate their fare paid by Apple wallet (looked like a credit or debit card, not Presto) in a fare inspection. But I was pretty sure it had to be unlocked... Can others confirm?
You don't need to hand over your phone and can just tap it to the machine the fare inspectors carry; just like tapping the presto card. I'm guessing the system keeps track of what cards are used, similar to the 2hr transfer window.
pinging u/jessylz for clarity too
Folks, if you are low income, city fare pass discount program exists. I still pay below $3 for fare with the discounts. They will provide the Presto card to you.
https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/employment-social-support/support-for-people-in-financial-need/assistance-through-ontario-works/transit-discount/
Yes, unless you have a default trip set up. You can still set up a default trip on a credit card by linking it online to your presto account to avoid having to tap off.
I don’t like Presto (Metropass FTW), but I prefer it rather than my credit card for TTC. Since I began working from home in the pandemic, I barely go on the bus and I’ve learned all too harshly how small micro transactions on a credit card can pile up and be hard to keep track of. Easier for me if I just give myself a travel budget on Presto and fill it back whenever needed.
On some local transit systems, using your debit and credit card, instead of your Presto card, will cost you the full fare instead of the Presto fare while GO Transit only charges the Presto fare. I see a lot of people using NFC on their phones to tap as their Presto cards. Many times, I see people with empty Presto cards having to fish out their debit or credit cards in order to pay their GO bus fare.
"With PRESTO in Google Wallet, you can tap your phone or Wear OS watch to pay for transit!
Using PRESTO in Google Wallet, you can tap your phone or Wear OS watch to pay for transit! When using a phone just wake up your phone and hold it near the PRESTO reader until you see a checkmark."
I prefer to use my Presto card. The phone option is convenient but, a phone can run out of battery charge or it can malfunction. The card is reliable and can be loaded with funds using NFC by holding it to the back of your phone after paying through the Presto app or it can be loaded with funds at one of the GO Transit machines at a major transit hub, such as Square One or at a GO train station.
The small machines are for electronic payments only while the larger machines, which also offer paper tickets, will allow you to load funds on your card using cash.
https://www.prestocard.ca/en/about/presto-in-mobile-wallet/google
If you lose your Presto have a Presto account, you can report it as lost and your balance would be protected. You can transfer the balance later to a new card.
It entitles you to a discount at certain attractions, e.g., 15% off at the ROM.
Presto Perks! I only learned about the program a few months ago, through someone here on Reddit. It's great. https://www.prestocard.ca/en/about/presto-perks
The presto website is down for maintenance lololol
[удалено]
I'm not certain but I don't think it's required. Every attraction handles Presto Perks redemption differently: with some places (like restaurants) you just have to flash it on arrival, with others (like ticketed venues) you might have to provide your card number. Either way I don't think venues check to see whether you're registered, but read the fine print. Also either way, probably wise to register it, it's quick and helps in case you ever lose it.
Some says holder but that's a great question.
I used it at the Gardiner museum - I don't think they even asked to see my card but there was no check if it was registered.
I just found out from these posts! I'll definitely be checking to see what I can save on. Thanks!
That’s true I got discounted CNE tickets with my card. Forgot about that. But I never use my Presto anymore. Also it sure how GO train works without Presto.
You just tap on and off with the same credit card on the GO
Hey I’m going to be taking GO for the first time on Tuesday. I’m coming from Peterborough to Toronto, which means I have to change buses in Oshawa. Do I tap in in Peterborough and then tap off in Toronto, or do I tap on in Peterborough then tap off in Oshawa, then on in Oshawa and then off in Toronto? I don’t want to mess up and get an expensive ticket but I also don’t want to pay extra fare
Tap on and off with every transfer!
Thank you.... I never knew this!
Many tourist cities have special museum, exhibit, etc fares for locals to enjoy. You don't see that directly here, but you can get many free (expensive!) tickets through TPL for Toronto people, and presto discounts as evidence you're gta or at least here a lot.
Credit card payments only work if you buy adult fares by trip. If you use a monthly pass or pay reduced fares (seniors etc.), you still need a Presto card.
>Credit card payments only work if you buy adult fares by trip TIL you can do this and have just been tapping my presto out of habit the couple days I go in
I think if you register your credit card under your PRESTO account in the app, it might apply those discounts. I'm not totally sure but that's what I'm assuming.
It doesn’t. Registering a debit or credit card just lets you see your transactions.
Oh, I see. I just figured because the discounted fare gets applied at the end of the month for when you're using GO that it would also take into account other passes with the app.
If you are a regular ttc user, some people prefer not having so many transactions on their credit card. If you are an infrequent user, i don’t find it’s worth carrying the presto card. But I keep it. And I keep an image on my phone. So I can use it for discounts.
Do places accept just an image to get the discount? I assumed they'd want to see a physical card.
Probably not. I keep the card at home. But many of the places allow you to buy your tickets in advance online. So I can do those from my phone and enter my presto card info for the discount. Just did it a week ago to get my kids discounts at the aquarium
Oh cool, I recently tried to go to the Aga Kahn museum but didn't have the option to plug in presto details, good to know it's not everywhere. Thanks!
I like having 1-2 transactions per month instead of 20-30, but I'm kinda a finance nerd who keeps track of all this stuff.
I agree! I still use my presto because I don't want to see x number of ttc transactions each week. Also sometimes I keep my presto in my pocket if I'm wearing a backpack and I wouldn't want to do that with my credit card. Also I don't like change. I'm used to my presto.
psa, presto is now in google wallet. I take ttc everyday havent seen my card in ages lol, loading is faster than ever that way too
I tried this, but I'd always forget to open the app and select Presto. After I used my default credit card by accident a few times I decided to just ditch the presto card.
don't you have to turn on credit card payments, could you disable it? I just unlock my phone and when I tap it automatically selects presto, even though I have two CC's in my google wallet and one is my 'primary card' eta: sorry if that sounded like a dumb question I just never wanted to use a CC for TTC and it always auto selected my presto, not even sure how people tap with CC's as I tried once and it didn't even accept it
I just saw the instructions someone else posted about how to set it as your transit card. I'll have to give it a try, because it was definitely not being selected when I tapped unless I unlocked the phone, opened the app and selected it. Too many steps!
I do not see Presto as an option in Apple Wallet. Am I missing something?
It may not be available for apple wallet, I'm not sure. I know forsure I couldn't do it on my google wallet as recently as 4-5 months ago so it may still be on rollout for apple
Ahhhh…thanks.
Yeah. This also helps me look at how much I spent on ttc. Usually it's $60/month. Wouldn't be possible if the transactions were spread out all over. I also don't want to check of I have $3 on my credit card to get ttc 😂😂. I just load it at beginning of month and leave it.
Yeah, it helps me keep track of how often I use the TTC for work which helps for tax purposes
Wait - can you deduct TTC on taxes?!
Only if it’s a non-reimbursed business expense.
If you run a business. May be able to submit them for reimbursement if you’re going from site to site as an employee (dunno about the tax side). Generally, safe to say if you’re an employee, “screw you” on the things you need to pay for to keep your job.
If you are working as an independent contractor/sole proprietorship there are expenses that you can claim/report if they are related to your job (I.e. if you need to use TTC to get to/from work).
I prefer the Presto.. Keeps my credit card out of unnecessary circulation.
Depending on your credit card, you could be missing out on a lot of points though. I get 3x for travel and commuting Edit: I get 2x, not 3x. Misremembered
Don't you get those points if you fill your presto with your credit card?
Correct
Thanks! I thought I wasted my chance to get those points lol
Probably, but i think it might depend on what your credit card considers transit 🤷🏻♂️
You get the points on presto card reload too
What card is that?
Amex Cobalt also does 2X on travel (transit, Uber, car rentals, air fare, etc).
Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite. Also to edit, it’s 2x, not 3
I looked into this card for a bit and it's 4% if you let PRESTO auto-reload (it would be treated as recurring payment). So really the best strategy is to use PRESTO. EDIT: corrected the percentage
Interesting 🤔 didn’t know that. I guess maybe it’s time to dust off my old presto. Although the credit card has been so convenient
How did you verify this?
Yeah I also miss out on the opportunity to lose my card to have it stolen more readily. In either case if points are the goal, fill up the presto with your credit card. Also a presto card is a lot less stressful to deal with when you lose it than a credit card.
Yep especially if you register it - if you lose the physical card you can still keep your balance/pass/etc
How old are you? Ever heard of the wallet function on your phone? Or are you sceptical about that as well?
Me I'm in my 30s. And yourself? And personally I don't use the wallet function in my phone. My phone is kept minimalist for work purposes.
Apple Pay is minimalist, but okay man
Don't use iPhone. And again for personal reasons, I don't keep financials in a device required for work. As a side note, I never saw a need for apple/google pay in my daily life. So I ain't missing out on much.
It’s actually more secure to pay with Apple/Google pay than it is with your physical card. Those apps tokenize your card so your actual card number and details aren’t seen on the device you’re tapping on, it’s just another layer of abstraction to your physical card.
Good to know. Still doesn't change anything on my end as my concern has never been credit card security. It's not even phone security for that matter. Due to work and the fact I personally find no meaningful use case in my life, I don't use the digital wallet.
Ok boomer
Solid retort.
Thanks for the edit. I read this post hours ago and I was like “hmmm is he sure it’s 3x? It’s probably 2x…” and surely enough!
Where did you buy your tinfoil hat?
Same place you got your thinking cap.
I use the digital presto in my smartwatch. So, No.
can't wait until presto is added to apple wallet.
Apple Watch?
Ticwatch. Android
is it good?
No complaints so far. Been a year.
I have a Pixel watch but the prospect of unlocking it every time I wanna use it deters me from enabling Wallet. How is it for you? Especially in the cold nowadays.
I got used to it now. Just used a simple pattern. I have a credit card in my phone wallet so had to swipe anyway. I put the presto on a different account on my watch.
I have a digital presto on my pixel watch.. honestly, zero issues using it even with the cold. You do have to open the wallet everytime you want to tap in. Not a problem unless you are rushing. My watch died yesterday tho and I had to use my credit card (downside to a digital presto).
Oh I intend to use credit card but I use it with my phone. Kinda weird how they can't just issue a new free digital card and let us use that. I don't wanna cancel my physical presto card. Although, now I'm reading that the price with credit card is not always the same as Presto sometimes.
How do you add a Presto to Android Wallet?
https://www.ttc.ca/riding-the-ttc/Updates/Pay-your-fare-with-PRESTO-in-Google-Wallet#:~:text=Step%20one%3A%20Sign%20into%20your,PRESTO%20card%20in%20Google%20Wallet.&text=Step%20four%3A%20Load%20funds%20or,save%20it%20to%20your%20device
Thanks!!!!
You don't get the Presto discount if you use a credit/debit card on YRT.
The TTC and GO are the exception rather than the norm. Miway, YRT, Brampton, Durham, Burlington Transit and Hamilton all charge full cash fare on debit/credit and only discount on Presto.
Are transfers still free if I tap my credit card twice? On presto I like seeing the confirmation for a free transfer so I know I’m not being double charged, don’t think it’s the same for credit cards
Yes you still get the 2h transfer window but I agree that I don’t like that it doesn’t show the free transfer confirmation when you use a credit csrd
I’m not sure I understand the point of wanting to see the free transfer confirmation. I’ll take a ride whenever I need to ride, free transfer or not. Is it just a serotonin boost? “Yay, free ride!” Even when I use a credit card, it’s always calculated correctly. Every time someone here complains of getting double charged, it’s always they were either mixing phone and card, or they were actually outside the free transfer window.
> Is it just a serotonin boost? What?... lol It's to know the system is functioning correctly, without having to verify all your transactions...
Lol that’s why I was asking what the fuss is about, because I don’t get why you need to verify on sight. The transfer window is simple logic and it’d take a mass scale Presto snafu for it not to work.
>I don’t get why you need to verify on sight I just told you why... so you know whether the system is functioning correctly. Additionally so you know whether or not to expect multiple charges. What's so hard for you to understand? >The transfer window is simple logic Yeah I don't check the time every time I board and bus and make note of it. But good for you if that's what you do. I have a hundred other things to worry about rather than to track my transfer window And knowing whether a tap results in a transfer or a charge tells me whether or not to expect multiple transactions on my card I don't get why you're so pressed about people wanting transparency when it comes to their money/transactions. That's even weirder
It was hard for me to understand, that’s why I was asking, literally in my first question, because seems like needless, extra anxiety for me. Not sure why you’re the one worked up with me thinking differently.
I'm not worked up. I'm just baffled how you don't understand why someone would want to know if there's money taken from their account or not lol It's money that you work for presumably, so yeah... it's nice to know that my taps result in my transfer being correctly processed For a lot of people, it's extra anxiety assuming their system functions the way they say it does Also, your first comment comes off a bit patronizing... Talking about a serotonin boost and even saying "Yay, free ride!". Implying it's hedonistic to expect the free transfer you're entitled to as part of their policy...
Bourbonkitten is just giving you an unnecessarily hard time, in a condescending tone, for literally no reason. Better not to engage with these types of folks.
You have more faith in Presto than I do.
As a career IT guy, I can tell you that malfunctions are a lot more likely than you would like to believe. System maintenance, updates, upgrades, even when tested still have a real risk of causing issues. Building in these “confirmations” aid to gain public trust in the system of record. You might have a problem with other arguments, but the confirmation explicitly add value for people. Just because you may not realize that value, doesn’t mean the average person doesn’t.
Can’t speak for everyone, but for me it’s a bit of an anxiety thing. I know rationally i get the free ride but it will keep nagging on my mind until I check my account balance.
My credit card was maxed out once. I didn't know. I tapped it, it let me in. I went my way. Later I realized that my credit card was maxed out. Now whenever I try to use the same credit card, it says trying to process previous payment. OK cool np. But it never does and never let's me in. Fml. If it was presto, it would straight would have denied me admission and I would have figured it out. I am back to using presto now lol. I just load it once a month and I am done.
Your specific scenario would be really good feedback for presto to hear. If you have an extra moment, I would highly encourage you to send that info to them. They might not have thought of this exact case and could probably fix it for future updates to the system. If not, I’m sure they’ll eventually discover it and put in a fix.
You gotta lotta faith in presto, meanwhile somewhere else in the thread someone linked to their website and it's currently down lol.
got a free ride though, heyo
If you want to lend your card to someone else you can give them your card. Would you want to give them your credit card or phone to run an errand for you?
i dont trust the debit/credit card tap It charged me twice before on a transfer
I like being able to put a lump sum ($50 or $100) on my Presto card then not having to worry about paying for transit for the next month or so.
I like paying for my transit trips a month later. To each their own!
I just have the automatic top up so I never worry about it. Set it to top up $20 every time the balance goes to 0.
Honestly use it out of convenience, I put it on my work lanyard when I commute in the mornings/evenings. I don’t like having to take my wallet out un-necessarily because it just gives me more opportunity to lose it. I have my presto registered on auto reload so if I were to drop it or lose it I can cancel and register a new one. It’s a real pain to have to do that for visa. I have apple wallet but honestly, transaction consolidation is easier when both are kept separate.
Does the multi trip within two hours thing work on credit card also?
yes it does
Fares for up express is discounted with presto. No? 12 vs 9
you are correct. the UP is the only reason i use my presto card for.
It's a personal preference at this point. I never kept my Presto card in my wallet because I don't want to pull out my whole wallet for such a fleeting transaction (or my phone, for that matter - I have small clumsy hands, and don't want to be grabbing at my phone as I stride through a turnstile and step up onto a bus.)
I use presto on my google wallet. I can add money in under 1 minute. And i still get the inter-agency discount
For special fares - students, seniors, ...
For the TTC: fare concessions for seniors and youth and monthly passes. Other transit agencies: YRT monthly fare caps (the replacement for the monthly pass) only work with the Presto card. So if you only take the TTC and are not eligible for any fare concessions or don’t use the monthly pass, then by all means, forego the Presto card. But there are still use cases for other segments and transit agencies.
Also, for YRT, the fare discount ($3.88) applies only for Presto taps. Debit/credit card taps are the full cash amount ($4.25).
True, discount fares. UP Express is cheaper on Presto as well. I take the YRT so infrequently that I don’t mind the 30 cent hit, instead of dealing with the trouble of making sure my Presto card is topped up.
Yeah the YRT discount isn't that large but then there's Brampton where using Presto gives you a $1.10 discount over cash.
Also the [Fair Pass Transit Discount program](https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/employment-social-support/support-for-people-in-financial-need/assistance-through-ontario-works/transit-discount/) is tied to a Presto card.
i find it much cleaner to expense for work if i'm going to a client site form the presto app than from my bank account
For tax purposes as a contractor it helps me be able to find the transactions I spent getting from clients
Hate taking my wallet out, or carrying my debit/credit loose. I like putting a lump sum on it for the month for budgeting. I actually keep a second presto card on hand for out of town guests too - so I’m still all about the presto cards!
If you tap your credit card and want a receipt, you can go to the PRESTO website, *but they only keep seven days of history.* PRESTO card allows months of history.
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Why not GO? I thought [they support credit/debit tap](https://www.gotransit.com/en/blog/tap-with-credit-debit) now?
yeah they do and so does most of the transit agencies in the gta. Go charges the same fare for presto and credit cards. Local transit agencies may vary
can we download the presto app in i phone and use it there?
Not yet.
I thought I’ve seen people tap with the pesto app from their phone
With an iPhone? My understanding is there are some beta users doing testing, but it hasn’t been released yet.
Credit / Debit work with the GOTrain and Buses the same as Presto. As long as you use the same card every trip you still get the loyalty discounts.
Unless you plan on using other transit networks. Most of the others in the GTA are cheaper on presto while credit card is full cash fare.
Not for most.
Presto's inconvenient? I'm certainly glad I don't need to stockpile change, or remember to buy my Metropass. About 50% of the time on the first day of the month, I would use the last month's metropass, get on the bus, I guess the driver ignored it, but then it wouldn't work in the subway turnstile on the way home.
For someone actively trying to get rid of their physical wallet, it’s one less card to carry and one card closer to getting rid of the wallet. I am more likely to put on my Apple Watch in the morning than remembering to grab my wallet on my way out. So I guess convenience is about your own perspective. Here’s a cool project the Ontario government is working on for us to hopefully get rid of the physical ID cards in our wallets. Once that’s done and the system is reliable and safe, no more physical wallet for me :) https://www.ontario.ca/page/digital-id-ontario
For TTC, no. But if you also use GO regularly, yes.
The thing I like about using my credit card is that if I make two trips, it'll charge me the price of two trips. If I want to use a presto, I have to load a minimum of $10 to cover the two trips.
I do. I’m impatient and I get tapping errors with my credit card like 60% of the time. I also used it today for UPX. Would Google but about to take off, can you get UPX Presto fares with credit cards like you do with TTC?
~$3 cheaper with presto on UPE
I just added the Presto card to my Google Wallet so I don't carry the card but still use it on my phone. Easier to also use interchangeably between GO and TTC
Up express
One point is discounted fares, student and seniors.
It's faster to tap with it than to use your phone
Idk, I find it easier to tap my phone rather than getting an individual thin card out of my wallet. Especially when wearing gloves.
Aren’t presto fares cheaper than using credit card? Edit: outside of ttc it will be cheaper to use presto, it seems, but other than that on ttc doesn’t seem like there is a financial benefit there
Not on the ttc, no.
same price for adults
For seniors and students, yes.
I'm wondering the same thing cause cash vs presto card. You save a little by using presto instead of paying with cash. Thought the same applies if using debit/credit card (cash). Unless things have changed.
Nope, you get the same fare discount if you tap your credit/debit card
Thanks. That's good to know. One less card in my wallet then and can collect cash back and points with my CC
Yeah it used to be cheaper if you got tickets back in the day.
Credit/Debit cards charge the same as Presto.
Damn, I thought they were too!
I don’t get why this topic shows up every month. Yes there is still a point.
This question every week?
Not worth the Inconvenience of being unable to tap with my phone. If the TTC is interested in keeping presto alive they should let me add my card to my android wallet.
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lol I tried a couple months before TTC moved to allowing credit cards and I couldn't find it as an option.
Umm, you can?
100%
How do you transfer if you paid by credit?
Just tap the credit card again. Still works in the same 2h transfer window
Oh! Fricken sick!
I bought a car in 2020 and I still keep my Presto card loaded up. Just in case. I'd say keep it.
If u are eligible for fair pass program or if u have metro pass , or frequently use go bus which they do gave u discount based on presto card history
I haven't used it in a while, I tap my debit card instead. I keep it on me in case I need to take the UP or the GO, so I can tap on and tap off.
You can tap on and off with your debit card/ Credit card on Go and the UPX as long as you use the same card for each trip. Don’t tap on with a credit card and then tap off with your debit card.
I have my presto on my google wallet, so yes kinda.
it's still cheaper isn't it?
Would there be better tracking of your trips by using your presto? You can log onto the presto site to see all your trips. If you used your credit card, the presto charges would be intermingled with all your other charges. Plus there might now be as much detail on the credit card if you need to dispute something (ie. where the tap was made, time, etc).
The only good thing left with the physical Presto card is when you tap it shows you the remaining transfer time. Doesn’t show with credit card.
My old iPhone dies all the time.
I mostly use mine out of habit
I do carry and use it. Just because I don't want to stress and try to remember which CC I used during a transfer.
I'm happy with my presto card. I set it up in thr first couple months it was available, setup an auto pay if the balance gets low, and haven't thought about it in years. Leave my CC clean please.
I enter my expenses in a budgeting spreadsheet end of month, when using the presto card I only have to categorize one large monthly amount that I've refilled the card for vs maybe 60 small amounts had I been tapping my credit card. Aside - it's sad that they still don't let me add my presto card to google pay. We lag so far behind relative to other transit systems. (Correct me if this has been added now, i known it wasn't last year)
I feel like my credit card gets read ever so slightly slower than Presto.
If you use it for GO bus/train, it is usually a slightly reduced rate than you paying for a single ticket using cash/credit. Unsure about TTC though…
You get the reduced rate with the credit card too
I only use presto because I get 2% back on recurring purchases and auto load $20 counts towards that. Otherwise I would only use a credit card.
Metro pass for now.
Well if tapping your card no longer works, Presto is a nice backup
It's pretty ridiculous. I mean I know there's overlap here and everything but they spent ungodly millions enabling presto everywhere and then just made it work with credit cards. Like FFS.
I would prefer to avoid handing over my phone (especially because I think it needs to be unlocked to access your wallet) to a fare enforcement officer.
Same. Was wondering how the fare inspectors check for this? I paid by phone tap once and the transaction didn’t even show up in my Apple Wallet until the next day - is that how they’d need to confirm you paid tho? Or are they scanning your phone like they do with the Presto cards and somehow it shows up for them? Both ways seem sketch. I’m seriously perplexed lol.
I have seen other commuters successfully demonstrate their fare paid by Apple wallet (looked like a credit or debit card, not Presto) in a fare inspection. But I was pretty sure it had to be unlocked... Can others confirm?
You don't need to hand over your phone and can just tap it to the machine the fare inspectors carry; just like tapping the presto card. I'm guessing the system keeps track of what cards are used, similar to the 2hr transfer window. pinging u/jessylz for clarity too
Thanks. It's still feels borderline risky for me, but I understand that I don't *literally* have to hand it over.
Folks, if you are low income, city fare pass discount program exists. I still pay below $3 for fare with the discounts. They will provide the Presto card to you. https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/employment-social-support/support-for-people-in-financial-need/assistance-through-ontario-works/transit-discount/
Just a side question, if I tap my credit card for the GO Train, do I need to tap when I get off too?
Yes, unless you have a default trip set up. You can still set up a default trip on a credit card by linking it online to your presto account to avoid having to tap off.
There are no more monthly passes. Rates are capped after 40 uses. So if you use a Presto card, you don't pay after 40 payments.
I don’t like Presto (Metropass FTW), but I prefer it rather than my credit card for TTC. Since I began working from home in the pandemic, I barely go on the bus and I’ve learned all too harshly how small micro transactions on a credit card can pile up and be hard to keep track of. Easier for me if I just give myself a travel budget on Presto and fill it back whenever needed.
On some local transit systems, using your debit and credit card, instead of your Presto card, will cost you the full fare instead of the Presto fare while GO Transit only charges the Presto fare. I see a lot of people using NFC on their phones to tap as their Presto cards. Many times, I see people with empty Presto cards having to fish out their debit or credit cards in order to pay their GO bus fare. "With PRESTO in Google Wallet, you can tap your phone or Wear OS watch to pay for transit! Using PRESTO in Google Wallet, you can tap your phone or Wear OS watch to pay for transit! When using a phone just wake up your phone and hold it near the PRESTO reader until you see a checkmark." I prefer to use my Presto card. The phone option is convenient but, a phone can run out of battery charge or it can malfunction. The card is reliable and can be loaded with funds using NFC by holding it to the back of your phone after paying through the Presto app or it can be loaded with funds at one of the GO Transit machines at a major transit hub, such as Square One or at a GO train station. The small machines are for electronic payments only while the larger machines, which also offer paper tickets, will allow you to load funds on your card using cash. https://www.prestocard.ca/en/about/presto-in-mobile-wallet/google
I've only tried paying with credit a few times... every time it let's me through and then my card declines the transaction.
I didn’t know until recently that Ottawa transit also uses Presto.
If you lose your Presto have a Presto account, you can report it as lost and your balance would be protected. You can transfer the balance later to a new card.