Clipper on Your Phone

General Apple Pay Google Pay

  • Load cash value and passes to your Clipper card as well as set up autoload.
  • Register your Clipper card
  • Manage registered cards, check your balance, and view recent transactions.
  • Plan trips using Trip Tools as well as save your favorite stops and stations.

You can download the Clipper app from the Apple App Storeopens in new window or the Google Play Storeopens in new window.

If you have an existing Clipper account, you can log in to the app with the same credentials you use when logging in to the website.

  • Sign in to your Clipper account, or create a new account
  • In the Cards section, tap (add card icon) in the top left
  • Tap “Register a Plastic Clipper Card”
  • Enter your Clipper card number
  • Give your card a nickname and tap “Add Card”
  • Your card will display in the Cards section of the Clipper app

  • Cards added using the Clipper app allows you to tag and pay with your phone. Value added to cards on your phone will be available to use immediately.
  • You will be able to load value and transit passes to your card using the app, and then tag and pay with your plastic card. Value added to plastic cards and cards with BART HVD will be available in the normal time frame as value through the Clipper website.

In the Cards section of the app, select a card to view the details. The message “Ready for use on this device” is displayed for the Clipper card you added to your phone. This card can be used for fare payment.

Load Cash Value:

  • Open Clipper app and choose the card to add value to.
  • Tap the “Load Cash Value or Passes” button.
  • Tap “Cash Value” button.
  • Choose pre-selected amount or enter custom amount.
  • Tap “One-Time Load” or “Set Up As Autoload” button.
  • Follow prompts to complete transaction.

Load Transit Pass:

  • Open Clipper app and choose the card to add a pass to.
  • Tap the “Load Cash Value or Passes” button.
  • Tap “Transit Pass” button.
  • Select Transit Agency and choose desired pass.
  • Follow prompts to complete transaction.

  • In the Trip Tools section, search for the name and address of your location and destination.
  • Select your locations and destination from the search results.
  • Select your desired route and transit mode.
  • Your destination is displayed on the map with travel directions below.

You do not need internet access or wireless connectivity; however, you do need it to purchase passes and cash value.

As a guest you can access the trip planning tool, save favorite stops and stations, view the retail locations map, and more without signing into your account.

Tag means to hold the top of your device within a few centimeters of the middle of the contactless reader until you feel a vibration.

A card that is listed as Inactive on the Clipper website means that the card is currently not on a device (phone or watch).

Clipper® customers can close their account at any time by submitting a completed Clipper® Cancellation Form (available at clippercard.com). Please visit Privacy Policy for more information.

You can add Adult, Youth, Senior, and RTC cards in Apple Wallet with a few exceptions. The following cannot be transferred to Apple Wallet:

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

Note:

  • RTC customers can transfer their RTC 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.

It’s easy to transfer a plastic card to Apple Wallet! Please note that once you transfer your plastic card to iPhone, your plastic card will be deactivated for transit use.

Transfer plastic card to iPhone

  • Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and tap the plus “+” icon.
  • Select “Clipper card” under Transit, tap Continue.
  • Select “Transfer Existing Card” and follow prompts.
  • Place your Clipper card on a flat surface and rest your iPhone on the bottom half to complete the transfer.

Transfer plastic card to Apple Watch

  • On your iPhone, open the Watch app.
  • Select “Wallet & Apple Pay”.
  • Select “Add Card”, tap Continue, and select “Clipper card” under Transit.
  • Select “Transfer Existing Card” and follow prompts.
  • Place your Clipper card on a flat surface and rest your iPhone on the bottom half to complete the transfer.

Your cash value balance and monthly passes will be transferred to your iPhone or Apple Watch and you won’t be able to use your plastic card to pay for transit. Once you agree to the "Cardholder Agreement" and your card is set up, you’re ready to ride!

Setting up a new Clipper card in Apple Wallet is easy. Click here for step-by-step instructions.

Add a new Clipper card to Apple Wallet.

  • Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and press the plus “+” icon.
  • Select “Clipper card” under Transit, tap Continue.
  • Select the value amount to add and follow prompts to complete purchase.

Add a new Clipper card on Apple Watch.

  • On your iPhone, open the Watch app.
  • Select “Wallet and Apple Pay”.
  • Select “Add Card”, tap Continue, and select “Clipper card” under Transit.
  • Select the value amount to add and follow prompts to complete purchase.

A Clipper card can only be on a single device at one time. You may have a Clipper card on your iPhone and Apple Watch as long as they are two separate cards.

Yes, you can transfer your Clipper card from your iPhone to your Apple Watch. Cards can be transferred between two paired devices. Alternatively, you can have a Clipper card on both your iPhone and Apple Watch, but they must be two separate cards.

From iPhone to Apple Watch

  • On your iPhone, open the Watch app.
  • Select “Wallet & Apple Pay”.
  • Under the “OTHER CARDS ON YOUR PHONE” section choose the card you want to transfer to your Apple Watch and select “ADD”.
  • Follow prompts to complete the transfer.

From Apple Watch to iPhone

  • On your iPhone, open the Watch app.
  • Select “Wallet & Apple Pay”.
  • Select the card you want to transfer to iPhone under “PAYMENT CARDS ON YOUR WATCH”
  • Select “Add card to [iPhone name]” and follow prompts to complete the transfer.

No, if you have multiple cards in Apple Wallet, such as a credit card and a Clipper card, the Clipper reader will automatically charge your Clipper card when you tag on/off. If you have multiple Clipper cards in your Apple Wallet (12 max), you can designate one card for Express Transit.

You do not need to download the Clipper app to add a new Clipper card to your Apple Wallet. Additionally, in Apple Wallet you can add cash value, see your last ten transactions, and remove cards. However, you will need to download the Clipper app to add passes and set up autoload.

Apple Wallet will display purchase options for your selected Clipper card.

  • Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
  • Select the Clipper card you want to add value to.
  • Tap the Add Money button and enter the amount you want to add.
  • Tap Add and follow prompts to complete the purchase.

If you want to add value with cash, you can:

  • Use a BART, Muni, Golden Gate Ferry or SMART ticket machines or select Caltrain ticket machines
  • Visit a Clipper in-person customer service center in the Embarcadero BART/Muni station
  • Visit a transit agency ticket office - Note: If you add value at a transit agency ticket office, you will need to turn on Service Mode by selecting the card you want to add value to, tapping the more options button “…” in the upper right corner and selecting “Turn On Service Mode.”

  • Open the Clipper app.
  • Select Cards at the bottom of the screen.
  • Select the Clipper card you want to add a pass on.
  • Tap the “LOAD CASH VALUE OR PASSES” button and select “TRANSIT PASS”.
  • Select the pass you want to load and follow prompts to complete the purchase.

Value purchased in the Clipper app or in Apple Wallet will be available immediately, except for BART HVD, which will be available the following day.

iPhone 8 or newer, Apple Watch Series 3 or newer, and the latest versions of iOS and watchOS respectively. If you attempt to purchase a new card in the Clipper app on an unsupported device, the purchase will initially go through but adding the card to Apple Wallet will fail. Your purchase will be automatically reversed 20 minutes later.

Just like with paper tickets and passes, it's your responsibility to have valid fare with you at all times. On your compatible iPhone with the latest iOS version, power reserve is available for up to five hours when your iPhone needs to be charged. Learn more about power reserve and Express Transit.opens in new window

Quickly pay for rides with Apple Pay using Clipper with Express Transit on your iPhone and Apple Watch. You don’t need to wake or unlock your device, or open an app.

Tag your iPhone or Apple Watch by holding it near the Clipper reader every time you board a bus, train, or ferry including when you transfer. On most buses and stand-alone readers, you will be shown the amount of your transactions and your balance (or expiration date of your pass). There's no need to open an app. Once you hear a single beep — that means you’ve paid your fare and are good to go! If you hear two beeps, your value is low. If you hear three beeps, you do not have sufficient value and need to add more value to your Clipper card.

Be sure to tag on every time you board (you may need to tag off for some agencies). Keep your phone handy in case an inspector asks to see your fare. In order to use Clipper with Apple Pay on SFMTA cable cars and other transit services using handheld card readers, all customers must authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode.

To use Clipper with Apple Pay on SFMTA cable cars and other transit services using handheld readers, all customers must authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode.

Nope, just tag your iPhone or Apple Watch by holding it over the Clipper reader! With Express Transit enabled, you don't have to validate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode when you pay for rides with Clipper card on your iPhone and Apple Watch.

In order to use Clipper with Apple Pay on SFMTA cable cars and other transit services using handheld card readers, all customers must authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode.

Quickly pay for rides with Apple Pay using Express Transit on your iPhone and Apple Watch without having to wake or unlock your device, or open an app. You don't even need to validate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. Learn more about Express Transit.opens in new window Express Transit may try to authenticate using Face ID but will fail if you are wearing a mask. You will need to enter a passcode to authenticate.

On iPhone

  • Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
  • Select the Clipper card you want to disable for Express Transit.
  • Select more options button “…” and choose Express Transit Settings.
  • Choose none or deselect the Clipper card to disable Express Transit.

On Apple Watch

  • Open the Watch app on your iPhone and select Wallet & Apple Pay.
  • Select Express Transit Card.
  • Choose none or deselect the Clipper card to disable Express Transit.

No. If your card is already added to your Apple Wallet, you can use the card while your iPhone is offline. However, your iPhone does need to be online to purchase a new card or adding balance to an existing card.

You can check your travel/trip history in the Clipper app or in your Apple Wallet on your iPhone. You can view your last ten transactions in your Apple Wallet by selecting your Clipper card on your iPhone and viewing your 'Latest Transactions'.

Your Clipper card must be removed from your old iPhone before you give up possession of the iPhone. When you remove a transit card from any device, the remaining balance and passes will be saved and available to be transferred to another iPhone or Apple Watch that is connected to a network and signed into iCloud with the same Apple ID.

On Old iPhone

  • Open the Wallet app on your old iPhone and select the Clipper card you want to transfer.
  • Select the more options button “…” icon and tap “Remove This Card.”
  • Repeat for each Clipper card in the Wallet app.

On New iPhone

  • Open the Wallet app on your new iPhone and press the plus “+” icon.
  • Select “Clipper card” under Transit, tap Continue.
  • Select “Next” and follow prompts to add your Clipper card to Apple Wallet.

Please contact Clipper Customer Service at 877.878.8883 for assistance.

If you no longer have possession of your old iPhone (device powered off or no network connection)

  • Log into iCloud.com, select "Account Settings".
  • Select your old iPhone and follow the prompts to "Remove all" from wallet.
  • Open the Wallet app on your new iPhone and press the plus “+” icon.
  • Select “Clipper card” under Transit, tap Continue.
  • Select “Add a Different Card” then follow prompts to purchase and add a new Clipper card to Apple Wallet.
  • Please wait two hours before calling Clipper Customer Service at 877.878.8883 to transfer your previous card balance.

Removing a card from Apple Wallet does not remove the card from your Clipper account. You will still see the card in your account when you log into the Clipper app.

On iPhone

  • Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and select the Clipper card you want to remove.
  • Select more options button “…” and choose “Remove This Card.”

On Apple Watch

  • On your iPhone, open the Watch app.
  • Select “Wallet & Apple Pay”.
  • Select the Clipper card you want to remove and choose “Remove This Card.”

Please confirm your Clipper card is in Apple Wallet and Express Transit is turned on. You also need to have sufficient cash value or passes ready to pay your fare. If you are still having issues, you will need to use an alternate method to pay your fare and then call Clipper Customer Service at 877.878.8883.

If you receive the “See Agent (18)” message, it may mean that your device was not tagged close enough to the reader. If the gates open after receiving this message, please proceed through. If the gates do not open, please tag again and make sure you are holding your device within a few centimeters of the middle of the contactless reader until you feel a vibration.

Yes, you'll be able to validate your BART parking with your phone. Just tag your phone by holding it over the BART parking validator. You can also manage your balance in the Clipper app.

If your device is lost or stolen, you can follow these steps to temporarily suspend use of your device or remove all cards.

Temporarily Lost

You can temporarily suspend your Clipper Card in Apple Wallet by using the Find My iPhone function.

  • Log into iCloud.com, select “Find iPhone", select "All Devices".
  • Select the device, then select “Lost Mode”.

When you select Lost Mode, your device cannot be used to ride transit or make any transactions with Apple Pay. If the device is found, you can resume using suspended cards after you unlock the device with your passcode, sign into iCloud.com with your Apple ID and turn off Lost Mode.

Please contact Clipper Customer Service at 877.878.8883 for assistance.

Permanently Lost (device powered on with network connection)

Cards in Apple Wallet can be removed remotely by logging into iCloud.

  • Log into iCloud.com and select "Account Settings".
  • Select the device you want to remove cards from and follow the prompts to "Remove all" from wallet.
  • Log into the same iCloud account from another device and open the Wallet app.
  • Press the plus “+” icon.
  • Select “Clipper card” under Transit, tap Continue.
  • Select “Next” and follow prompts to add your Clipper card to Apple Wallet.

Please contact Clipper Customer Service at 877.878.8883 for assistance.

Permanently Lost (device powered off or no network connection)

  • Log into iCloud.com, select "Account Settings".
  • Select your old iPhone and follow the prompts to "Remove all" from wallet.
  • Open the Wallet app on your new iPhone and press the plus “+” icon.
  • Select “Clipper card” under Transit, tap Continue.
  • Select “Add a Different Card” then follow prompts to purchase and add a new Clipper card to Apple Wallet.
  • Please wait two hours then call Clipper Customer Service at 877.878.8883 to transfer your previous card balance.

To use Clipper with Apple Pay on SFMTA cable cars and other transit services using handheld readers, all customers must authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode.

iPhone with Face ID

  • Double-click the side button.
  • When your default card appears, tap it, then tap to choose your Clipper card.
  • Glance at your iPhone to authenticate with Face ID or enter your passcode.
  • Hold the top of your iPhone near the upper left back side of the reader to pay your fare.

iPhone with Touch ID

  • Double-click the Home button with your iPhone on the Lock screen.
  • Tap your Clipper card then tap it again to select it.
  • Rest your finger on Touch ID to authenticate.
  • Hold the top of your iPhone near the upper left back side of the reader to pay your fare.

Apple Watch

  • Double-click the side button.
  • When your default card appears, swipe up to choose your Clipper card.
  • Hold the display of your Apple Watch near the upper left back side of the reader to pay your fare.

This is a known issue, and we are working to fix it. Once you have transferred your pass to your iPhone or Apple Watch, it is ready to use even if it doesn't show up. Please note that cards with a Gator pass or VTA SmartPass cannot be transferred to your iPhone or Apple Watch at this time.

Yes, it's easy to transfer a plastic card to Google Pay! Please note that once you transfer your plastic card to your Android, your plastic card will be deactivated for transit use.

On your Android phone, you can transfer your existing plastic card in Google Pay using the Clipper app.

  1. Download the Clipper app
  2. Log in to your account or create a new account
  3. Select the card you want to transfer, then click “Add to Google Pay"
  4. Follow the instructions to transfer your plastic card to Google Pay

For more step-by-step instructions on how to transfer your plastic Clipper card to Google Pay, go to the Clipper On Your Android page or watch this how-to videoopens in new window .

Purchasing a Clipper card in Google Pay is easy!

  1. Open the Google Pay app and on the home screen, scroll down until you see the ‘Discover’ section
  2. Click the "Add a transit card" link to get started with setting up a mobile Clipper card
  3. When you see a list of agencies, click on "San Francisco, CA - Clipper"
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to purchase a Clipper card

For more step-by-step instructions on how to purchase a card in Google Pay, go to the Clipper On Your Android page.

Setting up a new Clipper card in GPay is easy. Click here for step-by-step instructions.

Add a new Clipper card to your Android phone.

  • Open the Google Wallet app or download it on Google Play
  • On your Android phone, tap "Add to Wallet" and select "San Francisco Bay Area, CA"
  • Follow the instructions on your phone to add your Clipper card, and you're all set!

Add a new Clipper card to Wear OS smartwatch.

  • Launch the Google Wallet app on your Wear OS smartwatch (If you have a Pixel Watch, simply double click the crown to open Google Wallet)
  • Tap the "+ Card" to start
  • Follow the directions and continue setup on your phone
  • Tap “Add to watch” on your phone
  • Select the “Transit pass” option
  • Select Clipper and accept the terms & conditions
  • Select payment method and the value you would like to add, then tap "Continue."
  • Confirm amount and finish payment

A Clipper card can only be on a single device at one time. You may have Clipper cards on your Android phone and Wear OS smartwatch as long as they are two separate cards.

Yes, you can transfer your Clipper card from your Android phone to your Wear OS smartwatch. Alternatively, you can have Clipper cards on both your Android phone and Wear OS smartwatch, but they must be separate cards.

From Android phone to Wear OS smartwatch (like Pixel Watch):

  • Launch the Google Wallet app on your Wear OS smartwatch
  • Tap the "+ Card" to start
  • Follow the directions and continue setup on your phone
  • Tap “Add to watch” on your phone
  • Select the “Transit pass” option
  • Select the Clipper card that you would like to activate on the watch and wait a few seconds for the transfer to complete

Android phone

  • Turn your phone screen on
  • Hold your phone near the Clipper reader

Wear OS smartwatch

  • Make sure you are wearing your watch
  • Launch the Google Wallet app on your Wear OS smartwatch (if you have a Pixel Watch, simply double click the crown to open Google Wallet)
  • Hold your watch to the card reader. Wait until you get a blue checkmark

Do this every time you board a bus, train or ferry, including when you transfer. On most buses and stand-alone readers, you will be shown the amount of your transactions and your balance (or expiration date of your pass). Be sure to tag on every time you board (you may need to tag off for some agencies). Keep your phone handy in case an inspector asks to see your fare. If you have trouble tagging, you might try to move your phone around as different phones have their antennas in different places.

If you have a Samsung phone, you will need to set Google Pay as the default wallet in your phone settings to use your mobile Clipper card on Google Pay.

No, if you have multiple cards in Google Pay, such as a credit card and a Clipper card, the Clipper reader will automatically charge your Clipper card when you tag on/off.

You do not need to download the Clipper app to add a new Clipper card to Google Pay. For your new Clipper card, you can add cash value, set up autoload, and see your recent transactions in Google Pay. However, you will need to download the Clipper app to convert your existing plastic card to a mobile Clipper card and save it in Google Pay. You also will need to use the Clipper app to add passes to your card in Google Pay.

You can add and manage Adult, Youth, Senior, and RTC cards in Google Pay with a few exceptions. The following cannot be transferred to Google Pay:

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

Note:

  • RTC customers can transfer their RTC 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 need to keep their plastic cards to unlock bikeshares. Clipper on your phone will not unlock a bikeshare.

  1. Open your Clipper card
  2. Select the "Add Money" option in the card
  3. Select the payment method and amount to be added
  4. Confirm the payment info and tap purchase
  5. Once you add the money, the balance will show on your card

Alternatively, if the low balance notification is turned on, you can select that and add money.

For more step-by-step instructions on how to add value to a Clipper card in Google Pay, go to the Clipper On Your Android page.

You cannot add transit passes in Google Pay. You will need to use the Clipper app to purchase passes to use with your card in Google Pay.

Your phone must be running Android Lollipop (5.0) or higher, and it must have an NFC chip. To check your Android version, go to Settings > About Phone > Android Version. To check if your device has an NFC chip, go to settings and search for NFC.

Just like with plastic Clipper cards, we charge a one-time fee of $3 to help cover our operating costs.

Just like with paper tickets and passes, it's your responsibility to have valid fare with you at all times. If your battery dies, please be prepared to pay another way.

You can pay for fares with Google Pay by turning your phone screen on and then holding your Android phone near a Clipper reader. Tag your phone every time you board a bus, train, or ferry including when you transfer.

On most buses and stand-alone readers, you will be shown the amount of your transactions and your balance (or expiration date of your pass). There's no need to open an app. Once you hear a single beep—that means you've paid your fare and are good to go! If you hear two beeps, your value is low. If you hear three beeps, you do not have sufficient value and need to add more value to your Clipper card.

You will not necessarily be charged every time you tag, but it validates your fare and serves as your proof of payment, so be sure to tag on every time you board (you may need to tag off for some agencies). Keep your phone handy in case an inspector asks to see your fare.

Nope, just turn on your phone, tag, and go!

If you prefer to authenticate your Clipper payments, you can change this in your Settings.

No. If your card is already saved to your phone in Google Pay, you can use the card while your phone is offline. However, the phone does need to be online for purchasing a new card or adding balance to an existing card.

You can check your travel/trip history in Google Pay on your Android phone or in the Clipper app.

You can find your recent travel history if you scroll down on your Clipper card. If you click on a recent activity, you can see more detailed information related to that trip like date, time, etc.

No, you can only have one active card in Google Pay at a time.

You can only activate one card on one device at a time. Cards can only be transferred to another device. Once it is transferred, it will no longer be available on the original device.

Log into the Clipper app on your new Android phone, select your Clipper card, then click “Move to this device.”

Please contact Clipper Customer Service at 877.878.8883 if you need assistance.

Open the Clipper app or log in to clippercard.com and select “Report Lost or Stolen.” That will deactivate the card, but your balance will stay on your account. You can use the Clipper app to reactivate your card if your phone turns up, or transfer the card to a new phone.

On Google Pay, a deleted card cannot be recovered. However, if you registered your card with Clipper, you can contact Clipper Customer Service at 877.878.8883 to get help transferring your balance to a new card.

Yes, you'll be able to validate your BART parking with your phone. Just tag your phone by holding it over the BART parking validator. You can also manage your balance in the Clipper app.

You can use WageWorks cards in Google Pay with the exception of Visa payment cards. All WageWorks cards, including Visa, can be used to make purchases directly in the Clipper app.

This is a known issue, but be assured that the value is always correct. You can always check it in the Clipper app or on the Clipper website at clippercard.com.

Yes, there have been inconsistent experiences with Motorola phones. At this time, Motorola phones are not supported. Please check back for updated communications.

Try the following:

  • Find out if your phone has NFC - Search Settings - NFC. Turn On.
  • Move the device to locate your phone's NFC antenna. Antenna locations are different across mobile phones and can range from locations like the back of the battery to the top near the camera. Move the device across multiple areas to trigger the conversion.
  • Remove phone accessories - phone cases, metal magnets
  • Place your phone on a flat (non-metal) surface
  • Make sure you have data connection