Get a Clipper Card

A Clipper Card is an integrated circuit (IC) transit card that can be used on most Bay Area transport, including BART, CalTrain, SF Muni, AC Transit, Wheels, and more. Getting a Clipper Card is not too difficult. You can either order one online or you can get one at a BART or CalTrain ticketing machine. This wikiHow will show you how to get a Clipper Card.

Steps

Getting a Clipper Card at a Ticketing Machine

  1. Locate a machine that uses Clipper Card. These machines will also be able to dispense Clipper. Look for the Clipper logo and a Clipper reader on the machine. These can be found at BART stations, CalTrain stations, and underground Muni stations.
  2. Present payment. Insert your card or cash to initiate the process of getting a Clipper Card. You can also tap your phone to the NFC reader if the ticket machine supports Apple or Google Pay. If you already have a Clipper card, tap it to the reader to view and manage your balance.
  3. Confirm the issue fee. New cards cost US$3 to obtain. Existing cards are free to reload.
  4. Decide how much money to add. If using a debit card, use the buttons on the screen to adjust the amount of money on your Clipper Card.
  5. Select OK. After doing so, a receipt will print out along with your new Clipper Card.

Getting a Clipper Card from Your Phone

  1. Open Apple/Google Pay. Apple Pay has a wallet icon on a black background. Google Pay has a colored pass on a white background.
  2. Tap the "Add Card" button. On Apple devices, this looks like a +. On Android, tap the card in the corner and select Add a card on the bottom.
  3. Select Clipper. This will let you create a new Clipper Card.
  4. Input payment details and the amount that you want to load. A new Clipper Card costs US$3 to obtain. Your payment details may automatically be loaded from your mobile wallet.
  5. Select Continue. This will finish adding the card to your mobile wallet. You may need to use biometrics.
  6. Turn on Express Transit (iOS). To do so, select the card in Apple Pay then turn the toggle on for Express Transit.

Registering your Clipper Card

  1. Download the Clipper app. This is available on iPhone and Android. To do so, search "Clipper" in the App/Play Store.
  2. Login or register a Clipper account. To do so, use your email address. After creating an account or logging in, you will be able to access the Clipper app.
  3. Select "Cards" from the bottom. This will show your currently registered cards.
  4. Select Register Plastic Card. This will take you to a form where you can register your Clipper Card.
  5. Enter your card number. This can be found on the back of your Clipper Card and is 10 digits long.
  6. Give your card a nickname. This will be displayed in the mobile app.
  7. Select Add Card. This will immediately register your Clipper Card.

Adding Your Clipper Card to Apple/Google Pay

  1. Download the Clipper app. This is available on iPhone and Android. To do so, search "Clipper" in the App/Play Store.
  2. Login or register a Clipper account. To do so, use your email address. After creating an account or logging in, you will be able to access the Clipper app.
  3. Select "Cards" from the bottom. This will show your currently registered cards.
  4. Select Convert on the card to convert. This will allow you to convert your current Clipper Card to a digital one that can be added to Apple or Google Pay.
  5. Hold your Clipper Card on the NFC reader of your phone. This is on the back of your phone and may be marked with a square. Hold it there until the card registers.
  6. Maintain an Internet connection. The Clipper data is being uploaded to Apple or Google Pay where it can be viewed on multiple devices.
  7. Select Add to Apple/Google Pay. This will add the Clipper Card to your mobile wallet.
  8. Turn on Express Transit (iOS). To do so, select the card in Apple Pay then turn the toggle on for Express Transit.

Using Your Clipper Card

  1. Locate the payment reader. Look for the Clipper symbol. This icon has a patterned arrow pointing downward on a blue background.
  2. Tag your Clipper Card. Tap your physical card or your mobile device to the reader to do so.
  3. Proceed. If your Clipper Card is valid, the reader lights will blink green and beep once. Another color means that there is likely a problem with your Clipper Card.
    • If the reader blinks yellow and beeps twice, then your Clipper Card balance is running low (below $2). Despite this, your card can go a little negative on card readers not connected to the Internet before you need to reload.
    • If the reader blinks red and beeps thrice, then you do not have any balance. This could also occur if your card is blocked. Your Clipper Card will not work if its card value goes above US$12 debt or if you do not have any online balance.

Tips

  • Clipper Cards can be used to ride public transit at a discounted price. It pays itself after a couple of round trips.

Warnings

  • Treat your Clipper Card like cash. If you lose your Clipper Card, immediately report it as lost or stolen. You will lose all funds on your card.
  • If your Clipper Card is on your mobile phone, keep your phone sufficiently charged during the ride. Contact the station attendant for assistance if your phone dies.
  • Always remember to tag out to avoid additional charges.
  • If you tag in and out at the same BART station, you will be charged an excursion fare. Contact the station attendant if you mistakenly tagged in.
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