Riders can download the Clipper mobile app from the App Store or Google Play to get a free virtual card (for a limited time) with a $3 minimum load. 
Physical Clipper cards are available at participating retail locations, online at clippercard.com, and at select SamTrans transit centers. 

Youth (ages 5–18) and Senior (ages 65 and older) riders must submit an application to receive a discounted card. Applications can be completed online at Clippercard.com Riders with disabilities can apply for a Clipper Access Card, formerly Regional Transit Connection Clipper Card (RTC). 

You can add cash value or passes using the Clipper app, website, Caltrain ticket machines, or participating retailers. 

• Cash value never expires.
• Passes are time-limited. 
   Autoload is available to automatically reload cash or passes when your balance is low. You can manage or cancel Autoload anytime through your Clipper account. 

Balances no longer display on validators but can be checked anytime: 

• In real-time via the Clipper app or website (for registered cards). 

• Through Apple Wallet or Google Wallet for mobile cards. 

• Call Clipper Customer Service at 877.878.8883. 

Always tap your card or device on the Clipper validator screen at the start of each trip. 

• On most SamTrans fixed routes, no tap-off is required.
• On services such as RidePlus or other distance-based routes, you may need to tap off to ensure the correct fare. 

Hold your card or device flat against the validator screen for at least several seconds until you hear a beep confirming a successful tap.  If you tap too quickly, the validator can’t read your card. 

Bay Area riders can now pay adult fares on SamTrans using a contactless bank card—credit or debit—Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover, as well as through Apple Pay or Google Pay. 

Important details: 

1. Each rider must pay with their own card or device.
2. Contactless bank card payments apply only to Adult fares. Discounted Youth, Senior, Clipper START, and Clipper Access (formerly RTC) fares still require a registered Clipper card.
3. To ensure the correct card is charged, remove your card from your wallet before tapping.
4. Always use the same card or device to tap on and off to avoid incorrect or multiple charges. 

Card Clash occurs when multiple contactless cards or devices are near the validator at the same time. This can cause a failed tap or charge the wrong fare. To avoid this: 

• Only hold the card or device you want to use near the validator.
• Keep other contactless cards or devices away while tapping. 

SamTrans Monthly Passes can be loaded onto Clipper cards for unlimited trips. They work in combination with stored cash value for transfers and special trips. 

Fare capping for Open Payment is calculated separately from Monthly Pass usage. Riders should continue to tap every trip to receive transfer discounts and proper fare calculations. 

When a rider turns 19, their Youth Clipper card is no longer valid for discounted fares. They’ll need to apply for an Adult card and select appropriate fare products. 
Eligible riders can apply for Clipper START for low-income discounts or continue using standard Adult fares. 

On your 19th birthday, Youth discounts end. If your card has cash value, Clipper charges adult fares from that day on. Any active Youth pass is canceled the day you become ineligible, even mid‑month. If you use Auto‑Reload for a Youth pass, turn it off before your birthday so a new Youth pass doesn’t load. To keep riding with discounts after 18, check if you qualify for Clipper START (ages 19–64).  For mobile Youth cards, you can keep using remaining cash value, but you’ll need a new Adult card or Clipper START card to move your balance; then call Clipper Customer Service for a balance transfer. 

Each rider must use their own Clipper card or payment method. Clipper and Open Payment methods cannot be used to pay for multiple riders. 

Eligible low-income riders (ages 19–64) can apply for Clipper START for discounted fares across SamTrans and other Bay Area agencies. 

Youth and Senior riders can apply online for discount cards, reducing paperwork and in-person visits. 
Note: Open Payment does not automatically qualify for discounted fares — a valid Clipper card must be used. 

RidePlus supports Open Payment for Adult fares. Discounted fares still require the appropriate Clipper card. 
Paratransit services such as RediWheels, RediCoast, and SamCoast will maintain their current fare collection systems. 

Open Payment will not apply to these services during the initial rollout, and staff will continue following existing ADA and discount protocols. 

The easiest way to use Clipper is with the Clipper mobile app, available for download via the App Store or Google Play.

Riders can also purchase a physical Clipper card:

Adults
Adult (ages 19-64) Clipper cards can be purchased at San Mateo County Transit District Administrative office in San Carlos as well as Clipper retail vendors.

Discounts – Youth and Seniors
To qualify for a discounted Clipper pass, Youth (ages 5-18) and Senior (ages 65+) customers must fill out an application to obtain a Clipper card.

Apply Now.

Senior and Youth applications are available on the Clipper website or by calling 1-800-660-4287 (TTY 650-508-6448). 

Completed applications and proof-of-age may be submitted by mail, e-mail or fax as indicated on the application.  To receive a card immediately, you can apply in person at the San Mateo County Transit District Administrative office in San Carlos or at other Clipper designated locations.  The applying Senior/Youth does not have to be present.

Note:  A Youth Clipper card will automatically change to an Adult Clipper card once you turn 19. Please refer to FAQ's below for more information.

Customers with Disabilities/RTC Members
Disabled fare customers must have a Regional Transit Connection Clipper-compatible card. For more information or to obtain one, please call

An Adult Clipper card is free for a limited time by downloading a virtual card via the Clipper mobile app via the App Store or Google Play.  A minimum of $3 cash value is required to be loaded to the card when obtaining the Adult Clipper card on mobile for the first time.

Otherwise, physical cards cost $3. The fee is waived if you sign-up for Autoload and obtain the card at the same time online. There is no fee for Youth and Senior Clipper cards. 

Cash or passes can be loaded your Clipper card immediately by going to:

• Participating transit agencies
• Clipper retail outlets
• Downtown San Francisco Muni fare machines
• BART ticket machines
• Add Value Machines at San Francisco or Palo Alto Caltrain stations
• Select Caltrain ticket machines 

Products/cash may also be loaded through the Clipper website or over the phone with the Clipper Customer Service Bureau, but the pass/cash may take up to five days to be loaded onto the card.

Clipper also offers Autoload where your card is reloaded each month automatically. For more information, visit www.clippercard.com or call the Clipper Customer Service Bureau at 1-877-878-8883.

A customer who qualifies for one of the discount categories (youth, senior, disabled) must apply for the appropriate Clipper card. When they travel using cash, the onboard validator recognizes the type of card and deducts the appropriate cash value.

On your 19^th birthday, your Youth Clipper card will automatically change to an Adult Clipper card. This means youth discounts will no longer be granted and adult fares will be required. Note: If you have a Youth Monthly Pass on your card, it will be cancelled. This will happen even if it is the beginning or middle of the month. If you have cash value on your card, the Clipper system will automatically start deducting adult fare.

If your card is set up for autoload and your 19^th birthday is coming up, follow these steps: 1) Disable Autoload before the new pass is loaded. This will prevent a product from being loaded that you will not be able to fully use. 2) After your birthday has passed, set up Autoload to load an adult pass.

Yes. Regardless of whether you use cash value or a pass, you must tap your card to the onboard validator every time you board. Your tap is your proof-of-payment.

When using Clipper, you must pay your entire fare with the pass and/or cash value on your Clipper card. You cannot combine cash, tickets or tokens with a portion from your Clipper card.

Visit our Interagency Transfers page.

Clipper cards are for individual use. Each rider 5 years of age or older must have his/her own card. The Clipper cards also have a feature that stops you from tapping more than once on the same bus within a 5-minute timeframe. This feature was built in to protect you from accidentally tapping and being charged twice.