Originally Posted by
Ancien Maestro
So its true that purchasing Oyster cards require cash? Or can you actually purchase Oyster cards with credit card?
I won't be carrying much cash with me, so I'm hoping to load up via a Visa or Amex.
You can use cash or card to purchase or top-up an Oyster card. As you can see, people have had varying experiences of using non-chip cards in ticket vending machines, but you could always try a ticket window where they'll be able to swipe your card.
Originally Posted by
Swanhunter
The auto top up will work at any station regardless of what you set. However when funds have been released to the card the first scan will get you a red light on the barrier. Tap the card again and it goes green fine. This can cause some irritation in the rush hour!
Despite having used auto-top-up for a few years now, I've still not quite get my head around this one. I think it just requires keeping the card on the reader for a few seconds longer than usual - though if you're not expecting it, it usually results in the card being rejected and requiring a second tap before the gates open.
Glad to know about it not expiring. I have purchased both given the official T&C, which says the credit expires after six months on the London-bought, but have used both simultaneously: put a travelcard for Zones 1 & 2 on the London-bought and charge the visitor's one with money for other Zones' travel and the odd day beyond the travelcard period.
There's no need to do this: a regular (ie non-visitor) Oyster card can be loaded with both a Travelcard and Pay-as-you-go credit. For example: a 1 week zones 1&2 travelcard, plus £10 of PAYG credit. All journeys in zones 1 & 2 would be covered, as would buses across the city. If the holder were to make a tube or train journey which ended in zone 3 or beyond, they would be charged the single fare from the edge of zone 2.
I keep meaning to write that Oyster FAQ for the UK&I forum, but it never seems to enter my mind when I've got the time...