How to Get a Clipper Card

Last Updated: June 16, 2022

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.

Part 1

Part 1 of 5:

Getting a Clipper Card at a Ticketing Machine

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.
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.

Advertisement
New cards cost US$3 to obtain. Existing cards are free to reload.
If using a debit card, use the buttons on the screen to adjust the amount of money on your Clipper Card.
After doing so, a receipt will print out along with your new Clipper Card.

Advertisement

Part 2

Part 2 of 5:

Getting a Clipper Card from Your Phone

Apple Pay has a wallet icon on a black background. Google Pay has a colored pass on a white background.
On Apple devices, this looks like a + . On Android, tap the card in the corner and select Add a card on the bottom.
This will let you create a new Clipper Card.
A new Clipper Card costs US$3 to obtain. Your payment details may automatically be loaded from your mobile wallet.
This will finish adding the card to your mobile wallet. You may need to use biometrics.
To do so, select the card in Apple Pay then turn the toggle on for Express Transit.

Advertisement

Part 3

Part 3 of 5:

Registering Your Clipper Card

This is available on iPhone and Android. To do so, search "Clipper" in the App/Play Store.
To do so, use your email address. After creating an account or logging in, you will be able to access the Clipper app.
This will show your currently registered cards.
This will take you to a form where you can register your Clipper Card.
This can be found on the back of your Clipper Card and is 10 digits long.
This will be displayed in the mobile app.
This will immediately register your Clipper Card.

Advertisement

Part 4

Part 4 of 5:

Adding Your Clipper Card to Apple/Google Pay

This is available on iPhone and Android. To do so, search "Clipper" in the App/Play Store.
To do so, use your email address. After creating an account or logging in, you will be able to access the Clipper app.
This will show your currently registered cards.
This will allow you to convert your current Clipper Card to a digital one that can be added to Apple or Google Pay.
This is on the back of your phone and may be marked with a square. Hold it there until the card registers.
The Clipper data is being uploaded to Apple or Google Pay where it can be viewed on multiple devices.
This will add the Clipper Card to your mobile wallet.
To do so, select the card in Apple Pay then turn the toggle on for Express Transit.

Advertisement

Part 5

Part 5 of 5:

Using Your Clipper Card

Look for the Clipper symbol. This icon has a patterned arrow pointing downward on a blue background.
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.
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

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

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Always remember to tag out to avoid additional charges.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

How to Get a Clipper Card

Steps

Getting a Clipper Card at a Ticketing Machine

Getting a Clipper Card from Your Phone

Registering Your Clipper Card

Adding Your Clipper Card to Apple/Google Pay

Using Your Clipper Card

Expert Q&A

Tips

Warnings

You Might Also Like

About this article

Did this article help you?

About this article

You Might Also Like

Explore Categories