What a Metro one-time payment is
A Metro one-time payment is a single payment you make toward your transit account outside of your regular payment schedule. Instead of setting up an automatic monthly charge or buying a pass in advance, you pay once for a specific amount — usually to cover a single trip, a day of travel, or a balance you owe. The payment goes into your account when ready and is available to use right away.
One-time payments are useful when you need transit access but do not want to commit to a monthly plan, when you want to add money to an existing account without waiting for automatic billing, or when you owe a past-due balance and want to settle it quickly. The payment method and processing time depend on how you submit it — online, at a station, or through an app.
Key Takeaways
- A one-time payment adds money to your transit account when ready, without requiring you to set up recurring charges or buy a multi-trip pass.
- You can make a one-time payment online, through a mobile app, at a station kiosk, or in person at a customer service office, depending on your transit system.
- Payment methods usually include debit cards, credit cards, and sometimes bank transfers or cash, but options vary by system.
- One-time payments are often cheaper per trip than buying individual tickets at the station, but more expensive than monthly passes if you ride regularly.
Where to make a one-time payment
The location where you pay depends on your transit system and how quickly you need the money in your account. Most systems offer multiple routes so you can choose what works for you.
Online portals are the fastest option for most people. You log into your transit account on the system's website, enter the amount you want to add, and choose your payment method. The money usually appears in your account within minutes. This works 24 hours a day and requires only a computer or phone with internet access.
Mobile apps work the same way as online portals — you open the app, select "Add funds" or "Make a payment," enter the amount, and pay. Some systems let you store your payment method in the app so you do not have to enter it each time. Like the website, this is available anytime.
Station kiosks are physical machines at transit stops where you can add money to your account or card. You insert your card or enter your account number, select the amount, and pay with a debit card, credit card, or sometimes cash. Processing is when ready, but you need to be at a station during operating hours.
Customer service offices let you pay in person with a staff member. You bring your account information or card, tell them how much you want to add, and pay. This is useful if you have questions about your account or prefer to pay with cash, but it requires you to visit during business hours.
Payment methods and fees
The payment methods you can use depend on your transit system, but most accept debit cards and credit cards. Some systems also accept bank transfers (also called ACH payments), and a few accept cash at kiosks or in-person locations.
Check whether your system charges a fee for one-time payments. Some transit systems charge a small percentage of the payment amount — often 2 to 3 percent — when you pay with a credit card, though debit card payments may be free. Other systems do not charge any fee at all. A few systems charge a flat fee of a dollar or two regardless of the amount. Call your transit system's customer service line or check their website to find out what applies to you.
If you are paying with a credit card and a fee applies, the fee is usually added to your bill separately from the transit payment itself. If you are paying with a debit card or bank transfer, the fee may be deducted from the amount you send, so the full amount you intended may not reach your account.
How long the payment takes to show up
The time between when you pay and when the money is available in your account varies by payment method and system.
Online and app payments with a debit or credit card usually show up within minutes — often when ready. You can use the money to pay for a trip right away. Bank transfers (ACH) are slower and typically take one to three business days.
Kiosk payments are when ready. The money is added to your card or account as soon as the transaction completes, and you can use it for your next trip.
In-person payments at a customer service office are also when ready. The staff member adds the funds while you are there, and you can use them right away.
If you are paying a past-due balance, some systems require the payment to clear before your account is active again, which may take a day or two depending on the payment method. Check with your system if you need to know the exact timing for your situation.
When a one-time payment makes sense
A one-time payment is the right choice when you use transit occasionally rather than regularly. If you take the bus or train a few times a month, paying once when you need it costs less than paying for a monthly pass you will not fully use.
One-time payments also make sense if you are new to a transit system and want to try it before committing to a monthly plan. You can add a small amount, see how often you actually ride, and decide later whether a pass is worth it.
If you already have an account and your balance is low or zero, a one-time payment is faster than waiting for an automatic monthly charge to process. You can add money when ready and ride right away.
One-time payments are also useful for settling a past-due balance quickly. If your account is suspended because you owe money, paying that amount in full can reactivate your account within hours or a day, depending on the system.
One-time payments versus other payment options
Understanding how one-time payments compare to other ways of paying helps you choose what works best for your situation.
| Payment Type | Best For | Cost Per Trip | Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-time payment (pay-as-you-go) | Occasional riders, people trying transit for the first time | Higher per trip, but you pay only for what you use | None — pay when you need to |
| Monthly pass | Regular commuters who ride most days | Lowest per trip if you ride enough to break even | Renews monthly; you pay whether you ride or not |
| Stored value card (loaded in advance) | Regular riders who want flexibility without a monthly commitment | Lower per trip than one-time, higher than a pass | You load it when you want; no automatic renewal |
| Automatic monthly charge | Commuters who want to set it and forget it | Same as monthly pass | Renews automatically each month until you cancel |
If you ride more than 10 to 15 times a month, a monthly pass usually costs less per trip than paying one-time. If you ride fewer than that, one-time payments are cheaper overall because you do not pay for unused trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a one-time payment to cover multiple trips?
Yes. When you make a one-time payment, you add a balance to your account. That balance covers as many trips as the amount allows — you do not have to use it all in one ride. For example, if a single trip costs $2.50 and you add $25 to your account, you can take 10 trips before the balance runs out.
What happens if I add money but do not use it?
The money stays in your account indefinitely on most transit systems. You can use it whenever you ride, even months or years later. However, check your system's policy — a small number of systems expire stored balances after a certain period of inactivity, though this is uncommon.
Can I get a refund if I add too much money?
Refund policies vary by system. Some systems allow you to request a refund of unused balance through their customer service office or website. Others do not issue refunds but let you transfer the balance to someone else or use it yourself over time. Contact your transit system to find out what they allow.
Is a one-time payment the same as buying a ticket?
No. Buying a ticket at a kiosk or station gives you a single trip when ready. A one-time payment adds money to your account that you can use for multiple trips until the balance is gone. One-time payments are usually cheaper per trip because you avoid the markup that comes with buying individual tickets.
Can I make a one-time payment if I do not have an account yet?
Most systems let you create an account online in a few minutes before making your first payment. You provide an email address, create a password, and add your payment information. Some systems also let you pay at a kiosk without an account — the money goes to a card you create on the spot. Check your system's website to see which option applies.