With technological advancements on a rapid rise, payment for public transportation in the Philippines have also adapted. This adaptation comes with the purchase of Beep cards that locals can purchase for a one-time fee of thirty Philippine pesos when bought in train stations. This article will tell you everything you need to know about the Beep card – what it is, where to buy one, and more.
What is a Beep Card?
A Beep card is a “store-valued” contactless card, commuters can use to pay fares in railways such as LRT1, LRT2, and MRT3 trains as well as numerous P2P buses, various PUVs, Cebu Ferries, convenient store and partner merchants.
Where to Buy a Beep Card?
The contactless card can be purchased in various physical locations or online shopping platforms. The card is available at the following establishments:
- Train stations
a. LRT-1
| Roosevelt | Abad Santos | Carriedo | Vito Cruz |
| Balintawak | Blumentritt | Central Terminal | Gil Puyat |
| Monumento | Tayuman | United Nations | Libertad |
| 5th Avenue | Bambang | Pedro Gil | EDSA |
| R. Papa | Doroteo Jose | Quirino | Baclaran |
b. LRT-2
| Recto | Gilmore | Santolan |
| Legarda | GilmoreBetty Go – Belmonte | Marikina |
| Pureza | Araneta Center – Cubao | Antipolo |
| V. Maps | Anonas | |
| J. Ruiz | Katipunan |
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c. MRT-3
| North Avenue | Ortigas | Ayala |
| Quezon Avenue | Shaw Boulevard | Magallanes |
| GMA – Kamuning | Boni | Taft Avenue |
| Araneta Center – Cubao | Guadalupe | |
| Santolan – Annapolis | Buendia |
- Online Platforms
- Shopee
- Lazada
- Select P2P Terminals
| BGC Bus EDSA McKinley | TAS Trans Pilar Las Pińas | Starmall Alabang |
| BGC Bus Market! Market! | TAS Trans NUVALI | Greenbelt 1 |
| BGC Bus Bonifacio Stop Over | Glorietta 3 Makati | Starmall Shaw |
| One Ayala | Alabang Town Center |
How Much is a Beep Card?
A Beep card has a one-time purchase fee of thirty Philippine pesos. This prepaid card is then reloadable for use by the cardholder.
Holders can then reload their cards at train station kiosks, participating merchants, digital banking and e-wallet partners, and other loading partners. However, cards bought outside train stations cost one hundred thirty Philippine pesos. All purchased cards last for four years with an option to extend it for an additional year.
Benefits of using the Beep Card
Commuters know the hassle of needing to have coins for their commute fare. Going cashless and regularly loading your card minimizes this hassle. With the Beep card, you can enjoy seamless travel by using only one payment card for your LRT/MRT, HM Bus Airport Loop, BGC Bus and Citylink bus rides.
How to Load a Beep Card?
Individuals can load their cards at participating train stations by going to the kiosks. Users can also load through the Beep mobile application. However, users must have an NFC-enabled phone to claim their load through the mobile app. Check out this video tutorial by Beep for a more in-depth explanation.
Image source: LazMall
How to Your Check Beep Card Balance
To check your Beep balance, you must first download the mobile application which is available both on the AppStore and GooglePlay. The app is free and can register up to five different cards.
Moreover, the app can also show the cardholder’s transactions charged on their registered cards. Other ways to check for your current balance are the following:
- Tap your card in the Ticket Vending Machine (TVM)’s reader in 46 stations of the LRT and MRT.
- Ask for assistance in any teller windows in LRT and MRT stations regarding your card balance.
- Approach Beep windows or booths offering load services at various bus terminals.
- Tap your card on Ministop branches’ card readers and LRT1 stations that accept Beep transactions.
What Happens to my Card’s Balance When it Expires?
Existing cardholders with expiring cards have twelve months to transfer their card’s balance to a new card after the expiry date. Beep issues a one hundred fifty Philippine peso transfer fee for these transfers. All remaining balances not transferred within the grace period will be forfeited.
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What Happens to My Balance When an Error Occurs?
For any errors that happen during a Beep card transaction, users are advised to contact the Beep customer service hotline by reaching them at (02) 8737 9600.
How do I Know Which Beep Card is for Me?
There are multiple Beep cards available in the market. There are a few co-branded cards like Milo, Pepsi, Worship Generation, and Wizact 24. However, there are also co-branded cards that have other functions other than a contactless transportation reloadable card. These cards include the following:
- BPI Amore Prepaid
- Maya
- GCash
- Miniso Wink Rewards
The e-wallet and bank multifunctional cards can function as both debit cards and Beep cards. On the other hand, the Miniso Wink Rewards card can double as a rewards card for the merchant and a reloadable transportation contactless prepaid card. These e-wallets like Maya and GCash also offer other online payment transactions as well. Choosing the suitable card varies ultimately on the user’s needs and which e-wallet or bank they use more for their convenience.
Final Thoughts
The Beep card has significantly transformed public transportation payments in the Philippines. It provides commuters with a convenient and cashless method of payment for fares across various modes of transit. The Beep card is widely available and easy to use, making travel experiences smoother by eliminating the need to carry exact change. Additionally, its affordability and the option for online purchase and reload enhance accessibility for users.
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