MTR & Visa bring ePayment service to Hong Kong’s railway stations

By Gloria Mathias

MTR Corporation has announced the launch of contactless bank card payment for MTR rides in phases starting on December 23, 2023.

Passengers will be able to use this new service initially with Visa at designated gates, while additional bank cards will be accepted for payment in the third quarter of 2024. The new e-payment option will bring greater convenience to local passengers and travellers.

Starting December 23, passengers can tap their contactless credit card or debit card or devices such as smartphones and smartwatches with payment enabled at the credit card readers on the light blue gates. The number of entry and exit gates providing the new payment function will also be gradually increased.

“The introduction of contactless bank card payment at entry and exit gates is a key milestone in our journey in smart mobility as it signifies fully electronic payment for MTR trips. We provide diverse payment options, including Octopus, contactless bank cards, QR codes, and Single Journey Smart Ticket, for the convenience of passengers, catering to the needs of different passenger groups, as MTR further provides quality service with a ‘smart railway’,” said Jeny Yeung, Managing Director, Hong Kong Transport Services of MTR Corporation.

Following the introduction of contactless bank card payment service in the heavy rail network accepting Visa credit and debit cards, e-payment service has also been added to all Customer Service Centres at MTR stations1. The second phase of contactless bank card payment will be launched in the third quarter of 2024, and additional bank cards will be accepted for e-payment.

“We are thrilled to become the first digital payment company in Hong Kong to bring contactless bank card payments to MTR. Visa is committed to providing innovative, secure, and universally consistent payment methods to the millions of citizens and travellers who take the MTR every day. We believe that an open-loop payment system not only accelerates smart mobility but also brings opportunities for the development of the global digital economy,” said Paulina Leong, General Manager, Visa Hong Kong and Macau.