Beep Card Guide: Where to Buy, How to Load, and Where to Use It (2026)

The beep card is a reloadable contactless smart card used to pay fares on Metro Manila's rail and bus systems. Operated by AF Payments Inc., it uses tap-to-pay technology at station gates and onboard bus validators, so commuters no longer need to queue for single-journey tickets or prepare exact cash. A single beep card can be shared across all participating transit services, and stored value is deducted automatically based on the distance travelled.

The beep card is accepted across the rail network and a growing list of bus services. Coverage continues to expand, so always check posted signage at the station or terminal.

A standard beep card retails for ₱30, which covers the card itself and does not include stored value. You load credit separately before your first ride. Cards are sold at LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3 station booths and vending machines, at convenience-store partners, and through authorized online sellers. Special-edition and concessionary cards (for students, senior citizens, and PWDs, where available) may follow different pricing and verification rules.

1. Buy at a stationPurchase a card from any LRT or MRT ticket booth or beep vending machine.
2. Buy from partnersPick one up from participating convenience stores and retail partners.
3. Load before you rideAdd stored value at the same booth, a machine, or an app before tapping in.

You can reload a beep card with cash at station booths and vending machines, or cashless through e-wallets and partner apps. Stored value can be topped up incrementally up to the card's maximum balance, and credit does not expire as quickly as single-journey tokens, though cards themselves have a validity period, so keep yours in regular use.

Single-journey tickets (tokens) are sold per trip and must be purchased each time you ride, often meaning longer queues at peak hours. A beep card is tapped and reused indefinitely while it holds value, moving you straight through the gates. For regular commuters the time saved at the gate line is the main advantage; occasional riders may still prefer single-journey tickets to avoid the upfront card cost.