You can easily add your Compass Card to your iPhone's Wallet app, transforming your device into a convenient way to pay for transit fares. This allows you to tap your iPhone or Apple Watch at fare gates and on buses, streamlining your travel experience.
Adding Your Compass Card to Apple Wallet
Adding your Compass Card to your iPhone is a straightforward process that integrates your transit pass directly into your digital wallet. Whether you're setting up a new card or transferring an existing physical one, the steps are intuitive.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to put your Compass Card on your iPhone:
- Open the Wallet App: Locate and tap the Wallet app icon on your iPhone's home screen.
- Tap the Add Button: In the top-right corner of the Wallet app, tap the Add button (represented by a plus sign
+). - Select Transit Card: From the options presented, tap on "Transit Card." If you've previously added transit cards, you might also see "Previous Card" as an option to quickly re-add a card.
- Search for Compass Card: Scroll through the list of available transit cards or use the search bar to find and select "Compass Card." (The Compass Card is primarily used by TransLink in Metro Vancouver, Canada. Ensure you are selecting the correct regional card if prompted).
- Tap Continue and Follow Prompts: Tap "Continue" and then follow the on-screen instructions. This may include:
- Adding a New Card: Choosing the type of Compass product (e.g., adult, concession).
- Transferring an Existing Physical Card: Entering your physical Compass Card number to transfer its balance and products to your iPhone.
- Adding Funds: Adding funds directly to your digital Compass Card using Apple Pay.
- Verify and Start Tapping: Once successfully added, your Compass Card will appear in your Wallet app. You can now use your iPhone (or Apple Watch) to tap and pay for transit.
Key Benefits of Using Compass Card on iPhone
Digitizing your Compass Card offers several advantages, enhancing convenience and security for your daily commute:
- Effortless Tapping: Simply hold your iPhone near the Compass Card reader – no need to open an app or use Face ID/Touch ID for Express Transit.
- Convenient Fund Management: Easily add funds or purchase passes directly through the Wallet app using Apple Pay, anytime, anywhere.
- Enhanced Security: Your transactions are secure with Apple Pay, and if your iPhone is lost or stolen, you can remotely suspend or wipe your card information.
- Balance at a Glance: View your Compass Card balance and transaction history directly within the Wallet app.
- Eco-Friendly: Reduces the need for physical plastic cards.
Important Considerations
Before and after adding your Compass Card to your iPhone, keep these points in mind:
- Compatibility: Ensure your iPhone is running the latest iOS version and supports Apple Pay. Most recent iPhone models are compatible.
- Express Transit: Enable Express Transit for your Compass Card in Wallet settings for the quickest way to pay without authentication.
- Physical Card Deactivation: If you transfer an existing physical Compass Card to your iPhone, the physical card will be deactivated and can no longer be used.
- Device Limitations: Your Compass Card can only be active on one device (iPhone or Apple Watch) at a time. You can move it between devices, but it won't be simultaneously active on both.
- Internet Connection: An internet connection is required to add funds or manage your card, but not to tap and pay for transit.
Managing Your Digital Compass Card
Once your Compass Card is in your Wallet app, you have full control over its management:
- View Details: Tap on your Compass Card in the Wallet app to see your balance, transaction history, and options for adding value or passes.
- Set Express Transit: Go to
Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay > Express Transit Cardto select your Compass Card for tap-and-go convenience. - Remove Card: If needed, you can remove your Compass Card from your Wallet app at any time by tapping on the card, scrolling down, and selecting "Remove Card."
Here's a quick comparison of using a physical vs. digital Compass Card:
| Feature | Physical Compass Card | Digital Compass Card (iPhone) |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Requires carrying a separate card | Integrated into iPhone/Apple Watch, tap & go |
| Funding | Online, vending machines, retailers | Directly in Wallet app with Apple Pay, online, vending machines |
| Balance View | Online, vending machines, card readers | Directly in Wallet app |
| Security | Susceptible to loss/theft | Secure with Apple Pay, remotely manageable if lost |
| Express Use | Tap card | Express Transit (no authentication needed for tap) |
| Transferability | N/A | Easily transferable between your Apple devices |
For more detailed information on setting up and using transit cards with Apple Wallet, you can visit the official Apple Support page for Wallet Transit Cards. For specific details regarding the TransLink Compass Card on iPhone, refer to TransLink's official information.
