Activating Your PRESTO Card Power-Up Guide

Important Note: If you have acquired your card from a Customer Service Outlet, a Shoppers Drug Mart location, a PRESTO machine, or from an online source without creating an account, there is no need to activate it. However, if you still need to activate your card, please adhere to the following steps.

1. Begin the activation process by entering the 17-digit number and the PIN of your PRESTO card in the designated spaces below. Then, click on 'Activate.'

2. Please note that the activation may take up to 24 hours to be processed. During this period, your card will not be usable. After waiting for the designated time, it is essential to tap your PRESTO card on a PRESTO device within 30 days to successfully complete the activation process.

3. Once your card is activated, you can travel with it and conveniently make payments by tapping it on a fare payment device.

What advantages does PRESTO offer?

PRESTO enables users to pay for their transportation using an electronic fare card, eliminating the need for cash, tickets, tokens, or passes on public transit.

By creating a PRESTO account, you ensure the safeguarding of your card balance. In the unfortunate event of your card being misplaced or stolen, the remaining amount can be transferred to a replacement card. This unique feature is not available with any other form of transit payment.

Furthermore, you have the option to set an automatic reload function, which adds funds to your card whenever the balance falls below a certain minimum amount.

PRESTO cards are versatile and can be used across 11 transit agencies in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) as well as in the Ottawa area.

In addition, utilizing PRESTO makes you eligible for discounted fare trips on participating transit services.

Acquiring a PRESTO card

Purchasing a card online:

When you place an order for a card online, it will be delivered to your address within 7-10 business days. To complete the transaction, you are required to load a minimum of $10 onto your card balance or purchase a weekly/monthly transit pass. You have the choice to either create a My PRESTO Account or opt for a card that is not associated with an account.

Buying a card in person:

You have the option to obtain a card at a Customer Service Outlet or through a Ticket Vending Machine (TVM) or Fare Vending Machine (FVM). When purchasing a card in person, it is ready for immediate use and can be added to your My PRESTO Account online within 24 hours. The card is already activated, but we strongly encourage you to create a My PRESTO Account to access the benefits associated with having an account.

Please note that when purchasing or reloading a card at a Shoppers Drug Mart or any other in-person Customer Service Outlet, a minimum load of $0.05 is required. At Fare Vending Machines located at TTC subway stations, a minimum load of $5.00 is necessary. For online transactions, the PRESTO App, or Ticket Vending Machines at GO and UP Express stations, a minimum load of $10.00 must be added.

Replacing your card

In the event that you need to replace your PRESTO card and transfer the balance from the old card to the new one, please follow these instructions. Firstly, you must purchase a new card either online or in person at a Customer Service Outlet or Ticket Vending Machine.

After obtaining the new card, please refrain from registering it or adding a monthly pass, as this will be handled automatically during the transfer process. When you are prepared to transfer the balance from your old card to the new one, log in to your My PRESTO Account, select 'Report Lost/Damaged Card,' and carefully follow the given instructions.