Yes, you can pay Metro using your checking account
Most Metro transit systems let you pay your bill straight from your checking account using a method called automatic bank transfer or ACH payment (Automated Clearing House). You give Metro your account number and routing number, and they pull the payment on the date you choose. This works whether you're paying a single fare, a monthly pass, or a stored-value card balance.
The exact steps depend on which Metro system you use — Washington DC's WMATA, Los Angeles Metro, Chicago's CTA, or another city — but the basic process is the same across all of them. You'll set this up through their website or by phone, and you won't need a debit card or credit card to do it.
Key Takeaways
- You can authorize Metro to pull money directly from your checking account using your routing number and account number, which you'll find on a check or in your bank's app.
- This payment method is usually free and takes one to three business days to process, so plan ahead if you need a pass by a specific date.
- You set up the payment through Metro's official website or customer service phone line, not through your bank.
- Once you set up automatic payments, you can change or cancel them anytime through the same website or by calling Metro customer service.
Where to find your checking account information
To set up a bank transfer with Metro, you'll need two pieces of information from your checking account: your routing number and your account number. These are not secret — they're printed on every check you write.
If you have checks, look at the bottom left of any check. You'll see nine digits (the routing number), then your account number (usually ten to twelve digits). If you don't have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for a section called "Account Details" or "Account Information." Your bank will show both numbers there. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask them to read both numbers to you.
How to set up the payment with Metro
The process starts on Metro's official website. Look for a section labeled "Pay My Bill," "Manage My Account," or "Payment Options" — the exact wording varies by system. You'll create an account or log in if you already have one, then select the option to pay by bank transfer.
Metro will ask you to enter your routing number and account number. Double-check both before you submit — a single wrong digit will cause the payment to fail. You'll also choose the date you want the payment to go through. Most systems let you pick any date in the future, and some let you set up recurring payments so the same amount comes out every month automatically.
After you submit, Metro will send you a confirmation email with a reference number. Keep that email. If something goes wrong, you'll need it to contact customer service.
How long the payment takes
Bank transfers typically take one to three business days to complete. This means if you set up a payment on a Monday, the money might not leave your account until Wednesday or Thursday. Weekends and bank holidays add extra time, so a payment you set up on Friday might not go through until Tuesday.
Because of this delay, don't wait until the last day to set up a payment if you need a pass or balance by a specific date. If you need a pass today, you'll have to use a different payment method — a debit card, credit card, or cash at a Metro station — and set up the bank transfer for next month.
What happens if the payment fails
If Metro tries to pull money from your account and there isn't enough there, the payment will bounce. Your bank will charge you an overdraft fee (usually $25 to $35), and Metro won't get paid. You'll need to contact Metro customer service to reschedule the payment, and you'll also need to deal with your bank about the overdraft charge.
To avoid this, check your account balance before the payment date. If you're not sure when the payment will go through, log into your Metro account and look at the scheduled payment date, then make sure you have enough money in your account by that day.
Changing or stopping a payment
If you need to cancel a payment or change the date, log back into your Metro account on their website. Look for "Manage Payments," "Scheduled Payments," or "Payment History." You should see any payments you've set up. Click on the one you want to change, and you'll have options to edit the date, the amount, or cancel it entirely.
Changes usually take effect within one business day. If a payment is scheduled to go through today or tomorrow, you may not be able to stop it through the website — call Metro customer service instead and ask them to cancel it manually.
Other ways to pay if bank transfer doesn't work
If you don't have a checking account or prefer not to use bank transfer, Metro accepts other payment methods. Most systems take debit cards and credit cards through their website. Some also accept payment in person at a Metro station, by phone with a customer service representative, or through a mobile app.
If you're new to banking and don't have a debit or credit card yet, paying in cash at a Metro station is always an option. You can also ask about stored-value cards — physical cards you load money onto at a kiosk or station, then tap or scan to pay each fare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a debit card to pay Metro from my checking account?
No. A debit card is optional. You only need your routing number and account number, which you can find on a check or in your bank's app. Metro pulls the money directly from your account without needing a card.
Will Metro charge me a fee for paying by bank transfer?
No, Metro does not charge a fee for ACH payments. Your bank also should not charge you — most banks allow free transfers to businesses. If your bank charges you, it's unusual and worth calling them to ask why.
What if I enter the wrong routing or account number?
The payment will fail, and Metro will not receive the money. Your bank may charge you an overdraft or returned-payment fee even though the transfer didn't go through. Contact Metro customer service with your confirmation number, and they can help you reschedule with the correct information.
Can I set up automatic payments so Metro charges me every month?
Yes, most Metro systems offer recurring payments. When you set up your bank transfer, look for an option that says "Make this a recurring payment" or "Set up automatic monthly payments." You choose the amount and the date, and it repeats every month until you cancel it.
What if I don't have enough money in my account when Metro tries to charge me?
The payment will bounce, and your bank will charge you an overdraft fee. Metro won't receive the payment, and your pass or balance won't be loaded. Check your balance before the scheduled payment date to make sure you have enough money.