How to Pay Your Metro Bill Online, by Phone, or in Person

Where to pay your Metro bill depends on which Metro system you use

Metro refers to different transit agencies in different cities — Washington DC's WMATA, Los Angeles's Metro, Atlanta's MARTA, and others all use the name. Each one has its own payment system and website. The first step is confirming which Metro system serves your area, then going to that agency's official bill pay page.

If you ride the Washington DC Metro (WMATA), you pay through wmata.com. If you ride LA Metro, you pay through metro.net. If you ride Atlanta's MARTA, you pay through itsmarta.com. Paying through the wrong website will not process your payment and may waste time you do not have.

Most Metro systems let you pay online, by phone, or at a physical location — a station, a retail partner, or a customer service office. The fastest method is usually online, and most systems let you set up automatic payments so you do not have to remember each month.

Key Takeaways

• Confirm which Metro system you use — DC's WMATA, LA's Metro, Atlanta's MARTA, or another city — because each has a different website and payment process.
• Online payment through the official Metro website is the fastest method and usually processes within one business day.
• Phone payment is available from most Metro systems and lets you speak to a representative if you have questions about your bill.
• Many Metro systems accept payment at station kiosks, retail partners like CVS or Walgreens, or customer service offices during business hours.
• Setting up automatic monthly payments prevents late fees and ensures your service stays active without manual action each month.

Paying online through your Metro system's website

Online payment is the most direct route and usually the fastest. Go to your Metro system's official website — wmata.com for DC, metro.net for Los Angeles, itsmarta.com for Atlanta — and look for a link labeled "Pay My Bill," "Make a Payment," or "Account." You will need your account number, which appears on your bill or in your account profile.

Enter your account number and the amount you want to pay. Most systems let you pay the full balance, a partial amount, or a set-up fee for a new card or pass. Then provide a payment method — debit card, credit card, or bank account. The system will confirm the payment when ready, though the money may take one business day to post to your account.

Keep the confirmation number the system gives you. If your payment does not show up within two business days, contact the Metro system's customer service with that number so they can track it down.

Paying by phone with a customer service representative

If you prefer to speak to someone or have questions about your bill before paying, call your Metro system's customer service line. The phone number is on your bill, on the official website, or in the system's mobile app. Have your account number ready.

A representative will confirm your account, explain any charges you do not recognize, and process your payment over the phone. They can accept payment by debit card, credit card, or bank account. Ask for a confirmation number before you hang up.

Phone lines are usually busiest during morning and evening commute hours, so calling mid-day or early evening often means shorter wait times. Some Metro systems also offer chat support through their website, which may be faster than calling.

Paying in person at a station or retail location

Most Metro systems let you pay at a customer service office, a station kiosk, or a retail partner. DC's WMATA accepts payment at any Metro station during operating hours. LA Metro accepts payment at customer service centers and some retail partners. Atlanta's MARTA accepts payment at station kiosks and customer service offices.

Check your Metro system's website for the list of locations near you and their hours. Bring your account number or the bill itself. Payment in person is processed when ready, though it may take one business day to show in your online account.

Some retail partners — like CVS, Walgreens, or local check-cashing services — also accept Metro bill payments. Ask at the register whether they process payments for your specific Metro system, because not all locations handle all systems.

Setting up automatic monthly payments

If you pay the same amount each month, set up automatic payment through your Metro system's website. Log into your account, find the "Automatic Payment" or "Recurring Payment" section, and enter your payment method and the amount. The system will deduct that amount on the same date each month.

Automatic payment prevents late fees and ensures your service does not get interrupted if you forget to pay. You can change or cancel automatic payment at any time through your account settings — you do not need to call customer service.

If your bill amount changes — for example, if you upgrade your pass or add a dependent card — update your automatic payment amount so you do not overpay or underpay.

What to do if your payment does not go through

If you see an error message during online payment, the most common causes are a mistyped account number, an expired card, or insufficient funds. Check your account number against your bill and make sure your card has not expired. If the problem persists, try a different payment method — switch from credit card to debit card, for example.

If you paid but your account still shows a balance after two business days, contact customer service with your confirmation number. They can look up the payment and explore it to your account manually if there was a processing delay.

If your service was interrupted for non-payment, paying the bill does not always restore it when ready. Contact customer service to confirm your account is current and ask when service will resume — this usually happens within one business day.

Understanding late fees and service interruption

Most Metro systems charge a late fee if your bill is not paid by the due date shown on your bill. The fee amount varies by system — check your bill or the website for the exact amount. Late fees are added to your next bill.

If your bill remains unpaid for 30 to 60 days (the exact timeline varies by system), your service may be suspended. This means your card or pass will not work on the system until you pay the full balance, including any late fees. Paying the bill restores service, though it may take one business day to process.

If you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, contact customer service to ask about a payment plan. Some Metro systems offer the option to split a large bill across two or three months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay someone else's Metro bill?

Yes, if you have their account number. You can pay online using their account number and your own payment method, or you can call customer service and ask them to process a payment on that account. The person whose account it is does not need to be present.

What payment methods does Metro accept?

Most Metro systems accept debit cards, credit cards, and bank account transfers (ACH). Some also accept payment through mobile apps or digital wallets like Apple Pay. Check your specific Metro system's website for the full list of methods they support.

How long does it take for an online payment to show up?

Online payments usually post to your account within one business day. Weekends and holidays may delay posting by an extra day. If your payment does not appear after two business days, contact customer service with your confirmation number.

What if I overpay my bill?

The overpaid amount stays in your account as a credit and applies to your next bill automatically. If you want a refund instead, contact customer service and ask them to process one — this usually takes five to ten business days.

Can I get a receipt for my payment?

Yes. Online payments generate a confirmation number when ready that you can screenshot or print. Phone payments come with a confirmation number the representative gives you. In-person payments at a station or office should include a printed receipt.