If you're using your Emburse card on Sydney's public transport system (Opal), you may occasionally encounter tap-on/tap-off issues or error messages. Some riders use their Emburse cards smoothly, but there are known issues in the Opal system that can disrupt contactless payments, particularly with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or virtual cards.
This guide covers the most common issues, what causes them, how to prevent them, and who to contact when things go wrong.
Common Errors and Issues
1. I can tap on, but my card is declined when I try to tap off. Why?
This is one of the most frequently reported issues. It’s often caused by the transit system failing to align your tap-on and tap-off actions. When this occurs, Opal considers the trip “incomplete” and may either charge the maximum fare or temporarily block the card.
Most common causes:
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Tapping on with Apple Pay on your phone and tapping off with your Apple Watch (or vice versa)
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Removing and re-adding your Emburse card to your mobile wallet during the journey
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Tapping off too quickly or the reader failing to register properly
How to avoid it:
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Always tap on and tap off with the same device and card
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Avoid switching between physical and virtual cards mid-trip
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Set your Emburse card as the default in your wallet app
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Wait for the gate to clearly confirm your tap
2. I got an “Error 88” message. What does that mean?
Opal’s Error 88 means your card or device has been temporarily blocked from travel. This usually happens because:
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There is an outstanding unpaid fare from a previous trip (often due to a failed tap-off)
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The system couldn’t verify your payment method (often when the card was reissued or re-added)
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The card has been marked lost or stolen by the network
How to fix it:
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Contact Opal customer service at transportnsw.info to resolve any unpaid fares
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In the meantime, use a different payment method or device for travel
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Consider using a physical Opal card if issues persist
3. My Emburse card was charged the maximum fare. Can this be fixed?
Yes. This typically happens when the system doesn't recognize your tap-off due to:
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Device/card mismatch
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Tap-off not being registered
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Card being blocked due to previous incomplete trips
What to do:
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Contact Opal Support and request a fare adjustment
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Provide the approximate time, date, and device used
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Make sure to complete every journey with the same device/card used to tap on
Tips to Avoid Transit Issues with Emburse Cards
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Always use the same device and version of your Emburse card to tap on and off (e.g., if you tap on with your phone, don't tap off with your watch).
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Avoid removing and re-adding the card to your wallet app while in use
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Set the card as your default payment method in Apple Pay or Google Pay
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If issues persist, consider using a physical Opal card for travel, and use your Emburse Card to load your funds