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Unused Opal cards

Your old Opal card could still have money on it.


On this page

  • Who this applies to
  • What’s changing
  • What you can do
  • Not sure what to do?
  • Important information
  • What happens if you don’t take action
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Need help?
  • More information
  • Who this applies to
  • What’s changing
  • What you can do
  • Not sure what to do?
  • Important information
  • What happens if you don’t take action
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Need help?
  • More information

On this page

  • Who this applies to
  • What’s changing
  • What you can do
  • Not sure what to do?
  • Important information
  • What happens if you don’t take action
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Need help?
  • More information
who_this_applies_to

Who this applies to

what_s_changing

What’s changing

what_you_can_do

What you can do

If your Opal card is unregistered, you have four options:

not_sure_what_to_do_

Not sure what to do?

important_information

Important information

what_happens_if_you_don_t_take_action

What happens if you don’t take action

frequently_asked_questions

Frequently asked questions

need_help_

Need help?

more_information

More information

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Transport pays respect to Elders past and present, and recognises and celebrates the diversity of Aboriginal peoples and their ongoing cultures and connections to the lands and waters of NSW.

© Transport for NSW

If your card is unregistered and hasn’t been used for 5 years or more, you may need to take action to keep or claim your remaining balance.

This page explains who this applies to, what’s changing, and what you can do.

  • Your Opal card is not registered, and
  • You haven’t used it for 5 years or more

This applies to unregistered Adult and Child/Youth Opal cards only. Registered Opal cards are not affected.

New legislation allows unused balances on unregistered Opal cards not used for 5 years or more to be recovered if no action is taken.

To give customers time and choice:

  • A 12‑month notice period applies from 8 June 2026 to 8 June 2027.
  • No unused balances are recovered during this period.
  • Customers have clear options to keep or reclaim their balance.

If no action is taken during this period, unused balances will be recovered after the notice period ends.

Recovered funds will be reinvested into public and active transport improvements across NSW. 

1
Use your Opal card

Using your card keeps your balance active.

What to do:

Tap on at a train or metro station, ferry wharf, bus or light rail stop.

2
Register your Opal card

Registering your card lets you manage your balance and keep it available for future use. 

What to do:

  • Create or log in to your Opal account
  • Add your Opal card to your account

Once registered, you can manage your card and balance online.

Register your Opal card

3
Transfer your balance

You may be able to transfer your balance to another Opal card.

What to do:

  • To transfer your balance, you’ll need to register your Opal card first.
  • Transfer or combine your balance with another Opal card (where eligible)

Transfer your balance

4
Request a refund

You can request a refund of your remaining balance if you no longer need the card.

What to do:

  • Complete the online refund request form using your Opal card details. A printable form is also available if you’re unable to complete the online process.
  • You don’t need to register your card to request a refund.
  • You’ll need your Opal card details and a photo of the card cut in half or otherwise destroyed.
  • Funds are paid to an Australian bank account only.

Request a refund

  • Want to keep using your card? Use it
  • Want to manage your balance? Register it
  • Want to move your balance to another card? Transfer it
  • Don’t need the card anymore? Request a refund
  • This applies only to unregistered Opal cards not used for 5 years or more.
  • The notice period runs from 8 June 2026 to 8 June 2027.
  • No unused balances are recovered during the notice period.
  • Registered Opal cards are not affected.
  • Refunds are paid to an Australian bank account only.

If no action is taken by 8 June 2027, any unused balance will be invested into public and active transport improvements across NSW. To keep your card or reclaim your balance, you should take action before 8 June 2027. You will not be able to access any funds on the card after 8 June 2027.

Check the FAQs for common questions
Visit the help and contact page for support
  • Opal terms and conditions
  • Passenger Transport Act 2014