Touch Smartcard

How do I get a smartcard?

Getting a free Touch Smartcard is really easy. Check if your journey is eligible on our smartcard PDF map, then all you need to do is:

• Create an SWR account or if you have one already, go to our smartcard login
• Apply for a smartcard under ‘Manage your smartcards’
• Fill out our application form
• Choose if you want to buy a ticket for your card
• Submit your order

You’ll receive your new Touch Smartcard in five working days.

If you've got a month or longer left on your season ticket, read our frequently asked question to help make the swap.

What is a smartcard?

Smartcards are plastic cards that hold your ticket details electronically. The cards are much more hard-wearing than paper tickets and you can use them over and over again, which reduces any harm to the environment.

How do smartcards work?

A smartcard has a chip inside that can store multiple train tickets.

You can buy tickets for your smartcard on our website or mobile app and collect them on smartcard readers at stations.

If you’re on an Android device with NFC, you can buy tickets from our app and load them directly onto your smartcard.

What else do you get with a smartcard?

Don’t worry when your smartcard gets lost or stolen. We’ll block your smartcard and send you a replacement with all your tickets saved - a charge may apply.

If you have an online account, you can view your ticket and journey history, check your Tap2Go balance and request refunds on tickets you no longer need.