FYI: you can’t keep your physical opal if you link your concession to a debit card.
I was under the impression that you could keep your physical card and that this was just an extra option; but when I linked my card I was met with this text:
“You have until the 20/06/2026 to choose to keep using your Opal card or switch to your contactless card ending [last few digits]. Your concession stay the same. If you wish to continue using your Opal card, unlink your contactless payment card.”
*btw the slight grammatical errors were in the original message lmfao, nice one TfNSW🤦♂️
I’m a bit disappointed as I was hoping to keep a physical card as a backup in case my phone died or something. Can someone explain why it’s like this? I feel like I should’ve expected this but just unsure on the exact reasoning as to why.
You also still have to bring your ID or concession card around with you if you’re using your phone to pay for some reason. Like I understand with the physical opal as you can just steal that but why is thing for a phone?
Make sure you turn off auto top-up and use all the balance on your card otherwise that cash will be lost forever.
Edit, steps to getting a refund:
1. Go to https://transportnsw.info/tickets-fares/opal/manage-your-card/opal-refunds-fare-adjustments, download the pdf and print page 13
2. Fill out your opal card and bank details on the form
3. Go buy stamps for the first time in years
4. Find a postbox that a: hasn’t been removed by auspost, b: auspost still checks (not posted online - ask your elderly neighbour, trust me they’ll know), and c: isn’t being used as a bin
5. Mail your card and the form to Opal Customer Care
6. Wait a month
7. Profit
I feel like an online form or even calling customer service would be easier for most people but thats not an option because of course its not. NSW really is stuck in the noughties.