Ventra card (Chicago: credit card, transfer, buying)

[bella84]

So, last time I lived in Chicago, I had a Chicago Card Plus that automatically reloaded by charging my credit card when it got below my minimum balance. I'm moving back to Chicago next week, and I was looking on the Ventra website to get myself a new CTA card. Forgive me if this is a stupid question... but how does Ventra compare to the old Chicago Card Plus? I read the "How it Works" section on the website three times, and I still don't get it. Is the card a debit card too? If so, how does that work? I really just want a card that I can swipe when riding the train or bus without having to stop at the machine or mess with cash. Is that how this works? If I order the card online with a pre-set amount, can I also set it to automatically reload when it gets below a set balance? I feel like an idiot for not understanding this, but I'm just confused. Please help clarify.

Thanks!

[Nadja2]

It can be a debit card but you don't have to use that function. I advise you don't because there are a lot of fees.

When you get your card you need to register it online. Once online you can add value or set up automatic reloads.

When you use it you just tap it on the terminal. When it reads your card it shows a green icon that says go. Sometimes you have to tap twice.

It's easy peasy!

[A2DAC1985]

Originally Posted by bella84

So, last time I lived in Chicago, I had a Chicago Card Plus that automatically reloaded by charging my credit card when it got below my minimum balance. I'm moving back to Chicago next week, and I was looking on the Ventra website to get myself a new CTA card. Forgive me if this is a stupid question... but how does Ventra compare to the old Chicago Card Plus? I read the "How it Works" section on the website three times, and I still don't get it. Is the card a debit card too? If so, how does that work? I really just want a card that I can swipe when riding the train or bus without having to stop at the machine or mess with cash. Is that how this works? If I order the card online with a pre-set amount, can I also set it to automatically reload when it gets below a set balance? I feel like an idiot for not understanding this, but I'm just confused. Please help clarify.

Thanks!

This is all my personal opinion, so take it for what it's worth.

At first the Ventra card was terrible. But after a significant amount of time, it seems to have all the kinks worked out. I use it twice a day, to and from work, so I just get the 30 day pass with the auto reload option. I believe you can still set up your to card to reload a certain amount of money from your bank account once you reach a certain level, so there's no need to visit a vending machine when your account funds get low.

The Ventra card essentially works just like the Chicago Card. From what I understand, the reason why the Chicago Card is no longer used is because technology is changing and the Chicago Card tech was becoming obsolete. So Ventra stepped in.

The main difference for the everyday user, from what I can tell, between the two cards is Ventra can be used like a debit card. I have never done that and I don't think I ever will. I already have a debit card, you know? The debit function of the Ventra card seems like it is a way to get people to spend more money with it, and to not realize they're spending that money. You can get into a negative balance on a Ventra card if you're aren't loading it with 3, 7, or 30 day passes (i.e. just putting a cash amount on the card). That wouldn't happen with the old Chicago Card. You also cannot use it as a debit card if you only have it loaded with 3, 7, or 30 day passes.

I hope that helped some. If not, I'm sure someone else can correct me, or add on to it. Welcome back!

[bella84]

Ok, thanks guys! I won't use the card regularly enough to make it worth buying the 3, 7, or 30 day pass, as driving will be my usual method of commuting to and from work. I'll only be using CTA on a leisurely basis. Even so, I hate having to stop at the vending machine to pay or having to use cash on a bus. I guess I'll just have to keep an eye on my balance so that I don't go negative. I assume there are fees for that? I have no interest in using it as a debit card... I wish there was a way to turn off that feature.

Thanks for the info!

[Chitownjedi]

Originally Posted by bella84

Ok, thanks guys! I won't use the card regularly enough to make it worth buying the 3, 7, or 30 day pass, as driving will be my usual method of commuting to and from work. I'll only be using CTA on a leisurely basis. Even so, I hate having to stop at the vending machine to pay or having to use cash on a bus. I guess I'll just have to keep an eye on my balance so that I don't go negative. I assume there are fees for that? I have no interest in using it as a debit card... I wish there was a way to turn off that feature.

Thanks for the info!

You can set it up to reload a specific cash amount, so like 40.00$ so if it ever hits the limit it will just reload $40.00 again. I don't know if it can go lower than that but I don't see why not.. I'm sure 20.00 would be an option.

And you not using it as a debit card is "turning off the feature" there is no point in worry about if it's capable if you don't choose or want to use it. My car can go 160 mph.. but I'd have to make that happen, it won't just hit 160mph because it can.. if you get my drift.

[s, harry truman]

Conversely, if your debit/credit card has a chip in it you can pay $2.25 directly from that (although I believe you lose the ability to transfer for 25 cents)

[bella84]

Originally Posted by Chitownjedi

And you not using it as a debit card is "turning off the feature" there is no point in worry about if it's capable if you don't choose or want to use it. My car can go 160 mph.. but I'd have to make that happen, it won't just hit 160mph because it can.. if you get my drift.

I see your point. I was thinking along the lines of, if it were stolen, I would prefer the card not allow the thief to take cash out of my bank account. Since I'm usually pretty careful with my things and that's not a likely scenario, I'm sure I'll be okay.

Thanks again for all the info.