PSA: NeoBanks / TfL Contactless Payment / Travel History

Understanding NeoBanks, Contactless Payments, and Travel History Tracking: A Guide for Commuters and Digital Card Users

In the evolving landscape of digital banking and contactless payment solutions, many users encounter nuances that can impact their ability to access comprehensive transaction histories, particularly when using NeoBanks and virtual cards for public transportation payments. This article aims to shed light on this common issue, explain why it occurs, and provide practical tips to ensure you can effectively track your travel data with Transport for London (TfL).

The Challenge: Viewing Your Journey History on TfL’s Website

Many commuters rely on the TfL online portal to review their travel history, check for refunds, and confirm tap-in and tap-out details. Typically, users expect that tapping their contactless cards or digital wallets will be seamlessly reflected in their journey history. However, some users report an inability to see their ride details despite being charged for transactions.

This discrepancy often arises because the card number associated with the activity used for transit payments differs from the number displayed in the digital banking app. Consequently, TfL’s system, which tracks journeys based on card identifiers, may not recognize the virtual or secondary card numbers used during contactless payments.

Why Does This Happen? The Role of Virtual and NeoBank Cards

NeoBanks and digital-first financial institutions often employ virtual card technology for enhanced security and flexibility. When you request a new card within your banking app, the app may present a virtual card number separate from the physical card’s actual data. For example:

• Your banking app might display a virtual card number ending in “2252.”

• However, the physical card itself or the transaction data recorded by the bank may reference a different card number ending in “2358.”

• These virtual numbers can have distinct expiry dates and CVV codes, further complicating tracking.

Because TfL’s fare system relies on the card number scanned at the terminal or transmitted via NFC, it often matches transactions to the virtual card details stored elsewhere in your banking app, leading to discrepancies in the journey history.

Practical Steps to Access Accurate Travel Data

To ensure you can view your complete journey history on TfL’s website, consider the following approach:

1. Identify an Old Transaction:
   Review recent transactions related to TfL in your banking app or statement.

2. Expand Transaction Details:
   Access detailed information for that transaction.

3. Locate the Card Number:
   Within the transaction details, note the card number associated with