Oyster Card Refunds: How to Get Your Money Back from TfL

If you live in or travel through London, chances are you’ve used an Oyster card—Transport for London’s iconic blue travel card. But whether you’ve moved away, lost track of balances, or encountered a journey error, you might be entitled to a refund.

This complete guide breaks down how Oyster card refunds work, what you’re eligible for, and how to claim money that may otherwise go unclaimed.

What Is an Oyster Card and Why Might You Need a Refund?

An Oyster card is a smart payment card used across:

• London Underground (Tube)

• Buses

• DLR

• Overground

• Thameslink (within London zones)

• River Bus and Tram services

Despite the flexibility, thousands of people lose money every year from:

• Unused balances

• Delayed journeys

• Overcharges

• Incomplete touches (missing tap-ins or tap-outs)

• Cancelled season tickets

Luckily, Transport for London (TfL) has systems in place to request refunds for most of these.

Common Reasons You Can Claim an Oyster Refund

You might be eligible for a refund if:

• You no longer need the card (e.g. moved city)

• There’s more than £10 balance on an inactive card

• A journey was delayed or cancelled

• You were charged too much

• You bought a Travelcard or Bus & Tram Pass and didn’t use the full value

• You forgot to tap out and were charged the maximum fare

Types of Refunds Available for Oyster Cards

Here’s a quick breakdown of the main refund categories:

How to Check If You’re Owed a Refund

Before submitting a request, use the TfL website or Oyster app to check your account. Look for:

• Unused balances

• “Incomplete journeys”

• Journey discrepancies

Go to: Oyster Online Account

Step-by-Step: How to Claim an Oyster Card Refund

1. Claiming a Pay-As-You-Go Balance Refund

If you no longer use the card:

• Go to a Tube station or TfL Visitor Centre

• Provide your card and request a balance refund

• Amounts under £10 can often be refunded instantly

For higher balances:

• Register the card online

• Apply via your account dashboard

2. Refund for an Incomplete Journey or Overcharge

If you forgot to tap in or out, TfL usually charges the maximum fare.

To claim a refund:

• Log into your account within 8 weeks of the journey

• View journey history

• Select the incomplete journey and request a correction

TfL often issues an automatic refund if the system detects the issue, but if not—request it manually.

3. Refund for Delayed Journeys

If a TfL-run train service is delayed for reasons within their control (e.g. signal failure, staff shortages), you may be eligible for a refund.

Eligibility:

• Delay of 15 minutes or more on Tube, DLR, Overground, or Elizabeth line

• Claimed within 28 days

Use this form:
Claim a Delay Refund from TfL

4. Travelcard or Bus Pass Refunds

You can request a refund if:

• You no longer need your Travelcard

• You bought the wrong pass

• You lost or damaged your card

Refunds are pro-rata and based on how many days are left. Go to any Tube station or call 0343 222 1234.

Are You Still Entitled to the £5 Oyster Deposit Refund?

Yes—older Oyster cards issued before February 2020 had a £5 deposit. You can:

• Return the card at a station

• Receive cash or bank credit (depending on method)

If your card has been used in the past 12 months, TfL may waive the deposit entirely and let you keep the card for free.

How Will You Receive Your Refund?

Once your refund is approved, you can receive:

• Bank transfer

• Credit back to your Oyster account

• Cash from a ticket machine

• Credit to a contactless card (in case of TfL refunds on contactless payments)

You may be asked to touch your Oyster card on a specific station within a set period (usually 2 days) to collect the refund from the gate or ticket machine.

What If You Paid Using a UK Bank Card?

If you used a UK credit or debit card to top up your Oyster, you may be covered by your bank for any dispute.

Examples:

• Lloyds Bank or HSBC users can request a chargeback if TfL refuses a valid refund

• For top-ups over £100 made with credit card, Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act may apply

Always keep your receipts or transaction history when requesting support from your bank.

What to Do If TfL Rejects Your Refund Claim

Sometimes TfL rejects claims, especially if:

• You submitted after 8 weeks

• They believe the delay was outside their control (e.g. signal failure not on TfL)

• You’ve made multiple similar claims

In this case:

1. Re-check the reason provided in the rejection email

2. Gather evidence (screenshots, GPS records, etc.)

3. Contact their customer service and escalate if needed

You can also complain via the London TravelWatch organisation if your issue remains unresolved.

Can You Get a Refund on Contactless Journeys?

Yes. If you travel using your contactless debit or credit card, and you were overcharged or didn’t complete your journey correctly:

• Go to: Contactless Journey History

• Login or use your card number

• Identify and dispute any incorrect fares

• Refunds will be credited directly back to the card used

Tips to Avoid Oyster Overcharges and Missed Refunds

• Always tap in and out correctly—even on buses

• Register your Oyster or contactless card online

• Check your journey history monthly

• Set reminders to review after delays or cancellations

• Don’t throw away old cards—claim the balance first

Final Thoughts: Don’t Leave Your Money on the Card

Millions of pounds in unused Oyster balances and unclaimed refunds go to waste each year. TfL won’t automatically return your funds unless you request it. Whether it’s a delay, incomplete journey, or an old card sitting in a drawer—you have the right to claim it back.

By knowing the process and acting quickly, you can get your travel money back where it belongs: in your pocket.

Helpful Resources

• Oyster Online Account – TfL

• TfL Delay Refund Form

• TfL Contactless Dispute Portal

• London TravelWatch Complaints