# Washington DC Smart card vs charm card **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [July 30, 2013, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washington-dc-smart-card-vs-charm-card/664927 "2013-07-30T18:13:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![adhemar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3da27b/32.png) [@adhemar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adhemar)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2013, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washington-dc-smart-card-vs-charm-card/664927/1 "2013-07-30T18:13:04Z")
I will in DC for 4-5 days in october, I want to get a card for riding the metro but I am confused about the difference between these cards. the only difference I can see is the the Charm card costs less for the card alone($2.50 vs- 5.00). Although you can get a $3.00 rebate on the Smart card after you start using it. Thre is also a 7 day unlimited pass for $57.00 but if I understand it right it is in addition to the Smart card. any guidance would be appreciated. I wasn’t sure where to put this so, please move it if I am wrong. ---
**Author:** ![bobkitty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c67d28/32.png) [@bobkitty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobkitty)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2013, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washington-dc-smart-card-vs-charm-card/664927/2 "2013-07-30T19:07:28Z")
It’s the same card; I believe the Charm Cards are purchased in MD, but you can use either one in DC. Depending on how much traveling you’ll be doing (and what kind) I’d suggest either one of the cards with a $20 balance to start. As a benchmark, I travel on two Metro lines during morning and afternoon rush hours (when it’s more expensive), and I spend $4.30 per day. I doubt you’ll need the $57 option. Hope you enjoy your stay! ---
**Author:** ![booklover](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/85f322/32.png) [@booklover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/booklover)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2013, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washington-dc-smart-card-vs-charm-card/664927/3 "2013-07-30T20:55:22Z")
The difference is that the Charm Card can be used on Baltimore light rail/bus as well as on Metro. SmarTrip is only for Metro and some of the local bus systems (like Ride-On in Montgomery County); it’s not compatible with Baltimore systems at all. The 7-day pass is only worth it if you’re taking a few trips per day. If your hotel is far away from the sights you’re seeing and you’re planning on traveling during rush hour, you might check the [trip planner](http://www.wmata.com/rider_tools/tripplanner/tripplanner.cfm) to see how much each trip will cost you. ---
**Author:** ![adhemar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3da27b/32.png) [@adhemar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adhemar)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2013, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washington-dc-smart-card-vs-charm-card/664927/4 "2013-07-30T21:34:20Z")
ok thanks everyone, not planning on Baltimore on this trip and I am staying near Dupont circle. I don’t know how many trips I will be taking each day but I wouldn’ think almost $60.00 worth. I sort of thought that Charm was referring to Baltimore but nothing on the website confirmed it. I appreciate the help ---
**Author:** ![bobkitty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c67d28/32.png) [@bobkitty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobkitty)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2013, 12:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washington-dc-smart-card-vs-charm-card/664927/5 "2013-07-31T12:32:15Z")
> [@booklover](#): > > SmarTrip is only for Metro and some of the local bus systems (like Ride-On in Montgomery County); it’s not compatible with Baltimore systems at all. Is that new? This site seems to indicate otherwise: [https://www.smartrip.com/rcsc.html](https://www.smartrip.com/rcsc.html) My nephew goes to school in Baltimore and uses his Smart card in MD and DC; I wonder if it only works on certain methods of transport? ---
**Author:** ![robert\_columbia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e79b87/32.png) [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2013, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washington-dc-smart-card-vs-charm-card/664927/6 "2013-07-31T15:05:37Z")
I’ve had a SmarTrip card (issued by WMATA) for years and I’ve been told that it works anywhere the Baltimore Charm Card is accepted. SmarTrip certainly works on DC-area non-WMATA buses like the Cue Bus and Ride-On. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2013, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washington-dc-smart-card-vs-charm-card/664927/7 "2013-08-01T19:15:16Z")
I haven’t tried it in Baltimore but my SmartTrip definitely works on the local (Fairfax County) bus system. For what it’s worth, they’re going to be lowering the price of the cards to 2.00 soonish. Existing cards get the 3.00 rebate to bring their price down retroactively but I believe you have to register them online.