Millions at risk! Check your Opal card before it’s too late

Millions of Opal card balances could disappear without warning.

Many of these cards have sat untouched for years, forgotten in wallets or drawers.

Now, the NSW government is preparing to reclaim those funds—potentially leaving some commuters surprised.

The NSW Labor government will recover unspent balances from Opal cards that have not been used since the start of the pandemic, generating around $70 million in revenue, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Transport for NSW says there are 17 million Opal cards with positive balances that are not officially registered, meaning the government cannot trace who owns them.

The average unused balance on these cards is about $4, with many belonging to visitors from outside NSW who purchased a one-off credit, the government believes.

A new bill will be introduced to NSW state parliament on Wednesday, allowing the government to claim funds from cards that have not been tapped in five years.

Where the money will go

The revenue recovered will be invested in other transport projects, including bike lockers at new Metro stations.

‘These are things that will benefit the people of NSW using the network every day.’

Commuters can continue to tap on and tap off with a contactless credit or debit card for most public transport in NSW.

A year-long campaign will follow the recovery of unused balances, allowing anyone with a card that has not been used in five years to reclaim their funds during that period.

If you’ve ever wondered how easy it is to misunderstand transport charges, you’re not alone.

One commuter recently shared their experience navigating Sydney’s transport system and the surprises that came with using a contactless card.

It’s a helpful story that sheds light on real-life situations similar to unclaimed Opal balances.

Read more: ‘Took me years to figure out’: Expat reveals Sydney transport truth many miss

Have you checked your Opal card lately to see if your balance could be at risk?