# Travel >> Transportation >> Public Transportation

How to Replace a Chicago Card

A Chicago Card is a debit-like transit card for Chicago buses, rail transportation and Pace buses. The card contains a microchip that is registered to the owner and can be flashed in front of a reader on public transit to deduct the full cost of the fare. Benefits of having a Chicago Card include faster boarding due to quicker fare payment and protection of your money if the card is lost or stolen. In the event of loss or theft, cards can be replaced online, by calling the Chicago Transit Authority -- commonly known as the CTA -- or by mailing in a form. Replacement cards are $5 as of May 2011

Instructions

- 1
  Order a replacement card by calling the CTA. Contact customer service by calling 888-968-7282 to report your card as missing or stolen. Representatives are available 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- 2
  Obtain a replacement card through the CTA's website. Click on the link entitled "Buy Fares & Gifts" at the top of the home page and select "Chicago Card." Click on "Replace Card" and fill out the online form.
- 3
  Order a replacement card through the mail. Replacement cards can be ordered through the mail by completing a form and mailing it to Chicago Card, Chicago Transit Authority, 901 W. Division St., Chicago, IL 60642-4216.
- 4
  Pay the $5 replacement card fee (as of May 2011) online, when you make the phone order or include payment with the mail-in order form.
- 5
  Register your card when you receive it. Registering the card protects the money you have deposited for CTA fares.

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Public Transportation