How to Add Your ORCA Card to Apple Wallet: The Complete 2025 Guide

No more searching for a plastic card at the bus stop. Yes, you can add your ORCA card to Apple Wallet, and it changes how you travel around the Seattle area. The main benefits happen right away: amazing convenience, better security, and the ability to add money to your card instantly from anywhere. No more waiting in line or for money to show up online. This is about tapping your iPhone or Apple Watch and getting on with your day. This guide will be your complete resource, walking you through everything you need to know. We will cover what you need to get started, provide step-by-step instructions for both new and existing cards, explain how to use and manage your digital card, and offer expert troubleshooting for a perfect experience.

The Future of Your Commute

Welcome to the future of your Seattle commute. Adding your ORCA card to Apple Wallet makes your travel easier on King County Metro, Sound Transit, Community Transit, and more. The process is simple: instead of pulling out a physical card, you just hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the ORCA reader. It’s faster, more secure, and really efficient. Our goal with this article is to provide the most complete and clear guide on how to add orca card to apple wallet, making sure you can make the switch with confidence.

Before You Begin: An Essential Checklist

Before starting the process, let’s make sure you have everything ready. Going through this checklist first will prevent any problems during setup and guarantee a smooth process. This is an important preparation step that saves time and frustration.

What You’ll Need

We’ve put together an exact list of hardware, software, and other items required for the process. Checking these now will make sure you meet all requirements.

• Compatible Device: You need a device that supports the feature. This includes:

  • iPhone 8 or later.
  • Apple Watch Series 3 or later.
  • To be sure, this includes all models with Face ID and any iPhone with Touch ID except the iPhone 5s, 6, and 6 Plus.

• Required Software: Your device must be running a recent version of its operating system.

  • iOS 15.4 or later.
  • watchOS 8.4 or later.
  • To check your software version, go to Settings > General > About on your iPhone.

• A Valid Payment Method: You’ll need a credit or debit card already set up in Apple Pay. This will be used to buy a new digital card or to add money to an existing one during the transfer process.

• Your Physical ORCA Card (If Applicable): If you plan to transfer an existing balance, have your card ready. This process works for standard adult, senior (RRFP), and disabled (RRFP) ORCA cards. Note that special program cards, like ORCA LIFT or youth cards, may have different rules or require management through the myORCA website.

• A Stable Internet Connection: The setup process requires communication with ORCA servers, so a reliable Wi-Fi or cellular data connection is essential.

Method 1: Add a New ORCA Card in Wallet

If you don’t have an ORCA card or simply prefer a fresh start with a dedicated digital card, this is the method for you. You can buy and set up a brand-new ORCA card directly within the Apple Wallet app in just a few minutes. This process basically covers how to buy an ORCA card for the digital age, skipping the need for a physical vending machine or retail store entirely.

Step-by-Step Guide to Purchasing

Follow these exact steps to get a new digital ORCA card on your iPhone. Each action is simple and guided by the on-screen prompts.

1. Open the Wallet app on your iPhone. It’s the standard app where you store credit cards and passes.
2. Tap the plus sign (+) located in the top-right corner of the main screen.
3. On the next screen, select the Transit Card option. This will show a list of transit systems available in Apple Wallet.
4. Scroll through the list or use the search bar at the top to find ORCA. Tap on it to proceed.
5. A screen will appear explaining the benefits. Tap Continue.
6. Now, you need to choose an amount to add to your new card. This is your starting E-purse balance. The minimum amount you can add is $5. We recommend starting with at least $10 or $20 to cover a few trips.
7. Review the purchase details on the confirmation screen. You will see the amount you are adding and the payment card that will be charged.
8. Authorize the purchase by double-clicking the side button and using your default Apple Pay authentication method: Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode.
9. Wait a few moments as your iPhone securely provisions the new ORCA card. A confirmation screen will appear once it’s successfully added to your Wallet.
10. Your new digital ORCA card is now ready to use on your iPhone. If you also want it on your Apple Watch, open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to the Wallet & Apple Pay section, and add the card to your watch.

Method 2: Add Your Existing Physical Card

For the thousands of commuters who already rely on a physical ORCA card, this method allows you to transfer your current balance and any active passes directly to your Apple Wallet. It’s a powerful feature that digitizes your existing transit value. However, it’s critical to understand what this transfer involves before you begin.

Important: What Happens to Your Card?

Once you complete the transfer of your physical ORCA card to Apple Wallet, the plastic card is permanently deactivated. It cannot be used again, and this action cannot be undone. Your entire E-purse balance and any active products, such as a monthly ORCA pass, will be moved from the plastic card to your digital card in Apple Wallet.

This is a one-way conversion designed to fully replace your physical card with its digital counterpart. Be absolutely certain you are ready to make the switch before proceeding.

Step-by-Step Guide to Transferring

This process involves a few more steps than creating a new card, as it requires reading the information from your physical card.

1. Begin by opening the Wallet app on your iPhone and tapping the plus sign (+) in the top-right corner.
2. Select Transit Card from the list of options, then find and tap on ORCA.
3. Tap Continue. On the next screen, you will be presented with two choices. Select the option labeled Transfer Existing Card.
4. You will be prompted to enter the card details. Carefully type the 16-digit number and the 3-digit CVV found on the back of your physical ORCA card.
5. This next step is crucial for the transfer. You will be instructed to place your physical ORCA card on a flat, non-metallic surface. Then, rest the top edge of your iPhone on the center of the ORCA card. Hold it steady. It may take up to a minute for your iPhone to securely read the card’s chip and initiate the transfer. Do not move the phone until the screen indicates the process is complete.
6. Follow any remaining on-screen prompts to confirm the transfer. This will finalize the process of moving your balance and passes.
7. Once confirmed, your physical card’s balance is now available on your iPhone. The plastic card is now just a piece of plastic; all its value and functionality reside in your Apple Wallet. You can now safely and securely dispose of the old card.

Your Digital ORCA in Action

Now that you have an ORCA card in your Apple Wallet, it’s time to learn how to use and manage it. This is where the true convenience becomes apparent. From paying for a ride to checking your balance and reloading, everything is handled directly on your device.

Paying with Express Mode

By default, your ORCA card is set up with Express Mode. This is the feature that makes using it so seamless. Express Mode means you do not need to wake your device, unlock it with Face ID or Touch ID, or open the Wallet app to pay for your ride.

The action is simple: as you approach the ORCA reader on a bus, at a Link light rail station, or on a ferry, simply hold the top of your iPhone or the display of your Apple Watch near the center of the reader. You will feel a slight vibration and hear a chime from the reader, and a checkmark with the word “Done” will appear on your device’s screen. This confirms your payment was successful. You’re ready to go. You don’t need to open any apps or even look at your screen.

How to Check Your Balance

Curious about how much E-purse value you have left? Checking your balance is instant.

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone. Your ORCA card will be displayed along with your other cards. The current balance is shown right on the card’s image. For more details, tap on your ORCA card. This will open a detailed view showing your full transaction history, including recent rides and any funds you’ve added.

How to Refill or Recharge Your Card

One of the most significant advantages of a digital card is the ability to add funds instantly. This section is your complete guide on how to refill or recharge your ORCA card, eliminating the need to visit a machine or wait for online reloads to process.

For a One-Time Top-Up:

1. In the Wallet app, tap on your ORCA card to open the detail view.
2. Tap the “More” button, which looks like three dots (…) in a circle, typically found in the top-right corner.
3. From the menu that appears, select Add Money.
4. You can choose one of the preset amounts (e.g., $10, $20, $40) or scroll down to enter a custom amount.
5. Confirm the transaction using Apple Pay (Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode). The funds are added to your E-purse balance immediately and are ready for use.

Setting up Autoload:

To ensure you never run into a low balance unexpectedly, you can set up Autoload. This feature automatically recharges your card when the balance drops below a certain threshold. While Autoload management is primarily handled through the myORCA.com website, you can link your digital card to your myORCA account to enable this feature. Once your account is set up on the website, Autoload will work seamlessly with your card in Apple Wallet, providing true peace of mind for your daily commute.

Physical Card vs. Digital Wallet

Deciding to go fully digital is a big step. To help you understand the complete picture, we’ve created a direct comparison between using the ORCA card in Apple Wallet and sticking with the traditional physical card. This analysis covers the practical, day-to-day differences that matter most to a commuter.

Comparison Table: Digital vs. Physical

Advanced Tips & Troubleshooting

Even with a system as smooth as Apple Wallet, you might occasionally encounter a problem. This section is built from first-hand experience to help you solve common issues, ensuring your digital transit experience is always seamless.

Problem: “Card Transfer Failed”

You’re trying to transfer your physical card, but you receive an error message.

• Solution: First, double-check your internet connection. A weak or unstable signal can interrupt the process. Second, ensure your physical card is not significantly bent, cracked, or damaged, as this can affect the NFC chip. When placing your iPhone on the card, make sure it’s on a flat, non-metallic surface like a wooden table—metal can cause interference. Finally, be patient; hold the phone steady on the card for the full minute it may take. If it fails again, try moving to a different spot to avoid potential wireless interference.

Problem: “ORCA Reader Didn’t Respond”

You tap your phone on the reader, but nothing happens.

• Solution: The NFC antenna on an iPhone is located at the very top edge on the back. Ensure you are tapping this specific part of the phone to the center of the ORCA reader. A thick phone case, especially one with metal or a credit card holder, can also block the signal. Try removing the case to see if that resolves the issue. Also, verify that Express Mode is enabled for your ORCA card by going to Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay > Express Transit Card and making sure your ORCA card is selected.

Problem: “My iPhone Battery Died”

This is a common concern for anyone relying on a digital wallet.

• Solution: Newer iPhones (XS, XR, and later) have a feature called “Power Reserve.” This allows Express Mode transit cards, like ORCA, to function for up to five hours after your iPhone’s battery has run out and the device has shut down. You won’t be able to do anything else with your phone, but you can still tap to pay for your ride. This provides a critical safety net for your commute home.

Problem: “I Have Multiple Transit Cards”

If you travel and have multiple transit cards in your Wallet (like a Clipper card or Suica), you need to ensure the correct one is used.

• Solution: You need to set your ORCA card as the default for the Seattle area. Go to Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay > Express Transit Card. Here, you can select your ORCA card. Once set, it will automatically be the card presented when you tap on an ORCA reader, without you having to manually select it.

The Broader ORCA System

While your digital card is incredibly powerful, it’s helpful to understand how it fits into the larger ORCA ecosystem. This includes knowing the difference between fare types and knowing where to get a physical card if you ever need one for a family member or as a backup.

E-Purse vs. ORCA Pass

Your digital ORCA card can hold two types of value, and it’s important to know the difference.

• E-purse: This is the stored cash value on your card. When you tap, the system deducts the appropriate fare for your trip from this balance. This is what you add when you “Add Money” in Apple Wallet.
• ORCA Pass: This is a product, like a monthly pass, that provides unlimited rides on specific transit agencies for a set period. For example, you might buy a PugetPass for a calendar month. You can purchase an ORCA pass through the myORCA.com website and load it onto your card (including your digital card in Apple Wallet). The system will always use an active pass first before touching your E-purse balance.

For the Traditionalists: Where to Buy

Even in a digital-first world, there are times when you might need to know where to buy or purchase a physical ORCA card.

• Vending Machines: These are the most common and are located at all Link light rail stations, Sounder train stations, and major transit hubs like the Bellevue Transit Center.
• Retail Outlets: Many grocery stores in the region serve as official ORCA retailers. This includes most QFC and Safeway locations. You can buy a new card or reload an existing one at the customer service desk. For a complete, up-to-date list, check the myORCA website.
• Customer Service Centers: For more complex needs, or if you prefer face-to-face service, you can visit a customer service center for King County Metro, Sound Transit, or other participating transit agencies.

Your Smoother Commute Awaits

By following this guide to add orca card to apple wallet, you have successfully unlocked a more modern, convenient, and secure way to travel around the Puget Sound. Gone are the days of lost cards, long reload lines, and last-minute panics over a low balance. You are now equipped with the knowledge to not only set up your card but to use it effectively, manage it with ease, and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. Welcome to a faster, simpler, and smarter commute.