What happens when you don't tap out
Without a tap-out, TfL can't tell where your journey ended, so it charges a maximum fare. The same happens when there is no tap-in. TfL refunds the difference between what you were charged and the right fare.
How to get the money back
- Wait 48 hours. Most incomplete journeys are refunded by themselves.
- Add your TfL statement to Railhop. Railhop lists every journey with no tap-out, about how much each should pay back, where you probably got off, and which 3 to ask for first this month.
- Ask TfL in your TfL account. Open the card's journey history, choose the journey Railhop found and tell TfL where you finished, within 8 weeks of the journey. TfL lets you ask online for up to 3 a calendar month; for more, call 0343 222 1234 (08:00 to 20:00 daily). TfL refunds you.
Up to 3 a month online
TfL's online account terms say "You can complete up to 3 incomplete journeys in a calendar month." If you have more, ask for the ones that pay back most first, leave the rest for next month while they're still within 8 weeks, or phone TfL. Railhop plans this for you: the ones that run out soonest and pay back most go first.
If TfL's system doesn't show a journey as eligible and you think it is, phone 0343 222 1234.
Delayed as well?
A forgotten tap-out and a late train are separate. If a National Rail train on the same statement was 15 minutes or more late, you can claim Delay Repay from the train company too, and Railhop finds it on the same statement and fills in the company's form: see Delay Repay with contactless and Oyster.
Questions
What happens if I forget to tap out?
TfL charges a maximum fare, because it can't tell where your journey ended. You can ask for the difference back.
How long do I have to claim?
8 weeks from the journey. Wait 48 hours first, as most are refunded by themselves.
How many can I claim online?
Up to 3 a calendar month through your TfL account. For more, phone TfL on 0343 222 1234.
Does Railhop ask TfL for me?
No. Railhop finds the journeys and shows how much to ask for and where you probably got off. You ask TfL yourself, and TfL refunds you.
Sources
Terms change. If something here doesn't match TfL's own page, TfL's page is right. Tell us and we'll fix it. Railhop is independent and not affiliated with TfL. TfL refunds you directly; Railhop never handles the money.