1.2 million first-generation Octopus cards to expire by 2019, as they are not compatible with smartphone app
From Wednesday, users who hear three beeps instead of one can exchange old cards on the spot at MTR stations or 50 self-service kiosks
About 1.2 million Octopus cards issued two decades ago will expire in two years, as the operator of the cashless payment system presses ahead with efforts to secure a larger foothold in Hong Kong’s competitive e-wallet market.
These “first-generation” cards cannot be linked to Octopus’ Android smartphone app, O! ePay, which allows users to check their card balance, top up their card or make online payments.
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From Wednesday, cardholders who hear three beeps instead of one when they use their cards must get a replacement within the next three months.
Users can also check the string of numbers on the back of the cards. If the last digit does not have a bracket around it, a replacement is needed.
They can make this exchange for free and on the spot at any MTR customer service centre, or at 50 self-service kiosks that will be set up at various locations across Hong Kong. However, those who want personalised Octopus cards – with their name or photo printed on the back – will have to wait three to four weeks for their new card.
On Tuesday, the CEO of Octopus Cards Limited Sunny Cheung Yiu-tong said that the replacement exercise for the 1.2 million cards would be conducted in batches, beginning with a “few thousand” cards.
