
How to Add a Promo Code to the TAP App
Sep 30, 2025Author: Nancy Delgado, LA Metro
This is a step-by-step guide to using a promo code to ride Metro.
You will need the TAP app on your phone. With the TAP App, you will be able to use your phone to pay for and access Metro train stations and get on Metro buses.
Here is a summary of the steps in this guide:
- Download the TAP app on your phone.
- Create an account on the TAP app.
- Add a TAP card to your account.
- Add the promo code to the TAP card.
- Use your phone to ride Metro.
More details on each of the steps are below.
Step 1: Download the TAP app on your phone.
The TAP app is the official app created by LA Metro. You need this app to redeem and use a promo code. If you already have the app, skip to Step 2.
Download the Tap app.
Open the App Store on your iPhone, or the Google Play Store on your Android device, and search for "TAP LA".
Or, click on one of the buttons below:
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Step 2: Create an account on the TAP App.
When you open the app, click Create Account. If you already have an account, click Log In.
Complete the Create an Account form, then click the Create button.
Step 3. Add a TAP card to your account.
On the TAP app, click on the “Cards” icon at the bottom of the screen. If you already have a TAP card in your TAP app, you will see your card here (skip to Step 4).
To add a virtual TAP card (recommended), click on:
- Add a TAP Card to Apple Wallet (iPhone)
- Add a TAP Card on Your Phone (Android)
Give your virtual card a nickname (e.g., My Virtual Card), and click Continue.
To add a plastic TAP card (if you have one) to the TAP app:
- Watch a short video on how to do this for iPhone.
- Watch a short video on how to do this for Android.
Step 4. Add the promo code to the TAP card.
The next screen says Select Fare Type. (If you already had a TAP card in the app, look for the option "Redeem Code.)
Click Redeem Code.
Enter your unique promo code. Click Continue.
The next screen says Cart, showing the promo code applied.
The cart total will be $0.00. Click Purchase.
IMPORTANT: To complete the process:
- Click Add to Apple Wallet (for iPhone) and follow the prompts.
- Click Continue for Android. (TAP cards do not currently work with Google Wallet.)
Step 5. Use your phone to ride Metro.
When you are ready to enter a Metro rail station or get on a bus:
- Open the TAP app on your phone.
- With the TAP app open, hold your phone next to the “TAP dial”—a blue circle that says "tap – transit access pass" on the turnstiles you pass through to enter a Metro station. See the photo below to see what this looks like.
- Wait for the TAP reader to confirm that you have paid. You will hear a beep sound, see a "GO" message, or see a green screen.
The turnstile “TAP dial.”
Click here for more information on using the TAP app or plastic TAP cards to enter Metro train stations or get on a Metro bus.
Click here to find short instructional videos from the TAP team (in English and Spanish).