Please use Priority Number get Google Voice and others app numbers : https://smspinverify.com/index2.php ...   -   29/08/23 11:26 pm     Customer support if you have any query, please contact our WhatsApp : +351920405496 ...   -   21/04/23 12:13 pm    

How to Register Presto Card Account without a Phone Number

Posted on 27/12/24 12:36 pm

How to Register Presto Card Account without a Phone Number

Presto Card is quite a necessary tool for using public transit for those who live in the GTHA or the province of Ottawa, Canada. However, registering in the Presto app requires verifying an account with a mobile number.

For many people, this may not seem like a big deal, but for those who don’t want to share their real contact information with the app due to privacy reasons, this is hardly good news to hear. However, there are methods to bypass this requirement, including using a temporary virtual number instead of your actual number.

Let’s explore how the technology works, but first, let’s discover the benefits of the Presto services.

What is Presto Card?

Presto Card is a travel card for public transport and metro transportation rides in the GTHA (Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area) and the province of Ottawa, Canada. This travel pass replaced the familiar Metropass and talon tickets that were still available in Canada until recently.

The Presto fare payment system is compatible with over 10 public transit agencies that operate in the GTHA. You can check the list of transit agencies on the Presto website.

The Presto card allows customers to pay for a ride on any public transport, whether it’s buses, trams, or subways. The process is simple: when boarding, you need to tap the card to the reader and tap it again when making a transfer. If you manage to stay within 2 hours after the payment, you won’t be charged an extra fare.

You can access the Presto services with a physical card or its virtual analogue, which is sold on the official website or in the app (as for the app, please keep reading). For more convenience, starting in late 2023, riders can purchase a Presto card in Google Wallet and Apple Wallet.

Where Can I Buy a Physical Presto Card?

For purchasing a physical Presto card, you have three options:

  • Automated machines installed at certain TTC railway stations.
  • Stores in the Shoppers Drug Mart network — not all stores, but most of them.
  • Customer Service outlets in TTC.

The only nuance is that since the automated machines cannot verify a rider’s age, it’s not possible to purchase a concessionary fare for all categories of citizens, only a standard adult fare. However, the other two options work when submitting a driver’s license or other proof of identity (PoI) documentation.

What is Presto Ticket?

A Presto ticket is a paper analogue to a Presto card for a few rides, which is meant to be thrown away after use and cannot be reloaded.

This paper ticket has an embedded RFID chip that prevents it from being recycled. Customers can buy a 1-ride, 2-ride, or day pass ticket.

Sadly, discounted fares don’t apply to Presto tickets, but using a ticket, you can still make free transfers within 2 hours on TTC.

What are Presto Card’s Loading Options?

Typically, for travel cards, you can load a certain amount of funds to a Presto card or a transit pass for unlimited travel. However, the second option works for some transit agencies only (GO Transit, UP Express, and Burlington Transit excluded).

As for loading money onto your Presto card, there are a few ways to do this:

  • Using the Presto app, Google Wallet, or Apple Wallet. Just use your debit or credit card to replenish the Presto balance.
  • Additionally, you can set up ‘Autoload’ in your Presto account.
  • On the website. The loaded money will be ready to use in 4 to 7 hours. However, for better protection, using the app is more reliable.
  • Physically. You can do this via a TTC Customer Service outlet, fare machines, or self-service reload machines. To load a ticket, look for ticket machines that are also installed at the railway stations.

If you need to load a weekly or monthly transit pass, you can choose from the following options:

  • In the Presto app — this allows for instant loading.
  • Using Google Wallet — Apple Wallet doesn’t allow you to add transit passes directly from there, but you can still do this in the app.
  • Physically. Most Shoppers Drug Mart stores and Customer Service outlets support the loading feature. As for loading a transit pass to your physical card, you can also use an automated machine at metro stations for this purpose.

Presto App: The Perks of the Digital Version

Using the app is even more convenient, especially for younger generations and those who are inclined to use technology. The Presto app allows riders to easily transfer a physical card into its virtual analogue so they can use a mobile device as a card. After creating a virtual card, the physical one becomes inactive. So, within a single Presto account, customers can manage up to 10 Presto cards.

Here’s what you can do in the Presto app in addition to registering a Presto card:

  • Check the balance of your Presto card.
  • Use NFC for instant replenishments and loading transit passes.
  • Replenish the balance via Google Pay, a bank card, or a previously saved payment option.
  • Set up ‘Autoload’ and ‘Autorenew’ so you don’t have to check the balance manually on a regular basis.
  • Set up reminders for the expiration date of your card or low balance.
  • Check the expiration date of your active transfers.
  • And more.

How to Register in the Presto App

It’s a three-step procedure:

  1. Enter your email address and agree to the service’s ToS — on the first screen.
  2. Complete account verification by entering a mobile phone number. To complete verification, enter an OTP.
  3. On the third registration screen, provide other user information, including your address details, postal code, and more.

As you can see, there’s no option to avoid using a mobile number when registering for the Presto card. But you can protect your primary phone number from being leaked or used for spam calls and messages by utilizing a temporary virtual number instead.

How to Complete Presto Sign In without a Phone Number?

When it comes to virtual numbers, they can receive SMS messages just like conventional mobile numbers. However, unlike cellular numbers that require a SIM card installed in a mobile device, virtual numbers are auto-generated by special software, which is typically accessible through a website or a desktop client. A message also comes to the software that issues the numbers.

The working principle of virtual numbers offers several advantages, including:

  • No connection to a specific physical device. To receive SMS on a virtual number through an online platform, you can use any device with a stable Internet connection, whether it’s a smartphone, laptop, tablet, or any other device.
  • No geolocation restrictions. Since virtual numbers are generated, you can choose whatever country you need, depending on the offering of the issuing provider. With smspinverify’s services, you can access 2000+ online services and apps in 190+ countries.
  • Enhanced privacy of your data. Using a virtual number protects your actual phone number from being used for malicious actions or being stolen, which is not harmless in today’s digital world.
  • Mass-following and multi-accounting functionality. This is possible because virtual phone numbers allow you to provide unique phone numbers for as many accounts as needed.

To get access to the Presto services with the help of smspinverify, follow these steps:

  1. Register on smspinverify.com using social media.
  2. Replenish funds to the balance — click the ‘Top Up’ button in the top right corner.
  3. To get a disposable number, click ‘Receive SMS’, select a country and service (Presto), and click ‘Purchase’.
  4. Scroll down the homepage to ‘History’, copy the purchased number, and apply it to the Presto sign-in.
  5. To request a verification code, return to smspinverify and click ‘Buy’ near the number.
  6. Apply the code as intended.

Back to Blog

Recent Posts