NSW commuters can now use Samsung Pay on Opal terminals while locked

Image credit: Samsung

Last year, Samsung brought Opal compatibility to its Samsung Pay contactless payment platform, giving owners of Galaxy devices in NSW the ability to pay for public transport by tapping their phones at terminals – just like they would an Opal or credit card – so long as the device was unlocked.

From today, a new Samsung Pay update is rolling out that will make travelling even more seamless, allowing users to tap their devices at Opal terminals on Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink Intercity rail services, light rail and Sydney Ferries services without the need to wake or unlock their phone.

Unfortunately, contactless payments are not supported on buses yet, and just like with credit card Opal payments, standard (peak) Adult Opal fares apply – no discounted trips or weekly travel rewards.

According to Samsung, Australians will be the first in the world to get the updated feature, as it has been developed specifically for Opal in collaboration with Transport for New South Wales.

Stephen Lambrechts
Senior Journalist, Phones and Entertainment

Stephen primarily covers phones and entertainment for TechRadar's Australian team, and has written professionally across the categories of tech, film, television and gaming in both print and online for over a decade. He's obsessed with smartphones, televisions, consoles and gaming PCs, and has a deep-seated desire to consume all forms of media at the highest quality possible. 


He's also likely to talk a person’s ear off at the mere mention of Android, cats, retro sneaker releases, travelling and physical media, such as vinyl and boutique Blu-ray releases. Right now, he's most excited about QD-OLED technology, The Batman and Hellblade 2: Senua's Saga.