Passengers travelling on Madrid’s metro network can now use JCB Contactless to enter stations by simply tapping their payment card or mobile device at fare gates. The new service became available in June 2026 and covers Metro de Madrid’s entire network of 303 stations.
The rollout allows JCB cardholders to bypass ticket purchases and access the metro directly through contactless payment technology. The move is designed to improve passenger flow, reduce waiting times and make public transport more accessible for both residents and international visitors.
Until now, JCB card payments were accepted at ticket vending machines across the network. The latest upgrade extends contactless payments directly to station gates, enabling passengers to tap and travel without purchasing a separate ticket beforehand.
The project forms part of Metro de Madrid’s wider modernization programme aimed at improving efficiency and accessibility across one of Europe’s largest urban transport systems. The deployment includes upgraded gate infrastructure equipped with EMV-enabled readers that support secure contactless transactions using international payment cards and mobile wallets.
Madrid’s metro network serves millions of passenger journeys each year and is a vital part of the city’s transport infrastructure. By integrating direct contactless payments at fare gates, the operator joins a growing number of major metropolitan transit systems that are moving towards open-loop payment solutions.
Open-loop transit systems allow passengers to use their existing bank cards or digital wallets instead of purchasing dedicated transport tickets or travel cards. The approach has become increasingly common in cities seeking to simplify public transport access and improve the travel experience for international visitors.
For travellers arriving in Madrid, the change means they can access the metro using a familiar payment method without needing to understand local ticketing systems or purchase transport cards upon arrival. This can be particularly beneficial during busy travel periods when queues at ticket machines are longer.
The launch also strengthens JCB’s presence across Europe as the company continues to expand acceptance points for its cardmembers. JCB says the development supports its goal of providing convenient payment experiences for its global customer base, which exceeds 181 million cardmembers worldwide.
Ray Shinzawa, Managing Director of JCB Europe, said: “Enabling JCB Contactless on Metro de Madrid represents an important step in expanding everyday acceptance for our cardmembers across Europe. Public transportation is a key touchpoint for international travellers, and by allowing passengers to simply tap and travel, this rollout makes the metro network more accessible and efficient, particularly during busy periods.
“As more cities adopt contactless transit solutions, we will continue to strengthen our acceptance network to deliver seamless and convenient payment experiences for our cardmembers worldwide.”
The introduction of JCB Contactless on Metro de Madrid reflects a broader shift in urban mobility toward faster and more convenient payment systems. As contactless technology becomes increasingly integrated into public transport networks around the world, passengers are gaining more flexibility in how they move through cities while operators benefit from streamlined boarding processes and improved passenger flow.
