# CharmPass

> Mobile app for instant purchase and use of transit fares. (iPhone/iPad app by Maryland Transit Administration.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/charmpass/id1411574150 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Maryland Transit Administration](https://appshunter.io/developer/1411574149)
- Category: Travel, Utilities
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.90/5 from 31,366 App Store ratings · 157 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 9+
- Requires: iOS 14.0 · 32 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2018-09-27
- Data updated: 2026-08-28
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/charmpass/id1411574150/reviews.md

## What is CharmPass?

The CharmPass app lets you purchase and use fares instantly on your phone—anywhere, anytime. Just download the free app, register your debit/credit card or PayPal account in our secure system, and you're ready to go.
 
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS APP:
• No paper fares to track.
• Purchase BaltimoreLink Local Service, MARC Train, and Commuter Bus tickets all from one app. 
• No need to carry cash, count exact change, or find a ticket machine.
• Buy and use fares instantly using a debit/credit card or your PayPal account.
• Pay a single fare or multiple fares for a group of riders.
 
HOW IT WORKS:
1. CHOOSE SERVICE 
2. CHOOSE FARE
3. SELECT TICKET TYPE
4. CHOOSE QUANTITY
5. CHECK OUT
 
COMMON QUESTIONS:
Q: Do I need to be connected to the Internet?
A: Cellular network or a wireless Internet connection is required to purchase tickets, but you can activate your pre-purchased tickets offline.

Q: What if my battery dies?
A: Just like with paper tickets, you're responsible for making sure you have a valid fare at all times, so be sure to plan ahead!

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
• Don't uninstall the CharmPass app or erase your phone while you have active tickets on it. Your tickets are stored on your phone (which makes it possible to use them without a cellular network or a wireless Internet connection), so uninstalling the app can permanently erase your tickets!
• Purchase your ticket anytime and activate your fare as you’re boarding.
• Show your ticket to the operator of the vehicle.
• Watch your battery level! Just like with paper tickets, you're responsible for making sure you have a valid fare at all times.

## Key features

- Instant fare purchase
- No paper tickets
- Multiple transit options
- Secure payment options
- Group fare purchase
- Offline ticket activation

## What do users think of CharmPass?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🚀 Convenient and easy to use
- 👍 Seamless integration with payment methods
- 🚀 Faster boarding process
- 🚀 Efficient for commuting
- 👍 Eco-friendly and paperless
- 👍 Helpful customer service

**Cons**

- 🐛 App crashes and login issues
- 🐛 Tickets not always working as expected
- 🐛 Ticket expiration issues
- 🐛 Lack of offline functionality
- 🐛 Inconsistent bus driver interactions

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Tickets disappearing from the app
- Tickets not activating properly
- Compatibility issues with newer devices
- Unreliable location tracking

**Most requested features**

- Loyalty program or incentives
- Improved ticket management and refund options
- Real-time transit updates and alerts
- Apple Watch integration
- Better offline support

## Recent user reviews (10 of 157)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/charmpass/id1411574150/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Worst app in the world dating a new developer

*2026-08-21, version 3.21.8003*

This app does not allow me to schedule a date in advance and then pay in advance. How stupid is that?! That was not a question that was a remark …What’s up with that? People need to grow a brain these days.

Joshua Lewis

### 5/5 — Excellent and convenient!

*2026-08-17, version 3.21.8003*

I travel back and forth between Baltimore and Washington every day, prices are consistent and trains are always on time.

### 3/5 — Keeps freezing!!

*2026-08-15, version 3.21.8003*

I’m tired of purchasing passes just for me to open the app at the fair box for the app to freeze while I’m in the subway with no signal. Especially when I can see my tickets and know once I exit out the window I’ll be left without a ticket all together. Fix bug please

### 1/5 — Broken app

*2026-08-12, version 3.21.8003*

Brought two tickets and they would not show up. Please fix this.

### 1/5 — Getting a new phone and this sucks

*2026-07-21, version 3.20.7999*

Cannot access my tickets at all!!!

### 5/5 — Great!

*2026-07-12, version 3.20.7999*

Great, easy to navigate.

### 5/5 — CharmPass

*2026-07-01, version 3.20.7999*

Quick & easy so convenient. I love the MTA!

### 1/5 — Quick to charge card, no support after.

*2026-06-30, version 3.20.7999*

So I downloaded and installed this app for a quick trip to DC. I accidentally clicked the outgoing ticket and it activated it with no way to deactivate it. Call the support number, sent an email, snd no one got back to me. So it seems I would have to buy another ticket. It was only 13 bucks but still, it’s not right. Deleting it from my phone now.

### 1/5 — Terrible app

*2026-06-22, version 3.20.7999*

There’s an unknown error that’s not letting me access the app.

### 3/5 — Works 70% of the Time

*2026-06-16, version 3.20.7999*

Overall, it works okay as a way but is love if the MTA could join SmartTrip from WMATA. I’m a MARC commuter. MTA instructs riders to open and activate tickets as the vehicle approaches however there are regular instances when the app doesn’t open and reports an internet connection is not available despite other internet enabled apps being able to be used.

## Frequently asked questions about CharmPass

### What is CharmPass?

CharmPass is a mobile application that allows users to purchase and use transit fares directly on their smartphones. It eliminates the need for paper tickets, cash, or visiting ticket machines, offering a convenient way to manage travel.

### What types of fares can I buy with CharmPass?

You can purchase BaltimoreLink Local Service, MARC Train, and Commuter Bus tickets through the CharmPass app. It consolidates various transit options into a single platform for easy access.

### How do I pay for fares?

You can securely register your debit/credit card or PayPal account within the app to purchase fares. The system is designed to be secure for all transactions.

### Do I need an internet connection to use my tickets?

A cellular network or wireless internet connection is required to purchase tickets. However, once purchased, you can activate your tickets offline, allowing you to use them without an active internet connection.

### What happens if my phone battery dies?

Similar to paper tickets, users are responsible for ensuring they have a valid fare at all times. It is recommended to monitor your phone's battery level to avoid issues when boarding or during your journey.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 3.21.8003 — 2026-08-01

- New ticket UI

### 3.20.7999 — 2026-01-29

- Bug fixes.

### 3.20.7899 — 2025-06-30

- Performance improvement

### 3.19.7807 — 2021-06-24

Various bug fixes and improvements

### 3.18.7569 — 2021-03-29

Bug fixes and performance improvements

## Apps similar to CharmPass

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [The Official MTA App](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-official-mta-app/id1297605670) | 4.4 (12,561) | Free | Travel |
| [NJ TRANSIT](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nj-transit/id589549928) | 4.8 (269,485) | Free | Travel |
| [New York City Subway](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/new-york-city-subway/id599138866) | 4.8 (3,987) | Free | Travel |
| [Taxi Service Island](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/taxi-service-island/id1589462480) | — | Free | Travel |
| [City Shuttle Cairo](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/city-shuttle-cairo/id1579355620) | — | Free | Travel |
| [London Taxi Peja](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/london-taxi-peja/id1582975940) | — | Free | Travel |

## More apps by Maryland Transit Administration

- [Mobility All Access](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mobility-all-access/id1579895990)

All apps by Maryland Transit Administration: https://appshunter.io/developer/1411574149

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-28.*