If you are new to the city of Chicago, navigating its public transportation system is not a straightforward task to begin with. That is why the Ventra Chicago Card is aimed at making your journey more seamless and convenient – whether you are a seasoned commuter or just a first-time visitor. Touted as an all-access pass to Chicago’s public transportation network, the Ventra Chicago Card serves as a stored-value card that allows you to pay for fares on both the Pace Suburban Bus Service and the Chicago Transport Authority (CTA).
Currently, there are three types of Ventra card – physical, mobile, and contactless bankcards. While the physical card is the classic option for most people, the mobile option is for those who use Apple Pay and Google Pay frequently. Lastly, the contactless bankcard solution allows you to use your own debit or credit card for a streamlined approach. Whatever type of Ventra card you end up using, you will always be surprised by its enhanced convenience, reduced fares, flexibility, real-time balance checking feature, and the ability to transfer it to another owner.
Having said that, if your Ventra Chicago Card remains unused most of the time and you want to refund any remaining balance, or if your card has recently been lost and you want a replacement for the same, then our in-depth guide can be of help.
How to Get a Refund For Unused Fares
The Ventra Chicago Card does not usually allow refunds of unused fares or remaining card balances to its users. However, there are certain exceptions when such rules and regulations will not apply.
The first exception is that – if any registered account holder who is unable to deplete their Ventra Transit Account – due to an unplanned move or relocation out of the state of Illinois can opt for a refund request. The minimum balance remaining on the card should be $10 or more for the request to be successful. It is recommended that account holders submit that out-of-state refund request along with supporting documents to Ventra Customer Service so that they can receive a refund of the pending transit passes and/or value.
And the second exception is for those users who have recently died, and a duly authorized representative of the account holder can opt for a refund request. Legal representatives of deceased account holders must submit proper supporting documents along with their refund request to eventually close the account and receive a refund. Lastly, keep in mind that Metra fares will be governed by Metra Rail, and refunds can only be obtained by contacting Metra customer service at (312) 542-8398.
With the terms and conditions out of the way, let us focus on the steps you need to follow to register a refund request.
- Start the process by first drafting a refund request letter (based on the aforementioned two scenarios) on a clean piece of paper.
- Ensure that you address the letter to the Ventra Service Center (VSC), state your name, residential address, registered phone number and email ID, and Ventra card details, and then explain the reason why you are putting in the request.
- After that, gather all the supporting documents specific to your scenario and then head over to the Ventra Service Center at the following address: 567 W. Lake Street, 2nd floor, Chicago, IL 60661. The center remains open from Monday to Friday, between 8 AM and 4:30 PM CST.
- At the service center, hand over your refund request letter as well as the supporting documents for verification.
- Once the verification process is complete, your refund request will be registered and approved, and you will get your unused fare balance as a refund in due time.
How to Get a Replacement For a Lost Ventra Card
If your Ventra Chicago Card is lost or has been stolen, then the same must be notified to the customer service department over the phone as quickly as possible. To do that, follow the steps outlined below.
- Begin by first making a phone call to Ventra Customer Service at 1.877.NOW.VENTRA (1.877.669.8368).
- Navigate through the on-call options and proceed to speak to a customer care executive.
- Once your call is attended by a customer care representative, provide your name, registered phone number, and email ID, and then the details of your Ventra card (that is lost or stolen), which you want to block.
- The customer care agent will first verify your identity over the phone, and once that is completed, your card will be blocked. Remember, once a card is blocked, it cannot be reactivated or used again.
- After that, a replacement card will be booked, which will be mailed to you within the next 5-7 business days. Ensure that you provide a proper mailing address to the customer care executive, and the remaining balance on your lost card will be reinstated on your current replacement card.
Alternatively, you can also visit the Ventra Service Center to report your lost card and obtain a replacement.
How to Contact For Help
You can get in touch with the Ventra Customer Support over the phone by calling at 1.877.NOW.VENTRA (1.877.669.8368). Phone lines are available from Monday to Friday, between 6 AM and 8 PM CST, and on Saturdays from 8:30 AM to 5 PM.
Additionally, you can visit the customer care center located at 567 W. Lake Street, 2nd floor, Chicago, IL 60661, which remains open from Monday to Friday between 8 AM and 4:30 PM CST.
