Londoners could be in line for unexpected refunds from Transport for London (TfL) for incomplete journeys on the Tube and other services. A simple online check can reveal if you are owed money, with one TikTok user reportedly securing nearly £100 back.
The simple refund check for your Oyster or contactless card
According to TikTok user adaezeashley, who shared the tip, many travellers may have been incorrectly charged for trips where they did not correctly touch in or out. "Follow these steps, TfL might owe you £100 - you never know," she advised in a video posted on 23 December 2025.
The process is straightforward. First, you need to visit the Oyster card section of the official TfL website and sign into the online service. If you do not have an account, you can create one and then link your Oyster card and any contactless payment cards you use for travel. TfL holds a record of all journeys made with these cards.
Once logged in, select your account in the top right corner and click on 'Dashboard'. From there, you can choose your Oyster or contactless card to see a list of any incomplete journeys.
"It's gonna let you know if you have any incomplete journeys," Ashley explained. "You can click on each incomplete journey, and then let them know either where you started or where you ended the journey and then it will let you know how much they're gonna refund you." In her demonstration, this process resulted in a refund of £99.40.
How to apply for the Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount
Beyond checking for refunds, eligible Londoners can also benefit from a separate TfL scheme that offers half-price travel. The Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount provides a 50 per cent reduction on pay-as-you-go adult fares across most TfL services, including buses, the Tube, trams, the DLR, London Overground, and sections of the Elizabeth Line. The discount also applies to most National Rail services within London.
To qualify, you must be claiming either Jobseeker's Allowance or Universal Credit. The eligibility period depends on your age:
- If you are aged 18 to 24, you need to have been unemployed for between 13 and 39 weeks.
- If you are over 25, you can apply after being out of work for between 13 and 52 weeks.
Those claiming Incapacity Benefit, Employment and Support Allowance, or Income Support can also apply if they are actively working with an adviser to return to employment.
Steps to secure your travel discount
Applicants must visit their local Jobcentre Plus office to begin the process. After applying, follow these steps:
- Take your Jobcentre Plus photocard and Oyster card to any Oyster Ticket Stop or Tube station.
- Ask a member of staff to add the Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount to your Oyster card. You will need to provide a password.
- Add pay-as-you-go credit to your Oyster card as normal.
- Create or sign into your online TfL account and add your Oyster card, using the same password you gave to the staff. If you do not do this, you cannot get a refund or replacement if your card is lost or stolen.
- Always carry your photocard and Oyster card when travelling. Without the photocard, you cannot buy a Travelcard or Bus & Tram Pass.
- Remember to always touch in and touch out on the yellow card readers at the start and end of your journey.
TfL warns cardholders not to let others use their discounted card. The photocard is valid for a three-month period, after which it must be renewed. For full details, visit the TfL website.
With these two schemes, Londoners have a clear opportunity to ensure they are not overpaying for their essential travel and to access significant savings if they are eligible for support.
