Do American chip-and-signature cards work in the Paris Métro?

Our card didn't work to buy tickets for the London Underground. We have a Capital One 360 Debit card (mastercard) for reference. Not sure about Paris, since after the London experience we just made sure to carry coins with us to purchase Paris metro tickets.

You can also purchase tickets at ticket windows in the metro stations. We bought our carnets (books of 10 tickets) at windows but paid cash so no idea if they take U.S. cards.

But if you are going to be there for some months, you may want to look into the Navigo monthly pass.

http://parisbytrain.com/paris-train-metro-week-pass-navigo-decouverte/

(Paris experts, please feel free to correct any info in the link above which you feel is not current or correct!)

The answer could be maybe. There is no way to really know, each card will set it's own rules on how the transaction is validated, it would need to allow low dollar transactions without verification, and the terminals in the Metro would need to allow that as well. Plan on purchasing at a window, but go ahead and try the machines, for you, it may work, mine has in London, Madrid, and Berlin. Do be aware though that if it does work, it may be limited to transactions of $25 or $50.

My chip & signature CC did not work at the self service Metro ticket machines when we visited Paris this past June.
We did purchased our Navigo Decouverte at the ticket window & used my CC there.

I agree with Kathy & recommend the Navigo Decouverte pass, especially since you plan to be in Paris for a few months.

In 2015 only my chip and pin, not my chip and signature card worked in the automated machines in the Paris Metro. When we used a staffed ticket booth, then, of course, I could use a signature card.

Funny, my chip-and-signature card DID work in the Paris Metro in 2016. At least once I had to enter a PIN, but a random 4 digits was OK. Now, toll road machines ...

My Capital One chip and signature credit card worked at the self-service machines to buy metro tickets and RER tickets in September 2016.

I'd say yes they work but virtually everytime I had to try more than once before it worked. I'd get a carnet every couple of days and was always able to use the machine in the metro stations (except when there was a system wide computer outage).

Not all Metro stations have manned windows which sell tickets.
Look for "vente" above the window, which means they have stuff to sell.

Not all tabacs sell Metro tickets.
Look for a turquoise "RATP" sign somewhere outside the building.

Most US cards do work in the Metro machines. The mistake many people make is putting the wrong end of the card in first. Try turning it around, if it doesn't work.

If there is a human being on duty, he will swipe your card in a hand-held machine. You may or may not have to sign the receipt.

If you plan on purchasing the Navigo Decouverte Pass, you will need to bring appropriate sized photos with you. You should read up on how to use the Pass using this website and it will also help you navigate around town:
http://www.ratp.fr/en/ratp/c_21879/visiting-paris/

Chexbres,

Thanks for this helpful tip!

Most US cards do work in the Metro machines. The mistake many people make is putting the wrong end of the card in first. Try turning it around, if it doesn't work.

Which way is the correct way?

Which way is the correct way?

Chip forward and up.

It was 2-1/2 years ago, but yes chip and signature but using the cash advance PIN worked fine.

Most metro stations do not have ticket sales but the info clerk can sell ND charges or even tickets with a credit card under some circumstances. We have recharged our cards that way. This year I was able to charge my NDs for the month on the machine using a US Visa chip and sig card. The machine asked for a pin number but when I simply hit continue it proceeded and charged the card.

Ticket sales counters are being phased out in Metro stations.
That's why you have to look for the "VENTE" sign above the counter.

My card has a little arrow which points in the direction where the card should be inserted into the machine. It's located on the side where your name is printed and the card number begins.

Thanks Chexbres, and Robert for your explanations regarding the correct position of the card. I did place my card the correct way while attempting to use the self service ticket Metro machine at the Gare de Lyon, but my CC didn't work. Fortunately there was a staffed ticket window & I was able to buy the tickets with my CC (once my Navigo Decouverte weekly pass had expired)

Priscilla - did you remember to alert your bank about your travel dates before you left home? Sometimes the bank messes up.

Or perhaps you were asked for the non existent PIN and gave up? Mine looked like it wouldn't work as it is chip/sig not chip/pin but it did when I pushed continue.

Chexbres,
Yes, I always notify my bank of my travel plans. Thanks!

Janet,
I don't recall being asked for a PIN, but next time I visit Paris, I will follow your advice, thanks!

Thank you to everyone who "chipped" into this discussion. I got a lot of benefit from it.
dbhusker