交通卡的使用選擇，使用GARMIN悠遊卡自動加值的限制 Traffic Card Choices and Limitations of Garmin EasyCard Auto-Reload

It has been a long time since I used a regular EasyCard, so long that I forgot its nature as an electronic wallet. Since I could apply for co-branded traffic cards, I have always used the credit card versions. I happened to switch to a Garmin watch recently and did some research on this. Friends who already know that EasyCard sensors are divided into online and offline (non-connected) types should be able to guess what this is about.

First, the Garmin watch comes pre-loaded with a blank regular adult card. There are a few subtle but important limitations: you need to be particular about the sensing angle, it requires manual reload or auto-reload with binding restrictions, and once bound, it cannot be unbound for others. The last point is something I recently found out, but since I don’t have plans for second-hand resale and will likely use it until it breaks, I’ll just treat it as a feature.

Let’s start with the most recommended smooth usage solution for 2025, which is still the co-branded traffic card (EasyCard/iPASS), specifically the credit card version, not the VISA debit card. If you don’t want to worry about these issues, please prioritize applying for one. Only co-branded credit cards can achieve the “advance payment” function, allowing for auto-reload via advance payment at offline card readers (usually MRT and TRA gates), with the amount later settled from the credit card.

Currently, the auto-reload available for Garmin watch EasyCards is through Easy Wallet and regular bank binding. Once bound, this regular EasyCard is basically the same as an EasyCard Debit card. Apart from the daily maximum limit of 3000, the biggest limitation is that auto-reload relies on “connected devices”. Connected devices are essentially places where you would go for manual reload, such as convenience store counters, reload machines, and some exceptions: Youbike KIOSK (I didn’t know this until I looked it up) and FamilyMart FamiPort.

There are now second-generation cards on the market that can be reloaded via mobile phones: iPASS PLUS and Super EasyCard. This capability is mainly due to updated chips, but they still cannot auto-reload at offline devices. At least it’s more convenient to operate via mobile phone, but for those who don’t use iPASS Money or Easy Wallet, this might be relatively troublesome because you also need to understand how electronic wallets work and manage an additional wallet account.

So overall, the choices for usage experience are as follows:

• If you really don’t want to take out your wallet and prefer wearing your traffic card, remember to load more money when using a watch/band type EasyCard.
• For the smoothest experience, getting a co-branded traffic credit card is the best choice, serving dual purposes, just keep it safe.
• For heavy mobile users who like styled cards, check if it’s a second-generation traffic card when buying to enable mobile reload.

As for the endless debate about EasyCard joining Apple Pay, I think that era has passed. As someone who has long enjoyed using Suica on iPhone/Watch during trips to Japan, I think Taiwan should just catch up with the transit EMV standard. Being able to swipe a credit card is far more important than a traffic card.