When you are ready to cash out a leftover transit card balance, not every location handles the same amount. Refund limits and fees vary by venue, so check your balance and card type before choosing where to go.

Check your card type and balance first

Whether you hold a physical prepaid card or mobile T-money determines which counter can help, and your balance size determines whether a convenience store can handle it or you need a station counter. Check your exact balance and issuer, T-money, Cashbee, or another, before heading out.

Convenience store limits and fees vary by brand

Convenience stores reportedly refund balances up to about KRW 30,000 at CU, Ministop, and Emart24, and up to about KRW 20,000 at chains like 7-Eleven, with a KRW 500 fee each time. Splitting a large balance into multiple small refunds means paying that fee more than once.

Subway station counters handle larger amounts

Stations with newer transit-card kiosks or customer service counters can issue cards, top up commuter passes, and process refunds directly, reportedly up to about KRW 50,000. If your balance exceeds the convenience-store limit, check whether your nearest station has this facility before visiting.

Mobile T-money refunds go through the app

Prepaid mobile T-money lets you request an account refund from the balance-refund menu in the app using your own bank account. It can take a few days to process, so a convenience store or station counter may be faster if you need cash urgently. If you are switching phones, cloud backup can move the balance instead of refunding it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I refund a transit card balance at any convenience store?

Refund limits differ by brand, about KRW 30,000 at CU, Ministop, and Emart24, and about KRW 20,000 at chains like 7-Eleven, with a KRW 500 fee.

What if my balance is more than the convenience store limit?

Subway stations with transit-card kiosks or customer service counters can typically handle larger refunds, reportedly up to about KRW 50,000.

How do I refund mobile T-money?

Use the balance-refund menu in the app with your own bank account. If you are changing phones, cloud backup can transfer the balance instead.

Source and Use Notes

This page summarizes published data for planning. Actual station conditions can differ, so verify them on site.