Zip Oyster card auto top up not working?/not available?

[reup]

My sons card failed on the tube. I'm sure I set up auto top up for it but as he usually goes on buses that are free it hasn't been used much. I logged I to my account which his card is on and there doesn't seem to be an auto top up option just top ups.

I couldn't find any info on it online and they are closed now - does anyone have any idea?

Hi, I had the same problem. The zip card isn't automatically part of your account even though you may have ordered it through that account. You have to 'add an oyster card' to your account by going to your account in the right hand menu, go to 'My Oyster cards' and then further down the page click on the grey box that says 'add an existing Oyster card'. Then you type in the card number that's on the top right on the reverse of the card. Then you'll be able to go to the auto top up area. They don't explain that anywhere. Quite frustrating.

Thanks that's really helpful.

When I tried to add my child's Zip Card to my Oyster account online (at account.tfl.gov.uk), it didn't recognise the security information that I gave. This is a common problem.

This is because the memorable date that you choose when you set up the Zip Card is 8 digits long, whereas the memorable date that you can input within your Oyster account requires 6 digits.

To solve the problem, you need to call Oyster (0343 222 1234) and get them to change the format of your Zip Card memorable date to 6 digits. Sadly, you cannot do this yourself online. It took me half an hour of holding/ being transferred to another person but I reckon it's worth it!

At one point I was told that it is not possible to set up a Zip Card on auto-renewal but it is, so mention this Mumsnet thread and don't let them put you off.

I have forwarded this thread to Tfl, so hopefully they will improve the system in future.

God this problem is maddening! I have just spent half an hour trying to add auto top-up to my son's card before finding this thread. Thank you. (But I don't know if I have another half-hour to sit on hold with TfL. Jesus!)