Electronic Loading Is the Most Common Method, Available Through the Official App, Home Banking, at Ms, and Various Digital Wallets

Argentina's public transit system offers three ways to top up the SUBE card, each with its own steps: electronic loading, in-person loading, and on-board loading. Electronic loading is the most common method, available through the official app, home banking, AT Ms, and various digital wallets. After completing the transaction, the balance is credited to the card.

Users with Android devices running NFC and version 6 or higher of the operating system can finalize the process by holding the card to the back of the phone via the SUBE app. Alternatively, passengers can use Automatic SUBE Terminals (TAS) or, on enabled buses, the on-board loading system, where the rider tells the driver upon boarding that they have a pending load to be credited. In-person loading remains a key option for those who prefer cash.

Users can visit authorized SUBE Points, including shops, train stations, subways, and service centers, where the credit is applied immediately after handing over the money and card to the attendant. At some service centers in the Buenos Aires metropolitan area, credit or debit cards are also accepted. There are specific limits depending on the method.

The maximum balance the SUBE card can hold is 40,000 pesos via the mobile app or on-board loading. However, if a user chooses an automatic terminal or pays cash at a store, the maximum drops to 9,900 pesos. Amounts above these limits remain as pending credit and are released as the passenger uses up available balance on daily trips.

The system also provides an emergency negative balance to complete a journey when there is no positive credit. This allows a negative balance of up to 1,200 pesos on buses, subways, and river transport. For the Mitre, Sarmiento, Roca, San Martín, Belgrano Norte and Sur train lines, and the Neuquén Valley network, the margin rises to 650 pesos.

The Urquiza line currently has a cap of 480 pesos, pending a technological update to its validators. The SUBE card is used across the country's public transport network, and these limits apply nationwide.