Make smoother, faster, safer cashless purchases, with free Cash to Card services available.
The most important part of your experience with us at Newport Aquarium is ensuring you have a great experience! That’s why we are transitioning to smoother, safer cashless operations this season. Beginning January 8, 2026, Newport Aquarium will accept only electronic payments such as debit cards, credit cards, and mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay. All you have to do is swipe or tap to pay at any ticket window, Sharky’s Cafe, or the gift shop – no digging for change to pay or waiting for cash back from our hosts. Moving to a fully electronic payment system will streamline the payment process for both Guests and Hosts, making paying for everything from tickets to sweet treats safer, simpler, and more secure.
Only have cash? You’re still covered! Guests will have free access to multiple easy-to-use Cash to Card Kiosks conveniently located in the lobby at Newport Aquarium. You can transfer your cash free of charge onto a card, use it throughout Newport Aquarium, and if you have money left over, use it anywhere else that cards are accepted.
Still have questions? Check out our list of Frequently Asked Questions below.
By transitioning to only accepting electronic payments such as debit cards, credit cards, and mobile methods like Apple Pay, Newport Aquarium will provide a faster, safer and more Guest-friendly experience. Hosts will spend less time handling cash and more time serving Guests.
Beginning January 8, 2026, Newport Aquarium will solely accept electronic payments. These include all major credit and debit card providers (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, Discover) and secure mobile payment systems (Apple Pay, Google/Android Pay, Samsung Pay). We do not accept cash, however, Guests can transfer cash onto a prepaid card through a simple and safe process at several Cash to Card Kiosks located in the lobby at Newport Aquarium.
Prepaid cards cannot be reloaded. Instead, get a new prepaid card free of charge at a nearby Cash-to-Card kiosk.
There are several ways to check your balance. First, you can swipe the card and see the balance at any Cash to Card Kiosk at RCbalance.com. You can also visit RCbalance.com or call the number listed on the back of each card.
There are no penalties or fees if you attempt to make a purchase that is larger than the amount of funds on the card. You will need to provide another form of payment to complete the transaction or load additional money onto a new card.
First, please be sure to take the receipt issued during your transaction at the Cash to Card Kiosk. This will list the amount of cash you deposited. Then, head to the nearest Guest Services location. At Newport Aquarium, Guest Services can be found in the lobby at the ticketing office. A Host will work with the card provider to resolve the error as quickly as possible so you can get back to fun!
If you have additional questions related to our new payment policy prior to your visit, please contact us (link) directly so we can assist you.
No, cryptocurrencies will not be accepted at the Newport Aquarium.
Newport Aquarium Guests can transfer anywhere from $1 to $500 onto a prepaid card at several kiosks located in the lobby at Newport Aquarium. This transfer process is free, and the card can be used throughout Newport Aquarium and any outside locations where credit or debit cards are accepted.
The Cash to Card Kiosks are free to use; there is no fee to load cash onto the prepaid card. If the card is used regularly, there is no recurring fee. After 92 consecutive days of no transaction activity, however, a $3.95 fee will be charged each month. To avoid this fee, simply use the card within 91 days.
Cash is not given back if there is a balance on the card. The card would have to be used anywhere cards are accepted.
None! Use of the kiosks is anonymous, helping make the cards provided among the most secure forms of payment possible.
The card can be used anywhere payments are made throughout Newport Aquarium. Outside of Newport Aquarium, it can be used at any location that accepts credit or debit cards.
If you bring cash to Newport Aquarium, we can put your dollars on a debit card at no charge. There are two kiosks in the lobby at Newport Aquarium to convert your cash to a card. It’s free and easy.
