Can I top up my card here?
'Ricaricare' — ri-ca-ri-CA-re. Stress on the fourth syllable; five syllables total.
Ask at a ticket machine or information desk when you need to add credit to a rechargeable transport card. Most machines allow top-ups.
'Ricaricare' means to recharge or top up — the same word used for phone credit. 'Tessera' means card — it is the generic Italian word for a membership or travel card. 'Carta' can also be used: 'ricaricare la carta'.
La macchinetta accetta bonifico?
Does the machine accept bank transfer?
Unusual question — machines take card or cash, not transfers.
Posso ricaricare online?
Can I top up online?
Most city transport apps allow online top-ups.
Quanto credito ho ancora?
How much credit do I still have?
Ask before topping up to know your balance.
Milan's rechargeable transport card is called 'Carta MiMuovo'. Rome uses a similar system. Cards can also be topped up at tobacconists (tabaccherie) displaying the transport authority logo — often faster than station machines.