ParkChicago® Reviews

by AArvw

For going on 3 years now, there is no way for me to use my account and there is no way to access customer support. I would have to literally change my phone number to access an account on ParkChicago. So thanks to ParkChicago being poorly designed and without service, I have gotten several parking tickets over the past 3 years due to not being able to add more time to my parking, and not being able to make it out to my car to pay on the meter again in time. The poor design of ParkChicago has cost me a significant amount of money in tickets. Big thumbs down.

by Ericko Simone

ParkChicago has let me down many times and it doesn’t work when you need it most. It randomly will not allow me to reload my balance. The credit card on file is still valid and works fine elsewhere but this app tells me the payment method needs to be updated. Then I put the same CC info in, ParkChicago seems to accept it but I cannot use the balance to park for a period of time—usually I have to kill ParkChicago and restart, sometimes multiple times. On top of the bugs the User Interface is confusing and unclear. There are many times where I’m left wondering if a transaction went through. Also, I’ve been double and triple charged many times by ParkChicago.

by Froyo

I was locked out of my account years ago because I no longer had my payment method that was on the account. In order to get back into my account, I had to provide the details of the credit card I NO LONGER HAD because it was stolen.

There is no way to get back into ParkChicago in cases like this. This is the only app I’ve ever used that locks you out if you can’t provide the exact details of a payment method you once had on the account. Im shocked that this is how ParkChicago functions and I hope they change the login page to use a username/password instead.

by Barry 1972

ParkChicago is the only one I am aware of to assist with Chicago street parking. It must have been given a monopoly, because otherwise someone would have provided better and less expensive service. It charges 35 cents every time you use it. The minimum parking time is one half hour, so if you want to go in a store for five minutes you get charged about $3.00 instead of 50 cents. Now let’s talk about re-setting it if, as happened to me, I had not used it for a time and had forgotten my passcode. ParkChicago wanted my old credit card to re-establish it. Of course, the card had expired and the replacement had a new number. ParkChicago would not allow me to start anew even with my new phone or let me use another card. Nor did ParkChicago provide any alternative means of getting it restarted. I had to research it online and then contact ParkChicago operator. Ridiculous.

by Bonjondemarco

I hate ParkChicago. There have been too many times that I have forgotten to finish my purchase. You click and click and click and you still haven’t made your purchase. If you are paying for parking and receive a call and forget you were only on step 3 of four (even though it feels like you finished because there are sooo many steps- for example every time I need to confirm the only car license plate I’ve entered is the one I want to use). I did this today and got a $50 ticket because I didn’t complete the final step. I think ParkChicago needs to have a feature to remind users if they haven’t completed their purchase. I was gonna pay for two hours, left after just an hour, found a ticket, unlocked my phone for the first time since receiving a call as I paid for parking and there it was my $4 charge that I hadn’t actually okayed. So instead of $4, parking cost me $50. Please make your app more user friendly by helping them not get tickets due to incomplete purchases

by Deadbolt1285

There are certain streets of Chicago that have eliminated the ability to buy a parking pass (and putting it on your dashboard). Now, you have to pay by entering your license plate every time you park, or downloading ParkChicago. When you download ParkChicago, you have to load your card with at least $20 worth of credit. Also, anytime time less than two hours is charged a “convenience fee” of $.35.

Don’t let the words trip you up: the convenience is for them. They now have an influx of cash by people like you pre-loading your app, whether you use all the money or not. It’s convenient for them so they can easier write you a ticket without having to check your dashboard.

by JHNYSNZ

UPDATE 4/8/17: Had to add a fake debit card into ParkChicago so it would stop RELOADING my account after I was going under $10. Like really???$10 gets you a lot of parking but for some reason ParkChicago won't let you go under $10 to use.

So ParkChicago is very "smart" making you load your account with $20 before getting anywhere with it. So I did that. Thinking I live here in chicago and park frequently. Park LESS THAN 2 HOUR = $.35 "convenience" fee. So there, you're already uncharged 35cents more. Shows you a timer of how much time you got left. But once your funds get low, makes you pull out another $20. In going to try to put a fake card in to stop it from that

by Demotheus01

The convenience is alluring but honestly you're better off just paying at the meter. If it is cold or wet out you should be dressed appropriately regardless. This garbage app is a about fees (fine $.35, I get it) but it's the reload feature that feels like theft. Why $20? If I have $12 in my account and my parking is $6, I shouldn't have to add $20 to pay for my parking. LET ME USE THE AMOUNT ALREADY IN THE BALANCE!!! Is this run by people who need an account they can borrow from so everyone is part of their collective savings account with the $10 minimum. So many things seem wrong in this system but for some reason ParkChicago was never updated to make it not asinine. I will never use it again or recommend it. I'd rather have frost bite or be drenched in a monsoon than support the idiots who run ParkChicago.

by IMI889

The developer had clearly made the parking meter company rich and not have considered customers need. They have designated slot with minimum commissions automatically withdrawn. .
If you really care customers. Do pay attention and reply back your update.
1. If parking customer have moved away from designated area the customer must be able to deactivate the meter stating he is no longer need and must be refunded the remaining amount.
2. There must not be two simultaneous active session. One must expire in order to begin second. Unless the customer is using for another vehicle.
3. Customer complaint must be in app it self, instead of emailing. With picture uploading facility. Just like Uber and Lift does so customer can leave a feed back.
4. If customer in error pays for parking and later realizes it’s a sanitation zone day or construction. A customer must have ability to cancel the transaction to begin a new one.
I shall revive your service once above complaints are rectified. Until then your service is just money ripping and a shame to community.

by Fobby9241

I give two stars and here is the reason why..

This apps is good and I have no problem with it. It’s good to use while your doing something busy and don’t have time to pay up front by pay box. You don’t have to go back and forth. You can reload it anywhere, anytime.

What I don’t like is, they actually tells you that you can’t stay no more longer than the time they expected at that hour. I wish they could just extended the hour 24/7 or any costumer options to do so.

I just think they could give an options for Costumer to transfer money to bank or credit card or other options when you don’t need it anymore. I don’t live chicago but I go there for concert or other events.

The cost of using online apps is highly expensive to compare to the pay box. I don’t think that’s a great deal and there’s no point. However, I thought it’s the same and cheap.

I’m disappointed.

I honestly think it needs more updates, more optional for better use.

by Varineq

The functionality of ParkChicago is fine. Works just as it should and is convenient. The best feature is that you can reload the meter from your phone and don't have to walk back to the car. I would give ParkChicago five stars if they were upfront and honest about the cost.

The developers need to admit up front that ParkChicago costs $10. Their prepaid system is shady. You load your account with $20, so you would thing you'd have to reload once the balance gets low. Nope. You must reload with an additional $20 when you get to $10. Example: I had $11 left in my account. My $4 parking would have left me only $7, which is below their $10 minimum. So it charged me $20. In summary, I needed $31 in my account to pay $4. I can never use that last $10.

I contacted the developers about this previously, asking if I could get a refund since I very rarely need parking in the city. They said they don't give refunds. So if I can never use that $10 in my account for parking and I can't get the $10 refunded, why not just admit that you're keeping my $10 as a cost for using the service? Just charge me 10 bucks and then show my actual usable balance in ParkChicago .

by Wuraola Fadake

I don't like how it forces you to pay a certain amount to replenish your card. What if I don't have that amount? What if I need X amount of money for something else. This is inconvenient and ParkChicago. What about if I want to move to another city or close my account down, then what? What if I'm moving to another city, why can't my account just reduce to zero why shouldn't be this difficult to close it. From what I've seen so far this would be the only option… not everybody has a money tree in their backyard. Not to mention the $.35 convenience fee they charge if you don't pay for the maximum hours. 🙄

by Noworrieschamp

The only thing that would make ParkChicago better is if you could tag certain frequent parking zones as particular item, like Addison and Racine etc. AAND for its loyal customers ParkChicago should offer redemption on your time. There are other city parking apps across the country that offer to give the time and money back if you are leaving earlier than anticipated. This would not only attract people to ParkChicago , but keep them actively using it. ParkChicago is super convenient, especially when you are parked in a zone overnight and don’t need to leave you bed to add time.

by Bairdman

We really enjoy this parking app. Parking is expensive but ParkChicago is wonderful and the fact it works well in Chicago where cellular service isn't the best, is awesome! We love it and like the security of knowing we can pay for parking, get alerts and avoid tickets all at the convenience of our phone. Highly recommend. Remember, the makers of ParkChicago don't determine the price of parking, but allows for a secure, convenient way to pay for parking.

by AppalachianC8

If you park in Chicago even just every so often ParkChicago is worth having. It's free, connects to your debit/credit card, and so easy to use. Not to mention, it alerts you 10 minutes before your parking is about to expire and gives you the option to replenish. Makes no sense why anyone would use the old fashioned pay boxes when you have this as an option - it's way simpler, much faster, and you won't have those annoying parking slips floating around your car any longer.

by Sydney Schafer

We had a weekend getaway to Chicago and ParkChicago was perfect for parking. The signs are pretty clear to see from your vehicle so it was easy to just pay while we were still in the car. It also is very convenient when you need to extend your parking you can do it straight from ParkChicago and not have to go back to the parking meter. we have use ParkChicago before when we had a rental vehicle and when I signed in using my phone number they still had previous parking spots as well as the license plate available so that will come in handy next time I bring my car back to Chicago.

by LindaFB

ParkChicago allowed me to stay independent. When the State began charging handicap drivers for parking (except those with handicaps so severe they wouldn’t be able to drive themselves ... what a joke) ... I was afraid that I would have to stop driving myself because it meant I wouldn’t be able to park on the street. For people who cannot walk very far, having to walk to the pay box, then back to the car is not possible. When ParkChicago became available, I was thrilled!!! Not only do I not have to walk to the pay box, but I don’t have to worry about getting back to my car if my appointment is running late. I can just add parking time from my phone. It’s wonderful!

by Madrabb

This is the best app ever. It’s easy to navigate. No more dealing with quarters. No more feeding the meter in the rain or snow or fumbling in the dark. You can pay while you sit in the safety of your car. And best of all if you overstay your time you can remotely add more time. It also alerts you when your time is almost over. Download it. You won’t regret it.

by D..ecay

Perfectly done! Great app, a must-have if you park in Chicago.

People, don't complain about a $20 reload. If you can afford to have a nice smartphone and ParkChicago, you can swing the $20 "prepayment." The fact of the matter is that ParkChicago is all about convenience, usability, and great features. You can easily continue to extend your parking, just by choosing a longer time period!

Plus, it does one other thing which is very cool: Instead of charging you each time you re-up your parking session, they accrue it, giving you a single charge at the end of your session. Most apps would make separate charges as you go, but these folks thought ahead and made it just that much more user-friendly.

by NedBin

Love ParkChicago (except for the fees, but what's to expect from living in Chicago) anyway, ParkChicago is very easy to use and convenient! No more running out to feed the meter with coins you never have enough of. ParkChicago alerts you when you have, I believe 10 min left on your parking session. Once you are alerted and need more time you can replenish your time right from your phone app! Love it. Very easy to use. Also, saves the license plates that you use so you don't have to memorize it.

by H.Bland

If you live in Chicago and own a vehicle, having ParkChicago makes your life considerable easier. Sometimes you’ll find yourself somewhere for longer than you intended and this makes it super easy to add time to your parking without the hassle of running in and out. But I have two issues — the service fee is a bit much and ParkChicago developers should really consider allowing users to transfer time by simply changing the zone number. Like I said it’s convenient but it’s definitely not perfect.

by Djjhkkk

I don't like how it forces you to pay a certain amount to replenish your card. What if I don't have that amount? What if I need X amount of money for something else. This is inconvenient and ParkChicago. What about if I want to move to another city or close my account down, then what? What if I'm moving to another city, why can't my account just reduce to zero why shouldn't be this difficult to close it. From what I've seen so far this would be the only option… not everybody has a money tree in their backyard. Not to mention the $.35 convenience fee they charge if you don't pay for the maximum hours. 🙄

by T8um_b

I love ParkChicago. I find it convenient and safe that I don’t have to pull out a credit card on the side of the road and stare a machine. I can pay from inside my car. I also love that I get alerts when my parking session is ending soon. Also, it’s generally better to select the max. The fee on short parking sessions is sometimes not worth it.