Epsom was only added to the Oyster system in the last 3-4 years.
It might feel like only 3-4 years ago, but it’s twice that: 7 years ago – February 2019! https://www.surreycomet.co.uk/news/17452283.epsom-finally-join-oyster-pay-go-travel-cards-freedom-pass-not-included/
The last stations added to expand Oyster’s geographic scope* were August 2019 with Potters Bar and Radlett. Brookmans Park was added as contactless-only at that time, and every expansion since has been contactless-only.
*Nine Elms, Battersea Power Station, Canary Wharf EL, Custom House EL, Woolwich, Barking Riverside, and Brent Cross West were all added to Oyster post-2019, when the station opened, but were within the existing area covered by Oyster PAYG.