MetroCard sales ended on December 31, 2025. The official NYC311 transit guide explains the move to OMNY contactless payment. An old guide telling new visitors which MetroCard to buy is therefore no longer a reliable starting point.
OMNY supports compatible contactless bank cards, smart devices and OMNY cards. Check the current MTA information for your fare type and route before travelling.
Use the same payment method
The OMNY fare-cap FAQ explains that a physical bank card and the mobile-wallet version of that card count as different payment methods. To build toward one cap, keep using the same card or device.
Transfers also depend on using the same method. Sharing one card among several travellers does not make every tap count toward one person’s cap.
Check the service you are using
Subways, local buses, express buses and airport connections can have different fare arrangements. A general subway example should not be assumed to cover every journey.
Reduced-fare eligibility and registration are separate questions. Use official instructions rather than assuming every visitor qualifies for a concession.
Existing MetroCard balances
Sales ending and acceptance ending are different milestones. For an old card, check the MTA’s current transition and balance-transfer guidance rather than relying on an expired unlimited-pass calculation.
The travel-planning guide helps organise the wider trip. Our travel-mistakes guide also explains why assumptions about transport and timing need checking before departure.
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