The MetroCard is officially retiring come December 31st, making way for the OMNY tap-to-pay system.
With only three months left to purchase or reload your MetroCard, you’ll need to either empty your balance or transfer what’s remaining to an OMNY card to use all subway stations, MTA-operated buses, Staten Island Railway (SIR), Hudson Rail Link, the Roosevelt Island Tram, and AirTrain-Howard Beach and AirTrain-Jamaica stations in NYC.
How do I get an OMNY card?
OMNY cards can be purchased at OMNY vending machines in most subway stations or at select retail locations including participating Walgreens, CVS, 7-Eleven, CFSC Checks Cashed stores, and many bodegas. If your OMNY card is linked to an OMNY account you can reload your card online. You can register for an account here.
Find an OMNY vending machine near you below.
How can I transfer my MetroCard balance to my OMNY card?
After reaching out to OMNY, they told us that it is not possible to transfer a value from your MetroCard to your OMNY card since they are two separate systems. Commuters should fully deplete their MetroCard balance before switching making the switch to OMNY. Once a MetroCard is empty, riders can begin tapping a contactless card or OMNY card to pay for their fare. Due note, commuters will be able to use their MetroCard into 2026.
However, the MTA has stated that remaining MetroCard balances “will be eligible for transfer or reimbursement for two years after the expiration date on the MetroCard.” To clarify this apparent discrepancy, the MTA means that you can transfer your MetroCard value to an OMNY card in-person at a Customer Service Center or at Mobile Sales Vans operated by the MTA. Whereas, OMNY is referring to the inability to digitally transfer balances electronically on your own or at a machine.
Can reduced-fare MetroCards be transferred?
Reduced-Fare customers will need to switch to OMNY in the new year. New customers will need to apply for the Reduced-Fare program in person or via mail (soon it will be available to apply online) to receive a Reduced-Fare OMNY Card. Current Reduced-Fare customers should keep a look out for their Reduced-Fare OMNY card in the mail.
The OMNY system uses automatic weekly fare capping at $34, giving riders the same benefits of a 7-Day Unlimited MetroCard without prepaying. The fare-capping program applies to both full-fare and Reduced-Fare trips. The Reduced-Fare cap is $17.
“Full-fare and Reduced-Fare customers can transfer value from a MetroCard to an OMNY Card at our Customer Service Centers in select subway stations or in Lower Manhattan, or at Mobile Sales vehicles,” wrote MTA on it’s website.
Is there a deadline to transfer my balance?
Balances can be transferred up until your MetroCard’s expiration date (found on the upper left corner of your card). The MTA strongly advises you to spend your balance before the MetroCard retires.
Do I need to keep my MetroCard after the transfer?
Nope. You won’t need to keep your MetroCard after the transfer for anything other than having a collector’s item once they’re gone for good.