Here’s how to get an OMNY card in NYC for the subway, trains, buses and public transport in the city

Now that the MTA announced the end of MetroCard sales, you might be wondering how to finally get an OMNY card—the MetroCard replacement that lets you quickly tap and go through the turnstile rather than swiping.

The MetroCard has been around since 1993, maybe as long as you’ve been alive or longer! While it is much more convenient to carry than a bunch of coins, it does have its flaws. You have to add money to it using a machine at a station and if you lose it or it gets crumpled in the wash, you have to purchase a new one. “Swipe again at this turnstile,” the message you’d get when the card didn’t swipe correctly, has been a source of headache for all these years.

If you haven’t made the switch yet to OMNY, it really does make getting through the subway system a lot smoother, especially because you can also tap your credit card or smartphone (with a credit card loaded onto it) to get through the turnstile. It’s 21st-century tech within a 120-year-old system.

So as New York City begins its final months of MetroCard sales, we’re breaking down all you need to know about getting and using an OMNY card in NYC.

When is the MTA ending MetroCard sales?

The final day for MetroCard sales and distribution will be December 31, 2025, and retail partner locations will no longer sell MetroCards as of the Fall of 2025. MetroCards will still be accepted into 2026 and the official final acceptance date will be announced later.

How to get an OMNY card and where to use it

If you prefer using a physical card, you can buy a reloadable OMNY card for $5 and load and reload the card at thousands of retail locations, online, Mobile Sales Van locations or at subway stations throughout New York City. Every station has an OMNY vending machine.

You can use it by tapping on any OMNY screen at the subway station, on a bus and even at the PATH train entrance.

Otherwise, you can just tap your contactless credit card or credit card-enabled smartphone right on the OMNY tap screen. 

How much is an OMNY card?

$5, but you must put at least $1 on it when you purchase the card. 

How does it work?

Instead of swiping a card, which can be very frustrating when your card has seen better days, you simply tap your smartphone, smartwatch (even a Fitbit) or a single contactless chip credit or debit card (which has a symbol on it). If you use a smart device, you'll have to have a credit card linked to it beforehand for it to work.

The reader won't tell you your fare, so you'll have to look on your credit card statement to see how much you were charged, otherwise, you can see it by signing up for an OMNY account. You can sign up at omny.info/register for free.

Why is NYC using OMNY now?

This technology has existed for years, including in London's Oyster Card, Boston's CharlieCard and Tokyo’s Suica, proving it’s a successful system for other major cities. And since its introduction in NYC in 2019, it has been a win, according to the MTA. It has a customer satisfaction rate of 85%.

“The tap-and-go system has greatly simplified how to use the MTA and navigate New York City,” said New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow, in a statement. “Tap-and-go has become very popular among subway and bus riders, and for good reason—it is the fastest, easiest, and most convenient way to pay the fare and we encourage any remaining customers to make the switch as soon as possible for a seamless transition.”

Additionally, using a contactless payment system allows the city to offer promotions, discounts and special deals for tourists and even a loyalty program like you have with frequent flyer miles. The MTA says there is $40 million of fare value underutilized annually from weekly and monthly MetroCards—not using the leftover funds on your MetroCard adds up and there’s no need to prepay to get a discount. Customers automatically receive free, unlimited rides for the rest of the week once they have paid for 12 trips, or $34 (or $17 for enrolled Reduced-Fare customers) in fares.  

The MTA says it’ll save at least $20 million annually by phasing out MetroCard production and distribution, nixing vending machine repairs and more. It apparently also helps with fare compliance efforts because it can now use technology to check for proof of payment.