OMNY: New York’s contactless payment system for subway and bus

What is OMNY?

• OMNY is the new payment system for New York City transit, including the subway and buses. It permanently replaced the MetroCard on December 31, 2025.
• How does OMNY differ from the old MetroCard? The MetroCard was a physical card you swiped at subway and bus readers. OMNY is a contactless payment system that works just like contactless payments at stores.
• With OMNY, you no longer need a physical card. Your smartphone, credit card, or smartwatch becomes your transit pass. Simply hold your phone or card near the OMNY reader to pay for your trip.
• OMNY is already active and you can use it right now in New York. You’ll find the system straightforward to use.

How to use OMNY in New York

How does OMNY payment work in New York?

• Paying for your trip is simple: take out your credit card and tap it on the OMNY reader in the subway or on a bus. It takes just a few seconds. You can also tap your smartphone if your card is linked to it. That’s all there is to it.
• No advance registration or purchase is needed. Everything happens on the spot when you arrive, directly with your credit card or phone. You can even use a smartwatch with digital wallet enabled.
• What does it cost? OMNY charges $3 per trip, as if you were buying individual fares. However, once you complete your 12th trip (totaling $36), the system stops counting and treats the rest of the week as unlimited travel. OMNY essentially works like a weekly unlimited MetroCard.
• The count toward the 12-trip threshold and the $36 weekly cap starts from your first OMNY transaction.
• Tip: charges are debited directly from your credit card account. If you’re from Europe or Canada, check with your bank about international transaction fees. If your bank charges high exchange fees, consider using a digital bank card like N26 or Revolut.

Frequently asked questions

What does OMNY stand for?

OMNY stands for One Metro New York. The name emphasizes that there is now a single payment system for all New York City transit.

Can multiple people use the same OMNY card?

Each person needs their own credit card or phone linked to their card to use OMNY. If you’re traveling with children who don’t have their own cards, you have two options. You can buy a physical OMNY card at any subway vending machine. Or you can use “double tap”: tap your card or phone for yourself, then tap it again for your child. You’ll pay for two trips, but only one person will get the free unlimited travel after 12 trips.

Can I use OMNY for the AirTrain to and from JFK Airport?

Yes, OMNY works on the AirTrain to and from JFK. Simply tap your phone or card on the OMNY reader.

Do children need to pay for OMNY?

Up to three children up to 44 inches (1.1 m) tall ride free on the subway and buses when traveling with a paying adult.