The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced that the final day for MetroCard sales and distribution will be December 31, 2025, as the MTA’s popular contactless tap-and-go payment system fully replaces the three-decade old swipe system. The tap-and-go payment system allows riders to pay fares directly with digital wallets, contactless credit and debit cards, and OMNY cards.

Customers who prefer to use a physical card and/or pay with cash can buy an OMNY card for $1 and load or reload their card at thousands of retail locations, online, Mobile Sales Van locations or at subway stations throughout New York City where OMNY vending machines are currently available. Rollout will be complete by the fall when all 472 subway stations will have an OMNY vending machine. Customers can check this progress online and find out whether their station features an OMNY vending machine. 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 at a later time. While customers are encouraged to spend down the value on their MetroCards, remaining balances will be eligible for transfer or reimbursement two years from the expiration date on the MetroCard. To transfer funds, customers can bring an OMNY card and their remaining MetroCards to any of the Mobile Van locations, Customer Service Centers (CSC) located in 15 stations or to Lower Manhattan at 3 Stone St. To request a reimbursement, customers can visit any of the above locations. To find a CSC, click here.

Moving to a contactless payment unlocks potential for new promotions, discounts, special deals for tourists and even the possibility of a loyalty program similar to frequent flyer airline programs. Additionally, the contactless system will assist the MTA in its fare compliance efforts, enabling the Authority to explore technology systems used throughout the world to check proof of payment.

-via Press Release