OMNY the new Metro Card
OMNY is the new payment system for the subway (metro) in New York and will finally replace the Yellow Metro Card in 2024. OMNY means "One Metro New York" and can already be used in parallel with the "normal" Metro Card. What exactly is new at OMNY I will explain to you in the next article. The world is becoming more and more digital and various processes are becoming easier and simpler. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has also recognized this and revised the payment system for the metro and buses. From now on you can conveniently pay for your subway tickets contactless. All it needs is a credit card, a smartphone or a smartwatch with an NFC chip. You will find terminals in every subway station at the turnstiles or in the buses where you can pay contactless. It is still possible to ride the subway without a credit card.

I How can I pay with OMNY?

Contactless credit card

Simply pay with your contactless credit, debit or prepaid card.

Put the card on the OMNY reader and hit the road.

You don't have to do anything in advance.

smart devices

Set up your digital wallet, for example with Apple Pay or Google Pay. Hold your smartphone or smartwatch to the OMNY reader and get going.

You don't have to do anything in advance.

OMNY - top-up card

Buy an OMNY top-up card and top it up with money. Put the OMNY card on the OMNY reader and be on your way.

You don't have to do anything in advance.

I How do I use OMNY?


You will find the new OMNY terminals at every subway station or in every bus. Simply hold your contactless credit card, smartphone, smartwatch or OMNY top-up card up to the terminal display. "Tap Here" is on the display. The $2.75 one-way is debited, the display turns green and reads "GO".


I Tarifobergrenze anstatt 7 Day Unlimited


Unlike the "old" Yellow Metro Card, there are no 7 Day Unlimited tariffs with OMNY. Doesn't sound so good at first for those who travel a lot on the subway. However, OMNY offers an alternative that has advantages and disadvantages. With OMNY, only the first 12 trips in a week (Monday - Sunday) are charged. From the 13th ride, you ride for free for the rest of the week.

The cost for the 12 trips is $33, just like the 7 Day Unlimited.


Advantage: You have a better overview of costs. If you drive less than 12 times a week, you are cheaper and do not have the initial costs of $33 of the 7 Day Unlimited card.



Image: OMNY.Info



Disadvantage: You cannot use the 7-day OMNY tariff option across weeks. With the 7 Day Unlimited card, the 7 days only apply after the first use. For example, if you are in New York from Thursday to Wednesday, this card is currently more worthwhile. The OMNY variant is only valid from Monday to Sunday.

Image: reddit.com

I I do not have a contactless credit card or smart device


OMNY continues to offer you the option of buying a subway ticket with cash without a credit card. It is possible to purchase an OMNY top-up card for $5 at over 2000 retailers. You can find dealers where you can buy the top-up card here.

You must load the card with at least $1 at the time of purchase. In order not to have to go to a new dealer every time you top up, it is advisable to register with OMNY. There you can conveniently top up your card online.

You can register here.

I Registration with OMNY


If you use an OMNY top-up card, you should definitely register with OMNY to be able to top up your card online. Registration with OMNY is also advantageous for everyone else.

Management of all cards

You have the option of depositing several credit cards with OMNY. You can manage them online.

Save your favorite station

Save the station in front of the hotel and always follow the current routes and departure times in real time.

Follow the path to the upper tariff limit

See when the 12 trips are reached and when you can ride the subway for free.

Overview of costs and itinerary

See which trips and routes you have started. Have an overview of your travel expenses.

I Which credit card can I use?

Image: pay.de

You can use all types of credit cards. It doesn't matter whether it's a classic credit card, debit card or prepaid card. Visa®, Mastercard®, American Express®, Discover®, UnionPay and JCB are currently supported.


It is important that your card works contactless (see red box), which is standard for new cards.

Pin-restricted debit cards and non-rechargeable prepaid cards are not supported.


If you still use credit cards without the contactless function, you can still deposit them with Apple Pay or Google Pay. You also have the option of paying contactless.

I More questions

  • Can I pay several people with one card?

    Yes! The same pass-back rules that apply to MetroCard also apply to OMNY. It is possible to pay for yourself and up to 3 additional people with the same payment method in a single trip.

  • How do I get my free rides?

    It is important that the same means of payment is always used. Have you deposited a KK on a smartphone and paid with it. Then you have to use it all the time. It doesn't matter if it's the one and the same KK. The OMNY system sees the various devices of a KK as different cards.

  • Can I also ride the PATH Train with OMNY?

    No! The PATH Train is currently testing its own "Tap and Go" system. Contactless payment will also be possible there. However, these trips are not counted as OMNY trips.

  • Does the AirTrain use OMNY?

    No! But the AirTrain uses its own "Tap and Go" system. Contactless payment is also possible there.

I It's OMNY Time

I The introduction of OMNY takes place in four steps. The process is currently in the third step.


Extended tariff option 2021 - 2022

In the coming months, we plan to support expanded fare options, including discounted fares, student fares, and special programs, on subways, buses, paratransit, and commuter trains. We will be expanding OMNY card availability to additional retail locations across the region, installing new vending machines throughout the system, and more as the system rollout continues. With this multitude of options, you have flexibility and choice - making it simple and easy to make tariff payments in advance or on the go.


OMNY.info

I Phase


I'm a big fan of contactless payments. In many areas, paying with a smartphone has already become standard. It's great that the subway in New York City now also offers this option.

Also positive is the good and simple overview of costs and the free journey from the 13th time on the train.


Still, I will miss the yellow Metro Card. With her, a piece of New York history comes to an end.




Soon there will also be an app for

IOS and Android appear

Image: OMNY.info

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