How do I check my NYC Metrocard balance?

Checking Your NYC Metrocard Balance Locate a Metrocard booth reader and swipe your card in the corresponding slot. On the booth reader's screen, you can read information about your card's balance and expiration date. If you don't know where to find a booth reader, ask a subway employee.



As of 2026, you can still check your NYC MetroCard balance, although the city is rapidly transitioning to the OMNY contactless system. The most common way to check is at a MetroCard Vending Machine located in any subway station; simply insert your card and select "Get Info" to see the remaining balance and expiration date. You can also swipe your card at a booth reader (usually a small box near the station agent) or at the turnstile itself when you enter—the screen will briefly display your remaining "Pay-Per-Ride" balance after the fare is deducted. It is a peer-to-peer "reality check" that you cannot check a MetroCard balance online; this feature was never implemented. If you want digital tracking, the MTA encourages switching to OMNY, where you can register your contactless card or phone on the OMNY website to track your rides and "fare-capping" progress in real-time.

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The subway operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Riding the subway is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to get around the city. For most riders, the subway fare is $2.90. Reduced fares are available for people 65 and older, people with disabilities, and low-income New Yorkers.

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Changes to New York City Transit fares The base fare for subway, local buses and paratransit increased 15 cents, from $2.75 to $2.90. The 7-Day Unlimited Ride pass increased from $33 to $34, and the 30-Day Unlimited Ride pass increased from $127 to $132.

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You can use cash, credit, or debit cards to make your purchase. New York City subway fares are $2.75 per trip. For visitors staying more than a couple of days you can buy a one week unlimited MetroCard for $33 or an unlimited monthly MetroCard for $127.00.

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In fact, 88% of the time, OMNY is cheaper than a 30-day MetroCard if I average 10 rides a week. Let's see if we can generalize this to other weekly averages: As you can see, up until I average 11 rides a week, OMNY is usually better. More often than not, I'll save money if I stick with it and skip the Unlimited card.

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Maneuver Manhattan's train system like a local Here, Archer Hotel New York's consummate host offers timely tips on navigating the New York City subway (aka train) system like a boss. LOCAL TIP: New Yorkers typically call the subway “trains” (not underground or metro) or by their alpha name (the C or the Q).

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While a single ride costs $2.90, the Unlimited card saves you money because the more you use it, the cheaper each ride is. If your stay is 30 days or longer, consider a 30-day unlimited card for $127 ($63.50 reduced fare). Important rules that apply to Unlimited MetroCards: It can only be used by 1 person.

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Tap and go: Pick your payment method
  1. Tap your contactless card. Check if your contactless credit, debit, or reloadable prepaid card has the contactless symbol on the front or back. ...
  2. Tap your phone or smart device. Add a payment card to your digital wallet, then tap your device at an OMNY reader and GO. ...
  3. Tap an OMNY card.


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OMNY lets you pay your MTA bus fare with your phone, credit or debit card, or other wearable device. The OMNY reader can be found immediately after entering the bus.

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If by chance, you find yourself without an MTA card on you, you can still pay the Bus single-ride fare ($2.75) aboard the bus, but make sure you have coins with you, no banknotes are accepted, only exact change and no pennies!

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What does “OMNY” mean? OMNY, which stands for One Metro New York, is based on the concept of unifying fare payments and ticketing across multiple modes of transportation. We believe that transportation is an essential service that connects communities and brings the diversity and energy of New York together.

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To board a Select Bus Service bus, you will need to insert your MetroCard or bus transfer at the MetroCard Fare Collector machine and obtain a proof-of-payment receipt. You may enter the bus at any door. Please be sure to hold on to your proof of payment receipt while riding the Select Bus Service.

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MyTransit app covers New York MTA's entire rail network and gives real-time arrivals, schedules and LIRR map, so you can plan your commute smartly and avoid delays. Ability to buy LIRR tickets will be coming soon.

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The New York City subway system began rolling out Apple Pay Express Transit back in May 2019, and it was available at all stations by the end of 2020.

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