New York City’s subways, together with buses and trains, are at the heart of everyday transport, with more than more than 3.6 million weekday passengers annually. With recent rate increases, this critical means of transportation is more costly than many would like to see. Even with weekly and monthly discounts, paying over a hundred dollars per month can make a dent in your budget.
Hence, to lighten that expense is more than welcome. Daily commuters and Visitors can look for options to save money on the New York subway. Simple actions like choosing the right payment method, applying for special discounts for example, for students and retired people, and using a cashback debit card can help you reduce transportation costs efficiently.
Operating 24/7, the NYC subway is the largest rapid transit system in the world because of its 472 stations across four boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. As part of the MTA, subways, trains and buses offer public transportation throughout the entire city. Since 2025, the only way to pay for transportation is through the OMNY system.
The OMNY (One Metro New York) is a contactless tap-and-go platform designed to modernize transit fare collection. It is accessible through physical OMNY cards and, most popularly, through smartphones or smartwatches, and contactless cards. This way, passengers can directly tap their cards (debit or credit) or their smart devices on OMNY readers at the subway turnstiles and be charged directly. For the second option, users first need to link their cards to their phone’s digital wallets, as that is where the money will come from.
In terms of cost, a single ride costs $2.90, but if you use the same card or device, your rides are capped at $34 a week from Monday to Sunday. Once you reach that cap, all additional rides for that period are free. This system is especially cost-effective for those who travel more than 12 times a week. Need to use the same payment method every time in order to reach the cap and enjoy free rides afterward.
In the past, MetroCards allowed passengers to travel and pay different fares based on their commuting habits, but nowadays, the OMNY system has a single fare structure for all travelers. Subway fees are $2.90 per ride, and then OMNY offers a $34 weekly fare cap for the first 12 rides, paid with the same payment method. Beyond that amount, all rides are free for the rest of the week. This way, everyone pays the same fare, and frequent commuters get benefits! Just remember to use the same payment method for the entire week.
Another effective way to save money on the NYC subway is to request discounts that apply to senior citizens and students, helping reduce transit costs.
Commuters over 65 years old are eligible for reduced fares, paying half the standard rate ($1.45 per ride instead of $2.90). To access this benefit, eligible candidates must apply through the MTA Reduced Fare Program by submitting proof of age and identity. After enrolling, senior citizens can tap their OMNY card or preferred payment method at subway turnstiles or bus readers to receive the discounted rate automatically.
NYC students—typically between 5 and 21—might qualify for free or discounted transit rides thanks to the NYC Public Schools Office of Public Transportation, which works closely with schools to distribute the Student OMNY Cards. These cards are valid all year—including summer—and students can use them to take up to four free trips every day at any time.
Eligible commuters can access the Fair Fares NYC Program, designed for low-income residents, to get 50% off the NYC subway system and bus fares. This means individual rides cost $1.45 instead of $2.90, with weekly or monthly unlimited ride options. Eligibility requirements include being a New York resident aged 18 to 64, meeting income eligibility requirements, and not currently receiving discounts in transportation through other programs.
After applying, passengers will receive a Fair Fares card to use with the OMNY system or other traditional transit options to save hundreds annually on commuting.
Using green debit cards, such as FutureCard Visa® Debit Card, is an excellent way of reducing transportation costs while maximizing rewards for making eco-friendly choices. Future gives users:
FutureCard users in New York will earn an immediate $5.80 reward just for signing up and enjoy one week of 100% cashback on MTA subway and local buses. This promotion is valid for seven days, starting after signing up and covering up to $34 in fares. Rewards arrive within 24-48 hours, as points can be redeemed later. This means that, by combining the Future cashback and the OMNY fare cap, you will travel entirely for free for one week!
After that first week of receiving 100% cashback on this type of public transit ends, you'll continue to receive 5% cashback on all MTA rides, including the subway system, the Staten Island railway, and express or local bus rides within New York. This continuous benefit is perfect for daily commuters who wish to cut transportation costs while receiving financial incentives.
Apart from providing 5% cashback for using public transit, FutureCard offers a weekly $5 reward after commuters reach OMNY’s 12-ride fare cap, increasing the benefits of this sustainable debit card. It is especially useful for those who make more than 12 rides a week, such as workers or students.
Considering other means of transport in New York City is perfect to save money while moving around without complications. By integrating different options like the subway, buses, and electric bikes, like CitiBikes, commuters can improve speed, cost, and convenience.
Following Future’s mission of promoting sustainable spending and financial rewards, you can easily get 5% cashback rewards for using electric bikes or scooters, thanks to FutureCard. Some of their main FuturePartners include CitiBikes, Rad Power Bikes, Unagi, and Levy Scooters. You can head to Future’s sustainable marketplace to explore more purchase offers.
Other shared mobility brands include Revel, CitiBike, and Lime. They promote the importance of reducing our carbon footprint by choosing regular or e-bikes to move around the city while saving time and money. Uber and Lyft, also offer 5% cashback rewards but only for eco-friendly selections.
To save money on NYC transportation, families can access a policy that allows up to three children to ride both subways and buses for free if a paying adult accompanies them. Remember that eligible children must be under 44 inches tall (about 3.5 feet), and adults can automatically access the benefit by tapping the OMNY reader.
OMNY allows commuters to use the same debit/credit card or mobile wallet for up to four people to tap in at the subway turnstiles or bus fare readers. As long as it is the same payment method, the system will allow you to pay for up to three additional people traveling with you. This is useful for large groups because it is easier for just one person to pay for the rest, and you can reach the 12-ride fare cap faster!
Ultimately, saving money on the New York subway is easier than it seems, as long as you are smart about spending money. For example, using OMNY’s fare caps and other available discounts on the market, or eligible citizens, like people qualifying for the Fair Fares program, as well as seniors or students, accessing a 50% discount on MTA transit rides, including subway and bus rides.
You can save money on the NY subway using some rewards cards, such as FutureCard® Visa Debit Card, to get 5% cashback rewards for using public transit and other sustainable means of transport, like scooters or electric bikes. On top of that, users receive $5.80 for signing up and 100% cashback on MTA rides for one week. Then, they receive 5% cashback for all rides and an additional $5 reward every time they reach OMNY’s 12-ride fare cap. Every time you use FutureCard, you’ll earn some kind of financial discount or reward. Saving on the NYC metro has never been easier!
FAQs
The best way to pay for the NYC subway is using a contactless payment method like a debit/credit card, a smartphone, or a smartwatch. These methods work with the OMNY system, which offers free rides after spending $34 a week (Monday through Sunday). FutureCard allows you to combine the benefits of the OMNY system with 5% cashback and several other rewards.
No, the NYC subway doesn’t offer a 1-day pass. Passengers pay through the OMNY system with their cards or smart devices and get free rides after reaching the 12-ride fare cap.
To avoid using a physical card, tourists can use contactless payment methods compatible with the OMNY system. They simply need to tap their contactless cards or smart devices on the OMNY reader, and they will be automatically charged.
The cheapest way to get around New York City is by using the subway and local buses. A single ride costs $2.90, but the OMNY system automatically caps weekly expenses at $34 if you're a frequent traveler. If eligible, you can request some discounts offered by the MTA, like the Fair Fares program. To save even more, you can use FutureCard, which offers 5% cashback rewards for public transit use.
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