To pay for the subway in NYC in 2025, the main method is the OMNY contactless payment system, which accepts payment by tapping a contactless credit or debit card, smartphone, or smartwatch at the subway turnstiles. The classic MetroCard is being phased out and will be completely replaced by OMNY by the end of 2025. You can also get a rechargeable OMNY card for $5 which you can top up and tap to pay like a contactless card. Here are the key ways to pay:

• Tap your credit or debit card with NFC at the OMNY reader.
• Tap your smartphone or smartwatch using mobile payment apps like Apple Pay.
• Use a rechargeable OMNY card which you can buy and top up at vending machines or stores.
• Single rides cost $2.90; after 12 rides within 7 days on the same payment method you hit a weekly fare cap of about $34, allowing unlimited rides during that period.

A simpler way if you want a physical card is to buy and top up the OMNY card. Each person needs their own card or payment method. The MetroCard can still be used for now, but it will be phased out by the end of 2025, with OMNY becoming the exclusive fare method.