New York, United States

MTA New York City Buses payment methods

Check cards, cash, mobile tickets and tap-off rules for MTA New York City Buses. Operated by Metropolitan Transportation Authority; last verified on 2026-07-22.

Official website ↗

Multiple methods: boarding validation
Not required: tap off

Quick answer

Can I tap a bank card on MTA New York City Buses?

Yes. This network accepts physical contactless bank cards directly on board. Documented schemes: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover.

Cash is accepted on board, subject to the network's fare and change rules.
Tap off: not required.

See every payment method ↓

Boarding payment

Cards, cash and tickets

Cash

Yes

Cash remains available on regular buses; exact fare and service-specific rules apply.

Transit or fare card

Yes

OMNY card Source: MTA fares

Contactless bank card

Yes

Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover Source: MTA fares

Paper ticket

Partial

Select Bus Service routes may use off-board proof-of-payment processes; OMNY is also accepted.

Visitor pass

There is no separate tourist-only MTA bus pass.

Phone or wearable

Mobile payment

Mobile wallet or digital transit card

Yes

Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay Source: MTA fares

Official app

MTA apps provide travel information; OMNY card or payment media is used for boarding.

QR or barcode ticket

QR payment is not a standard bus boarding fare medium.

Evidence

Sources

MTA fares Accessed 2026-07-22
MTA fare changes Accessed 2026-07-22