> At a Glance
> – Discontinued MetroCards now listed on eBay for $6-$5,000
> – MTA ended MetroCard sales on Dec. 31, 2025
> – Existing cards still work in 2026, but no timeline given
> – Why it matters: Commuters and collectors race to offload or cash in before the phase-out ends
A flurry of eBay listings is turning the once-humble MetroCard into a hot collectible just days after the MTA pulled the plug on sales.
From $1 Plastic to Four-Figure Collectible
Original MetroCards that riders bought for as little as $1 are now commanding hundreds-and in some cases thousands-of dollars on the auction site.
Sellers are offering everything from standard blue cards to limited-edition releases. Notable finds include a 1989 student MetroCard and a 2022 Notorious B.I.G. set.
- Standard cards: starting around $6
- Limited editions: $50-$500
- Rare sets: topping out near $5,000
What Riders Must Use Now
The MTA now requires contactless payments. Acceptable options include credit cards, debit cards, smartphones, smartwatches, or an OMNY Card.
OMNY launched in 2019, but MetroCards lingered until the Dec. 31, 2025 cutoff.
| Payment Type | MetroCard Phase | 2026 Status |
|---|---|---|
| MetroCard | Discontinued | Still accepted, end date TBA |
| OMNY Card | Active | Unlimited rides cap at $35 per week |
Key Takeaways
- MetroCard sales ceased Dec. 31, 2025
- Existing cards remain valid for an unspecified period into 2026
- eBay prices range from $6 to $5,000 depending on rarity
- OMNY offers a $35 weekly cap for riders using the same device
Collectors and commuters alike now face a ticking clock as the MTA keeps the exact phase-out date under wraps.
