Quick Answer
Yes, there are a few apps that allow you to check your MetroCard balance if you have certain types of cards. The main options are:
– The MTA eTix app – Works with registered MetroCards only
– Omny app – For Omny contactless cards
– Some third party apps like Citymapper – Require linking your registered MetroCard
So as long as you have a registered MetroCard account with the MTA, you can use their official app or some third party options to check your balance remotely. This saves you from having to swipe at a subway turnstile or station machine to check how much value is left on your card.
Checking Your MetroCard Balance Using MTA eTix
The official MTA eTix app allows you to check your MetroCard balance and add value remotely if you have a registered MetroCard. Here’s how it works:
1. Register Your MetroCard
To use the eTix app, you’ll first need to register your MetroCard online at the MTA website. This links your physical MetroCard to an online account.
You’ll need to provide some personal details like your name, address, and MetroCard number. The registration process only takes a few minutes.
2. Download the eTix App
Once your MetroCard is registered, download the MTA eTix app on your iOS or Android device. You can find it on the App Store or Google Play Store.
3. Log In to the App
Open up the eTix app and log in using the same details you registered your MetroCard with.
4. View Your Balance
Once logged in, you’ll see your current MetroCard balance right on the main screen. It displays how much monetary value is left on the card.
This balance updates in real-time, so you’ll always see an accurate representation of how much is left on your MetroCard when using the app.
5. Add Value Remotely
In addition to checking your balance, the eTix app allows you to add value to your MetroCard remotely without having to visit a station.
Just use the app to purchase and add any amount between $5.50 and $80. The value will be instantly added to your registered MetroCard.
So the eTix app provides an easy way to check and top up your MetroCard on the go from your smartphone. As long as you take a minute to register your physical card first, you’ll be able to manage it remotely after that.
Using the Omny App for Contactless Cards
If you have a contactless Omny card rather than a traditional MetroCard, you can check your balance using the Omny app for iPhone and Android. Here’s how:
1. Get an Omny Card
First, you’ll need an Omny contactless card if you don’t already have one. These can be purchased at station vending machines and various retailers.
They work similarly to MetroCards but allow you to tap to pay at turnstiles and on buses instead of swiping.
2. Download the Omny App
Download the Omny app on your smartphone from the App Store or Google Play Store. This is a separate app from the MTA eTix app covered above.
3. Link Your Card
When you first open the app, it will prompt you to link your physical Omny card to the app. Just hold your card near the phone and it will automatically detect the card number.
4. Check Your Balance
Once linked, your Omny card balance will display right on the main screen of the app whenever you open it.
You can check it anytime to see your up-to-date balance without having to tap your card at a subway turnstile.
5. View Transaction History
The Omny app also shows a history of all your recent trips and charges. This helps you keep track of your spending.
So if you have an Omny contactless card, make sure to link it to the app so you can conveniently view your balance from anywhere.
Third Party App Options
In addition to the official MTA apps, there are also some third party apps that allow you to check your MetroCard balance:
Citymapper
Popular transit app Citymapper has an option to link your registered MetroCard. Once connected, it will display your current balance and allow topping up your card through the app.
Moovit
Similar to Citymapper, transit app Moovit also lets you add your MetroCard and check the balance in the app after linking it.
Google Pay
If you’ve added your MetroCard to Google Pay on an Android device, you can open the app to view your current card balance.
The benefit of these third party apps is you may already have them installed for navigation and transit. By linking your MetroCard, you can consolidate multiple transit features including balance checking into one app.
Can You Check a MetroCard Balance Without an App?
While the apps provide the most convenient way to check your MetroCard balance on the go, there are also some ways to do it without downloading an app:
Website Account
If you’ve registered your MetroCard on the MTA website, you can log into your account there to view your balance.
Station Kiosks
There are balance-checking kiosks located in some subway stations where you can physically swipe your MetroCard to view the balance.
Turnstiles
When you swipe your MetroCard at a turnstile, it will briefly display your current balance before letting you through.
However, these non-app options require you to physically go to a station or website instead of conveniently checking from anywhere. So the various MetroCard apps provide the simplest way to check your balance on the go.
Troubleshooting MetroCard Balance Issues
If you’re having issues checking your MetroCard balance through an app or online, here are some troubleshooting tips:
Make sure your card is registered
You have to register your physical MetroCard first before the apps will work. The card links to your account.
Check your app login details
Make sure you’re logging into the app using the same details you registered your MetroCard with. This will link things properly.
Contact customer service
If you still can’t get the balance to appear, reach out to MTA customer service for help troubleshooting the issue.
Swap for a new MetroCard
As a last resort, faulty cards may need to be swapped for a fresh MetroCard. Then just register the new replacement card.
This should help you troubleshoot any connection or account issues preventing you from checking your balance through the app as expected.
Can You Check Someone Else’s MetroCard Balance?
Unfortunately, there is no way to check someone else’s MetroCard balance remotely through the apps or websites. The cards are linked to individual accounts, so you can only view your own balance.
The owner of the card would have to go through the process of registering it and setting up their own linked account for you to then access.
For security reasons, you cannot just input another person’s MetroCard number into the apps to view their balance. It prevents unauthorized access to people’s accounts and balances.
So checking a family member or friend’s MetroCard balance is not possible unless they directly provide you access to their registered account. The apps are designed for account owners only for privacy and security.
Conclusion
Checking your MetroCard balance on the go is easy with the right apps. The key requirements are:
– Registering your physical MetroCard first
– Downloading an official MTA app or third party option
– Logging in with your registered MetroCard details
This will link your account and allow checking your balance remotely anytime. It sure beats having to constantly swipe at station turnstiles!
Just remember you can only view your own balance, not someone else’s. The apps provide a convenient way to monitor your MetroCard value from anywhere so you can easily add more funds when running low.
