NYC subways phasing out MetroCards. What are OMNY cards?

Beginning in 2026, New York City subways will transition away from MetroCards to only OMNY cards or payments with physical and digital debit and credit cards.
The yellow card that riders swipe to enter their subway train will no longer be sold or distributed after Dec. 31, 2025. MetroCards, however, will still be accepted as payment even after the new year.
OMNY cards, physical and digital credit and debit cards are already accepted at all New York City MTA subways. Riders can tap their physical debt or credit card at an OMNY reader and head to their ride. Riders can also use tap their smart phone or other smart device if their payment method is loaded on to their digital wallet.
Physical OMNY cards are available at vending machines in numerous subway stations throughout the city, and can be purchased with cash, credit and debit card. Some retail locations, such as Walgreens, CVS, 7-Eleven and other locations listed on the OMNY website, also offer OMNY vending machines.
The main difference between the MetroCard and new OMNY card is the way the payment is accepted. MetroCards run on the swipe system while OMNY cards are a tap and go form of payment.
Free transfers are available with OMNY cards, according to the MTA. If you use the same card or device 12 times in one week, the rest of your trips for the week will be free. If this is your first time using your credit or debit card in the OMNY system, you cannot use the same credit or debt for multiple people on the same trip.
The design of the ONMY card is black and white, opposed to the yellow MetroCard that has been utilized in the city for three decades.