1. Home
  2. Doing business with the MTA
  3. How to become a MetroCard retailer

How to become a MetroCard retailer

Selling MetroCards

Many MTA New York City Transit riders use a MetroCard. With millions of subway and bus rides taken every day, that's a lot of MetroCards. 

You can earn up to 3% on every card you sell.

Pay-Per-Ride MetroCards are available in $5.80, $11.60, $23.20, and $70 denominations.

Unlimited Ride MetroCard passes are also available. The 7-Day Unlimited Ride MetroCard, the 30-Day Unlimited Ride MetroCard, and the 7-Day Express Bus Plus MetroCard cost $34, $132, and $64, respectively.

MetroCards produced specifically for use on the JFK AirTrain service to/from JFK Airport are available. These MetroCard products are the $8.50 AirTrain MetroCard, $26.50 10-Trip AirTrain MetroCard, and $42.50 30-Day AirTrain Unlimited Ride MetroCard.

Free point-of-sale materials are available to support MetroCard sales.

MetroCard sale commissions

What you’ll earn when you sell MetroCards

MetroCard Type

Commission

$5.80

No commission, and it is not counted in batch totals for discounts.

$11.60

1.5% for 1 batch; 2.7% for any 3 to 9 batches; and 3% for any 10 or more batches.

$23.20

2.5% for 1 batch; 3% for any five or more batches.

$70

1.5% for 1 batch; 2.7% for any 3 to 9 batches; and 3% for any 10 or more batches.

$64 7-Day Express Bus Plus

1.5% for 1 batch; 2.7% for any 3 to 9 batches; and 3% for any 10 or more batches.

$34 7-Day Unlimited Pass

2.5% for 1 batch; 3% for any five or more batches.

$132 30-Day Unlimited Pass

1.5% for 1 batch; 2.7% for any 3 to 9 batches; and 3% for any 10 or more batches.

$8.50 AirTrain

No commission, and it is not counted in batch totals for discounts.

$26.50 10-Trip AirTrain

1.5% for 1 batch; 2.7% for any 3 to 9 batches; and 3% for any 10 or more batches.

$42.50 30-Day AirTrain Unlimited

1.5% for 1 batch; 2.7% for any 3 to 9 batches; and 3% for any 10 or more batches.

How to apply

It's easy to set up an account with us. Complete the following forms and provide us with one voided check. 

To pay with a credit card, use this form.

Return completed forms to: 

MetroCard Sales
MTA NYC Transit
2 Broadway, 10th floor
New York NY 10004

Or fax the forms to 646-252-6599.

We can also mail forms to your place of business. Call us toll free at 1-888-345-3882.

It takes about three weeks to process an application. Once approved, we will call to give you your account number. You can place your initial order at that time.

We supply signs and other sales materials and add your name to our website list.

About your commission

The commission is deducted at the time of purchase.

New MetroCard retail merchant applicants must comply with the following standards in order to qualify for commissions on orders:

  • Applicant must currently sell retail goods to the general public from a visible location that is conveniently accessible to the public.
  • Applicant’s establishment must have clearly posted hours of operation.
  • Approved merchant agrees to display MetroCard signage and materials in a prominent location on its premises.
  • Approved merchant agrees to make MetroCard available for sale to the general public during posted hours of operation.
  • The physical street address of an approved merchant must be on file with MTA New York City Transit so it can be listed on the MTA’s website. This convenience will help customers to find the establishment.

Merchants should be located in the New York Metropolitan Area unless otherwise approved by NYC Transit.

Tips for travel and tourism professionals

  • Include MetroCard in your New York City travel packages, along with free subway and bus maps.
  • The best bet for visitors is the $11.60 MetroCard. That includes 4 local bus and subway rides and free transfers. Another good option is the 7-Day Unlimited Ride pass for $34.
  • An $8.50 MetroCard is good for a trip on the JFK AirTrain. It also can be used on subway and bus after adding value at a MetroCard Vending Machine in subway stations.
  • MetroCards become active on their first use.
  • MetroCards have a shelf life of more than one year. If the cards you buy in advance expire, we'll replace them.