MetroCard Bonus Calculator 2019
Calculate your exact savings with the 2019 MTA MetroCard bonus program
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Complete Guide to the 2019 MetroCard Bonus Program
The 2019 MetroCard bonus program was one of the most valuable transit incentives offered by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in New York City. This comprehensive guide explains how the program worked, who was eligible, and how riders could maximize their savings on subway and bus fares.
How the 2019 MetroCard Bonus Program Worked
The MetroCard bonus program was designed to encourage riders to add larger amounts to their MetroCards by offering bonus funds. Here’s how it functioned in 2019:
- Standard Bonus: 5% bonus on purchases of $5 or more
- Promotional Periods: Occasionally offered 11% bonus during special promotions
- Minimum Purchase: $5 minimum to qualify for any bonus
- Maximum Bonus: $1 maximum bonus per transaction (equivalent to $20 purchase at 5%)
- Eligible Purchase Methods: Vending machines, station booths, and select retail locations
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the MetroCard bonus in 2019, riders had to meet these criteria:
- Minimum Purchase Amount: At least $5 must be added to the MetroCard in a single transaction
- Purchase Location: Bonuses were only available when adding value at:
- Subway station vending machines
- Station booths (when open)
- Selected retail locations displaying the MetroCard logo
- Payment Method: Bonuses applied to cash and credit/debit card purchases (though credit cards incurred a 2.5% fee)
- Card Type: Only regular pay-per-ride MetroCards were eligible (not unlimited ride cards)
Bonus Calculation Examples
Here are practical examples of how the bonus was calculated in 2019:
| Purchase Amount | Bonus Type | Bonus Amount | Total Value | Effective Cost per Ride |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5.00 | 5% Standard | $0.25 | $5.25 | $2.62 |
| $10.00 | 5% Standard | $0.50 | $10.50 | $2.62 |
| $20.00 | 5% Standard | $1.00 | $21.00 | $2.62 |
| $20.00 | 11% Promotional | $2.20 | $22.20 | $2.54 |
| $40.00 | 5% Standard | $2.00 (max) | $42.00 | $2.62 |
Comparison with Other Payment Methods
In 2019, riders had several options for paying subway and bus fares. Here’s how the MetroCard bonus compared to alternatives:
| Payment Method | Base Fare (2019) | Bonus Available | Processing Fee | Effective Cost per Ride | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MetroCard (with bonus) | $2.75 | Yes (5-11%) | 2.5% for credit cards | $2.54-$2.62 | Frequent riders adding $20+ |
| MetroCard (no bonus) | $2.75 | No | 2.5% for credit cards | $2.75+ | Small purchases under $5 |
| SingleRide Ticket | $3.00 | No | None | $3.00 | Occasional riders |
| Unlimited Ride (7-day) | $33.00 | No | None | Varies by usage | Riders taking 12+ trips/week |
| Unlimited Ride (30-day) | $129.00 | No | None | Varies by usage | Riders taking 48+ trips/month |
Strategies to Maximize Your MetroCard Bonus
Savvy riders could use these strategies to get the most value from the 2019 bonus program:
- Time Your Purchases: Add value during promotional periods when the bonus increased to 11% instead of the standard 5%
- Maximize Each Transaction: Since the maximum bonus was $1 per transaction, adding exactly $20 at 5% (or $9.09 at 11%) gave the best return
- Use Cash: Avoid the 2.5% credit card fee by using cash at vending machines
- Combine with Unlimited: Some riders would use pay-per-ride for occasional trips and unlimited for heavy usage weeks
- Check Retail Locations: Some stores offered the bonus without the credit card fee
- Monitor Your Balance: The MTA would sometimes offer “refill bonuses” when your balance dropped below a certain threshold
Common Questions About the 2019 MetroCard Bonus
Riders often had questions about how the bonus program worked. Here are answers to the most frequent inquiries:
- Could I get a bonus when buying a new MetroCard? No, bonuses only applied when adding value to existing cards
- Did the bonus apply to Express Bus fares? Yes, but the higher base fare ($6.75) made the percentage savings less valuable
- Could I get a bonus when transferring from an expired unlimited card? No, the remaining value would be transferred without bonus
- Was there a limit to how many bonuses I could get? No limit on number of transactions, but $1 maximum bonus per transaction
- Did the bonus apply to reduced-fare MetroCards? Yes, senior and disabled riders could also receive bonuses
Historical Context: How the Bonus Program Evolved
The MetroCard bonus program had changed several times before 2019. Understanding this history helps explain why the 2019 version worked as it did:
- 1998-2003: Original bonus program offered 20% bonus on purchases of $15 or more
- 2003-2008: Bonus reduced to 15% with $10 minimum purchase
- 2008-2010: During financial crisis, bonus temporarily increased to 15% with $7 minimum
- 2010-2016: Standard bonus set at 7% with $5 minimum
- 2016-2019: Bonus reduced to 5% where it remained through 2019
- 2020: Program discontinued as MTA transitioned to OMNY contactless payment
The gradual reduction in bonus percentages reflected the MTA’s financial challenges while still trying to incentivize MetroCard usage over single-ride tickets.
Official Resources and Further Reading
For the most authoritative information about the 2019 MetroCard bonus program, consult these official sources:
- MTA Fares Page – Official fare information from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority
- New York State MetroCard Information – State government resources about MetroCard
- NYU MetroCard Guide – University guide with historical fare information
Important Note: The MetroCard bonus program was discontinued in 2020 as the MTA transitioned to the OMNY contactless payment system. This calculator and information are for historical reference only. Current fare information can be found on the official MTA website.