Tip Of The Day: Recover A Lost MetroCard

You know what it's like, you finally spring for a 30-day MetroCard or an unlimited card and you immediately lose it!

As long as you paid for your MetroCard with a credit, debit, or ATM card, your 30-Day Unlimited Ride MetroCard is automatically insured.

MTA NYC Transit now has a "Balance Protection Program" for the 14-day and 30-day unlimited ride metrocards. You're protected from the loss or theft of those cards as long as it was purchased with a credit, debit or ATM card from a Metrocard vending machine.

Just call 212-METROCARD (212-638-7622) and provide them with the number of the card you used to purchase the MetroCard. They will credit your account with a prorated value remaining on your card based on the day you notify them. You will NOT receive a replacement card.

You can file up to two claims per calendar year. The first claim will be processed free of charge; a second will be subject to a $5.00 administrative handling fee that will be deducted from the refund amount. You should file your claim within the first 24-hours of losing it and if you have another complaint with Metrocard, pick up a complaint form at any token booth. Fill it out immediately and send to New York City Transit , Attn: MetroCard Customer Claims, 130 Livingston Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201. The form must be postmarked within 24-hours of the problem!