About

If you are tired of searching for parking meter change, consider buying a pre-paid Parking Meter Card. Parking Meter Cards work in all City of San Diego meters, including Port of San Diego meters.

Meter cards come pre-loaded at $10 or $45, and all cards can be refilled at a refill location. For locations in Uptown, or to purchase a card through our secure online system please visit Buy a Parking Card.

The City does not offer replacements or refunds for lost or stolen meter cards.

Benefits

Parking Meter Cards make parking convenient by keeping money for the meter on hand, and also allow you to retrieve unused meter time.

Instructions

The instructions for using a meter card are also listed on the back of your meter card.
Insert the card into the diagonal card slot near the coin slot on the parking meter.
Insert the card in the direction shown by the arrow on the card. The dollar balance (credit available) on the card will flash 4 times. The card will add time to the meter in 10-cent increments. When the meter displays the desired time remove the parking card.

Retrieving Unused Meter Time*
Reinsert the card in the parking meter. The balance on the card will flash four times. The parking meter will zero out and then display a higher balance on your card, showing that your card has been credited. Remove your card after the meter shows your new balance.

*Please note that Pay and Display meters do not refund unused time because the receipt cannot be reversed.