[1] The Compass Card was an orange or yellow, credit-card-sized contactless smartcard which held a transit pass.

Because the San Diego Trolley, Coaster and Sprinter operate on a proof-of-payment system, fare inspectors randomly checked to make sure Compass Card users have validated their cards by using a wireless handheld unit.

The cards were "recharged" in person from TVMs in rail stations, at MTS or NCTD Transit Offices, at Albertsons stores, or online.

Stored cash value cards were introduced in 2017,[2] with plans in the future capable of automatically purchasing a day pass on the first tap.

Customers are able to perform the following transactions at the corresponding locations with a Compass Card as indicated below: Full adult fare only and Transit Center "MTS Station Shops" The following process took place when a user tapped their card on a reader: The next behavior depended on the reader: Read errors that were displayed on the reader screen included, but not limited to: SANDAG offered the following benefits to all Compass Card users: *Proof of eligibility will be needed at time of purchase and Photo ID will be printed on the compass card, replacing existing Transit IDs.