Abstract: Meter cards, which are structurally identical with magnetic stripe vend cards, are used to collect and transfer transaction data from card actuated vending machines to a transaction terminal. The transaction terminal contains a card reader and a computer device. Transaction data, including the number of units sold, i.e., vends or plays, on the vending machines as well as the dollar volume of sales is fed into the transaction terminal and the associated computer device carries out inventory and accounting functions. The meter card contains command indicia that instruct the vend machine card reader to write the transaction data onto the magnetic stripe of the meter card. The transaction data can also include incentive or redemption points awarded to card holders for using the vend cards. A separate meter card is used for each vending machine in the system to transfer its transaction data to the transaction terminal.