So, you've got a question about your U Card? Well, we have the answer. Following are some of the most common questions we receive. Take a look. If you can't find what you're looking for, please email us at ucard@umn.edu or call our office at (218) 726-8814.

U Card

When and where do I get my U Card?

Do I have to pay for my U Card?

I need to get a U Card, what should I bring with me?

Why do I need to show a picture ID when I get my U Card?

Will my social security number be printed on my U Card?

Why won’t you print my birthdate on my U Card?

Must I get a U Card?

What can I do with my U Card?

If I change my name or my status (student to staff, vice versa), do I have to turn in my current U Card?

What do I do if my U Card doesn't work?

My building access stopped working. Can you fix it?

My meal plan stopped working. Can you fix it?

Are affiliate employees eligible for a U Card?

What do I do if I have more questions about my U Card?

Campus Cash

What is Campus Cash?

Where can I use Campus Cash?

If I lose my U Card, will I lose the Campus Cash value stored on the stripe?

My Campus Cash stripe was working fine, but now all of sudden the card is being rejected by the readers. What do I do?

How do I add additional value to my Campus Cash stripe?

How much value can I store on my Campus Cash stripe?

U Card checking

Can I use any ATM machine with my U Card?

How do I get U Card checking, what do I need to do?

Will I be surcharged at ATM machines with my U Card?

Do I have to open a U Card checking account?

Where can I find out more about U Card checking?

When and where do I get my U Card?
Incoming freshmen will receive their first U Card during orientation.

Transfer students can get their U Card anytime after they have registered for classes.

New faculty and staff should get their U Card within the first few weeks of employment. Information will be available at New Employee Orientation.

Returning employees or students can use the U Card they have. If you no longer have your U Card, there will be a $15 replacement charge to receive a new one.

Replacement U Cards are offered at the U Card Office.

Do I have to pay for my U Card?
The first U Card is free to all students, faculty, and staff. If the card is lost, damaged or stolen, or you don’t surrender your old card when you change your name or status, there is a replacement fee. Click here for more information on when you will or will not pay for a replacement card.

I need to get a U Card, what should I bring with me?
All you need is a photo ID such as a driver’s license, passport or state ID.

Why do I need to show a picture ID when I get my U Card?
The U Card Office requires a form of photo identification to ensure that each U Card is made for the right person. This is a visual verification. This procedure is designed to protect the privacy of each person’s records at the University of Minnesota.

Will my social security number be printed on my U Card?
No. For security reasons, your social security number will not be printed on your U Card. The card has your student ID number (and starting in 2002 employee ID numbers will be printed on the card) and a 17-digit number on the front. The 17-digit number provides the link between your U Card and a variety of databases around campus. View a clickable image of the card.

Why won’t you print my birthdate on my U Card?
We want to help our students be safe on and off campus. Your driver’s license or state ID should be used when proof of age is needed.

Must I get a U Card?
We think you’ll find in order to function well on campus, you’ll need to have a U Card.

What can I do with my U Card?
Your U Card is a multi-functional card which provides access to University services and facilities and serves many purposes. Please click here for a complete list of services.

If I change my name or my status (student to staff, vice versa), do I have to turn in my current U Card?
You can have only one active U Card at a time. If you don’t turn in your old card we will change your card number and deactivate the old one. You will then have to notify the applicable departments (building access, dining, etc.) on campus and TCF Bank of your new card number. In this instance, we will charge you the replacement fee.

If you turn in your old card, your card number will remain the same and we will NOT charge you a replacement fee.

What do I do if my U Card doesn't work?
Contact the U Card Office at (218) 726-8814 or see us in Kirby Plaza, room 127.

My building access stopped working. Can you fix it?
If access is the only function for which your card has stopped working, your U Card number may have been deleted from the building’s access database. Check first with building security to make sure they still have your current U Card number in the system. We do not have access to the building’s databases, therefore cannot help you with this request.

My meal plan stopped working. Can you fix it?
If your meal plan is the only function for which your card has stopped working, your U Card number may have been deleted from the Residence Hall dining database. Check first with Residence Hall Dining at (218) 726-8178 to make sure they still have your current U Card number in the system. We do not have access to the residence hall dining databases, therefore cannot help you with this request.

Are affiliate employees eligible for a U Card?
Yes. The employing department must sponsor the individual. There is a $17 charge (of which the U Card Office gets $15) for this service. Use the web form at www.umn.edu/dirtools/sponsor to complete the process.

What do I do if I have more questions about my U Card?
Please visit the U Card Office or call us at (218) 726-8814.

What is Campus Cash?
Campus Cash is a stored value payment system. Cash value is stored on the bottom magnetic stripe on the back of your U Card. For more details click here.

Where can I use Campus Cash?
Campus Cash is used to pay for parking, printing and copies.

If I lose my U Card, will I lose the Campus Cash value stored on the stripe?
Yes! Cardholders should treat Campus Cash the same as cash. The card should not be lent to anyone or put in unsafe places.

My Campus Cash stripe was working fine, but now all of sudden the card is being rejected by the readers. What do I do?
Go to the U Card Office in Kirby Plaza, room 127. They can trouble shoot your card and in some cases, reprogram the value.

If the card cannot be reprogrammed, we will issue you a new card (subject to our replacement fee policy) and send your old card to our vendor who will attempt to read the value. If they can determine the value, we will send you an email asking you to come to our office so we can put the value on your card.

How do I add additional value to my Campus Cash stripe?
You can use cash to add value to your Campus Cash stripe at the Cash to Card machines conveniently located in the library.

How much value can I store on my Campus Cash stripe?
You can store up to $50 on the stripe at any given time. Keep in mind, if your card is lost, stolen or damaged, the value is non-refundable.

Can I use any ATM machine with my U Card?
Your U Card will work at any ATM that displays the PLUS System logo.

How do I get U Card checking, what do I need to do?
You can set up your U Card checking account at the U Card Office when you get your U Card. If you already have a U Card and would like to add the convenience of U Card checking, simply stop by our office or visit the TCF branch to open an account.

Will I be surcharged at ATM machines with my U Card?
You can use your U Card at any TCF Express Teller ATM as often as you like without being charged! You can also use your U Card at other PLUS System ATMs without a TCF fee for two withdrawals and one deposit at Instant Cash and U Bank ATMs each month. In addition, TCF waives its fee for withdrawing funds at out-of-state ATMs that carry the PLUS System logo. Keep in mind that the owners of the ATM may charge you a fee.

Do I have to open a U Card checking account?
U Card checking is offered as a convenient service of the U Card. It can save you money and time, however, banking decisions are very personal and you should only open the account if you believe it beneficial.

Where can I find out more about U Card checking?
Click here!