Ucard Debit Overview

The UCard Debit Account is a UMass Amherst declining balance debit account. It is provided as a convenience to UMass community members, and is not intended as a replacement for cardholders' normal credit or debit cards.

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UCard Debit Overview

Please note that using the debit account is completely optional. If you don't wish to use it, simply don't deposit any funds into it. Being a declining debit account, it will not function without available funds.

UCard Debit Account vs. Bank-issued debit account

Qualifying for a UCard Debit Account

Costs and Liabilities

Open a UCard Debit Account

Students: Since 2016 all students are automatically assigned UCard Debit Accounts.
Employees (Faculty & Staff) and NENS: Since 2018 all Employees and qualified NENS are automatically assigned UCard Debit Accounts.
Others: Visitors, guests, and others who do not qualify for a UCard can still obtain a Guest Card. Please be aware that these cards have several limitations as compared to UCard Debit Accounts, learn more at our Guest Card page (link).

Close a UCard Debit Account

There are two ways that a UCard Debit Account can be closed:

Automatic Closure: A student's debit account is automatically closed 1-2 months after the student graduates or withdraws from the university There are no fees associated with automatic account closure.
Requested Closure: Accounts can also be closed at the request of the cardholder at any time either online or at the UCard office. Please note that there is a $10 fee for closing accounts by request, with the exception of cardholders that have already left the university according to SPIRE.

A closing balance greater than $10 is refunded in full to the student. A closing balance less than $10 is forfeited. If you are a student participating in Excess Express, you will receive you will typically receive your refund via Excess Express within 1-2 weeks. Otherwise, it typically takes 4-6 weeks before you will see your refund check.
To request the UCard Office to close your debit account, you must email your request to @email. The request must come from your UMass email account. Please include your full name and spire id number in your request, as well as an acknowledgement of the $10 that you will be charged if you still are an active student, employee, or NENS in SPIRE at the time of your account closure request.

Locations accepting the UCard Debit

Other locations include the Pay-for-Print Release stations, photocopiers (Library & SOM), the UCard Office, and vending machines. If you have a favorite restaurant or other business that you would love to see accept the UCard, please let us know via email at @email.