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.
The UCard Debit Account differs from bank-issued debit accounts in that:
- It is a campus (not a bank) debit account which can be used to make purchases nearly everywhere on-campus as well as at participating off-campus locations
- You cannot withdraw funds from it - funds must either be spent down, or the account must be closed
- It cannot be used to purchase tobacco products
- The UCard Debit Account can be used to purchase books through eCampus.
If you qualify, your UCard Debit Account will automatically created for you. To qualify for a UCard Debit Account, you must:
- be an active UMass Amherst student
- be an active UMassAmherst employee
- be an active qualified UMass Amherst NENS
The UCard Debit Account is provided as a convenience to UMass students and employees. As such, there are no regular fees associated with the account.
However, account holders can be assessed fees for the following reasons:
- $25 - Bounced check
- $25 - Credit Card chargeback
- $10 - Closed account for reasons other than having left the university
Also, if someone fraudulently uses your UCard debit account, you may be liable for some or all of the fraudulent purchases depending on how soon you report your card missing (or mark it lost in GET):
- If the card is marked lost in GET within 48 hours of it being lost/stolen, or if the card is reported lost to the UCard Office within 48 hours of being lost or stolen (please note that it must be reported during the UCard Office hours of operation) then the carholder is only responsible for the first $50.00 of fraudulent charges to their UCard debit account.
- If the cardholder reports the card lost/stolen after 48 hours, but within 60 days, they are responsible for the first $500.00 of fraudulent charges.
- After 60 days, the cardholder is responsible for all fraudulent charges.
In all cases of fraudulent charges, a report should be filed with campus police regarding the theft. In cases where the fraudulent charges exceed the cardholder's liabilities, the cardholder should bring the police report to the UCard Office, and the UCard Office will refund the cardholder the excess amount.
Please note that any fraudulent charges to meal plans, including Dining Dollars, should be reported to the Meal Plan Office. The UCard Office does not manage or meal plans, nor set policies regarding meal plan refunds.
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 either submit an online UCard Debit Account Closure Form or drop off a completed and signed the printable UCard Debit Account Closure form below to the UCard Office.
Locations accepting the UCard Debit
Other locations include the Pay-for-Print Release stations, photocopiers (Library & SOM), the UCard Office, laundry 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.
On-campus
All dining commons and retail dining locations

All dining commons and retail dining locations
The UMass Store

The UMass Store
All Student Businesses

All Student Businesses
University Health Services (Basics, Patient Services & Pharmacy)

University Health Services (Basics, Patient Services & Pharmacy)
ECampus - UMass Online Bookstore

ECampus - UMass Online Bookstore
Student Union Craft Center

Student Union Craft Center
Fine Arts Center Box Office

Fine Arts Center Box Office
Mullins Center

Mullins Center
Parking Services

Parking Services
Off-campus
Bueno Y Sano in Amherst

Bueno Y Sano in Amherst
Campus Pizza in Amherst

Campus Pizza in Amherst
D.P. Dough in Amherst

D.P. Dough in Amherst
Hangar Pub & Grill in Amherst

Hangar Pub & Grill in Amherst
Kwench Juice Cafe in Amherst

Kwench Juice Cafe in Amherst
Stop & Shop in Hadley

Stop & Shop in Hadley