UCard Debit Account

What is the UCard Debit Account?

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.

The UCard Debit Account differs from bank-issued debit accounts in that:

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.

 

How do I qualify?

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

 

What are the costs and liabilities associated with an account?

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.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have funds automatically deposited into my account?

There are currently no options for automatic deposits for students, but UMass faculty and staff with a UCard Debit Account have the option of having funds deposited automatically on each payday through payroll deduction.  Setting up payroll deduction is quick and easy and can be changed or cancelled at any time.  To learn more go here.

Do I forfeit any unused funds at the end of the semester?

UCard debit account balances roll over from semester and year to year until the cardholder either leaves the university, or requests that her account be closed (See Close a UCard Debit Account).  Guest debit account balances also roll over in the same manner. However, if a guest card is unused for a continuous period of 12 months or longer, the balance may be forfeited.

How can I check my UCard Debit Account balance and transaction history?

There are a few ways to find your UCard Debit Account balance:

  • On the Web: You can check your balance through Get Funds, the online UCard Debit Account Management system . If you have not yet registered to Get Funds, you will need to register first.
  • At Points of Sale: At points of sale, your UCard balance will be displayed automatically after every transaction.
  • At Value Plus Kiosks: Value Plus (deposit) Kiosks specifically allow you to check the balance of your debit account. Simply swipe or tap your card and it will present your balance. Press "Cancel" after checking your balance, so that the follwoing customer does not have access to your acccount.
  • At the UCard Office: You can request your UCard Debit Account balance from the UCard Office during normal business hours.

There are two ways to view your transaction history:

  • On the Web: You can check your transaction history through Get.
  • By Email Request: You can also send a request to the UCard Office from your UMass email address, and we'll email you a report within 2-3 business days.

Can I use my UCard to buy books?

UMass has recently moved to a new online bookstore vendor, eCampus.com. Starting 04/29/19 students can purchase books through the eCampus site using their UCard Debit Account.

How do I withdraw funds from my UCard Debit Account?

Because UMass in not a banking institution, federal banking regulations prohibit withdrawals from UCard debit accounts. The only way to get funds out of a UCard debit account, is by closing the account. Please see Closing a UCard Debit Account for information on how to close your account.

 

Location & Hours

168 Whitmore Administration Bldg. (Map)
Monday - Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm
(Extended Hours & Holiday Exceptions)

Contact Information

Email: ucard@admin.umass.edu
Telephone: (413) 545-0197
FAX: (413) 577-0644

Mailing Address

UCard Office
P.O. Box 2364
Amherst, MA 01004-2364