New student ID card can be used as ATM/debit card

A new identification card is now providing students with the convenience of a photo ID that works as a registration card, meal plan, library card, Aggie Cash card, bus pass and ATM/debit card. At the same time, the banking agreement supporting the card will also provide funds for student services.

Called the AggieCard, the new identification will be issued to all new students. A massive re-carding effort was launched Sept. 13 for continuing students with old registration cards.

The AggieCard is the product of a partnership between UC Davis and U.S. Bank, which opened a small branch in the Memorial Union last month and operates six automatic teller machines on campus.

Students may opt to link their card to a U.S. Bank checking or savings account so they can use it as a debit/ATM card for purchases and cash.

Counting on new customers, U.S. Bank is paying UC Davis from $130,000 to $680,000 a year based on the number of bank accounts that students and employees link to the cards; the university and the bank estimate an average annual payment to the campus of $280,000 over the 10-year life of the agreement.

Brett Burns, director for auxiliary enterprises at UC Davis, said the revenue generated from the banking agreement would be shared among broad-based student programs and services that focus on campus relations and community development, or that provide direct academic support. Some of the money will go to registered student organizations, student lounges, and Campus Recreation and Intercollegiate Athletics, among others.

New students who attended on-campus summer orientation already received their AggieCard. Entering students who did not attend summer orientation, along with continuing students, can get their AggieCard through Oct. 8 at a re-carding center on the second floor of the Memorial Union.

Angelica Hernandez, campus branch manager for U.S. Bank, said parents are always “a welcome partner.” She said parents are invited to call (530) 756-1259 or come by the bank, which is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.

In addition to displaying a bank logo, the back of the AggieCard lists emergency phone numbers and highlights the university’s Principles of Community.

Five other banks and credit unions have automatic teller machines on campus.