FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What can we tell you about your card?

Q: How do I obtain my Campus Card?

Q: What documentation do I need to obtain my Campus Card?

Q: What is my Campus Card used for?

Q: Where can I use my card?

Q: What are the different funds on the Campus Card?

Q: How do I access these different funds?

Q: How do I check the balances on my Campus Card?

Q: How do I add money to my Campus Card?

Q: Can I remove money from my card after it has been deposited?

Q: Can I add more Flex to my card if I run out?

Q: Will funds on my card transfer from semester to semester?

Q: How do I change my meal plan?

Q: When is the deadline to change my meal plan?

Q: What happens if I lose my Campus Card?

Q: How much is a replacement for a lost or stolen card?

Q: Do you offer temporary cards?

Q: How can I replace a card that is damaged and no longer working?

Q: Will my meals, money, and swipe access transfer automatically to my new card?

Q: Can previously replaced cards be reactivated if I lose my current card?

Q: Can I change the photo on my Campus Card?

Q: My Campus Card isn't working, what is the problem?

Q: Where is the Campus Card Center located?

Q: What are the hours of operation?

Q: What payment methods are accepted at the Campus Card Center?

Q: Is the Campus Card Center open on weekends?




Q: How do I obtain my Campus Card?

A: All UMBC students, faculty, and staff are entitled to receive a Campus Card. The first card is issued at no charge typically during orientation day for students and at the beginning of employment for faculty and staff. We are requiring all new students, faculty, and staff submit a photo online. You will receive additional pick-up instructions once your photo has been approved.

In order to release a UMBC Campus Card to any person, a form of valid (non-expired), government-issued photo ID must be presented. Please note, you must have the original document in hand - photocopies and electronic photos of an ID are not accepted. The card will only be released to the designated cardholder - family or friends may not pick up the card for you. The following are the various, acceptable forms of government-issued photo ID:

  • Drivers license (domestic or foreign)
  • Identification Card (domestic or foreign)
  • Passport or passport card
  • Employment Authorization Card
  • Permanent Resident Card
  • Military or Dependent ID
  • Birth Certificate and any form of photo ID

All questions or concerns pertaining to your Campus Card should be submitted to the Campus Card Center online, or by phone at 443-612-2273.

Shady Grove students are also eligible to receive a UMBC Campus Card. Please refer to the instructions here for more information.

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Q: What documentation do I need to obtain my Campus Card?

A: In order to release a UMBC Campus Card to any person, a form of valid (non-expired), government-issued photo ID must be presented. Please note, you must have the original document in hand - photocopies and electronic photos of an ID are not accepted. The card will only be released to the designated cardholder - family or friends may not pick up the card for you. The following are the various, acceptable forms of government-issued photo ID:

  • Drivers license (domestic or foreign)
  • Identification Card (domestic or foreign)
  • Passport or passport card
  • Employment Authorization Card
  • Permanent Resident Card
  • Military or Dependent ID
  • Birth Certificate and any form of photo ID


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Q: What is my Campus Card used for?

A: The UMBC Campus Card is an integral part of campus life! In addition to being the official photo ID of UMBC, your Campus Card is also your meal, library, gym, and transit card. Your card can provide access into swipe controlled buildings, labs, and rooms across campus. Money deposited onto your Campus Card can be used most locations on campus including vending machines and pay-for-print stations and select locations in the surrounding Catonsville/Arbutus area.

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Q: Where can I use my card?

A: Your Campus Card can be used at nearly every location across campus. Some services, such as personal mailing and pay-for-print, only accept payment with the Campus Card.

Off-Campus Merchants are vendors who will accept the Campus Card as a method of payment. These merchants can only accept Retriever Dollars and/or Food Fund for payment - meal plans and Flex cannot be used at these locations. All Off-Campus Merchants also accept the DCARD for payment as well.


Papa John's is the only off-campus merchant that will accept Flex for payment.

UMBC is happy to announce that our dining services provider, Chartwells, is partnering with Papa John's Pizza in Halethorpe to offer members of the UMBC community special pricing when ordering pizza.

Here's how it works:
  • When ordering pizza from Papa John's in Halethorpe, state that you are ordering under UMBC's account at 1000 Hilltop Circle. This helps the store to establish that the caller is authorized to place orders under this account.
  • Provide your name, direct phone number, and the department/organization.
  • When ordering under UMBC’s account, the special pricing is a Large Cheese Pizza and/or a Large 1 Topping Pizza for $7.99. .
  • Papa John's will not offer the special pricing by default.
  • There is a $3.99 delivery charge for each delivery.


The phone number for the Halethorpe store is 410-247-7272. Payment can be made with cash, credit, Flex Dollars, or Retriever Dollars.


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Q: What are the different funds on the Campus Card?

A: There are several different accounts that may be added to your Campus Card including a Meal Plan and associated Flex, Retriever Dollars, Food Fund, and Chartwells Rewards.

Flex - Flex is a predetermined amount of money automatically added to your card with the purchase of a meal plan. Each plan has a designated allotment of Flex that is available on a per semester basis. More information about meal plans and associated Flex values can be found here. You cannot add more Flex once it has been depleted. Flex can only be used for food purchases and will expire at the end of the semester.

Retriever Dollars - This is the money that you manually add to your account. It can be used anywhere on and off campus where the card is accepted. A listing of off-campus merchants that will accept Retriever Dollars as payment can be found here. Retriever Dollars can be used across campus to pay for tuition, purchase textbooks, postage, event tickets, UMBC apparel and much more. Money deposited to your Retriever Dollars may only be refunded at the conclusion of the Academic Year (end of Spring semester). Additional details regarding account refunds may be found here.

Food Fund - Food Fund is money that is added manually to your card and can only be used for food purchases on and at participating off-campus merchants. Money deposited to your Food Fund may only be refunded at the conlcusion of the Academic Year (end of Spring semester). Additional details regarding account refunds may be found here.

Chartwells Rewards - Chartwells Rewards is additional money added to your account for purchasing a non-mandatory meal plan and for depositing Retriever Dollars and Food Fund to your card. Rewards are automatically deposited into your account each night and can be used at any dining location on campus. Rewards expire at the end of each semester. Please note that Rewards are not deposited until October 1st during the Fall semesters and March 1st during the Spring semester.

  • Earn 2% for purchasing a non-mandatory meal plan (commuters, apartment students, and Faculty/Staff)
  • Earn 2% for adding Food Fund
  • Earn 2% for adding Retriever Dollars


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    Q: How do I access these different funds?

    A: Most locations where you use your card are configured to automatically access the appropriate fund for your transaction. For instance, the vending machine will automatically deduct funds from your Retriever Dollars and never your Flex. However, at the on campus dining locations, you have the freedom to ask the cashier to use any of the available funds on your card.

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    Q: How do I check the balances on my Campus Card?

    A: By selecting the Account Activity link on the navigation bar to the left, you can view the balances and transactions on all accounts currently on your Campus Card.

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    Q: How do I add money to my Campus Card?

    A: Retriever Dollars - Funds may be deposited to your Retriever Dollars with cash, check, or credit card.

    • Cash: Cash deposits can be made at Student Business Services located on the 3rd floor of the Administration Building and the Campus Information Center in the Commons building, main floor.
    • Check: Checks may be hand-delivered to Student Business Services located on the 3rd floor of the Administration Building. Please note Retriever Dollars and the Campus ID number (Ex: AB12345) on the memo line.
    • Credit Card: Deposits can be made with any valid American Express, Discover, MasterCard or Visa credit card. The minimum deposit amount is $10 and for each deposit, there is a 2.75% convenience fee. Select Deposit Here from the left-hand navigation menu to deposit funds.

    Food Fund - Funds may be deposited to your Food Fund with cash, credit card, or Student E-Bill.

    • Cash: Cash deposits can be made at Student Business Services located on the 3rd floor of the Administration Building and the Campus Information Center in the Commons building, main floor.
    • Credit Card: Deposits can be made with any valid American Express, Discover, MasterCard or Visa credit card. The minimum deposit amount is $10 and for each deposit, there is a 2.75% convenience fee. Select Deposit Here from the left-hand navigation menu to deposit funds.
    • Student Bill: With Food Fund, you have the option to buy now and pay later through your UMBC bill. Funds will be applied to your account within 1-2 business days of receiving your request and you will be billed for the requested amount. You may add funds by submitting a request directly to the Campus Card Center or through the Chartwells Dine on Campus website.


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    Q: Can I remove money from my card after it has been deposited?

    A: Once you deposit money to your Retriever Dollars or Food Fund accounts it may not be removed. The funds will remain on your account for the current Academic Year. At the conclusion of the Academic Year (end of Spring semester), any remaining balances will be refunded. All accounts are subject to a non-refundable charge of $15.

    Accounts with balances less than the $15 non-refundable charge will be zeroed out and no refund will be given. Accounts with balances exceeding the $15 non-refundable charge will be refunded the difference between the total account balance and the $15 non-refundable charge. Refunds are refunded to the cardholder using the refund option selected from their Bank Mobile Packet. For specific information regarding the status of a refund or refund method, contact Student Business Services at 410-455-2288.

    Please click here to review the Campus Card Terms & Conditions

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    Q: Can I add more Flex to my card if I run out?

    A: Flex is a predetermined amount of money supplied with the purchase of a meal plan. Therefore, additional Flex cannot be added. You may instead choose to add money to your Retriever Dollars or Food Fund.

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    Q: Will funds on my card transfer from semester to semester?

    A: Funds in your Retriever Dollars or Food Fund account will remain active and available for use throughout the current Academic Year. However, other funds/accounts, such as Meal Plans and associated Flex, and Chartwells Rewards, are provided on a per semester basis and will expire at the conclusion of each semester.

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    Q: How do I change my meal plan?

    A: Requests to change your meal plan must be submitted electronically to the Campus Card Center. To submit your request, click here and fill out the required information. Correspondence will be via email so be sure to check your inbox regularly.

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    Q: When is the deadline to change my meal plan?

    A: The last day to downgrade or remove meal plans for the semester will be at the conclusion of the schedule adjustment period set forth in the Registrar's Academic Calendar. After this date, meal plans may no longer be reduced or removed. Meal Plans may be increased at any point in the semester.

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    Q: What happens if I lose my Campus Card?

    A: If your card is lost or stolen, it is suggested that you deactivate the card immediately to protect your balances. You can do this by selecting the Lost/Stolen Card link on the left-hand navigation bar. If you find your card, you may reactivate it using the same Lost/Stolen Card link on left-hand navigation bar. Alternatively, you may contact the Campus Card Center directly at 443-612-2273 and a staff member can assist in deactivating or reactivating your card. If a replacement card is needed, you will need to visit the Campus Card Center for a replacement. Our office is located in the University Center, room 112. Our hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 8:AM-12PM & 1PM-4PM (closed 12PM-1PM).

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    Q: How much is a replacement for a lost or stolen card?

    A: A card replacement fee of $20 is assessed for lost, stolen and not substantiated by a police report, and/or rendered unusable by negligence, abuse, or misuse. Payment may be made by Retriever Dollars (cash on your Campus Card), check, or E-Bill.

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    Q: Do you offer temporary cards?

    A: The Campus Card Center does not issue temporary cards.

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    Q: How can I replace a card that is damaged and no longer working?

    A: The Campus Card Center will replace cards at no charge due to defects in material or fabrication, normal and customary wear, and/or documented theft. Only your current, active card can be replaced. To receive a replacement, you must have a form of valid, government-issued photo ID.

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    Q: Will my meals, money, and swipe access transfer automatically to my new card?

    A: All balances will transfer automatically to the new card. Door access will transfer automatically as well with the exception of residential door access. To have your new card programmed for door access, please visit the appropriate location:

    • Traditional Residence Hall residents - Office of Residential Life in Erickson Hall
    • Apartment residents - The Community Center
    • Walker Avenue residents - Walker Avenue front desk


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    Q: Can previously replaced cards be reactivated if I lose my current card?

    A: Once a new card is issued, for your protection, we cannot reactivate any old cards.

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    Q: Can I change the photo on my Campus Card?

    A: You may change the photo on your card at any time for a fee of $20. Photos may be uploaded using the Photo Upload link on the left-hand navigation bar.

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    Q: My Campus Card isn't working, what is the problem?

    A: There can be many reasons why your card isn't working. To help us resolve the issue in a timely manner, please call 443-612-2273, submit an inquiry online, or come in to our office for assistance.

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    Q: Where is the Campus Card Center located?

    A: The Campus Card Center is located on the first floor of the University Center, room 112 (behind Chick-fil-A and Starbucks).

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    Q: What are the hours of operation?

    A: Monday - Friday, 8AM-12PM & 1PM-4PM (closed 12PM-1PM). Questions and/or concerns may be directed to the Campus Card Center at 443-612-2273 or submit an inquiry by clicking here

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    Q: What payment methods are accepted at the Campus Card Center?

    A: The Campus Card Center only accepts payments by Retriever Dollars (money on Campus Card) or check.

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    Q: Is the Campus Card Center open on weekends?

    A: No, the Campus Card Center is not open on weekends and is closed for all University observed holidays. Please use this link to contact us with any questions or concerns.,

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