What is CAT$cratch and why would I need it?
CAT$cratch is UVM's prepaid debit account which works right off your digital CATcard. Opening a CAT$cratch account is a safe, convenient way to have access to goods and services without always having your purse or wallet with you. Typically you will have your phone with you and your digital CATcard is needed for your residence hall and to access your meal plan. CAT$cratch has no fees attached so you will never overdraw this account. If you lose a debit or credit card it may take a couple weeks to replace, where as the CATcard can be replaced the same day. You MUST have CAT$cratch to print at our libraries.
How do I open an account and make deposits?
All incoming Students, Faculty, and Staff have an existing CAT$cratch account. If you wish to use the account you must fund it through one of our options. You can make deposits in our office, using cash, check (made payable to UVM), and credit or debit card. Deposits can also be made through our secure website, just click web deposit. There is a $2 convenience charge for this option, however all other deposit options incur no additional charges. We also have three kiosk machines on campus (Dana Medical Library, Howe Library, and Davis Student Center) where you can check your balance and add CAT$cratch funds using cash, debit/credit card, or Apple Pay. You can also sign up for the FREE GET Mobile APP and make a deposit right from your smartphone. Credit card deposits are treated as a payment and not a cash advance by your credit card company. Remember, CAT$cratch rolls over semester to semester and year to year. If you have a balance left when you graduate or leave the University we take a $10.00 closing fee and the remainder is refunded by Student Financial Services.
Parents & Families can deposit to a CAT$cratch Account on your behalf as well. They can log into GET Portal for Parents and Families. They will need your preferred first and last name, along with your CATcard number (beginning with 21733) that is on the back of your CATcard or digital CATcard. To view this infromation for your digital CATcard simply go to your CATcard in your digital wallet, then select the "i" button in the top right portion of the screen. The ID# listed begins with 21733 is shown on the screen.
Who can open a CAT$cratch account?
Anyone who has a Student, Faculty, Staff, Alumni, Dependent, or Retiree card from the CATcard Office is able to utilize CAT$cratch.
How do I check my balance?
You can download the GET mobile App to check your balance and transaction history. You can also check your CAT$cratch balance at any of the kiosk machines located on campus (Dana Medical Library, Howe Library, and Davis Student Center).
Where can CAT$cratch be used?
CAT$cratch can be used for a variety of goods and services including buying books at UVM Bookstore and groceries downtown at City Market. For a complete list of locations, check out our off campus web page.
Do I need a debit or credit card?
CAT$cratch cannot be used for cash withdrawals so it is a good idea to have a separate way to access cash.
What if I lose it, can someone else use it?
Your digital CATcard is a photo ID which is checked at the time of purchase.
What is the difference between CAT$cratch and meal points?
Meal points will work only on campus and do not roll over year to year. CAT$cratch rolls over year to year and semester to semester. CAT$cratch works on campus including all the dining locations, vending machines, the UVM Bookstore, CATpause, Henderson's and off-campus locations in the Burlington area. All first year students and sophomores are required to have a meal plan. Please contact the meal plan office for more detailed information.
If I am an employee can I have payroll deduction for CAT$cratch?
Yes, you can set up automatic deductions through PeopleSoft Self Serve.
Still have questions?
For any questions we have not covered, please feel free to call us at 656-4509 or stop by our office at Billings Library, 48 University Place. You can e-mail CATcard and we will get back to you within two business days.
