You MUST submit a photo before arriving to campus!

We have gone fully digital!  There is no need for a plastic card on campus!  You are required to load your CATcard to your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet.  It provides access to CAT$cratch UVM's prepaid debit account, meal plans, library, printing, fitness center and serves as a free bus pass for the GMT bus system.  It will be programmed with access to your residence hall and any other door access that may be required.  If you would like a physical card for Identification purposes or for local student discounts please stop by our office and request a Mag Only card.  This card will not work for door access as that is limited to your phone, but there are some occasions when you find you might need a physical card.

How will I know if my photo was accepted?

In the WEBcard Center you should set your NOTIFICATION PREFERENCE to be either Email or Text.  The system will use the method you've choosen to notify you if your photo was accepted or rejected.  Please note, it may take the CATcard staff 48 hours to approve/deny a photo.

I'm not sure I received notification that my photo was accepted, how do I check now?

Log back into your WEBcard Center account and select SUBMIT PHOTO.  It will say CURRENT PHOTO (that means accepted) or PENDING.

When and where do I get my CATcard?

Once your photo is accepted there is no need for a plastic card.  Once you have completed the steps to load your CATcard to your smartphone you're all set!  No pick up needed.  You are ready to use your digital CATcard when you arrive on campus for your Residence Hall, your meal plan, and to access the fitness center.  If for some reason you are unable to utilize the digital CATcard please reach out to our office during business hours.

What does it cost? What if I lose it?

There is no fee for your digital CATcard.  If you lose a physical CATcard and do not have a phone capable of loading the digital ID, there is a $25 replacement charge for a each card.

What if I dislike my picture?

You will be able to submit a new photo through the WEBCARD center and because your CATcard is now digital, once it is approved you can remove the card from your digital wallet, then download the card into the digital wallet again to display the new photo!

What is CAT$cratch and why would I need it?

CAT$cratch is UVM's prepaid debit account which works right off your CATcard. Using a CAT$cratch account is a safe, convenient way to have access to goods and services without always having your wallet with you. Typically you will have your smartphone with you as it 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.

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.

How do I check my balance?

Using the WEBcard Center or GET Mobile app you can check your balance and transaction history. Giving your parents your WEBcard password (different from your email password) and your email address will allow them to also 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 on and off campus web pages.

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 is the difference between CAT$cratch and meal points?

Meal points will work at University Dining locations which include the Marketplace as well as the CATpause Convenience Store and Henderson's Cafe. CAT$cratch works there and also works in the University Bookstore and at locations in the Burlington area. CAT$cratch rolls over year to year and semester to semester! Please contact the meal plan office for further meal point/dining details. 

Still have questions?

For any questions we have not covered, please feel free to call us at 802-656-4509 or email CATcard.  See you on campus!