The Student Meal Card is a reloadable, prepaid debit card issued by US Bank, working in conjunction with the UVM Disbursement Center. It provides an electronic option for distributing funds to be used toward student meals during athletic travel events, debate tournaments and semester breaks. 

Cards are distributed at the beginning of the season and collected at the end of the season. Cards that are not turned in at the end of the season will be canceled.

This card can be used for meals at restaurants and food purchases at grocery stores anywhere Visa is accepted.

  • Funds are deposited to the student athlete's card account.
  • No need for students or coaches to carry large amounts of cash.
  • Students may sign up to receive email or text alerts to have account access at their fingertips, in addition to customer service available 24 hours per day.
  • No need to keep receipts
  • Tipping - when ordering in a group setting, a restaurant may include the tip. Be sure to double check the amount - a gratuity of 15% to 20% is the norm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting the card

When I receive the card, what does the envelope look like?

For security reasons, your card comes in a plain white windowed envelope with an Indianapolis, IN, return address. It will be delivered by a department staff member/coach.

What information or instructions come with the card?

The card comes with:

  • Instructions on how to activate the card
  • Fee schedule
  • The cardholder agreement, which discloses terms and conditions
  • A usage guide detailing where and how the card can be used

Note: Some of the information enclosed with the new card is not applicable to the UVM Student Meal Card program. For example, only purchases from restaurants and grocery stores are available with this program (not hotels, ATMs, gas stations, etc.). 

What do I do after I receive the card?

Activate your card and set up a Personal Identification Number (PIN) by visiting usbankexpensecard.com or by calling Cardholder Services at 888.799.0030. You cannot use the card until it has been activated. Be sure to sign your name on the back of your card in ink. Your card is not valid unless it’s signed. Note: US Bank accepts relay calls.

Do I receive a new card every time a payment is made?

No. Future payments will be deposited automatically onto the initial card.

Using the card

How do I make a purchase with my card?

The card works much like other prepaid or debit cards. You can use it in stores, online or over the phone for meal-related expenses. It is important to know your account balance before making purchases.

When making a purchase which selection (credit or debit) do I choose on the authorization machine?

Select “Credit” or “Debit” to make a purchase. When you select “Debit” you will have to enter your PIN.

What should I do if I forget my PIN?

You must contact Cardholder Services at 888.799.0030 or visit usbankexpensecard.com to reset your PIN.

Do I need a PIN to use the card?

Yes and no. The card can be used to make signature-based purchases without a PIN. However, a PIN must be used for PIN-based purchases. You must choose your own PIN by calling Cardholder Services at 888.799.0030 or visiting usbankexpensecard.com after you receive your card. For security reasons it is important that you pick a PIN that only you would know, and not share the PIN or the card with anyone.  

How can I be notified when funds are deposited to my card?

You have the option of signing up for text or email alerts when money is added or when your card balance gets low at usbankexpensecard.com. You can also use our two-way text alert feature by texting a short code to receive the following updates:

Alert TypeInstructions
Balance AlertText BAL to 90831
Recent transactionsText TRANS to 90831
Customer service numberText HELP to 90831

How do I check my balance?

  • Online – View account online at usbankexpensecard.com
  • Text/Email – Sign up to receive email or text alerts when funds have been deposited to your account or when your balance gets low
  • Phone – Call Cardholder Services at 888.799.0030 (US Bank accepts relay calls)

Can I make a purchase for more than the amount on my card?

If you need to make a purchase for more than the amount you have on your card, you will need to use two forms of payment. Tell the cashier how much you want taken from the balance on your card – the cashier cannot determine your available balance. Then, pay the remaining balance with cash, check, or debit/credit card.

Can anyone else view or track my transactions? 

Yes, UVM owns the cards and any funds tied to each card. The Program Administrator can review the transaction history of every card issued out of their master account. 

How do I obtain information about fees for my Expense Card?

Fees are located on the Fee Schedule sent to you with your card. You may also view your Fee Schedule online by logging into your account at usbankexpensecard.com. You may also call Cardholder Services at 888.799.0030 to request fee information. Please consult your program fee schedule to determine if a specific fee applies.

Customer service

Can I view my account online?

Yes, at usbankexpensecard.com. The following functions can be performed online:

  • PIN change
  • Balance inquiry
  • View card transactions
  • Set up alerts
  • View and print monthly account summaries

Who do I contact if I have questions about my card?

For questions about your deposit, such as when you will receive the next deposit to the card, or the amount of a deposit to the card, contact the Athletics Business Office.

For all other questions about the card, log into your account at usbankexpensecard.com or contact Cardholder Services 24 hours a day, toll-free at 888.799.0030.

What happens if my card gets lost or stolen?

Call Cardholder Services at 888.799.0030 immediately to report your card lost/stolen. Contact UVM's Athletics Business Office to request a new card. You may not be responsible for any fraudulent activity that occurs on your card provided that you report the card missing in a timely manner, and have not shared your card or PIN number with anyone. If you are traveling away from campus for an athletic event, contact your coach/assistant coach.

What services does the Expense Card 24-hour Cardholder Services line provide?

The following can be done through customer service:

  • Activate the card
  • Choose/change PIN
  • Balance inquiry
  • Enroll in text alerts
  • Review recent transaction history
  • Report card lost or stolen
  • Speak to a live customer service representative if additional assistance is needed

Note: US Bank accepts relay calls.

For text messages, standard messaging charges apply through your mobile carrier and message frequency depends on account settings. See Fee Schedule for details (enclosed with card and material).

The U.S. Bank Expense Card is issued by U.S. Bank National Association pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. © 2021 U.S. Bank. Member FDIC.

 

Contact the PurCard Team

  • Holly LeBlanc, Team Lead, 656-1300
  • Joanne Cheng, PurCard Specialist, 656-1198
  • Lori Laquerre, PurCard Specilist, 656-0885
  • Becky Maglaris, PurCard Specialist, 656-1214

purcard@uvm.edu
Phone: 802-656-4192

Disbursement Center
23 Mansfield Avenue
Burlington, VT 05401