FAQ
General questions about the BobcatCard
Why do I need a BobcatCard?
Does the BobcatCard work for door access too?
How do I get my BobcatCard?
Is there a fee for the BobcatCard?
Can I punch a hole in my BobcatCard so I can put it on my key ring?
What do I do if my BobcatCard stops working?
What happens if my BobcatCard is lost or stolen?
Do I have to activate all the features of my BobcatCard (Bobcat Buck$, banking, etc.)?
Does my BobcatCard expire? What about my Bobcat Buck$ account, and my meal plan?
What are Bobcat Buck$?
What are the fees and rules for Bobcat Buck$ accounts?
How do I deposit money to my Bobcat Buck$ account?
Where can I open a new UFCU checking account?
Is there a monthly service fee associated with the URCU Checking account?
My BobcatCard has a Wells Fargo logo on it, do I need a new card?
Q: Why do I need a BobcatCard?
A: Your BobcatCard is your official university photo ID, and is required for verification purposes at various facilities throughout campus. It is also used for door/lab access at certain buildings; for class attendance records; to check out library materials; access to the Student Recreation Center; and it allows students free admission to athletic events. If you have purchased a meal plan, your BobcatCard is required to access/debit your plan at dining facilities. Various financial tools are available for the Bobcatcard, such as Bobcat Buck$ or UFCU checking; however, even if you choose not to take advantage of those options all students will still require a BobcatCard for identification.
Q: Does the BobcatCard work for residence hall access too?
A: Yes, the BobcatCard is used for door access in residence halls. If you are having trouble obtaining access to a residence hall, contact your Hall Director. For other reader controlled doors, TXST Facilities.
Q: How do I get my BobcatCard?
A: If this is your first BobcatCard you may utilize BobcatCard Photo Upload to obtain your card (photo upload tutorial). You may also visit the ID Services office to have your photo taken. You must bring with you a government-issued photo ID in order to receive your BobcatCard. The process takes about five minutes and you will leave the office with your BobcatCard. If you are in Round Rock, please contact our office at 512-245-2297.
Q: Is there a fee for the BobcatCard?
A: The initial BobcatCard is free of charge upon becoming a student or employee of the University. Within your student fees there is a $5 per semester “ID Card” fee, which funds the options and features of the BobcatCard. There is no additional cost to you unless your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, in which case there is a replacement fee.
Q: Can I punch a hole in my BobcatCard so I can put it on my key ring?
A: NO, please do not punch a hole in your card. It contains encoded information and working parts that can easily be destroyed if the card is altered or damaged, and card readers will reject a punched card. Also, keep your card away from magnets, keyless car remotes and/or starters, wireless chargers and cell phones. A magnet can easily destroy the encoded information. DO NOT PUNCH A HOLE, BITE OR DENT THE CARD. If a card is damaged, altered or defaced, there will be a replacement charge for each card.
Q: What do I do if my BobcatCard stops working?
A: Residence hall doors utilize the BobcatCard for access. If your BobcatCard fails to access a residence hall door, contact your Hall Director. For other reader controlled doors, contact Ingress Management Services.
For all other card function problems, bring your card to the ID Services office. We will test the card and troubleshoot the problem.
Q: What happens if my BobcatCard is lost or stolen?
A: Notify ID Services immediately. Report your missing card using the GET website or Android/Apple APP, at the ID Services office in person, or by calling 512-245-7700, so that your card can be deactivated. Then come by the ID Services office to have a new photo and card produced. There is a replacement fee for lost or stolen cards. Your meal plan and Bobcat Buck$ account balances will be carried over to the new card.
Q: Do I have to activate all the features of my BobcatCard (Bobcat Buck$, banking, etc.)?
A: No, Bobcat Buck$ and UFCU checking accounts are completely optional.
Q: Does my BobcatCard expire? What about my Bobcat Buck$ account, and my meal plan?
A: Your BobcatCard does not expire. Your BobcatCard is good for two years following separation from the University, so a replacement fee will be charged if a card needs to be issued during this two year period upon your return to the University.
Your Bobcat Buck$ account is active for as long as you are a student or employee at Texas State; your account balance rolls over from semester to semester and year to year until you officially graduate, withdraw or terminate from the University, at which time you may request a refund. Per University policy, no refunds can be given on balances of $2.00 or less. A $15.00 administrative fee will be applied to all refund requests.
Meals on your Bronze, Silver, or Gold plan will roll over to the Spring semester as long as you purchase another resident plan for the Spring.
If you have a Platinum plan any remaining dining dollars will roll over to the Spring semester as long as you purchase another resident plan for the Spring.
If you are low on meals or Dining Dollars, you can use Bobcat Buck$ as an alternative. See Dine On Campus for more details about meal plans.
Q: What are Bobcat Buck$?
A: One option with the Bobcat Card is Bobcat Buck$: a prepaid declining-balance debit account managed by Texas State. Bobcat Buck$ can be used just like a debit card at many campus locations and all food service facilities, as well as off-campus merchants . Please Note: Bobcat Buck$ are NOT the same account as the Dining Dollars attached to your meal plan. Dining Dollars cannot be used off campus; however, Bobcat Buck$ are accepted at all participating merchants on and off campus. See Dine On Campus for more details about meal plans. To learn more about Bobcat Buck$ click here.
Q: What are the fees and rules for Bobcat Buck$ accounts?
A: There is no interest, annual fee, or per-transaction fee to use your Bobcat Buck$ account. Click here to read the official Bobcat Buck$ terms and conditions.
Q: How do I deposit money to my Bobcat Buck$ account?
A: Bobcat Buck$ deposits can be made securely online using our new GET website or with the Android or Apple native App available free of charge. Invitations can also be sent to parents or others in order for them to make deposits to your account. Guest depositors will *not* have access to view your account, balances, or transactions). The GET deposit system accepts major debit and credit cards.
Q: Where can I open a new UFCU checking account?
A: UFCU representatives are on campus throughout orientation during New Student Orientation at the on-campus branch in the LBJ Student Center on the 2nd floor. You can also easily open an account online by visiting www.ufcu.org/txst or at the San Marcos branch located at 1190 Thorpe Lane.
Q: Is there a monthly service fee associated with the UFCU Checking account?
A: There are no monthly service fees, and no minimum monthly balance requirements for UFCU’s Free or SimplyU account. There is no-minimum opening balance required. UFCU checking accounts are not linked to your student ID card. Please speak to a UFCU representative or visit www.ufcu.org/txst for more details.
Q: My BobcatCard has a Wells Fargo logo on it, do I need a new card?
A: No, your card is 100% functional. UFCU is the Offical Credit Union of Texas State University and the Wells Fargo logo will be replaced with the UFCU logo on cards issued in the near future. Cards are fully functional with either logo on them.
If you have any other questions about your BobcatCard, please feel free to contact the ID Services office.