Frequently Answered Questions

How do I open my Personal Cougar Cash account?

To open your account, simply make a deposit of at least $25 in one of the following ways:

  • Mail your payment and a Debit Account Deposit Slip (PDF) to Student Accounts, A-209.
  • Visit the Student Accounts office A-209 in person with your cash, check, or credit card.
  • Sign on to CLAWS to use your credit card or a Web check.

What do I do if my Cougar Card is lost or stolen?

Report a lost or stolen card immediately to Public Safety at 773-298-IDID (4343).

Upon notification, your card will be deactivated immediately. To obtain a replacement card or to reactivate a card that was reported lost; you must visit Student Affairs, L-208, on the Chicago campus or the Public Safety Desk in the foyer at the Orland Park campus during regular office hours.

Cardholders are responsible for all transactions that occur before the card is officially reported missing.

Is there a fee for a replacement card?

Yes, the replacement fee is $10 and is charged to your student account.

If I lose my card, do I lose the money I have on it?

The balance remaining on your lost card at the time it was reported missing will be available on your new card.

How can I determine what my balance is?

Every time you use your Cougar Card to purchase something, your balance as of that transaction is displayed on the monitor. You may also request a detailed statement of your Cougar Card activity at any time from Student Accounts, A-209 or Dining Services, A-106.

If I have money in both my personal Cougar Cash and Meal Plan Transfer accounts, from which account will the funds be deducted when I buy something?

For bookstore purchases, inform the clerk at the register of which account you want the purchase applied against.

For all other purchases (vending, copiers, laundry, etc.), the deduction is based on a logical priority system that is built into the card program. Since Meal Plan Transfer accounts expire at the end of each semester, the system is designed so that these funds are deducted first. Once the Meal Plan Transfer account balance falls to zero, the remainder of the purchase will be deducted from your personal Cougar Cash account.

I am not enrolled in a meal plan. Can I use my personal Cougar Cash account to pay for dinner in the cafeteria?

Yes, Cougar Cash funds are accepted for any food purchases anywhere on campus. Just present your card when you are ready to check out.

I am getting a swipe error every time I try to use my card to purchase something. What should I do?

Go to Student Affairs, L-208, on the Chicago campus or to the Public Safety Desk in the foyer at the Orland Park campus during normal business hours to have the magnetic stripe re-encoded.

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